Murrah Buffalo Cows Research Articles

Effects of CSN1S1 and CSN3 casein gene polymorphisms on milk protein composition, milk production, and curd yield of water buffaloes

The influence of polymorphisms in CSN1S1 and CSN3 genes on composition and individual casein (CN) proteins of milk, milk production, and curd yield of Murrah buffalo cows was evaluated. Higher amounts of the individual casein proteins αS1-CNB and κ-CNX2 in milk were observed in animals with the CT and CC alleles, respectively. Milk from animals with the CT allele showed higher levels of fat, total dry extract (TDE), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) than those from animals with the CC allele. Murrah buffalo cows with genotypic combinations of AACC and AGCT of CSN1S1 and CSN3 were associated with higher milk and curd yields. In addition, the CSN3 gene alleles (CC and CT) are responsible for the higher curd yield in cheese making, which is associated with a higher content of casein κ-CNX1, κ-CNX2, αS1-CNB, and fat.

Superovulatory responses using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin hormone in Murrah buffalo cows

Superovulation plays an important role in embryo transfer program. A preliminary study carried out in the Research Institute for Animal Production evaluated superovulatory responses in Murrah buffalo cows using pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) hormone. The three buffalo cows were estrus synchronized using 5 ml prostaglandin (PGF) twice, with an interval of 11 days. PMSG was injected intra-muscularly 3000 IU on day-10 after estrus. Prostaglandins were administered 48 hours after PMSG injection. Fixed-Time artificial insemination (FTAI) was carried out at 72 hours after the last PGF treatment. Administration of hCG 2 ml/head was given at the time of FTAI. A non-surgery flushing was performed on day 6 after FTAI. Parameters observed using ultrasonography (USG) were diameter of follicle (DFL), total follicle (TFL), and number embryos (NE). Data were analyzed descriptively. The mean of DFL before PMSG treatment was 8.2 mm and after PMSG treatment was 12.5 mm. The mean of TFL before PMSG treatment was 7.7 and after PMSG treatment was 16.1. The NE obtained was one degenerative embryo. Superovulation using PMSG increased TCL and DFL. It can be concluded that the Murrah buffalo cows superovulated by PMSG showed a good response but no transferable embryo was found.

Monitoring the Sonographic Ovarian Dynamics and Pregnancy Rate in Cyclic Murrah Buffalo Cows Synchronized with Prostaglandin F2α

Monitoring the Sonographic Ovarian Dynamics and Pregnancy Rate in Cyclic Murrah Buffalo Cows Synchronized with Prostaglandin F2α

Estimation of serum minerals and glucose following subcutaneous melatonin treatment for restoration of ovarian cyclicity in summer anestrus buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The present investigation was designed to uncover the effect of melatonin on serum calcium, phosphorus and glucose concentration following restoration of ovarian cyclicity in summer anestrus buffalo. The investigation was conducted on 28 healthy postpartum Murrah buffalo cows of age 5.11±0.62 years having body weight of 539±17.48 kg maintained under isomanagerial conditions with intensive system. Buffaloes diagnosed as summer anestrus (28) on the basis of absence of estrus signs three months postpartum, absence of ovarian activity by rectal examination and serum progesterone assay at 10 days interval. Buffaloes were grouped as untreated (Group I, sterilized corn oil, 8) and treated (Group II, single S/C injection of melatonin (MLT) @18 mg/50 kg b.wt in sterilized corn oil, 20). Estrus detection was carried out twice daily using teaser bull parading along with observation of behavioural estrus signs till day 28 post-treatment. Blood samples were collected at 4-day interval starting from day 8 pretreatment to 28 day post-treatment and for the entire cycle length in responded animals at 4-day interval. Serum calcium, phosphorus and glucose were estimated by commercial kits. Serum Ca, P and glucose concentrations in MLT treated and control buffaloes did not differ significantly within and between both groups. Serum Ca, P and glucose concentrations did not alter significantly between days of MLT induced estrous cycle. However, the group and period effect as well as interaction effect of group and period in serum calcium and phosphorous were not significant whereas, the group and period effect was significant but interaction effect of group and period were not significant in serum glucose concentration. Estrus induction rate was 90% with overall conception rate of 32.4%. Hence, it may be concluded that MLT supplementation restored cyclicity resulting in improvement in conception rate without significantly altering serum calcium, phosphorous and glucose concentration in summer anestrus buffaloes.

