Healthy Buffaloes Research Articles

A mathematical model for bovine tuberculosis among buffaloes and lions in the Kruger National Park

In this paper, a model for the spread of tuberculosis between buffaloes and lions is presented and analyzed. The most important system parameters are identified: vertical and horizontal disease transmission among the buffaloes and the influence of intraspecific competition between healthy and diseased buffaloes on the infected buffaloes population. Removal of diseased prey appears to be the most effective strategy to render the ecosystem disease free.

Evaluation of Field Techniques to Diagnose Early Subclinical Mastitis in Relation to Hygiene Score in a Buffalo Farm

This study was carried out to evaluate several diagnostic tests that could be used in early detection of subclinical mastitis in apparently healthy dairy buffaloes in a dairy farm, Ismailia, Egypt, in correlation to their hygienic status. In parallel, bacteriological examination of milk samples was carried out as a standard golden test. Recorded data showed that hygiene score was significantly influenced by seasonal variations at different sampling periods. California Mastitis Test (CMT) and electric conductivity (EC) measurements also displayed a significant variation between healthy buffaloes and those have subclinical mastitis along the year at different seasons. A significant correlation (r=0.752) between CMT and EC measurements was verified and both tests showed the same prevalence of detecting subclinical mastitis among investigated samples. Bacteriological examination of milk samples was significantly different at sampling periods and was significantly correlated with EC measurements. A mixed infection of buffalo's udder was reported where Enterobacter spp. and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) were the most common bacteria isolated from milk samples. Depending on the data obtained, the indirect screening tests such as CMT and EC could be used as reliable tests to monitor the udder health and the hygienic status in general. These ensure, on the spot, the high raw milk quality in the buffalo’s farm. Therefore, this study suggests using these simple and fast tests for the early detection of the subclinical mastitis in lactating buffaloes.

Hepatic lipidosis in transition buffaloes in relation to back fat thickness, hemato-biochemical and mineral profile

The study invoved 140 buffaloes, 125 (87.41%) with ultrasonography (USG) features of normal liver and 18 (12.58%) with features of hepatic lipidosis (HL). Among the later 7 had grade I, 6 grade II and 5 grade III USG features of HL. The grouping of animals according to transition stage and evaluation of body condition score (BCS) showed that buffaloes with moderate to severe HL lost BCS from Far off dry (FOD) to fresh stage by more than one (1.0) increment whereas, healthy buffaloes lost BCS from FOD to fresh stage by less than 0.5 increment. Significantly low levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count was observed in buffaloes with severe HL. Significantly low levels of total plasma protein, glucose, calcium, potassium, copper and zinc along with increased levels of plasma urea nitrogen, beta hydroxyl butyric acid, non esterified fatty acid, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and Glutamic dehydrogenase were observed in buffaloes with HL. A strong positive association exists between the severity of BCS and back fat thickness (BFT) reduction and occurrence of HL in transition buffaloes.

Effect of seasonal variation on physiological parameters in Murrah buffaloes

Heat stress is a major limiting factor in livestock production under tropical climate. Buffaloes have poor heat tolerance capacity compared to other domestic ruminants and are more prone to heat stress due to scarcely distributed sweat glands, dark body colour and sparse hair on the body surface. Therefore present study was undertaken to study the effect of seasonal stress on Murrah buffalo. Twenty five healthy non-lactating Murrah buffaloes each above two years of age were selected for the experiment. Rectal temperature, respiration rate, haematological parameters and various hormones level were measured in different season to know the effect of heat stress in buffalo. Season had no significant effect on rectal temperature, total leukocyte count (TLC), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) level. However, it had significant effect on respiration rate, total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb) level, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts, and cortisol level in murrah buffalo. They had lowest level of TEC, Hb and lymphocyte, and highest neutrophil and cortisol level in summer season. Therefore, it can be concluded that various season had considerable effect on Murrah buffalo.

Hematologic RIs for healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Mexico.

