Dairy Buffaloes Research Articles

Effects of breed, age, parity, body weight and body condition on productive and reproductive performance of buffalo cows at Rajshahi district of Bangladesh

The present study was to evaluate the reproductive and productive performance (RPP) of Indigenous (n=145) and Nili-Ravi cross-bred (n=55) dairy buffalo in relation to age, parity, body weight and body condition. A total of 200 buffalo cows were randomly selected and interviewed to collect data on reproductive and productive performance of buffalo cows of Rajshahi district by using pre-tested questionnaire during the period from January 2015 to December 2015. The average mean ± SD value of reproductive and productive performances were as age at puberty (AP), age at first calving (AFC), gestation length (GL), post-partum heat period (PPHP), milk yield per day (MYPD), lactation length (LL), birth weight of calf (BWC) and calving interval (CI) were recorded as 25.05±4.00 months, 35.26±4.14 months, 308.28±12.46 days, 84.00±25.95 days, 3.59±0.56 litre, 202.76±33.54 days, 28.79±4.23 kilogram and 461.36±15.41 days, respectively. Nili-Ravi cross-bred buffalo cow had shown better RPP than Indigenous. The genotype of buffalo cows had significant effect (p<0.05) on most of the RPP except AP, AFC and CI. Age of buffalo had also significant effect (p<0.05) on GL, PPHP and BWC and middle age (4 to < 7yrs) observed good RPP. The best RPP were recorded in 2nd parity than others and also significant effect (p<0.05) on GL, MYPD and BWC. Body weight and body condition of buffalo had significant effect (p<0.05) on PPHP, BWC and MYPD. The body weight of >350 kg and very good body condition groups were observed better reproductive performance. It could be concluded that the buffalo owners of these areas do not follow any scientific method of buffalo husbandry; they just follow traditional rearing systems. Very recently, a few farmers started farming of the mostly Indigenous buffalo cows for dairy purpose at Rajshahi region of Bangladesh.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2020, 6(3): 536-547

Increasing the Sustainability of Maize Grain Production by Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Does Not Affect the Rumen of Dairy Cattle (Bos taurus) and Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

New approaches are needed to improve the sustainability of feed production and utilization by ruminants. Promising approaches include increased use of buffaloes for more sustainable milk production, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to reduce crop production input needs. However, studies assessing the effect of crops grown in the presence of AMF on rumen microbial utilization are limited. Based on current knowledge, we hypothesized that maize grain grown on AMF-inoculated soil affected ruminal fermentation and microbiota, and that this effect differed between buffalo and cattle. A dietary cross-over study (four weeks per diet) was conducted using rumen-cannulated cattle (n = 5) and buffalo (n = 6) to assess the effect of maize grain (3.9% (w/v) of diet) grown on soil with or without AMF (15 kg/ha) on ruminal fermentation and microbiota. Production of maize on AMF-treated soil did not affect any of the assessed ruminal fermentation parameters, microbial concentrations, or prokaryotic community composition (using prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis). In contrast, host type had numerous effects. Protozoal counts, lactate, total VFA and isobutyrate, were significantly higher in buffaloes compared to cattle. Conversely, butyrate was significantly lower in buffaloes than in cattle. Host type explained 9.3% of the total variation in prokaryotic community composition, and relative abundance of nine amplicon sequence variants significantly differed between host types. These findings indicate that AMF treatment of maize crops has no detrimental impact on the value of the resulting maize grains as a ruminant feed, and provides additional insight into rumen-based differences between cattle and buffalo.

Identification of genomic regions related to age at first calving and first calving interval in water buffalo using single-step GBLUP.

In Brazil, water buffaloes have been used to produce milk for mozzarella cheese production. Consequently, the main selection criterion applied for the buffalo genetic improvement is the estimated mozzarella yield as a function of milk, fat and protein production. However, given the importance of reproductive traits in production systems, this study aimed to use techniques for identifying genomic regions that affect the age at first calving (AFC) and first calving interval (FCI) in buffalo cows and to select candidate genes for the identification of QTL and gene expression studies. The single-step GBLUP method was used for the identification of genomic regions. Windows of 1Mb containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms were constructed and the 10 windows that explained the greatest proportion of genetic variance were considered candidate regions for each trait. Genes present into the selected windows were identified using the UOA_WB_1 assembly as the reference, and their ontology was defined with the Panther tool. Candidate regions for both traits were identified on BBU 3, 12, 21 and 22; for AFC, candidates were detected on BBU 6, 7, 8, 9 and 15 and for first calving interval on BBU 4, 14 and 19. This study identified regions with great contribution to the additive genetic variance of age at first calving and first calving interval in the population of buffalo cows studied. The ROCK2, PMVK, ADCY2, MAP2K6, BMP10 and GFPT1 genes are main candidates for reproductive traits in water dairy buffaloes, and these results may have future applications in animal breeding programs or in gene expression studies of the species.

