Gaur Research Articles

Molecular characterization and phylogeny of Anaplasma marginale, A. phagocytophilum and A. bovis in livestock of Bangladesh.

The emergence of Tick-borne Anaplasma spp. poses a significant threat to humans and animals worldwide. Traditional surveys based on examining blood smears overlook the existence of emerging pathogens. This study aimed to screen Anaplasma spp. in livestock species from diverse geographies with molecular tools. We collected 276 blood samples from cattle (Bos indicus), gayals (Bos frontalis) and goats (Capra hircus) in Jhenaidah, Bogura, Sirajganj and Bandarban districts, and Naikhongchari sub-district from June 2021 to March 2022. After that, a molecular screening was conducted through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing was done to confirm the PCR results. The PCR assays were performed based on the analyses of groEL (Anaplasma marginale) and 16S rRNA (A. phagocytophilum and A. bovis). The Anaplasma spp. detected in this study were A. marginale (10.51%), A. phagocytophilum (0.72%), and A. bovis (63.77%). However, A. platys was not detected in this study. Among the screened pathogens, the detection of A. bovis (82.86%) was significantly high in the Bandarban district, while A. marginale was found only in cattle in this location. Regarding animal species, the occurrence of A. bovis was significantly higher in cattle. Moreover, the detection rate of A. marginale was significantly higher in adult cattle (≥2 years). The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the groEL sequences of A. marginale and 16S rRNA sequences of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum were included in a single clade in the respective phylograms, showing a single genotype of each species circulating in Bangladesh. This study reports the existence of A. phagocytophilum in Bangladesh for the first time.

An ethnographic expose of Mithun-human interrelationship among the Kuki community of Northeast India

ABSTRACT Unrestrained consumption and a lack of a proper breeding ecosystem have depleted the variety and species count of mithun (Bos frontalis). Indigenous Kuki tribes have a unique relationship with mithun, reared in the semi-domestic countryside. For the Kuki community, a mithun is used during community festivals, as a bride price in marriages, to settle disputes, in land-deed covenants, and at death ceremonies. Mithun-human interrelationship lessens poverty, empowers community survival, guarantees the completion of critical cultural obligations, and maintains marital bonds in the Kuki community. The head of a mithun signifies solemnity and celebration in many cultural underpinnings. A white cock, a dog, a goat, a pig, and a mithun were sacrificial elements to appease the unseen spirits for good health and prosperity. While some Indigenous practices have faded with the arrival of Christianity, the cultural involvement of mithun persists to this date.

Diversity and Distribution of Large Herbivore Mammals in Kawal Tiger Reserve, Telangana State

The usage of habitat, rate of growth, dispersion, and the reaction of a population to management activities are all factors in estimating the richness of wild animals. However, because there are so many real-world field issues, determining the densities of herbivore animals in the forest is challenging. The current study is conducted in Kawal Tiger Reserve, northeast of Telangana, to estimate the number of big herbivore mammals and learn more about how these animals use various habitats. The direct sighting and line transect methods were applied to collect systematic data. 7 species of large herbivore viz. Bluebull, Four-horned Antelope, Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Indian Gazelle, Wild boar were observed during the surveys. Based on the information, the habitat preferences of different large herbivore species in the study area is assessed. Results shows the richness of the species is abundant in the study area due to availability of sufficient food resources, sufficient water resources. No adverse increase or decrease in the quantity of sightings annually. Even if there have been a few local hunting occurrences, they are not noteworthy nor do they appear to have any impact on the extinction of species. It may also lamentably state that our carnivore density is really low.

Supplementing urea molasses mineral block improves growth performances and blood biochemical parameters of Mithun calves (Bos frontalis)

This experiment aimed to determine the effect of urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) supplementation on growth performances and blood biochemical parameters of Mithun calves (Bos frontalis). Ten growing Mithun calves were allocated into two groups (control and UMMB) and the diet including natural grass (50%) and tree forage (50%) was used as basal diet. The Mithun calves from control group were fed only basal diet and calves from treatment group were fed basal diet with supplementation of UMMB. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks and nutrient intakes, digestibility, energy status, body weight gain and blood biochemical parameters were measured. The intakes, digestibilities and digestible intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre, energy intake, energy balance, mineral intake, total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) were higher (p < 0.05) in UMMB supplemented group than in control group. The serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), globulin, calcium, available phosphorus, sodium and potassium concentrations of UMMB supplemented group was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of control group, however the albumin and chloride concentrations were not different (p > 0.05). Thus, UMMB supplementation increased the growth performances and some blood biochemical parameters of growing Mithun calves.