Baseline hematologic data are used by veterinarians and wildlife biologists to perform health assessments on target animal species. Hematologic measurements are influenced by various factors including geography. Baseline hematologic RIs have been established for domestic water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from various countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, but these data are not readily available for the Western Hemisphere. The aim of this study was to determine hematologic values for domestic water buffaloes from several commercial farms in southern Mexico. Blood was collected from 126 healthy, postlactating females (3 to 10 years old) from the Murrah breed, and 10 hematologic variables were measured. Means, SDs, RIs, medians (MED), median absolute deviations (MAD), and other statistics were calculated for each hematologic variable. The MED (and MAD) for each variable are as follows: RBC count, 7.6 (1.1) × 1012 /L; hemoglobin, 116.0 (13.3) g/L; PCV, 41.5 (7.6) %; MCV, 56.8 (7.0) fL; MCH, 14.6 (1.6) pg; MCHC, 250.0 (35.6) g/L; RDW (SD), 29.7 (5.5) fL; RDW (CV), 18.2 (1.4) %; reticulocytes, 0.0 (0.0) %, and WBC count, 12.4 (1.3) × 109 /L. These values were compared to those previously reported for water buffaloes from several countries in the Eastern Hemisphere and, on most occasions, they differed significantly. Our data can be used by veterinarians and other personnel involved in buffalo production in Mexico during medical evaluations.

Modulation of immunity and inflammatory gene expression in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with some digestive disorders.

So far, there has been scarce information about the status of immunoglobulins (Ig) and the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in buffaloes showing digestive troubles. The purpose of the present study was to explore the modulation of gene expression of some immune-inflammatory markers in buffaloes suffered from various digestive disorders. For this reason, 50 native breed water buffaloes were studied. Forty of these buffaloes showed various symptoms of digestive disorders and were allocated into 4 groups of equal sizes (group 1: uncategorized stomatitis; group 2: acute traumatic reticuloperitonitis [TRR]; group 3: acute rumen impaction; and group 4: undifferentiated enteritis). Ten apparently healthy buffaloes were randomly selected and considered as a control group. RNA was firstly extracted from the whole blood then a reverse transcription kits was used to convert the RNA to cDNA. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of mRNAs of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IgG, and IgA, while glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) used as an internal reference. The results of real-time PCR revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) upregulation of the gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in blood of diseased buffaloes compared with those of controls. Animals showing acute TRP had peak values of both IL-6 and IL-10; while those exhibiting enteritis and rumen impaction had the highest values of IL-1β and TNF-α, respectively. The results of qPCR also revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) downregulation of both IgG and IgA gene expression in blood of all diseased buffaloes compared with controls. The lowest values of both genes were recorded in buffaloes showing acute TRP. The results herein suggest that the tested genes could have a pivotal role in the pathophysiologic mechanism of the underlying diseases.

Hematological and serum biochemical alterations in buffalo with some digestive disorders

Hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals are essential laboratory variables for optimal diagnostic purposes. The present study was delineated to provide an insight into the hemato-biochemical alterations as well as the measurement of selected acute phase proteins in buffaloes showing some digestive disorders. The present study included 40 native breed water buffalo showing various symptoms of digestive troubles. Based on competent case history, clinical and laboratory findings, the diseased buffaloes were allocated into four equal sized groups, namely stomatitis, acute traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP), acute rumen impaction, and enteritis. Ten apparently healthy buffaloes were randomly selected from the same animal population and considered as control group. Blood samples were drawn from all investigated animals for hematologic examination and measurements of a panel of serum biochemical variables. All diseased buffaloes showed statistically significant high values of total leucocytes (P ≤ 0.05) with significantly low values of total erythrocytes and hemoglobin concentration compared with controls (P ≤ 0.05). Serum magnesium, sodium, and iron showed a statistically (P ≤ 0.05) lower values in all studied buffaloes than those of controls; while serum calcium levels were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in buffaloes showing stomatitis and those with TRP compared with controls. Serum hepatic enzyme activities beside serum haptoglobin and C-reactive protein were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in all diseased buffaloes than those of controls. The results herein concluded that diseased buffalo were associated with marked hematological and elemental alterations besides a distinct inflammatory reaction. Further studies are needed to explore the potential ameliorative value of using supplementary agents to help mitigate the associated biochemical and inflammatory reactions in buffaloes exhibiting digestive disorders.