An Approach for Dairy Buffalo Development through Investment in Genetic Improvement

An Approach for Dairy Buffalo Development through Investment in Genetic Improvement

An Approach for Dairy Buffalo Development through Investment in Genetic Improvement

Dairy products are an essential source of animal protein, particularly for nutritional vulnerable groups and vegetarians in Asian countries. Therefore, the approach towards increasing the domestic supply of milk is to raise the buffalo milk yield via genetic improvement from the semen of the selected buffalo sire that possesses a high predicted milk difference. Data were collected from Artificial Insemination Centers in Egypt, as a case study, to apply a dynamic mathematical investment model for estimating the rate of return (IRR) to genetic investment. The effective variables in IRR, besides the economic variables, are the reproductive traits and feed efficiency. The estimated most probable level of IRR was feasible, i.e., 19.71%. A worse change in the reproductive efficiency variables, i.e., the aggregate of 10% increase in the number of conception services, age at the First Calving, and the service period, would decrease the IRR by 7.51%. A decrease in feed efficiency by 10% would decrease the IRR by 9%. A worse change by 10% in the feed costs, price of semen, and milk price would decrease IRR by 7%. To import buffalo sires' semen of high predicted milk difference at moderate prices till establishment, domestic genetic merit is required.

DIA proteomics reveals hypotensive and immune-enhancing constituents in buffalo whey from different altitudes

The selection of raw milk with high levels of functional components that have health-promoting activities is very important for the exploitation and production of functional milk, but the differences in the functional components of whey from buffalo raised at different altitudes have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we detected the effects of altitudes on the functional components in whey from dairy buffalo farms situated at low altitude (LA), medium altitude (MA), and high altitude (HA) sites with data-independent acquisition proteomic approaches. In 33 samples, 9331 peptides corresponding to 1008 high-confidence proteins were detected. HA-whey had a lower level of angiotensinogen than that of the LA- and MA-whey, and conversely contained higher levels of immune-enhancing components than for the latter two groups. Differential proteins were involved in vascular smooth muscle contraction, complement and coagulation cascades, and the secretion, production and regulation pathways in immune components. LA-whey showed higher levels of lymphocyte antigen and selenoprotein F than that of the HA-whey. Owing to the biological functions of their most abundant components, HA- and LA-whey are suitable for the processing of functional milk for lowering blood pressure, and the production of immune milk, respectively.

A Study on Udder Health Management Practices, Reproductive Disorders and Subclinical Mastitis in Buffalo Herds in Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Mastitis is an economically important disease of intensive buffalo dairy farming worldwide. Detection of subclinical mastitis (SCM) is important for its management and control. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of reproductive disorders, SCM and udder health management practices in the buffalo dairy farms of Bhola District, Bangladesh. Data on animal demographics, reproduction status, daily milk yield and status of California Mastitis Test (CMT) result were recorded. A total of 402 buffaloes were observed in two farms at Bhola district and among them 70 milking buffaloes were randomly selected for CMT. The overall prevalence of SCM in buffalo was 20.0%. Young age group of buffaloes was more susceptible for SCM and it was not significant difference. Parity and stage of lactation have no any effect on SCM. However, abortion case was more susceptible to SCM than other diseases but not any significant difference. During milking the milkers never use any antiseptic solution for washing the udder and never use any feed supply during milking. Among the isolated organisms Staphylococcus spp. and E. coli were found more frequent in the study area and gentamicin and ciprofloxaclin were most sensitive to the isolated organisms. From this study it was concluded that buffalo‘s udder was very resistance to SCM infection and udder management practice was very poor. Common antibiotics were resistance to isolated organisms from SCM case. Gentamicin and ciprofloxacin were found more susceptible against all four isolated organisms.

