Egyptian Buffaloes Research Articles

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Some Production and Reproduction Traits Using Different Animal Models in Egyptian Buffaloes

Estimates of (co)variance component and genetic parameters using multi-traits animal model, traits studied were lactation period (LP), total lactation milk yield (TMY), and days open (DO). In all lactations based on 4745 records of Egyptian buffaloes calved during the period from 1980 to 2014 at Mehallet Mousa Experimental farms of Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Ministry of Agriculture. The six mixed model used in the analysis included the non genetic effects of month and year of calving, parity, and the random effects of additive direct genetics, maternal effect, maternal permanent environmental and residual. Means for LP, TMY and Do were 220.632 d, 1445.26 kg and 184.34 d, respectively. The estimates of heritability in six models for LP, TMY and Do were ranged from (0.026±0.56 to 0.047±0.16), (0.15±0.57 to 0.021±0.15) and (0.02±0.020 to 0.020±0.13), respectively. While Estimates of maternal heritability was very low in six models for LP, TMY and DO and ranged from 0.055±0.026 to 0.18E-09±0.79E-05: 0.081±0.029 to 0.52E-09±0.13E-04; 0.053±0.01 to 0.83E-09±0.12E-04, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlations between LP and TMY in six models ranged from (0.53 to 0.84). Estimates of genetic correlation between DO and TMY in six models ranged from (-0.15 to 0.58).While the estimates of genetic correlation between LP and DO in six models ranged from (0.30 to 0.94). Corresponding estimates of phenotypic correlation among same traits fluctuated (0.17 to76). Thus, the influence of the maternal genetic effect for traits studied was lowest thereby no relative efficiency of improvement. Vice-versa, direct heritabilities for TMY and LP were efficiency, therefore considerable rate of genetic improvement these traits under investigation. Genetic betterment for LP following up improve each TMY and DO. The estimates of heritabilities were low for DO indicated that the major part of the variation in this trait was environmental and selection may not prove effective in bringing about genetic improvement. Therefore, preferable improving management can play a major role in this trait.

Genetic characterization of FSH beta-subunit gene and its association with buffalo fertility

Objective: To study genetic variation in buffalo follicle stimulating hormone beta-subunit (FSHB) gene and its association with fertility. Methods: In this experimental study, blood samples were collected by standard methods using EDTA anticoagulant and transrectal ultrasound examination was conducted on fertile (n=74) and infertile buffaloes with a history of anestrum (n=30) or repeat breeding (n=12). The genomic DNA was extracted for PCR followed by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. DNA sequencing was performed for the determination of single nucleotide polymorphism of FSHB gene. Results: The study results showed that there was genetic polymorphism with two different single strand conformation polymorphism patterns, AA and AB. The former pattern was associated with fertility in Egyptian buffaloes. Pair wise alignment of the two patterns sequences revealed that FSHB pattern II (AB) has C nucleotide insertion as SNP at the site of 208 bp of sequenced fragment. Conclusions: FSHB is polymorphic in the Egyptian buffaloes, suggesting its practicability as a candidate marker for female fertility.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in BMP 15 Gene in Egyptian buffaloes

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in BMP 15 Gene in Egyptian buffaloes

Comparative efficiency of different CIDR protocols for treatment of postpartum anestrous in Egyptian Buffaloes

Comparative efficiency of different CIDR protocols for treatment of postpartum anestrous in Egyptian Buffaloes

The Histological Structure of the Ileal Peyers Patches of the Egyptian Water Buffalo (Bos Bubalus)

The water buffalo represents an important source of animal products in Egypt and characterized by high resistance to several diseases and parasites. The present study carried out on the Egyptian water buffaloes of different ages (from 50 days to 8 years old buffaloes) to illustrate the structure of ileal Payer's patches with age. The specimens of ileum were fixed and processed for light and electrone microscopy The Payer's patches (PPs) formed of elongated dome regions flanked by intestinal villi. These domes were short, wide villi. The domes were consisted of lymphoid follicles covered with a typical dome- associated epithelium of enterocytes and M cells without any goblet cells in young and adult ages. The M cells showed variable appearance depending on the functional status. The lymphoid follicles had a clear germinal center. In conclusion Payer's patches (PPs) were still active until the age of 5 years old and then begin to be inactive at 8 years old we think there is a long period of activity which express the tolerance to many diseases.