Productive, reproductive, and estrus characteristics of different breeds of buffalo cows in Bangladesh.

Objective:The objective of this research work is to know the productive and reproductive performances and problems of local, crossbred, Nilli, and Murrah buffalo cows in selected study areas in Bangladesh.Methodology:A total of 1,241 local, crossbred, Nilli, and Murrah buffalo cows were surveyed in the selected areas with a pre-set questionnaire. Among 1,241 buffalo cows, 112 buffalo cows were randomly selected at day 0 of the estrus cycle for studying ovarian features.Results:Results showed that the average age, body condition score, and body weight were significantly (p < 0.05) different among the studied breeds. Milk production in Murrah and lactation length in Nilli cows were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than indigenous, crossbred, Nilli, and indigenous, crossbred, Murrah buffalo cows, respectively. Results also illustrated that sexual maturity, estrus cycle length, insemination time after the onset of estrus, and gestation length insignificantly (p > 0.05) varied among the surveyed breed. But, the fallout of the study denoted that estrus duration, first calving age, parity number, number of service per conception, calving interval, and voluntary waiting period varied significantly (p < 0.05) in different breeds. Ovarian physiological characteristics such as vaginal electrical resistance, average number of follicles in two ovaries, and largest follicular diameter, estrogen, and progesterone at day 0 of the estrus cycle of local, crossbred, Nilli, and Murrah buffalo cows showed insignificantly (p > 0.05) differences.Conclusion:The study will help the veterinarian and researcher to identify the constraints for the reproductive efficiency of buffalo in Bangladesh.

Polymorphism of melatonin receptor (MTNR1A) gene and its association with seasonal reproduction in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The water buffalo have a seasonal pattern of reproduction with decreased sexual activity during the longer photoperiod. The present study was designed to identify a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MTNR1 A gene and its association with seasonal reproduction and reproductive characteristics in Murrah buffalo cows. The 812 bp fragment encompassing exon II of the MTNR1 A gene was amplified from genomic DNA of 190 pluriparous Murrah buffalo cows. Amplified PCR products from 12 samples were subjected to custom sequencing of both ends (5′ and 3′ ends). A synonymous mutation was identified at position 72 in exon II of MTNR1 A gene. Digestion of PCR products with HpaI enzyme indicated there was one polymorphic site caused by the presence of nucleotide C at position 72 in place of T that resulted in three genotypes: T/T (812bp), C/T (812, 743 and 69 bp) and C/C (743 and 69 bp). There was an association (P < 0.05) between the MTNR1 A genotype and reproductive activity in Murrah buffalo cows such that buffalo cows with T/T genotype had less seasonal reproductive activity as compared with those with the C/C genotype. The period of greatest mating activity of buffalo cows with the C/C genotype was from November to December whereas buffalo cows with the T/T genotype mated mainly between May and July. Thus, the polymorphism of the MTNR1 A gene might be considered as a genetic marker to identify Murrah buffalo, which are able to reproduce during periods that are not a part of the typical breeding season for these buffalo.

Efficacy of different methods for detecting the onset of ovarian cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes.

This study was designed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of three methods for detecting the onset of cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes. The methods investigated were visual signs, transrectal ultrasonography, and serum progesterone (P4) assay. For this study, 102 post-partum Murrah buffalo cows were grouped for monitoring their ovarian activity. The first group of buffaloes was between 26 and 35days post-partum. Thereafter, the buffalo cows that calved were grouped after every 10days for the study sample. Thus, the study animals were adjudged between 26 and 35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-75, 76-85, and 86-95days post-partum with an average of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90days post-partum, respectively. Visual estrus signs were monitored twice daily, and simultaneously, ultrasound examination was carried out at 10days interval for accessing the presence of corpus luteum (CL). Serum P4 was estimated in the animals which were adjudged cyclic by ultrasound examination, and the assay was repeated after 10days. The buffalo cows in estrus were inseminated artificially, and pregnancy status was assessed after 30days post-insemination. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of visual observation were low (39.37 and 70.73%, respectively) when compared to P4 assay (98.80 and 96.47%) and ultrasound examination (single, 97.59 and 97.59%; double, 100 and 100%), respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of single and double ultrasound examination and P4 assay were comparable. In conclusion, this study reports that single and double ultrasound examination and P4 assay are more efficient than visual observation in detecting the onset of ovarian cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes.