Chemical composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins profiles of Mithun (Bos frontalis) milk reared under semi-intensive system

This study examined the composition and nutritional value of milk produced by Mithun (Bos frontalis) reared under a semi-intensive model. The study analyzed the milk's chemical composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, and vitamin profiles using standard methods. The results showed that fresh Mithun milk contained (Mean ± SEM) 7.3 ± 0.48 % fat, 10.28 ± 0.13 % solids-not-fat, 4.0 ± 0.05 % protein, 5.7 ± 0.08 % lactose, and had a density of 1.20 ± 0.01 g/mL. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that the milk contained 69.08 % saturated fatty acids and 30.82 % unsaturated fatty acids. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic, oleic, stearic, and myristic acids, while linoleic 18:2 (n-6) and linolenic acids 18:3 (n-3) were the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids. The study also found that Mithun milk was rich in essential amino acids, with glutamic acid, lysine, proline, and isoleucine being the most abundant. In addition, Mithun milk was found to have a high concentration of vitamins A, D, and E, as well as calcium. The study concluded that Mithun milk could serve as a nutrient-dense food and contribute significantly to the nutritional security of North East India.

Abnormal Head of a Mithun (&lt;i&gt;Bos gaurus&lt;/i&gt;) Shot near Dhubri, Assam

Abnormal Head of a Mithun (&lt;i&gt;Bos gaurus&lt;/i&gt;) Shot near Dhubri, Assam

Camera trap surveys reveal a wildlife haven: mammal communities in a tropical forest adjacent to a coal mining landscape in India

Having knowledge of the status and distribution of species in a specific geographic area is crucial for creating efficient conservation strategies. In this study, we evaluated the abundance and diversity of medium to large sized mammals in a tropical forest in India that has been greatly impacted by coal mining. Using camera traps between June 2018 and December 2018, we recorded 27 mammal species over 3432 trap-nights in 81 camera trap stations within the study area. The photo-captured species included both common and high conservation value threatened species, such as tiger Panthera tigris, leopard P. pardus, sloth bear Melursus ursinus, Asian elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos gaurus, Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata, and four-horned antelope Tetracerus quadricornis. Wild boar Sus scrofa was found to be the most frequently photo-captured and widespread species. Our study provides valuable data on the species inventory and the relative abundance of species in the area, highlighting its significance for mammal conservation. It also emphasizes the need for effective conservation management strategies to protect the remaining forest fragments containing high diversity of mammals, including several threatened species in India.

Population ecology and genetic study of gaur (Bos gaurus) in a small protected area in Thailand

Abstract. Pitimol N, Srikosamatara S. 2023. Population ecology and genetic study of gaur (Bos gaurus) in a small protected area in Thailand. Biodiversitas 24: 3369-3377. Gaur population in Khao Phaeng Ma (KPM) restored forest increased from 6 individuals in 1995 to 1996 in 2006 and more afterward. Data on population sizes, distribution and genetic status are needed for effective management. The aim of this study was to obtain data on gaur population size, structure and broad distribution, and on gaur genetic diversity in KPM. For a one-year period from 2014-2015, data were collected in three areas on gaur number, group size, sex, and age using direct observation. Genetic diversity was examined at 15 cross-species microsatellite loci. The total number of gaurs was at least 184, with these individuals being highly concentrated on the western side of the area. The average group size was 13.15±0.98 (n=356). The proportion of adult males to adult females, juveniles, and calves was 35:100:51:65. From the 10 samples (4 tissue, 6 fecal), the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6 (average 4.07). The expected and observed heterozygosity were 0.594 and 0.649, respectively. The gaur population is increasing and distributes more at the forest edge. Genetic diversity was lower than gaur populations in Vietnam and India. Habitat management should be done to minimize human-gaur conflicts and increase gene flow between populations.

Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in Livestock in Bangladesh.

Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., poses significant constraints for livestock production and upgradation in Bangladesh. Besides examining blood smears, few molecular reports are available from some selected areas in the country. Therefore, the actual scenario of piroplasmosis in Bangladesh is deficient. This study aimed to screen the piroplasms in different livestock species by molecular tools. A total of 276 blood samples were collected from cattle (Bos indicus), gayals (Bos frontalis) and goats (Capra hircus) in five geographies of Bangladesh. After that, screening was conducted through a polymerase chain reaction, and species were confirmed by sequencing. The prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata and T. orientalis was 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52% and 46.01%, respectively. The highest prevalence (79/109; 72.48%) of co-infections was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences of B. bigemina (BbigRAP-1a), B. bovis (BboSBP-4), B. naoakii (AMA-1), B. ovis (ssu rRNA) and T. annulata (Tams-1) were included in one clade in the respective phylograms. In contrast, T. orientalis (MPSP) sequences were separated into two clades, corresponding to Types 5 and 7. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh.