Hemato-Biochemical studies on Egyptian Buffaloes and Calves naturally infected with Foot and Mouth Disease Virus serotype SAT 2

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of all cloven footed domestic and wild animals. This work was planned to study the different markers for diagnosis of FMDV serotype Sat2 in adult buffaloes and calves including clinical, hematological and biochemical examinations. A total number of sixty animals were divided into four groups. The first group was apparently healthy adult buffaloes, while the second was naturally infected adult buffaloes, a third group was apparently healthy suckling calves and finally the fourth group was naturally infected suckling calves. The recorded clinical signs were fever, salivation, loss of appetite, depression, lameness, blisters or vesicles, erosions and ulcers in the mucosa of the mouth, tongue, lips, gums, pharynx, palate and between the claws. Anemia, leucopenia, lymphopenia and monocytopenia were recorded in infected adult buffaloes and calves. Myocardial injury proved by presence of degenerated myocardial fibers and lymphocyte cell infiltration with a significant increase in cardiac markers like cardiac torponin I, CPK and LDH in addition to a significant hyperkalemia, hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia in buffaloe calves. Moreover, electrophoresis showed hyoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinemia in infected animals. It could be concluded that the elevation of cardiac markers emphasized that FMD is more severe in young calves than adult animals. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate the prognosis of FMD infection in calves by these markers.

The impact of cross-breeding Egyptian and Italian buffalo on reproductive and productive performance under a subtropical environment.

The aim of this study was to investigate the reproductive and productive performance of pure Egyptian (PE) buffaloes and their crosses with Italian buffaloes. In this study, 2969 dairy buffaloes were used (1599 PE; 615F1 crosses, 50% PE and 50% Italian buffaloes; and 755 backcross [BC], 75% PE and 25% Italian buffaloes). When compared to PE, the BC and F1 had a significantly lower incidence of calving difficulty (odds ratio [OR]=0.18, p<.0001 and .34, p<.0001, respectively) in conjunction with a lesser incidence of stillbirth (OR=0.06, p<.0001 and 0.43, p<.0001, respectively). Backcross buffaloes were also noted to have a lower rate of not conceived after first insemination (OR=0.74, p<.0001) in comparison with PE. The cross F1 buffaloes were superior in terms of productive traits, whereas PE buffaloes were best in most of the reproductive traits (days of non-pregnant p=.001, service per conception p<.0001 and calf weight p=.01). Although the study results appeared to indicate towards a contrary association between milk production and reproductive traits, BC was similar to F1 in terms of production and similar to PE in terms of reproductive traits. Thus, the farmers should be encouraged to breed BC animals in their herds for enhancing milk yield to meet with the market demands.

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 as an Antioxidant Added to Semen Extender During Cryopreservation of Buffalo and Cattle Semen

This study was conducted to assess the influence of supplementing Tris-extender with Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) as an antioxidant on sperm characteristics of Egyptian buffalo and cattle. This study was carried out at Animal Production Research Station, El-Gemmezah, belonging to Animal Production Research Institute, Egypt. Five sexually mature buffalo (4 y and 400-450 kg) and Friesian (3 y and 350-400 kg) bulls were used in this study. Semen was collected twice weekly for five successive weeks. Only ejaculates with ≥70% mass motility were pooled and diluted at 37°C with Tris-extender containing 0, 20 and 30 μM of CoQ10 in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Equilibration period was at 5°C for 4 h and semen was packed in 0.25 ml French straws frozen in liquid nitrogen -196oC. Stored straws were thawed individually at 37°C for 30 s. Semen was evaluated for sperm characteristics including percentages of progressive motility, livability, abnormality, curled tail and acrosomal damage of spermatozoa. Enzymatic activity of AST, ALT and LDH was determined in seminal plasma of post-thawed semen. Results showed that there were no species differences in all sperm characteristics studied, except for increasing (P<0.05) percentage of abnormality and damage acrosome spermatozoa in post-thawed semen of cattle compared with buffalo bulls. All sperm characteristics were improved (P<0.05) by 30 μM COQ10 supplementation T3 in post-diluted, post-equilibrated and post thawed semen as compared to control without supplementation T1 in buffalo and cattle semen. Activity of all enzymes reduced (P<0.05) in seminal plasma of both species. In conclusion, CoQ10, as antioxidant, at a level of 30 μM in Tris-extender is able to enhance most sperm characteristics including mobility, livability, plasma membrane integrity, with decreasing sperm abnormalities and it has strong protective power against acrosomal damage of buffalo and cattle spermatozoa.