Effects of preovulatory follicle size on estradiol concentrations, corpus luteum diameter, progesterone concentrations and subsequent pregnancy rate in buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of preovulatory follicle (POF) size on estradiol concentrations, luteal profile (CL diameter and progesterone concentration) and subsequent pregnancy rate in Murrah buffalo cows. The buffalo cows (n = 49) were synchronized for estrus by two doses of PGF2α given 11 days apart. The buffalo cows were inseminated during standing estrus and again after 24 h. Ovaries were scanned at estrus and 24 h intervals until ovulation, thereafter on days 5, 12 and 16 post-ovulation to examine the POF and CL diameter. Size of POF at estrus was divided into three categories; I: 10 to ≤12; II: >12.0 to ≤14.0; III: >14.0–16.0 mm. Blood samples were collected for estradiol (on day of estrus) and progesterone concentration (on days 5, 12 and 16). The estradiol concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in category II than category I with the greatest (P < 0.05) concentrations estimated in category III. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) between POF and progesterone concentration, CL diameter and progesterone concentration was observed on all sampling day. Pregnant buffalo cows exhibited greater (P < 0.05) plasma progesterone as compared with their non-pregnant counterpart. Greater pregnancy rates were observed with an increased size of POF (χ2 = 2.9, P > 0.05). It was concluded that the POFs having diameters between 12 and 16 mm are mature enough to be transformed into CL of such optimum diameter and can secrete optimum progesterone concentrations that can sustain the pregnancy in Murrah buffalo cows.

Phenotypic diversity in buffalo cows of the Jafarabadi, Murrah, and Mediterranean breeds

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate the phenotypic diversity in Jafarabadi, Murrah, and Mediterranean buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis). Thoracic perimeter, withers-and-rump height, body length, and biiliac, external biischiatic, external ilioischiatic, sacropubic, and mean biiliac diameters were measured. The following indexes were calculated: anamorphosis index, pelvic index, withers-to-rump ratio, body index, lateral-body index, relative body index, body capacity indexes 1 and 2, transversal pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, and thoracic-perimeter-to-withers ratio index. The effect of breed was evaluated using univariate (mean tests) and multivariate (size-free discriminant analysis and Fisher’s linear discriminant function) analyses. The diversity among the breeds and their correlation with the variables were also evaluated using biplot graphs developed from principal component analysis. The breeds evaluated show a rectilinear, midline body model with similar capacity of muscular tissue development in body parts from which the most valuable cuts are extracted, and intermediate suitability for meat and milk production. The Jafarabadi breed has a larger body size, with a rear portion wider than longer, while the Murrah and Mediterranean breeds show similar biotypes, mainly differentiated in the pelvic region.

Molecular characterization of MMP-9 gene in Murrah buffaloes by reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Matrix metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) is one of the most important metalloproteinases involved in degradation of cellular matrix during several physiological as well as pathological process including ovulation, fertilization, implantation and parturition. A study was conducted to confirm the presence of MMP-9 gene in blood samples of Murrah buffalo cows at different reproductive physiological stages. Healthy Murrah buffalo cows (18), aged about 3–6 years was divided into 3 groups, each group consisting of 6 animals, viz. pregnant (group 1), oestrous (group 2) and anoestrous (group 3) buffalo cows were selected. Experimental animals were managed and fed as per the farm schedule. Blood samples were collected in vacutainer containing sodium citrate and the blood samples were transferred immediately to the laboratory and were stored at –20°C in deep freezer till further use. Total RNA was isolated from the blood samples and reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out. Primers targeting catalytic domain of the MMP-9 was designed. The total cellular RNA was obtained from 500 μL of blood was 0.108 μg and the concentration of the RNA was 0.216 μg/mL. The ratio of A260/A280 was 1.81 indicating that isolated RNA was reasonably pure. RT-PCR was carried out in 2 steps as and the first step was to synthesize cDNA and the second step to amplify the desired genes from cDNA by PCR. The RT-PCR products were subjected to 1% agarose gel electrophoresis and the expected sizes of 1080 bp for catalytic domain was observed in all the three groups of Murrah buffalo cows.