Assessment of Water Buffalo Milk and Traditional Milk Products in a Sustainable Production System

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) conservation in Serbia is under an in situ program, but additional efforts are needed to ensure the development of this animal’s genetic resources biodiversity. This research aims to describe challenges and possible strategies for sustainable water buffalo milk production. In this study, the physicochemical characteristics of buffalo milk and buffalo dairy products (cheese, butter, and kajmak) were determined. Furthermore, amino and fatty acids composition and the related health lipid indices (atherogenic and thrombogenic) were assessed. The findings support the fact that buffalo milk is a reliable source of high-quality nutrients (dry matter: 16.10%, fat: 6.02%, protein: 4.61%). Leucine, lysine, and valine content were found to be high in buffalo milk and cheese. A substantial quantity of non-essential glutamic and aspartic amino acids was observed in milk, as well as glutamic acid and tyrosine in cheese. It was established that milk protein of buffalo cheese had a favorable proportion of essential and non-essential amino acids (61.76%/38.24%). The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles among the three dairy products for saturated short-chain, n-3, and n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, no significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in monounsaturated fatty acids content. Kajmak showed the most favorable anti-atherogenic and anti-thrombogenic properties due to lower saturated and higher polyunsaturated fatty acid content. These results confirmed that buffalo milk could be successfully used in producing high-quality traditional dairy products with added value and beneficial characteristics from the aspect of a healthy diet. Furthermore, it could actively contribute to the promotion of sustainable production of buffaloes and strengthen the agricultural production of rural areas and their heritage.

A Review of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are diseases with worldwide distribution that are associated with reproductive problems in livestock and responsible for economic losses. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge relative to these diseases in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). In general, buffalo are considered resistant to clinical toxoplasmosis because there are studies only reporting serological evidence of natural infection in these animals. Studies have described age, poor hygienic status of the farm, and presence of cats as risk factors for the development of Toxoplasma gondii infection in buffalo. It must be highlighted that buffalo meat, which does not receive adequate freezing treatment, could be a potential source for toxoplasmic human infection as well as the importance of raw buffalo milk in the transmission of toxoplasmosis to human beings. Neospora caninum is considered one of the major causes of abortion and responsible for huge economic losses in cattle. Vertical transmission is the main route to infect calves, and is responsible for maintaining the parasite within a herd. In buffalo, vertical transmission is also described; moreover, although there are indications that N. caninum may be associated with abortion in dairy buffalo, the reproductive importance of neosporosis is apparently lower in buffalo relative to cattle. Most studies have identified a higher time of exposition to N. caninum oocysts relative to age. The household system was also described as a risk factor for infection, possibly due to persistent contact between the home-raised buffalo and canids. The fetal immune competence of buffalo is similar to bovine, and buffalo fetus are highly susceptible to infection during the first trimester of pregnancy, indicating that N. caninum may be an abortigenic agent in buffaloes. Alternatively, it is interesting to note there is evidence that the inflammatory response in pregnant buffalo infected with N. caninum is mild enough to avoid abortion in most cases. It is proposed that the possible transmission of toxoplasmosis through unprocessed milk and buffalo meat may occur, which is important in terms of public health. Additionally, there is strong evidence to suggest that N. caninum may be associated with abortion in buffalo.

Lactation Performance, Milk Fatty Acid Composition, and Blood Lipid Profile of Lactating Buffaloes in Response to Dietary Soybean and Linseed Oils

There is an awareness in augmenting conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n-3 fatty acids (FA), while lowering saturated FA (SFA) in ruminant milk due to their advantageous health benefits for humans. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of soybean and linseed oils on milk yield, milk composition, milk FA profile, and blood lipid metabolites. Eighteen multiparous Egyptian buffaloes fed corn silage and clover hay-based diet were allocated at random for body weight, days in milk, and milk yield into 3 groups of 6 buffaloes each using a randomized block design. Dietary treatments consisted of three concentrate supplements containing no additional plant oil (CON) or containing soybean oil (SO) or linseed oil at a level of 2.6% of dry matter intake (DMI) (400 g/head/d; 25.6 g/kg DMI). Moderate dietary inclusion of SO or LO had no detrimental effects on DMI, milk production, or milk fat per cent. Milk protein, lactose, ash, and total solids concentrations were increased by LO supplementation. The LO diet decreased milk total SFA content (C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C16:0), augment monounsaturated FA (MUFA), 18:3n-3 FA, CLA, and polyunsaturated FA, as well as lower atherogenicity index and n-6:n-3 compared to CON. On the other hand, the SO diet increased milk fat content of n-6 FA, CLA, MUFA, and n-6:n-3, and decreased the atherogenicity index compared to CON. LO supplementation had no effect on serum concentrations of triglyceride, total lipids, HDL, and LDL. However, the SO group tended to have greater serum total lipids and LDL concentrations and significantly elevated level of serum cholesterol. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of LO in the concentrate supplement of dairy buffaloes could enrich the nutritive value of milk with advantageous FA (n-3 FA, MUFA, and CLA) and lower the atherogenicity index and n6 to n3 ratio without triggering any adverse effects on buffalo performance.