Comparative antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural romifidine and detomidine in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

In this study, comparative antinociceptive and sedative effects of epidural administration of romifidine and detomidine in buffalo were evaluated. Eighteen healthy adult buffalo, allocated randomly in three groups (two experimental...

Reproductive hormonal variations and adenohypophyseal lesions in pre-pubertal buffalo heifers inoculated with Pasteurella multocida type B: 2 and its immunogens

BackgroundHemorrhagic septicemia is a fatal disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by P. multocida. Although the pathogenesis of the bacteria has been well established in literature, there is a paucity of information on the possible role of the bacteria and its immunogens; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) on the reproductive capacity of buffalo heifers.MethodsIn this study, twenty one healthy prepubertal female buffaloes aged 8 months were divided into seven groups of 3 buffaloes each (G1-G7). Group 1 (G1) served as the negative control group and were inoculated orally with 10 mL sterile Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS), groups 2 (G2) and 3 (G3) were inoculated orally and subcutaneously with 10 mL of 1012 colony forming unit (cfu) of P.multocida type B: 2, while groups 4 (G4) and 5 (G5) received 10 mL of bacterial LPS orally and intravenously, respectively. Lastly, groups 6 (G6) and 7 (G7) were orally and subcutaneously inoculated with 10 mL of bacterial OMPs. Whole blood was collected in EDTA vials at stipulated time points (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 120, 168, 216, 264, 312, 360, 408, 456 and 504 h), while tissue sections of the pituitary glands were collected and transported to the histopathology laboratory in 10% buffered formalin for processing and Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (PG), estradiol (EST) and gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) were determined.ResultsThe histopathological lesions observed in the pituitary gland included hemorrhage, congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration, necrosis and edema. These changes were higher (p < 0.05) in distribution and severity in G3, G6 and G7. Hormonal concentrations of LH, FSH, PG, EST and GnRH declined in all inoculation groups as time elapsed and were lower (p < 0.05) than that of the control group.ConclusionBased on these findings, P.multocida B: 2 and its immunogens can be said to negatively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in decreased levels of reproductive hormones which may predispose to infertility in buffalo heifers.

Morphological and Structural Investigations of Egyptian Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Sertoli Cells

Buffaloes are essential part of the economy in many countries and provide sustainable food in addition to being working animals. Inefficiency in reproduction has become problematic in recent years due to a number of factors and although much research concentrates on the female, very little is known about the male buffalo reproductive system. To address this deficiency in the literature, testes were obtained from 20 clinically healthy water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) bulls aged 3 years old. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the Sertoli cells were columnar to triangle shaped with many processes. In the middle portion of the seminiferous tubules, the Sertoli cell had two types of processes with sheet like and slender cord like appearances. The sheet like processes had simple smooth margins originating from Sertoli cells, surrounding the surfaces of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. The slender cord like processes formed networks around other spermatogenic cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the Sertoli cells contained a large irregular shaped nucleus with deep nuclear membrane indentations, few mitochondria, aggregates of ribosomes and few rough endoplasmic reticulum which were observed within the indentations. Each nucleus contained a multivesicular nuclear body, containing vesicles, tubules and ribosome like dense structures. The work herein describes the structure and location of key reproductive cells within the water buffalo. Understanding the features of the male reproductive system is essential in order to advance studies into the reproductive decline of this species and the Bovidae family.