Short communication: Variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms in DGAT1 gene of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) is associated with milk constituents

The diacylglycerol-O-transferase 1 gene is a positional and functional candidate for milk composition traits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the segregation of the variable number of tandem repeat polymorphisms in the regulatory region of diacylglycerol-O-transferase 1 gene in a water buffalo herd, and to assess the association of this mutation with milk production traits. For this purpose, 196 Murrah buffalo cows were genotyped by PCR. The association of the marker with total milk, fat, and protein yields at 305 d of lactation, milk fat and protein percentage, and somatic cell scores were evaluated by single-trait analyses using a generalized mixed model. Two segregating alleles were identified in the population. The allele with 2 repeats affected fat percentage favorably. The present results suggest that this polymorphism is an interesting marker to include in the genetic evaluation of buffaloes.

Comparison of endocrine changes, timing of ovulations, ovarian follicular growth, and efficacy associated with Estradoublesynch and Heatsynch protocols in Murrah buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis)

Poor estrus expression and the difficulty encountered in predicting the time of ovulation compromise the reproductive efficiency of Murrah buffalo cows. Synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination are able to precisely control the time of ovulation and thus avoid the need for estrus detection. Recently, the Estradoublesynch protocol (administration of a PGF2α injection 2 days before Heatsynch protocol; GnRH 0, PGF2α 7, estradiol benzoate [EB] 8) was developed that precisely synchronized ovulation twice, i.e., after GnRH and EB injections and resulted in satisfactory pregnancy rates in Murrah buffaloes. The present study was conducted on 104 cycling and 31 anestrus buffaloes to compare (1) the endocrine changes, timing of ovulations, ovarian follicular growth, and efficacy of Estradoublesynch and Heatsynch protocols in cycling and (2) the efficacy of Estradoublesynch and Heatsynch protocols for the improvement of fertility in cycling and anestrus Murrah buffalo cows. Ovulation was confirmed after all GnRH and EB treatments by ultrasonographic examination at 2-hour intervals. Plasma progesterone and total estrogen concentrations were determined in blood samples collected at daily intervals, beginning 2 days before the onset of protocols until the day of second ovulation detection. Ovulatory follicle size was measured by ultrasonography at six time points (first PGF2α administration of Estradoublesynch protocol every 2 days before the onset of Heatsynch protocol, GnRH administration of both protocols, 2 hours before ovulation detection after GnRH administration of both protocols, second PGF2α injection of Estradoublesynch protocol, PGF2α injection of Heatsynch protocol, EB injection of both protocols and, 2 hours before ovulation detection after EB administration of both protocols). Plasma LH, total estrogen, and progesterone concentrations were determined in blood samples collected at 30-minute intervals for 8 hours, beginning GnRH and EB injections, and thereafter at 2-hour intervals until 2 hours after the detection of ovulation. The first ovulatory rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the Estradoublesynch protocol (84.6%) than that in the Heatsynch protocol (36.4%). The first LH peak concentration (74.6 ± 10.4 ng/mL) in the Estradoublesynch protocol was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the Heatsynch protocol (55.3 ± 7.4 ng/mL). In Estradoublesynch protocol, the total estrogen concentration gradually increased from the day of GnRH administration coinciding with LH peak, and then gradually declined to the basal level until the time of ovulation detection. However, in Heatsynch protocol, the gradual increase in total estrogen concentration after GnRH administration was observed only in those buffalo cows, which responded to treatment with ovulation. In both Estradoublesynch and Heatsynch protocols, ovulatory follicle size increased by treatment with GnRH and EB until the detection of ovulation. The pregnancy rate after the Estradoublesynch protocol (60.0%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that achieved after the Heatsynch protocol (32.5%). Satisfactory success rate using the Estradoublesynch protocol was attributed to the higher release of LH after treatment with GnRH, leading to ovulation in most of the animals and hence creating the optimum follicular size at EB injection for ovulation and pregnancy to occur.