Effects of Flaxseed Oil and Vitamin E Supplementation on Digestibility and Milk Fatty Composition and Antioxidant Capacity in Water Buffaloes.

Simple SummaryFlaxseed oil is rich in n-3 fatty acids, while vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. Both have been tested in dairy cows’ diets to increase n-3 concentration and antioxidant capacity in the milk. However, there is no published research testing flaxseed oil and vitamin E supplementation simultaneously in lactating dairy buffaloes, which can have a different response compared to dairy cows. Increasing milk unsaturated fatty acids while not increasing lipid oxidation is a challenge; however, in this experiment we demonstrated that it is possible to achieve these in buffalo milk by supplementing the diet with flaxseed oil and vitamin E. Flaxseed oil supplementation increased the n-3 fatty acid concentration and oxidation products in the milk, while vitamin E supplementation increased milk’s antioxidant capacity.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of flaxseed oil and/or vitamin E on dry matter (DM) and nutrient digestibility, milk composition, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant capacity in buffalo milk. Four crossbred female dairy water buffaloes (97 ± 22 days in milk; 6.57 ± 2.2 kg of milk/day, mean ± SD) were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (with or without flaxseed oil at 25 g/kg dry matter; with or without vitamin E at 375 IU/kg dry matter). The experimental period was divided into four periods of 21 days each (16 days for adaptation; five days for data collection). There were four treatments: control diet (no flaxseed oil and no added vitamin E); flaxseed oil diet (flaxseed oil at 25 g/kg DM); vitamin E diet (vitamin E at 375 IU/kg DM), and a combination of both flaxseed oil and vitamin E. The animals were fed total mixed ratios. For all response variables, there was no interaction between flaxseed oil and vitamin E. Flaxseed oil supplementation reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) apparent total tract digestibility, increased the n-3 fatty acid concentration in milk approximately three-fold while reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio from 9.3:1 to 2.4:1. Vitamin E supplementation increased NDF apparent total tract digestibility and milk total antioxidant capacity. Although there was no interaction between the treatments; flaxseed oil supplementation in lactating buffaloes increased polyunsaturated fatty acid, while vitamin E supplementation increased antioxidant capacity and decreased oxidation products.

Salmonella enterica Subsp. Enterica Serovar Reading Infection in Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes Suffering from Chronic Diarrhea

The study was aimed at dairy cattle and buffaloes presented with the history of chronic diarrhea to isolate and detect Salmonella spp. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of diarrheic cattle. Isolation and identification of the microorganisms was performed and confirmed on the basis of their morphology, staining, cultural, biochemical tests and sero-typing. Salmonella positive animals presented variable degree and frequency of diarrhea. Salmonellosis was confirmed in seven per cent of cattle and buffaloes suffering from chronic diarrhea. The serotype detected in the 7 Salmonella strains was Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Reading. Salmonella isolates recovered from dairy cattle had relatively variable resistance to various antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates showed isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, ceftriaxone. Whereas 87.5 percent, 75.0 per cent and 62.5 percent susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and co-trimoxazole respectively. This study provides updated information on the bio-incidence and susceptibility patterns of Salmonella in dairy animals suffering chronic diarrhea. Isolation and serotyping of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Reading is new to the study and contribute to our understanding that there is shift in increases in susceptibility of dairy herds to acquire new strains.