Erythrogram, leukogram, and acute phase protein reference intervals for healthy newborn Murrah buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) within the first month of life

Establishing of reference intervals (RI) for hematologic variables and blood serum acute phase proteins (APP) of healthy newborn buffaloes is an important tool for monitoring alterations during infection and inflammation. Considering the scarcity of published data on newborns, the aim of the study was to establish RI for hematologic variables and APP from healthy newborn buffaloes. Blood samples from 28 healthy Murrah buffalo calves, 10–30 days old, were selected to determine RI. Fourteen hematologic and four blood APP variables were analyzed. Before collection of blood samples, calves were subjected to physical examination (rectal temperature, degree of dehydration, and fecal consistency) and only calves that were considered healthy were included in the study. The Anderson-Darling test was used to assess normal distribution of values. The Dixon test and Tukey test were used to identify outliers. RI and 90% CI were determined using standard/robust methods and Box-Cox transformation. RI for variables analyzed were the following: (1) hematologic variables: RBC 7.5–12.9 × 106/μL, HGB 10.6–19.0 g/dL, packed cell volume 33.1–54.8%, mean corpuscular volume 36.2–50.6 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 12.1–17.3 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration 28.1–42.9 g/dL, platelets 361–1081 × 103/μL, WBC 6.56–18.2 × 103/μL, lymphocytes 4.15–12.8 × 103/μL, segmented neutrophils 0.950–10.6 × 103/μL, band neutrophils 0–0.160 × 103/μL, monocytes 0–0.754 × 103/μL, eosinophils 0–0.326 × 103/μL, and basophils 0–0.149 × 103/μL and (2) APP variables: fibrinogen 2.49-9.50 g/L, haptoglobin 0.02-0.56 g/L, serum amyloid A (SAA) 3.70-97.51 μg/mL, and C-reactive protein (CRP) 0.02-2.78 μg/mL. In conclusion, hematologic and acute phase protein RI have been documented and can be used as a physiologic database to help the interpretation of laboratory results of newborn buffaloes during infection and inflammation conditions.

Prevalence of various pathological conditions in female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The present review article has described the prevalence of various pathological conditions of reproductive system of female buffaloes starting from ovary to vulva and vagina. Various pathological conditions were analyzed and tabulated as the total number of animal examined, number of the animals showed pathological lesions, percentage of animal showed various pathological lesions and percentage of individual pathological lesion in different parts of reproductive system of female buffaloes. The incidence of disorders of female genital organs of buffaloes has been reported by various authors at various percentages in different countries. The incidence of pathological conditions was recorded in clinically infertile cows after slaughtering or from apparently healthy buffaloes slaughtered for human consumption and/or based on postmortem examination. This review is comprehensively covering pathological conditions of female buffalo hitherto which was not previously described at one place. This review will provide a comprehensive knowledge about the prevalence of different pathological condition of different parts of reproductive tract of female buffaloes. The review has six numbers of tables described about the various pathological conditions from ovary to vulva and vagina in female buffaloes. The present review article will be very useful to the buffalo farmers, buffalo breeders and researchers are working in buffalo reproduction & breeding and pathology.

Pre-milking mechanical teat stimulation and milking performance of dairy buffaloes in early lactation

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of pre-milking mechanical teat stimulation on milk yield and milking performance of dairy buffaloes in early lactation. For this purpose, twenty-two healthy Italian Mediterranean buffaloes in their first to third lactation and in early lactation (&lt;120 days in milk) were subjected to two treatments of teat stimulation: i) washing of the teats with water for about 5 s and attaching of the milking unit within 60 s, without any pre-milking massage (farm milking routine); ii) fast pulsation (FP), achieved by increasing pulsation rate to 120 pulsations per min during the first 60 s after application of teat cups. Each treatment lasted for 10 days and the following parameters were measured: milk yield (kg/milking), milk yield at 2 min after unit attachment (kg), time between milking unit attachment and its automatic removal (min), peak milk flow rate (kg/min), and milking time to reach peak flow rate (min). The average milk flow rate (kg/min) was calculated by dividing milk yield by the actual milking time. Milk yield was not affected by mechanical pre-stimulation and during the first 2 min of milking 20.2% and 19.6% of total milk yield were milked respectively when treatments 1 and 2 were applied. The time elapsed from attachment of the milking cluster until its automatic removal was less than 8 min both for buffaloes subjected to FP, and for buffaloes subjected just to washing of the teats before attaching the milking unit. FP stimulation did not show an enhancing effect on peak and average milk flow rates and on milking time to reach peak flow rate.