In Vitro Embryo Production and Transfer of Bubaline Embryos using Oocytes Derived from Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Follicular Aspiration (TUFA)

Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration (TUFA) has become a popular tool for embryo production in vitro due to its high degree of repeatability in terms of recovering oocytes from live animals. In Study 1, the quantity and quality of oocytes from Bulgarian Murrah buffalo cows (n=10) of varying ages (Group 1, 8-12; and Group 2, 13-17 years) were assessed. Group 1 buffalo donor cows yielded significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) number of oocytes vs Group 2 buffalo donor cows (71 vs 29 oocytes, respectively), though in terms of oocyte quality, no difference was observed. In Study 2, oocytes collected (n=100) in Study 1 were matured, fertilized in vitro and the resulting zygotes were cultured which developed to blastocyst stage embryos. The maturation, fertilization and blastocyst development rates obtained were 53.0%, 40.0% and 32.5%, respectively. In Study 3, the viability of resulting blastocyst stage embryos was determined by transferring to recipient cows. Of 10 recipients 1 got pregnant and delivered a 35 kg male calf after 310 days gestation period. Overall, the results of the studies conducted demonstrated the potential of TUFA technology in the in vitro production of embryos which eventually could be used in the production of live offspring.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i2.10369Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(2): 180-184

Lactation Persistency in Bulgarian Murrah Buffalo Cows

With the objective to establish the lactation persistency and its variability as affected by different factors, the study assigned 953 lactations of 310 Bulgarian Murrah buffalo cows bred on the farm of Agricultural Institute – Shumen within the period 1967-2009. The main method of measurement was the mean post-peak milk yield reduction. The data were processed by the conventional statistical procedure, as well as by the software products LSMLMW and MIXMDL. The persistency of milk yield after reaching peak was established to be relatively high (89.22%). Its variance is to a great extent explained by the factors days in milk (P&lt;0.001) and parity (P&lt;0.001), defining favorable effect of increased lactation length, and adverse effect of advancement in lactation order. The significant effect of season of calving (P&lt;0.001) is expressed in higher lactation persistency in the autumn and winter calvers. The other environmental factor, period, and the genetic factor (individual) are significant at P&lt;0.01, while the effect of productivity level is not. The portion of the peak yield was estimated to be 15.75% of the lactation productivity, the percentage of the greatest yield drop – 11.38%, the persistency ratio between the first and second lactation half – 73.60%.

Scanning Electron Microscopy and Phagocytic Activity of Blood and Milk Neutrophils Isolated from Early Lactating Buffaloes

Neutrophils are considered as the first line of cellular defence in the mammary gland. Neutrophils are more active in blood but once they cross the mammary barrier, their activity gets reduced significantly. This reduction in the neutrophilic activity makes the mammary gland more susceptible to infections. The decreased activities of the neutrophils are associated with altered structural and functional integrity of the neutrophils. No information is available regarding the alterations in surface architecture of the blood and milk neutrophils in early lactating buffaloes. The current study was designed in Murrah buffalo cows during early lactation to evaluate the structural alterations in both blood and milk neutrophils. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to evaluate the surface dynamics of the neutrophils. Phagocytic activity was also estimated to correlate the changes in ultrastructure with activity of neutrophils. The study concluded that the surface of blood neutrophils were more ruffled as compared to that of milk neutrophils. Reduced ruffledness of the membrane of milk neutrophils indicated a decreased neutrophilic activity and hence the chances of increased infection of mammary gland during early lactation. �R dth��h9�> ultimately reflects the bad quality of milk availability.