Cardiac biomarkers and ultrasonography as tools in prediction and diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis in Egyptian buffaloes.

Aim:This study was designed to evaluate the cardiac biomarkers and ultrasonography in prediction and early diagnosis of traumatic pericarditis (TP) in Egyptian buffaloes.Materials and Methods:A total number of 47 buffaloes were included in the study and divided into two groups: Healthy (n=10) and diseased groups (n=37). Diseased buffaloes were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Zagazig University, Egypt, with a history of anorexia, sudden, and severe reduction of milk production with no response to a previous medical treatment some animals had edema at the dewlap and congestion of the jugulars. These animals were subjected to clinical examination, evaluation by hemato-biochemical analysis including cardiac biomarkers and sonography.Results:The hemato-biochemical analysis revealed leukocytosis with a shift to left and hyperfibrinogenemia (indicating inflammation). Serum cardiac biomarkers including cardiac troponin I (cTnI), cTnT, nitric oxide, creatine kinase myocardial band, and lactic dehydrogenase enzyme were significantly increased in buffaloes with TP compared with control ones. Ultrasonographically, there were hypoechoic materials with echogenic fibrin interspersed in between the pericardial sac.Conclusions:The cardiac biomarkers may be considered a useful index in the early diagnosis of TP. Moreover, ultrasonography is an excellent tool for early prediction and diagnosis of such condition.

Corrigendum Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasonography in Complicated Traumatic Reticuloperitonitis in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) “Published in Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 11 (6): 319-330, 2016”

Corrigendum Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasonography in Complicated Traumatic Reticuloperitonitis in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) “Published in Asian Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 11 (6): 319-330, 2016”

Epidemiology and Hematobiochemical Changes in Egyptian Buffaloes Infested by Psoroptic Mange

Epidemiology and Hematobiochemical Changes in Egyptian Buffaloes Infested by Psoroptic Mange

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of GnRHR Gene and Its Relationship with Reproductive Performance in Egyptian Buffaloes

THIS WORK aimed to search for single nucleotide polymorphisms of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRHR) gene in Egyptian buffalo which involved in endocrine control of fertility. An ultrasonographic examinations of anestrum and repeat breeders’ buffaloes wereperformed prior to blood sampling through a transrectal ultrasonography. DNA was extracted from blood and the PCR and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) techniqueswereadopted to study of GnRHR gene polymorphism. The PCR amplified a fragment with 240-bp in size and the SSCP results showed that there isagenetic polymorphism with three different patterns (AA, BB and CC) in Egyptian buffalo. The CC genotype was associated with smooth inactive ovary,while BB genotype was associated with fertility in buffalo. Multiple sequence alignment of the three patterns sequences revealed that GnRHR had 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms including one nucleotide insertion, one nucleotide deletion and 3 nucleotide substitutions. Insertion was at position 4 in pattern III. The deletion was at position 189 in pattern III, while the 3 nucleotide substitutions were at positions 204 (T/G), 206 (T/A) and 207 (A/T). In conclusion, GnRHR gene could be used as a candidate marker for fertility in Egyptian buffaloes with its mutation is relatedto ovarian inactivity.