Bloody Milk in Buffalo Cows: Diagnosis and Trials for Treatment

The present study was conducted on 80 composite milk samples collected from dairy buffaloes secreting bloody milk from all four quarters without any inflammatory signs on mammary gland, systemic reaction or decrease in milk yield at Sharkia Governorate. Somatic cell count (SCC) revealed that 46 samples (57.5%) have SCC range between 200,000 to 250,000 cell/mL, while, 34 samples (42.5%) have SCC below 200,000 cell/mL. California mastitis test (CMT) was negative for 65 out of 80 (81.3%) and positive in 15 out of 80 (18.7%). Bacteriological examination revealed that 56 out of 80 samples (70%) were bacteriologically positive and 24 (30%) were bacteriologically negative. Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus were identified in 14 out of 56 (25%), however, 42 samples out of 56 (75%) were contaminated with coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS), 20 of them had SCC less than 200,000 X 103 . All Coagulase positive S. aureus were isolated from milk of SCC between 200 X 103 to 250 X 103 cell/mL. Antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that Gentamycin, Amoxycillin + Clavuylinic acid and Enrofloxacin were the most effective antibiotics on both S. aureus and CNS. Group 1, 2 and 3 (bacteriologically positive cases) were treated with Gentamycin, Amoxicillin + Clavulenic or Enrofloxacin in addition to coagulant (Amri-K) showed cure rate of 80%, 80% and 60%, respectively. Group 4 that contained animals with negative bacteriological culture were treated by coagulant (Amri-K) only, showed cure rate of 60%. However, the return rate of the disease was 0, 20, 40 and 40%, respectively. Biochemical and hematological parameters showed nonsignificant differences between bloody milk and healthy control dairy buffaloes. This study concluded that either coagulase positive or coagulase negative S. aureus is incriminated with the bloody milk syndrome in dairy buffaloes in Egypt, however, Gentamycin in addition to coagulant (Amri-k) is the best treatment.

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.

Effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder on some diagnostic enzymes in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ingesting arsenic contaminated water and fodder.

Aim:The study investigated the effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder on some diagnostic enzymes related to hepatic and muscle function in buffaloes ingesting arsenic contaminated water and fodder in an arsenic affected area.Materials and Methods:A total of 25 samples of tube well water, fodder and buffalo blood were collected through a survey from arsenic contaminated areas and 20 samples from the uncontaminated, i.e., control areas of Ludhiana district, Punjab for determination of arsenic concentration. A total of 30 buffaloes (selected from above 45 animals) were divided into three groups of 10 each on the basis of blood arsenic level, viz., control group: Clinically healthy buffaloes from the uncontaminated area with the blood arsenic level within the normal limit (0-0.05 ppm); Arsenic exposed group: Buffaloes exposed to arsenic through intake of contaminated water and fodder in the arsenic affected area with the blood arsenic level above the normal limit of 0-0.05 ppm; treatment group: Arsenic exposed buffaloes treated with T. arjuna bark powder orally at 42 mg/kg b.w. OD for 30 days. Single blood samples were collected from control and arsenic exposed groups. Blood samples from the treatment group were collected on 0, 15th, and 30th day of treatment along with one sample on the 45th day, i.e., after withdrawal of treatment. Activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) were assayed in plasma.Results:Significantly (p<0.05) higher arsenic concentration was observed in tube well water, fodder and buffalo blood samples collected from the arsenic contaminated area. A significant positive correlation was noticed between arsenic concentrations of tube well water, fodder and untreated buffalo blood samples, collected from the arsenic affected area. ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK activities were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the arsenic exposed buffaloes compared to control. Treatment with T. arjuna bark powder reduced the plasma levels of ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK in arsenic exposed buffaloes comparable to that of control.Conclusion:Exposure to arsenic altered the hepatic and muscle function enzymes in buffaloes. T. arjuna bark powder supplementation lowered the ALP, GGT, LDH, and CK activities in arsenic exposed buffaloes toward the values exhibited by the control group.