Serum Concentrations of Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt in Anoestrus Cattle and Buffaloes under Farm Condition

The present study was planned to determine serum micro-mineral status (iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt) in 50 anoestrus Murrah buffalo, Sahiwal and Crossbred cows and heifers. Serum micro-mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean serum concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, manganese and cobalt taken from 14 Murrah buffalo cows and heifers were 2.82 ± 0.65, 0.48 ± 0.20, 2.65 ± 1.46, 0.24 ± 0.06 and 0.49 ± 0.24ppm, respectively. These mean values were 2.47 ± 1.35, 0.52 ± 0.16, 3.69 ± 2.57, 0.18 ± 0.09 and 0.56 ± 0.22ppm, respectively in 20 Sahiwal cow and heifers, while, 3.16 ± 1.05, 0.45 ± 0.13, 2.76 ± 1.51, 0.21 ± 0.07 and 0.51 ± 0.22ppm, respectively in 16 crossbred cow and heifers. Compared with normal range of these trace elements in healthy animals the level of copper was on a border way to show the signs of clinical deficiency symptoms, while the levels of other elements was in quite safe range to encounter any problem. It was concluded that deficiency of copper, could be responsible for anoestrus condition in these animals. Thus, to overcome the deficiency, strategic dietary supplementation of copper with better bioavailability could be a suitable approach.

The effect of addition of equine chorionic gonadotropin to a progesterone-based estrous synchronization protocol in buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis) under tropical conditions

Poor estrus expression and anestrus decrease the reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to an estrous synchronization protocol and timed insemination could improve ovulation and pregnancy rates of anestrous buffalo cows under tropical conditions. The study population comprised 65 lactating Murrah buffalo cows which were assigned to CIDR ( n = 33) or CIDR + eCG ( n = 32) treatment groups. Cows in the CIDR group were fitted for 8 d with a controlled intravaginal drug release (CIDR) device containing 1.38 g progesterone, received GnRH (10 μg i.m.) on D 0, PGF 2α (750 μg i.m.) on D 7, and GnRH (10 μg i.m.) on D 9; whereas cows in the CIDR + eCG group received the same treatment plus eCG (500 IU, i.m.) at the time of PGF 2α treatment. All cows were inseminated 16–20 h after the second GnRH treatment. Blood samples were obtained 10 d before the start of synchronization treatment (Day –10) and at the onset of treatment (Day 0). Cows with plasma progesterone concentrations <1 ng/mL recorded in both samples (Low–Low levels of P4) were classified as non-cyclic cows. Similarly, when either one or both of the sample pair contained concentrations of serum progesterone ≥1 ng/mL (High–High, Low–High, or High–Low levels of P4), the buffaloes were classified as cyclic cows. Ovulation rate, defined as the number of buffaloes with at least one corpus luteum 10 days after insemination, was significantly higher ( P = 0.018) in the CIDR + eCG (84.4%) cows than in the CIDR cows (57.6%). Pregnancy rate was numerically lower in CIDR (27.3%) than CIDR + eCG (40.6%) cows, though differences were not significant ( P = 0.25). Pregnancy rates for CIDR + eCG cows were similar to that of cows inseminated after natural estrus (40.9%; 29/71). In the non-cyclic animals, higher ovulation rates ( P = 0.026) were recorded for the CIDR + eCG (81%) than for the CIDR cows (47.4%). Our results indicate that the addition of eCG to a progesterone-based estrous synchronization regimen substantially improves the ovulation rate in non-cyclic buffaloes. When this treatment is followed by timed AI, pregnancy rates achieved in anestrous buffaloes, whether cyclic and non-cyclic, may approach the rates observed in cows inseminated at natural estrus.