Buffalo milk increases viability and resistance of probiotic bacteria in dairy beverages under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Probiotic dairy beverages prepared from buffalo and cow milks with different levels of whey (0, 25, and 50%) were evaluated for kinetic fermentation parameters, protein and fat contents, post-acidification profile, viability of Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus during 21 d of refrigerated storage, and resistance to in vitro gastrointestinal conditions. Progressive acidification that occurred during storage of all dairy products was reduced in the presence of whey. Lactic acid bacteria showed viable cell counts at the end of shelf life, with the highest values (7.33 to 8.83 log cfu/mL) detected in buffalo dairy products. Compared with fermented cow milk products, those made with buffalo milk showed better bacterial viability during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, which suggests a beneficial protective effect on human microbiome.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF RESEARCH FINDINGS ON BUFFALO HEALTH AND PRODUCTION PUBLISHED DURING THE LAST SIX DECADES IN BANGLADESH

Background: A large number of indiscriminate research reports on buffaloes have been published from Bangladesh but a systematic review based on these findings is lacking in literature. This review was conducted to analyze and summarize all the available inland research reports on buffaloes to identify gaps and to provide recommendations that would be required for future academic and research plan for buffalo development. Objective: The purpose of this review was to assess and provide the research progress on buffaloes to maximize the direction and benefits for the future academicians, research scientists, producers and consumers. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive scientific literature search on all the aspects of buffaloes published in peer-reviewed journals from Bangladesh was reviewed during two years periods of 2018 to 2019. Results: Bangladesh has only 1.485 million indigenous buffaloes distributed throughout the country with higher concentration (40%) in coastal districts and some buffalo pockets. A limited number of imported Nili-Ravi and Murrah buffaloes and their crosses are reared in some farms and smallholder farmers in Bangladesh. Buffalo has been ‘undervalued’ and not addressed properly for development in Bangladesh. Most of the indigenous buffaloes are reared with very minimum housing facilities and limited feed supply. Some farmers are usually supplied local grass (4.98 ± 2.89 kg/DM/day) and rice straw (10.90 ± 2.85 kg DM/day) with one or two concentrate feed (1.51 ± 0.80 kg/DM/day) in their lactating buffaloes. Natural breeding (95.7%) is more prominent practice than AI (4.3%). The buffalo breeders and farmers are facing challenges in terms of poor reproductive efficiency, sub-optimal production potential, lack of feed and fodders, infertility and high calf mortality. However, a total of 236 research reports have been reviewed on buffaloes, which 126 on production and 110 on health aspects. The research on productive and reproductive performances, live weight and meat production, feeds and feeding, balanced rations for calves and lactating cows have been reviewed and described. The buffalo health research includes on anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, parasitology, pathology and clinical sciences with emphasis to toxoascariasis, mastitis, rotavirus and calf mortality have been described and discussed. Conclusions: The demand of draught animals at rural level decreased due to mechanization whereas the demand of animal sources protein (milk & meat) increased tremendously due to urbanization. Therefore, there is a great scope for dairy buffalo production side by side cattle dairy industry in Bangladesh. The indigenous buffaloes with poor reproductive and productive performances need to be improved through upgrading the genetic improvement by AI with Nili-Ravi and Murrah buffalo semen and adequate provision of feed and fodder with balanced ration, better management practices, adequate veterinary medical services with appropriate extension are required for dairy buffalo production in Bangladesh. An attempt at government level and concerned scientists would be required to solve the seven recognized constraints related to buffalo production and health to promote the livelihood of smallholder farmer’s via-a-vis national economy of Bangladesh. Keywords: Buffalo health and production, Last six decades, Research findings, Systematic review, Bangladesh

Association of taurine with ovarian follicular steroids and postpartum anestrus condition in Murrah buffaloes

Taurine is an abundant intracellular beta-amino acid majorly synthesized in the liver and transported through plasma. In mammals, taurine was reported to be involved in various physiological functions, including the enhancement of testosterone levels, the major estradiol precursor. Therefore, we hypothesize that taurine levels are associated with ovarian follicular steroids as well as with a reproductive problem called postpartum anestrus (PPA) in dairy buffaloes. To understand the taurine levels and its possible role in buffalo ovarian follicles, a correlation was established among taurine, estradiol, and testosterone levels in the ovarian follicular fluid. For this purpose, buffalo ovaries were obtained from the slaughterhouse, and follicular fluid samples were collected from small (<4 mm), medium (4–8 mm) and large (>8 mm) follicles. Taurine and steroid levels in the follicular fluid were analyzed by TLC and ELISA, respectively. Taurine and testosterone levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the follicular fluid of small and medium follicles than large follicles, whereas the estradiol levels were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the large follicles. Thus, taurine showed a positive correlation (r = 0.75) with testosterone and a negative correlation (r = −0.77) with estradiol in buffalo follicular fluid, indicating its possible role in testosterone function during follicular development. Interestingly, significantly (P < 0.001) lower plasma taurine levels in PPA (n = 50) than normal cyclic (n = 50) buffaloes represented its association with PPA. Therefore, our present study recommends the need for future nutrition studies on taurine supplementation to PPA buffaloes.