Synthesis and Characterization of Mithun (Bos frontalis) Urine-Based Antibacterial Copper Oxide Nanoparticles.

The increased prevalence of disease, mortality, and antibiotic resistance among aquatic microorganisms has renewed interest in non-conventional disease prevention and control approaches. Nanoparticles present several benefits in aquaculture and hold significant potential for controlling both human and animal infections. This study reports on the antibacterial properties of green copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized from the urine of Mithun (MU) (Bos frontalis). In addition, an array of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), were employed to investigate the synthesized MU-CuO nanoparticles. Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas veronii, two bacterial fish pathogens known to cause severe infectious diseases in fish, were tested for their antibacterial efficacy against MU-CuO NPs. At 100 µg/mL, MU-CuO NPs exhibit enhanced antibacterial efficacy against two bacterial pathogens commonly found in fish. Applications in aquaculture may be looked at given that MU-CuO NPs showed greater antibacterial activity.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in Mithun (Bos frontalis): What progress has been made so far? An overview.

Mithun, a unique bovine species, endemic to parts of North East India and plays an important role in the socioeconomic, cultural and religious fabrics of the local tribal population. To date, Mithuns are reared in a traditional free-range system by communities and increased deforestation, agricultural commercialization, disease outbreaks and indiscriminate slaughtering of elite Mithun for table purposes have significantly decreased its habitat and the elite Mithun population. Greater genetic gain is achieved with the implementation and effective use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs); however, presently it is limited to organized Mithun farms. At a slow pace, Mithun farmers are adopting semi-intensive rearing systems and interest in the use of ARTs is gradually escalating in Mithun husbandry. This article reviews the current status of ARTs such as semen collection and cryopreservation, estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination (TAI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer and in vitro embryo production and future perspectives in Mithun. Mithun semen collection and cryopreservation have been standardized, and estrus synchronization and TAI are suitable technologies that can be easily implemented under field conditions in near future. The establishment of an open nucleus-breeding system under community participatory mode along with the introduction of the ARTs is an alternative to the traditional breeding system for rapid genetic improvement of Mithun. Finally, the review considers the potential benefits of ARTs in Mithun and future research should include the use of these ARTs which will provide additional opportunities for improved breeding regimens in Mithun.

Large-Scale Chromosomal Changes Lead to Genome-Level Expression Alterations, Environmental Adaptation, and Speciation in the Gayal (Bos frontalis).

Determining the functional consequences of karyotypic changes is invariably challenging because evolution tends to obscure many of its own footprints, such as accumulated mutations, recombination events, and demographic perturbations. Here, we describe the assembly of a chromosome-level reference genome of the gayal (Bos frontalis) thereby revealing the structure, at base-pair-level resolution, of a telo/acrocentric-to-telo/acrocentric Robertsonian translocation (2;28) (T/A-to-T/A rob[2;28]). The absence of any reduction in the recombination rate or genetic introgression within the fusion region of gayal served to challenge the long-standing view of a role for fusion-induced meiotic dysfunction in speciation. The disproportionate increase noted in the distant interactions across pro-chr2 and pro-chr28, and the change in open-chromatin accessibility following rob(2;28), may, however, have led to the various gene expression irregularities observed in the gayal. Indeed, we found that many muscle-related genes, located synthetically on pro-chr2 and pro-chr28, exhibited significant changes in expression. This, combined with genome-scale structural variants and expression alterations in genes involved in myofibril composition, may have driven the rapid sarcomere adaptation of gayal to its rugged mountain habitat. Our findings not only suggest that large-scale chromosomal changes can lead to alterations in genome-level expression, thereby promoting both adaptation and speciation, but also illuminate novel avenues for studying the relationship between karyotype evolution and speciation.

The genetic relationship of Vietnamese gaurs assessed by mtDNA sequences

This study aimed to assess the genetic relationship of Vietnamese gaurs from Central Highland and other gaurs from the Southeast Asia and India. The results showed that 15 polymorphic sites were found in 16S sequences between these gaurs. Vietnamese gaurs exhibited 15 identical SNPs with Cambodian gaur, while exposed 7 identical SNPs to Malayan gaur. The genetic distance analysis demonstrated that Vietnamese gaur showed the lowest distance to Bos frontalis (0.0086±0.0022) and Bos gaurus (0.0182±0.0054). Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated 3 groups of gaurs. Vietnamese gaur located in clade III which concluded Bos gaurus, Bos javanicus, Bos frontalis.