In vitro embryo production in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using sexed sperm and oocytes from ovum pick up

The objective was to explore the use of sexed sperm and OPU-derived oocytes in an IVP system to produce sex-preselected bubaline embryos. Oocytes were recovered from 20 fertile Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffalo cows by repeated (twice weekly) ultrasound-guided transvaginal ovum pick up (OPU), or by aspiration of abbatoir-derived bubaline ovaries, and subjected to IVF, using frozen-thawed sexed or unsexed bubaline semen. On average, 4.6 oocytes were retrieved per buffalo per session (70.9% were Grades A or B). Following IVF with sexed sperm, oocytes derived from OPU had similar developmental competence as those from abattoir-derived ovaries, in terms of cleavage rate (57.6 vs. 50.4%, P=0.357) and blastocyst development rate (16.0 vs. 23.9%, P=0.237). Furthermore, using frozen-thawed sexed versus unsexed semen did not affect rates of cleavage (50.5 vs. 50.9%, P=0.978) or blastocyst development (15.3 vs. 19.1%, P=0.291) after IVF using OPU-derived oocytes. Of the embryos produced in an OPU-IVP system, 9 of 34 sexed fresh embryos (26.5%) and 5 of 43 sexed frozen embryos (11.6%) transferred to recipients established pregnancies, whereas 7 of 26 unsexed fresh embryos (26.9%) and 6 out of 39 unsexed frozen embryos (15.4%) transferred to recipients established pregnancies. Eleven sex-preselected buffalo calves (10 females and one male) and 10 sexed buffalo calves (six females and four males) were born following embryo transfer. In the present study, OPU, sperm sexing technology, IVP, and embryo transfer, were used to produce sex-preselected buffalo calves. This study provided proof of concept for further research and wider field application of these technologies in buffalo.

Relation of milk yield and time of milking on the temperament and milk let-down characteristics of Bulgarian Murrah buffalo

A total of sixty Bulgarian Murrah buffalo cows were observed of their activities prior, during and after milking to determine the relation of milk yield and time of milking on the temperament and milk let-down characteristics of the animals. The cows were classified into two groups based on their milk yield, namely: Group 1 (G1) for animals with average daily milk yield of 5 kg and above and Group 2 (G2) for animals with a daily milk yield of less than 5 kg. All the cows were milked twice a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon using milking machine.Results of the study showed that the temperament of the cows prior to milking, during milking, and after milking were not affected by their milk yield capacity. The time of milking also showed no significant effect on the temperament of cows prior and after milking. However, the animals milked in the afternoon were significantly (P<0.01) less restless than the animals milked in the morning.The rate of milk let-down was not significantly affected by the milk yield of animals (11.84 and 13.44 sec for G1 and G2, respectively) and the time of milking (8.54 sec in the morning and 16.74 sec in the afternoon). On the other hand, the rate of milk flow in the G1 group (7.28 mg/sec) was significantly greater (P<0.01) than the G2 group (4.24 mg/sec). The rate of milk flow for the animals milked in the morning (7.28 mg/sec) was significantly greater (P<0.01) than in the afternoon (4.42 mg/sec). The rate milk flow is positively correlated (0.762) with the milk yield of the animals.

Correlação entre o California Mastitis Test (CMT) e a Contagem de Células Somáticas (CCS) do leite de búfalas Murrah

O objetivo neste trabalho foi estimar as correlações entre o California Mastitis Test (CMT), a contagem células somáticas (CCS) e a produção de leite. Foram colhidas 544 amostras de leite de 38 búfalas em lactação nos anos de 2002 e 2003. O manejo de ordenha consistiu em uma ordenha diária, em que os tetos das búfalas eram desinfectados com solução de iodo, secos individualmente com papel toalha e submetidas à ordenha mecânica. O CMT foi realizado imediatamente após higienização dos tetos e as amostras de leite foram enviadas ao laboratório do DHVSP da Unesp/Botucatu, para realização da Contagem de Células Somáticas, em aparelho eletrônico Somacount 300. Foram efetuadas correlações entre Contagem de Células Somáticas, CMT, produção de leite, proteína, gordura e sólidos totais, que foram analisadas pelo SAEG (1997). A média de células somáticas foi de 63.380 células/mL, a produção diária de leite, de 4,07 ± 1,3 kg e a produção ajustada para os 270 dias, de 1214,25 ± 293,54 kg. Não foram encontradas correlações entre produção de leite, contagem de células somáticas e CMT. Para CCS e CMT, a correlação foi positiva e significativa (r = 0,53).