Antibiotic dry buffalo therapy: effect of intramammary administration of benzathine cloxacillin against Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in dairy water buffalo

BackgroundMastitis is one of the most costly diseases in Mediterranean buffalo (MB). At present, just a few specific antibiotics registered for this dairy specie have been synthetized. Efficacy of an antibiotic dry buffalo therapy (aDBT) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) mastitis, based on intra-quarter administration of 600 mg of benzathine cloxacillin, have been evaluated for the first time. Eighty MB’s quarters received a drying-off therapy (aDBT-group) and 80 were left untreated (no-aDBT-group). They were sampled at drying-off (pre-treatment) and at the resumption of milking [< 10 days in milk (DIM)]. Fresh calver mastitis rate, dry period new mastitis rate, dry period cure rate, and persistent mastitis rate were calculated for clinical monitoring. Overall proportion of positive quarters/animals, quarters affected by mastitis or intramammary infections (IMI), effects on somatic cell count (SCC) and milk yield were also assessed.ResultsAn inter-group difference (aDBT vs. no-aDBT) was recorded for all the indexes considered. An intra-group (drying-off vs. < 10 DIM) difference was detected in aDBT-group regarding the proportion of positive-cultured quarters and animals. Concerning the latter, an inter-groups difference was also recorded at second sampling. No clinical mastitis due to the S. aureus was observed. Regarding the subclinical ones, a higher intra-group difference was observed in aDBT than no-aDBT group, while an inter-group difference was recorded at second sampling. No protective effect was observed against IMI. SCC showed an inter-group difference at second sampling, while none difference was instead detected for milk yield.ConclusionsThe effects against S. aureus mastitis of benzathine cloxacillin administration at drying-off were assessed for the first time in MB. Its use shows encouraging results in reducing the proportion of mastitis and positive animals at the resumption of the lactation.

Energy and Nutrient Concentrations of Water Buffalo Milk and Liquid and Dried Whey: Potential Dietary Supplement to Address Malnutrition in Lao PDR

Abstract Objectives In Lao PDR, 33.5% of children &amp;lt;5 years are stunted, 26% are underweight and 8% are severely wasted. Nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children often requires dietary protein (PRO) and energy supplementation. Water buffalo (WB) native to SE Asia produce milk with more fat and PRO than dairy cow (DC) milk. Although WB milk is not typically consumed in Lao, it is used to make cheese. Whey, a byproduct of cheese production and a source of PRO and energy, is currently discarded in Lao. We analyzed and compared energy and macronutrient concentrations of WB milk and liquid and dried acid whey to DC milk and acid whey data in the 2020 USDA nutrient database to determine potential as a locally-sourced protein supplement. Methods WB milk and whey samples were obtained from the Lao Buffalo Dairy in Lao PDR. Nutrient analysis was performed by Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Crude PRO and fat concentrations were measured by Kjeldahl and Soxtec™ technology, respectively; and carbohydrate (CHO) and energy concentrations were calculated by weight-difference and standard equations. Results WB milk contained 4.5 ± 0.0 g PRO, 7.6 ± 0.3 g fat, 5.2 ± 0.3 g CHO and 107 ± 3 kcals per 100 g milk. WB liquid acid whey contained 0.8 ± 0.3 g PRO, 0.6 ± 0.2 g fat, 5.4 ± 0.3 g CHO and 29.6 ± 2.1 kcals per 100 g whey. WB dried acid whey contained 9.4 ± 3.3 g PRO, 6.5 ± 1.8 g fat, 70 ± 4.9 g CHO and 376 ±13 kcals per 100 g dried whey. PRO (P &amp;lt; 0.01), fat (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and energy (P &amp;lt; 0.01) concentrations were higher in WB than DC milk. Energy (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and fat (P &amp;lt; 0.01) concentrations were higher in WB than DC liquid acid whey. Energy concentration (P &amp;lt; 0.01) was higher in WB than DC dried acid whey; PRO concentrations were not different (P &amp;gt; 0.14) but met USDA PRO powder criteria of 7 g PRO/100 g dried whey. Conclusions WB milk and liquid and dried acid whey contain sufficient amounts of PRO, fat and energy to develop a locally-sourced nutritional supplement to rehabilitate malnourished children. Funding Sources Funding for this research was supported by the OHSU Foundation, OHSU Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition, Vejdusit Foundation, and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services. WB milk and whey samples were generously donated by the Lao Water Buffalo Dairy in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.