Semen Characteristics and Genotyping of Pituitary-Specific Transcription Factor Gene in Buffalo Using PCR-RFLP

THIS STUDY aimed to evaluate the sperm characteristics in buffalo bulls and to screen the genetic polymorphisms in PIT-1 gene as bases for selection of bulls with good breeding value. The study was performed on 60 buffalo bulls aged 2-8 years. The animals were divided into three groups according to the age. The first group were between 2 to <3 years (n= 35). The second group were between 3 to <5 years (n=14). The third group were between 5 to <8 years (n=11).Three semen collections were obtained from each animal at 15-day intervals and evaluated for volume, individual motility, live sperm and chromatin integrity %. The semen samples were stored at 20 °C until DNA extraction then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA amplification were carried out.Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was used for genotyping of pituitary-specific transcription factor gene using HinfI-RFLP. The results showed that, ejaculate volume, individual motility and live sperm % were significantly lower in old than adult and young buffalo bulls. While chromatin damage percentage had no significant difference among groups. All buffalo bulls were genotyped as BB with the predominance of B allele where PCR 451 bp fragment was digested into two fragments 244 and 207 bp. It may be concluded that age had adverse effect on semen quality. Monomorphic pattern of the amplicon 451 bp in PIT-1HinfI locus in exon 6 was fixed in Egyptian buffalo with the predominance of B allele and BB genotype in a high frequency (100%).

Effect of Extract Crushed Fenugreek Seeds as Feed Additive on some Blood Parameters, Milk Yield and Its Composition of Lactating Egyptian Buffaloes

Milk production & composition and some blood parameters were examined in Egyptian buffaloes as affected by supplemented basal diet by crushed Fenugreek seeds. Sixteen lactating buffaloes aged 5-7 years (at the third and fifth seasons of lactation); 45 days from calving were divided into four dietary treatments, 4 animals per each. Buffaloes were fed individually on basal diet ration [concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and rice straw (RS)] according to developing of body weight and milk production during the whole experimental periods. The crushed Fenugreek seeds were given as feed additives to the basal ration at a level 100, 150 and 200 g/buffalo/ day for 2nd, 3rd and 4th treatments, respectively, while the 1st treatment considered as control.The results indicated that the dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in T3 and T3 than other groups. Also, crushed fenugreek seeds significantly(P<0.05) increased nutrient digestibilities (DM, OM, CP and EE). The total milk yields were 806.4, 896.0, 952.0 and 907.2 Kg, respectively. Also, the overall daily milk yield was 7.2, 8.0, 8.5 and 8.1 Kg/h/d for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Lactose percentage significantly (P<0.05) increased in treated buffaloes. However, fat percentage was significantly (P<0.05) decreased with treated buffaloes. The calculated efficiency of milk yield/DMI was increased (P<0.05) in Fenugreek treated buffaloes. The addition of crushed Fenugreek seeds increased (P<0.05) the level of blood plasma prolactin and GPT in lactating buffaloes.It could be concluded that adding fenugreek seeds to buffalo's rations at 100, 150 and 200 g /buffalo/day led to raising economic efficiency by about 6.6, 3.95 and 7.89 %, respectively and it could be recommended to improve feed efficiency, milk yield and economic efficiency.

Effect of Leptin and Melatonin as Protective Additives to Tris Extender on Frozen Semen Quality of Buffalo Bulls