Estimation of Mineral and Trace Element Profile in Bubaline Milk Affected with Subclinical Mastitis.

The milk samples from buffaloes of Murrah breed at mid lactation stage, reared at an organised dairy farm, were screened for subclinical mastitis based on bacteriological examination and somatic cell count following International Dairy Federation criteria. Milk samples from subclinical mastitis infected and healthy buffaloes were analysed to evaluate physicochemical alterations in terms of protein, fat, pH, electrical conductivity, chloride, minerals (sodium, potassium and calcium) and trace elements (iron, zinc, copper and selenium). In the present study, protein, fat, zinc, iron, calcium and selenium content was significantly lower (P<0.001), while pH and electrical conductivity were significantly higher in mastitic milk as compared to normal milk. Concentration of electrolytes mainly sodium and chloride significantly increased with higher somatic cell count in mastitic milk and to maintain osmolality; potassium levels decreased proportionately. Correlation matrix revealed significantly positive interdependences of somatic cell count with pH, electrical conductivity, sodium and chloride. However, protein, fat, calcium and potassium were correlated negatively with elevated somatic cell count in mastitic milk. It is concluded that udder infections resulting in elevated somatic cells may alter the mineral and trace element profile of milk, and magnitude of changes may have diagnostic and prognostic value.

The nitric oxide serum level and combined utero-placental thickness in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) affected by pregnancy pathology

The present study aimed mainly to study the level of nitric oxide (NO) and combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) in buffaloes affected by pregnancy pathology. Females (n = 104) were classified into three main groups: nonpregnant (n = 10), healthy pregnant (n = 54), and pathologically pregnant (n = 40). The healthy pregnant animals were subgrouped according to the stage of pregnancy to early stage (n = 15), mid stage (n = 15), late stage (n = 19), and full term (n = 5). The animals in which pregnancy was associated with placental pathology were subgrouped to uterine torsion (n = 27), hydroallantois (n = 5), and abortion (n = 8). Blood samples were collected from all animals to estimate the NO level using Griess reaction test. Combined thickness of the uterus and placenta was measured at the most caudal part of the pregnant horn using a rectal ultrasound probe. Placental tissue samples were collected from all pregnant animals just after delivery or abortion for histopathologic section. The results revealed that the level of NO was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in pregnant than in nonpregnant animals (6.89 ± 0.18 μM). Additionally, NO level was decreased significantly at full term (18.26 ± 0.27 μM) when compared to the other stages of pregnancy. Moreover, there was a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the level of NO in cases of uterine torsion (22.22 ± 0.46 μM) and hydroallantois (24.20 ± 0.07 μM) in comparison with the normal pregnant buffalo. The CTUP was significantly increased as pregnancy progressed. The CTUP in cases of uterine torsion (18.2 ± 3.3 mm) was higher (P < 0.05) than in healthy pregnant buffalo at the same stage of pregnancy. Additionally, CTUP significantly differed between different types of uterine torsion. There was no significant difference between CTUP in hydroallantois and abortion cases besides healthy pregnancy. Histopathologic examination revealed a great proliferation and hyperplasia of cytotrophoblastic cells only in uterine torsion and hydroallantois cases. In conclusion, NO level and CTUP can be used as indicators for pregnancy pathology that is usually associated with presence of cytotrophoblastic cells and placental insufficiency.