Anthropogenic pressure on large carnivores and their prey in the highly threatened forests of Tanintharyi, southern Myanmar

AbstractThe Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar is rich in biodiversity yet is facing threats from varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure. In this research we examine how anthropogenic pressures are influencing large carnivores (tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus and dhole Cuon alpinus) and their major prey species (wild pig Sus scrofa, muntjac Muntiacus spp., sambar Rusa unicolor, gaur Bos gaurus and banteng Bos javanicus) in the Lenya Reserved Forest and adjacent areas of Sundaic forest. We used data from camera-trap surveys during May 2016–March 2018 and logistic regression to analyse the relationships between the presence of large carnivores and explanatory variables such as human disturbance, landscape variability and changes in prey distribution. Tiger presence was positively associated with the occurrence of gaur and distance to villages. The occurrence of prey did not explain the detection of leopards in the study area. We suspect this was because leopards have a broad diet, including arboreal primates, and their prey was not fully recorded in our camera-trap survey. Dholes were positively associated with wild pigs and the total number of prey but not associated with forest type and landscape variables. To restore the carnivore population and conserve the biodiversity of this area, effective protection of predators and habitat management for large ungulates are crucial.

Inclusion of catalase in semen extender modulates the post thaw semen quality and oxidative stress profiles in mithun spermatozoa

Present study was designed to assess the effect of catalase on post-thaw semen quality parameters (SQPs), sperm kinematics, antioxidant and oxidative stress profiles and sperm cholesterol efflux in mithun (Bos frontalis). A total of 25 ejaculates were selected based on biophysical parameters and each sample was split into four equal aliquots and diluted (to get final concentration of 60 million spermatozoa per mL) with the TCG extender containing either 0 U/mL, 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL, and 150 U/mL catalase in the Group I, II, III and IV, respectively. Frozen-thawed samples were analysed for motility parameters (progressive forward and in bovine cervical mucus [BCMPT]), kinetic and velocity parameters by computer-assisted sperm analyser (CASA), viability, sperm morphological and nuclear abnormalities, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, sperm intra-cellular enzymatic leakage and seminal plasma biochemical (sperm cholesterol and oxidative stress markers) profiles. Study revealed an enhancement in viability, acrosomal integrity, plasma membrane integrity, motility (progressive and in cervical mucus), sperm cholesterol content and reduction in sperm morphological and nuclear abnormalities, leakage of intracellular enzymes in Group III. Moreover, intactness of acrosome and biochemical membranes were protected significantly in addition to significant improvement in kinetic and velocity profiles in extender containing 100 U/ml catalase. Correlation analysis revealed that sperm kinetic parameters, SQPs and antioxidant parameters had significant positive correlation with each other whereas these profiles were negatively correlated with sperm morphological abnormalities, enzymatic leakage and lipid peroxidation in catalase treated sperm. The results clearly indicated that inclusion of 100 U/ml catalase holds a clear advantage over control or 50 U/ml or 150 U/ml catalase in cryopreservation of mithun semen. It can be concluded from the present study that catalase supplementation in semen extender can be effectively utilized to reduce the oxidative stress and to improve the post-thaw semen quality in mithun.

Prey selection by the Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) outside protected areas in Indias Western Ghats: implications for conservation

As habitat loss and fragmentation increase globally, biodiversity conservation approaches are increasingly being implemented at the landscape scale to maintain metapopulations of endangered species. The present study investigated the food habits of tiger Panthera tigris in the less protected reserve forests of Begur Range, a wildlife corridor in the Malenad–Mysore Tiger Landscape (MMTL) in India's Western Ghats. Fifty scat samples were collected and analyzed to determine the diet composition. The study recorded seven tiger prey species from the study area. The percentage composition of different prey species revealed that chital (Axis axis) constitutes 63.15% of the overall diet, whereas sambar (Rusa unicolor) and gaur (Bos gaurus) constituted 26.33% each. Contrary to our prediction, the relative biomass of different prey species showed that chital, sambar, and gaur constituted 95% of the overall diet. The presence of small prey species such as the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix india) and small Indian civet (Viverricula indica) indicates opportunistic hunting behaviour and diverse prey selection by tigers. This study highlights the significance of areas outside the protected area network for conserving large carnivores and ecosystem processes associated with them in the Western Ghats global biodiversity hotspot.