This study was conducted at Animal Production Research Station, El-Gemmezah, belonging to Animal Production Research Institute, Egypt, in cooperation with Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura university. Aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible effects of leptin and melatonin as a protective additive in Tris-extender on frozen semen quality of buffalo bulls. Five sexually mature Egyptian buffalo bulls (aged 4 to 5 years) with an average live body weight of (450-500 kg). All bulls were fed on the same diet. Semen was collected, twice a week for 4 wk (40 ejaculates for each bulls), using artificial vagina. The collected ejaculates (mass motility of more than 70%) were pooled, evaluation, divided into 7 replicates and frozen. Semen was extended in Tris- egg yolk extender as unsupplemented (T1), or supplemented with leptin (10, 20 and 50 ng/ml in T2, T3 and T4, or melatonin (10-3M, 10-6M and 10-9M in T5, T6 and T7), respectively. Semen was diluted , equilibrated at 50C for 4 h and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After storage for 4 weeks, frozen straws were thawed at 370C for 30 sec. Semen was evaluated in post-dilution, post-equilibrated and post-thawed semen. Various sperm parameters including percentage of individual motility (IM), dead sperm (DS) and sperm abnormality (SA) were determined. In the seminal plasma of thawed semen, activity of AST, ALT and LDH was measured. Total of 12 buffalo cows in heat were inseminated by semen extended with T1, T3 and T5 to determine conception rate (CR). Pregnancy rate was measured by rectal palpation on day 50 after (AI). The obtained results show that IM and SA percentages improved (P<0.05) in T3 and T5. Percentage of DS improved (P<0.05) in all treatments as compared to control. T3 showed the best (P<0.05) results concerning sperm characteristics studied in post-diluted as compared to other additives and T1. IM, DS and SA percentages showed the best (P<0.05) results in post-equilibrated semen (T3), followed T5 in comparison with other additives and control. IM, DS and SA improved (P<0.05) in post-thawed semen diluted (T3) or T5, being better with T3 more than with T5. Enzyme activity of AST, ALT and LDH reduced (P<0.05) in seminal plasma of post-thawed semen diluted with all additives as compared to control, being the lowest (P<0.05) in T3. Buffalo cows inseminated with semen (T3) showed higher (P<0.05) CR (91.6%) than T5 (75.0%) or control (T1, 66.6%).In conclusion, supplementation of 20 ng/ml leptin and 10-3 M melatonin to the freezing semen extender improved semen quality and reduce cryodamage of the buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Associations of Leptin and Pituitary-Specific Transcription Factor Genes' Polymorphisms with Reproduction and Production Traits in Dairy Buffalo.

This study aimed to detect the genetic variability in Leptin and Pit-1 genes using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing also to explore their possible associations with reproductive and productive traits of Egyptian buffaloes. Regarding Leptin gene, three genotypes (AA, AG and GG) were identified with frequency of 0.54, 0.40 and 0.06, respectively, and the genotypes were distributed according to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Allele A was comparatively higher than G with frequency of 0.74 and 0.26, respectively. For Pit-1 gene, the association could not be performed due to the monomorphism (BB). The results showed that AA genotypes were found to be superior in most of production and reproduction traits. AA genotypes yielded more milk (2332.34kg, p=0.04) with higher fat% (6.10, p=0.004) and fat yield (155.75kg, p=0.06), reach peak milk production at 42.19days and required 2.19 services for conception in comparison with GG genotypes. Birthweight of animals with AA genotype was lesser than with GG genotype (39.35 and 43.67kg, p=0.02, respectively). The days open is numerically better in AA genotype animals (99.35days), but the difference between the three genotypes was non-significant. The distinct significant associations reported in this study suggested that Leptin is reputable candidate genetic marker, which might be used to enhance animals' genetic potential for milk production in conjunction with reproduction.

Clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with caecal and colonic dilatation

The present study was conducted to describe the clinical, laboratory and ultrasonographic findings of caecal and colonic dilatation in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). A total number of forty buffaloes were included in the study and divided into two groups: control group (n=20) and diseased group (n=20). Diseased buffalo were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Assiut University-Egypt. Each of the diseased animals was subjected to clinical, rectal, laboratory and ultrasonographic examinations. Clinically, buffalo with dilated caecum/colon showed reduced appetite, distended right abdomen, abdominal pain and tensed abdomen. Rectal examination indicated empty rectum with the presence of mucus and dilated loop of caecum and/or colon. Buffalo with dilated caecum/colon showed significant (P<0.05) hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia with significant (P<0.05) increase in blood serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK). Ultrasonographically, the dilated caecum and proximal loop of colon occupied the last right three intercostal space (ICSs) particularly their ventral part, intertangled with the liver dorsally in these ICSs. Dilated colon did not hinder the visibility of the liver. The dilated caecum/colon also filled the whole right flank region, with hiding of right kidney, loops and peristaltic movement of the small intestines. The closest wall of the dilated caecum and proximal loop of the colon was imaged as thick semi-circular echogenic line. The furthest wall and contents of dilated caecum/colon were not imaged. In conclusion, buffalo with caecal and/or colonic dilatation have non-specific clinical and laboratory findings; however the affected animals show characteristic ultrasonographic findings.

Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasonography in Complicated Traumatic Reticuloperitonitis in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Diagnostic Significance of Ultrasonography in Complicated Traumatic Reticuloperitonitis in Egyptian Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The impact of crossbreeding Egyptian and Italian buffalo on milk yield and composition under subtropical environmental conditions.

Buffalo are the second most valuable species in the world for milk production and their milk prices have been based on fat and protein composition. The aim of the paper was to compare the milk yield and composition of pure Egyptian buffalo (EB) and their crosses with the Italian buffalo and to investigate the impact of temperature humidity index (THI) on milk yield and composition under subtropical stressful conditions. 516 lactating buffalo were used (152 EB; 176 F1 crosses 50% EB and 50% Italian buffalo and 188 back cross (BC) 75% EB and 25% Italian buffalo). The results revealed that, milk yield (5·79 and 10·32%) and peak yield (6·36 and 7·67%) were significantly higher in F1 and BC than in EB, respectively. BC had 7·74 and 3·67% significantly higher daily yield when compared with EB and F1, respectively. EB were robust in the hot condition as the only reduction was in the peak of milk production from 15·02 in low THI to 13·72 kg in high THI, but fat and total solids%, were increased from 5·61 and 16·31 THI in low to 7·01 and 17·59 in high THI, respectively. BC was similar to some extent to EB as their milk was similar to EB under sever hot climate conditions (2331·92 and 2327·50 kg, respectively). A statistically significant reduction in the average daily milk yields was detected only in F1 from 10·33 to 8·38 kg in low and high THI level, respectively. The current study showed that BC produced a higher milk with higher daily average milk yield and peak yield with some evidence of robust under sever hot condition which were approximately similar to EB. Thus, it is recommended to encourage the producers to increase the number of BC animals in their farm for improving the milk production to fulfil the demand of Egyptian markets.

Expression of calbindin-D9k and vitamin D receptor in the uterus of Egyptian buffalo during follicular and luteal phases

Uteri of mature Egyptian buffalo cows (5–10 years old) were collected at follicular (n=12) and luteal (n=16) phases of estrous cycle to investigate the expression of calbindin-D9k (CaPB-9k) and vitamin D receptor (VDR). This study was done using avidin-biotin immunohistochemistry method. In addition, blood levels of calcium (Ca), vitamin D3 (Vit D), estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured. The immunohistochemical findings restricted the expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR to the luminal and glandular epithelia of the endometrium implicating the importance of CaBP-9K and VDR in the function of endometrial epithelium, especially the glandular one, in order to prepare a receptive uterus. On the other hand, the myometrium did not express CaBP-9k or VDR that denies the potential role of CaBP-9k and VDR in the uterine contractility during the estrous cycle of Egyptian buffalo. All of Ca, Vit D, and P4 blood levels significantly (P<0.05) increased during luteal phase however, blood level of E2 significantly (P<0.05) increased during follicular phase. The expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR in the uterus of Egyptian buffalo were significantly (P<0.05) higher during luteal (P4 dominant) phase than during the follicular (E2 dominant) phase indicating that P4 up-regulates the expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR. In view of these observations, this study represents the first characterization of CaBP-9K and VDR expression in the uterus of Egyptian buffalo and suggests the pivotal role of CaBP-9k and VDR in the uterine receptivity. Furthermore, it demonstrates the regulatory role of P4 for expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR in buffalo uterus.