Frequency of Resistance to Benzimidazoles of Haemonchus contortus Helminths from Dairy Sheep, Goats, Cattle and Buffaloes in Greece.

The study investigated the presence of resistance to benzimidazoles in Haemonchus contortus helminths from ruminant species in Greece through the detection of the Phe/Tyr polymorphism in the amino acid at position 200 of the β-tubulin protein. In total, 288 adult female H. contortus helminths collected from the abomasum of various ruminant animals in Greece were tested. Of these, 96 were collected from sheep, 96 from goats, 48 from cattle, and 48 from buffaloes. The frequencies of the homozygous and heterozygous resistant genotypes at the position 200 of the β-tubulin gene of helminths recovered from sheep were 96.9% and 3.1%, respectively. The frequencies of the homozygous and heterozygous resistant genotypes, respectively, were 100.0% and 0.0% in helminths from goats, 25.0% and 75.0% in helminths from cattle and 8.3% and 91.7% in helminths from buffaloes. In all parasitic populations, no homozygous susceptible genotypes were detected. The present study highlighted, for the first time, the emergence of benzimidazole-resistant H. contortus in goats, cattle, and buffaloes in Greece, using an allele-specific PCR. It is postulated that benzimidazole-resistant alleles were transferred from sheep or goats to cattle and buffaloes at the commonly grazing pastures in Greece.

Productive characteristics in dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the Eastern Amazon

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine factors affecting phenotypic characteristics related to milk production and reproductive efficiency of dairy buffalo. Phenotypic records of 2,459 Murrah, Mediterranean and crossbred buffaloes from the Embrapa Eastern Amazônia herd, from 1969 to 2013 were used. Traits included: total milk production during lactation (TMP), milk production corrected for 305 days (P305); cow weight at calving (CW), fat milk percentage (F), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), calf birth weight (BW), as well as lactation (LP) and service periods (SP). Most traits were affected by genetic group as well as year and season or interaction between them. Genetic group affected F, CI, SP and CW. Very young and older cows showed poorer production traits. There was interaction between season and year for F, CI and CW. Correlations traits were generally medium to low. The principal component analysis showed that higher fat milk percentage was associated with higher percentage of Murrah breed, longer lactation period and older cows. Phenotypic characteristics in buffaloes reared in the Brazilian Amazon were significantly affected by genetic and management factors. This information can be used to help build sustainable production systems for the region and guide farmer decisions.

Occurrence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in buffalo bulk tank milk and the farm workers in Italy

The aim of the present study was to assess the occurrence of MRSA in buffalo dairy farms and in buffalo tank milk from Italy, and to provide information about the antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular characteristics of the isolates. We collected 75 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from 75 farms and 24 nasal swabs from 24 farm operators. Three (4%) of the 75 BTM samples and 1 (4%) of the 24 human nasal swabs tested positive for MRSA. The milk isolates belonged to the genotypes ST1/t127/Va and ST72/t3092/V, while the human isolate was characterized as ST1/t127/IVa. All isolates were multidrug resistant but vancomycin susceptible; they carried the icaA gene but tested negative for the pvl and ses genes. ST72 is a CA-MRSA commonly found in South Korea, and this is the first report of its detection in Europe. Although we found a low prevalence of MRSA in the farms we surveyed, this study clearly demonstrates, for the first time in Europe, that MRSA can be found in dairy buffalo farms and in raw buffalo milk. Therefore, the risk of human colonization/infection with MRSA linked to the handling of raw milk or consumption of contaminated dairy products should not be ruled out.