Ethnoveterinary Plants as Food Plants of Indian Gaur in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Warangal, Telangana State, India

Ethnoveterinary Plants as Food Plants of Indian Gaur in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Warangal, Telangana State, India

Revisit of the taxonomic status of Bos genus with special refference to north eastern hilly region of India

North-eastern India has diverse Bos genus endemic animals which include Siri (Bos indicus), Yak (Bos grunniens) and Mithun (Bos frontalis). But very little is known about their origin and taxonomic position. Hence, a taxonomic revisit of the genesis needed to confirm their position in the family Bovidae. So, the present study focuses on molecular cataloguing through DNA barcoding and phylogenetic relationships. The generated CO1 sequences of Bos indicus, Bos grunniens, and Bos frontalis were analyzed through similarity search, Species delineation approach like K2P Distance, Neighbour-Joining tree and ML approaches to identify their taxonomic position with respect to global published data. The NJ tree revealed cohesive clustering of Bos indicus with the pre-existing sequences of zebu and taurine but distinct from other congeners. The collected specimen of Bos frontalis clustered distinctly from other congeners and failed to cluster with Bos gaurus, which nullifies the previous report of Bos frontalis as a domesticated form of Bos gaurus. Similarly, Bison bison clustered very closely with Bos grunniens as their nearest neighbour. This observation was confirmed by ML phylogeny. Our findings confirmed the Siri's species status as Bos indicus. Similarly, Bos frontalis is a different species within the genus Bos but not the domesticated form of Bos gaurus. The close clustering of Bos grunniens and Bison bison supported the previous reports, which suggest that the genus Bison should be regarded as a synonym of the genus Bos. Thus, the present study strongly recommends the revisiting of bovine taxonomy.

Comparative osteomorphological criteria for differentiating mandibular teeth and post-cranial skeletons of takins (Budorcas taxicolor) from Bovini species on Tibetan Plateau

For centuries, hunting and herding of large bovids were important for human survival at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known about past human relations with iconic plateau animals, such as takins (Budorcas taxicolorHodgson, 1850) or yaks (Bos grunniensLinnaeus, 1766). Takins were widely hunted historically for subsistence and social reasons, but an understanding of ancient relationships has been hampered by the difficulty of distinguishing takins from other large wild or domestic bovids, e.g., gaurs (Bos gaurus), yaks, cattle (Bos taurus), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Through the comparative and systematic study of modern specimens, comprising 80 mandibles and 53–78 skeletons curated across five institutions in China and the United States, this research proposes a new set of osteomorphological criteria for differentiating large bovids from the Tibetan Plateau and tests previously published criteria. The results show that takins can be easily differentiated from yaks, cattle, gaurs, and water buffalos using readily identifiable shape differences, non-metric characteristics, and specific landmarks of mandibular teeth and post-cranial elements. Criteria with especially high-reliability scores include mandibular teeth and 14 postcranial elements: scapula, humerus, femur, tibia, fibula, metapodials, lunate, scaphoid, magnum, unciform, and astragalus. Providing a reproducible field method for distinguishing takins from other large bovids in this region, the osteomorphological criteria established in this study will further archaeological investigations of Holocene hunting on the Tibetan Plateau, as well as early usage of domesticated yaks and cattle. These criteria can also be used in conservation to aid field identification of illegally hunted takins.

Coincidence of low genetic diversity and increasing population size in wild gaur populations in the Khao Phaeng Ma Non-Hunting Area, Thailand: A challenge for conservation management under human-wildlife conflict.

The gaur (Bos gaurus) is found throughout mainland South and Southeast Asia but is listed as an endangered species in Thailand with a decreasing population size and a reduction in suitable habitat. While gaur have shown a population recovery from 35 to 300 individuals within 30 years in the Khao Phaeng Ma (KPM) Non-Hunting Area, this has caused conflict with villagers along the border of the protected area. At the same time, the ecotourism potential of watching gaurs has boosted the local economy. In this study, 13 mitochondrial displacement-loop sequence samples taken from gaur with GPS collars were analyzed. Three haplotypes identified in the population were defined by only two parsimony informative sites (from 9 mutational steps of nucleotide difference). One haplotype was shared among eleven individuals located in different subpopulations/herds, suggesting very low genetic diversity with few maternal lineages in the founder population. Based on the current small number of sequences, neutrality and demographic expansion test results also showed that the population was likely to contract in the near future. These findings provide insight into the genetic diversity and demography of the wild gaur population in the KPM protected area that can inform long-term sustainable management action plans.