QUALITY TRAITS OF FRESH, REFRIGERATED AND CRYOPRESERVED BUFFALO BULL SEMEN AND THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIPS

A study was carried out on semen ejaculates (40) of five healthy Surti buffalo bulls during favourable breeding season. The ejaculates with &gt;70% IM were diluted @ 100 million sperms/ml in Tris-fructoseegg yolk-glycerol (TFYG) diluent supplemented with L-cysteine @ 1 mg/ml, and examined for quality parameters such as sperm progressive motility, viability, morphology, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity. A part of the extended semen was preserved at 5°C and another was processed for ultra-low temperature (-196°C) preservation in LN2 using biofreezer after filled in French mini straws. The mean values of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mass activity (0-5 score), individual sperm motility, live sperm, abnormal sperm, intact acrosome and HOS reactive sperms observed in fresh semen were 3.04±0.11 ml, 963.05±50.97 million/ml, 2.97±0.06, 75.00±0.69 %, 88.22 ±0.48 %, 4.40±0.26 %, 93.67±0.31 % and 89.17±0.57 %, respectively. Just after dilution the percentages of progressively motile, live &amp; abnormal sperms, intact acrosomes and HOS reactive sperms were 80.51±0.65, 85.95±0.65, 4.92±2.20, 91.00±2.30, 85.72±0.67, respectively. The corresponding values after 48 hrs of refrigeration (5°C) were 61.75±0.85, 67.85±0.85, 6.45±0.27, 89.05±0.32, 67.30±0.96%, the values at pre-freeze stage (after equilibration) were 72.62±0.69, 78.97±0.93, 5.45±0.25, 90.90±0.35, 78.12±0.79% and at post-thaw stage (37°C/30 sec) 46.50±0.72, 52.97±0.79, 7.10±0.26, 85.73±0.18, 51.62 ±0.82%, respectively. The mean motile spermatozoa observed after 1, 2 and 3 h of post-thaw incubation at 37°C in water bath were 32.75±0.82, 18.88 ±0.70 and 8.88±0.66% (P&lt;0.01), respectively. The semen quality parameters, fresh and cryopreserved were acceptable for artificial breeding use. The seminal traits in initial, 48 hrs refrigerated, pre-freeze and post-thawed samples revealed significant (p&lt;0.01) interrelationships (r = 0.44 to 0.84) between progressive motile sperm, live sperm and HOST reactive sperm directing more emphasis on these quality parameters for better semen evaluation.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN ENDOMETRITIS OF BUFFALOES CAUSED BY BACTERIAL INFECTION

147 samples were collected from apparently healthy buffaloes and buffaloes suffering from various degrees of endometritis in dairy farms at Damieta and Dakahlia Governorates as well as from Mansoura abattoir. The isolated bacteria from healthy buffaloes were E. coli (20.5 %), S. aureus (15.4 %), K. oxytoca and S. epidermidis (10.3%), (7.7%) for each of , P. mirabilis, M. nishinomiyoensis and E. faecalis and (5.1%) for each of P. vulgaris, P. rettegri, C. freundii and P. aeruginosa. In endometritis cases, it was noticed that 30.2% of E. coli, (19.1%) S. aureus, (8.7%) S. pyogenes, (5.8) A. bovis, (5.2%) for each of K. oxytoca, E. agglomerans and K. pneumoniae, (4.6%) P. aeruginosa, (3.5%) for each of P. vulgaris and C. freundii, (2.3%) for each of P. mirabilis and Salmonellae, (1.8%) for each of Y. pseudotuberculosis and A . pyogenes and (1.2%) E. faecalis. . Histopathological study to sample collected from healthy cyclic buffaloes revealed normal endometrium. Microscopic lesions of acute endometritis revealed stromal oedema, congestion of blood vessels, mild to severe neutrophilic infiltration and mild perivascular and periglandular fibrosis. In chronic endometritis, extensive stromal fibrosis around blood vessels and gland, and diffuse mononuclear cell infiltration mostly lymphocytes and plasma cells. Sensitivity of the most prevalent isolates recovered from endometritis to 21 different types of antibiotics revealed that they were highly sensitive to enrofloxacin (96.38%), gentamicin (85.54%), chloramphenicol (83.13%), norofloxacin (80.72%) and pipracillin (78.31%), but, they were highly resistant to pencillin G (10.84%). Also, they were resistant to ampicillin (32.53%), streptomycin (36.14%), oxytetracycline (37.35%), SXT (39.7%) and lincospectinomycin (44.58 %). ,