Murrah Buffaloes Research Articles

TWAS revealed significant causal loci for milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes

Milk yield is the most complex trait in dairy animals, and mapping all causal variants even with smallest effect sizes has been difficult with the genome-wide association study (GWAS) sample sizes available in geographical regions with small livestock holdings such as Indian sub-continent. However, Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) could serve as an alternate for fine mapping of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). This is a maiden attempt to identify milk production and its composition related genes using TWAS in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). TWAS was conducted on a test (N = 136) set of Murrah buffaloes genotyped through ddRAD sequencing. Their gene expression level was predicted using reference (N = 8) animals having both genotype and mammary epithelial cell (MEC) transcriptome information. Gene expression prediction was performed using Elastic-Net and Dirichlet Process Regression (DPR) model with fivefold cross-validation and without any cross-validation. DPR model without cross-validation predicted 80.92% of the total genes in the test group of Murrah buffaloes which was highest compared to other methods. TWAS in test individuals based on predicted gene expression, identified a significant association of one unique gene for Fat%, and two for SNF% at Bonferroni corrected threshold. The false discovery rates (FDR) corrected P-values of the top ten SNPs identified through GWAS were comparatively higher than TWAS. Gene ontology of TWAS-identified genes was performed to understand the function of these genes, it was revealed that milk production and composition genes were mainly involved in Relaxin, AMPK, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway, along with CCRI, and several key metabolic processes. The present study indicates that TWAS offers a lower false discovery rate and higher significant hits than GWAS for milk production and its composition traits. Hence, it is concluded that TWAS can be effectively used to identify genes and cis-SNPs in a population, which can be used for fabricating a low-density genomic chip for predicting milk production in Murrah buffaloes.

Short milking tube thermogram analysis: an indicator of mastitis in Murrah buffaloes.

In the present study, thermal images of the short milking tube of the milking machine representing four udder quarters independently attached to a milking animal, along with pre-milking and post-milking udder and teat thermograms, were taken using a hand-held digital infrared thermal camera (DarviDTL007) during morning milking of lactating Murrah buffaloes (n = 132) to assess the mastitis status. California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk samples were carried out to screen the udder quarters as healthy, subclinical (SCM), and clinical mastitis (CM). The thermograms revealed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.19 and 3.72ºC in the mean values of short milking tube (SMT) surface temperature among SCM and CM quarters compared to healthy quarters, respectively. The mean values of udder skin surface temperature (USST) for pre-milking, milking, and post-milking of SCM and CM compared to healthy quarters showed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.17, 1.96, and 1.61ºC and 3.11, 2.88, and 2.73ºC, respectively. Similarly, compared to healthy quarters, the mean values of teat skin surface temperature (TSST) for pre-milking and post-milking of SCM and CM showed an increase (p < 0.05) of 2.12 and 1.66ºC and 3.07 and 2.45ºC, respectively. Also, CMT and SCC results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.68-0.91, p < 0.01) with all the thermographic parameters. Thus, thermograms of SMT alone can be used as an efficient detection tool in assessing SCM among Murrah buffaloes.

Nutritional Evaluation of Hydroponic Corn Fodder and its Effect as Substitute for Feed Concentrates for Buffalo Calves

This study investigated the effects of hydroponic corn fodder on the growth performance of buffalo calves. Twelve Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves were divided into two treatment groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic corn fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate. The study found no significant differences between the two groups' average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic corn fodder. Dry matter and crude protein intake did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The digestibility of nutrients showed a significant difference in dry matter digestibility between T1 and T2. Feed cost per d was significantly lower in T1, but the cost of feed per kg gain was lower in T2. This study suggested that supplementing buffalo calves' diets with hydroponic corn fodder could have a beneficial effect on their growth performance and economic viability. It recommends further research on the use of other grains as fodder for ruminants. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of hydroponic corn production as a sustainable source of fodder for ruminants.

A synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (g.36417726C > A) in the Lama2 gene influencing fat deposition is associated with post-partum anestrus interval in Murrah buffalo

Postpartum absence of estrus exhibition known as postpartum anestrus interval (PPAI) for more than 90 days after calving is a concerning issue for dairy buffalo farmers' economy. The PPAI duration is influenced by both management practices and animal genetics. Investigating genetic markers associated with PPAI is crucial for incorporating them into marker-assisted selection programs. Towards this goal, our study focused on exploring potential genetic markers from early postpartum adipose tissue gene networks. We successfully identified 24 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within 9 candidate genes. In our initial analysis involving 100 buffaloes, we detected a significant association (P = 0.02267) between a specific synonymous SNP within the Lama2 gene (g.36417726C > A) and PPAI. This finding was subsequently validated (P = 0.02937) in a larger cohort of 415 buffaloes, where the SNP explained 1.36 % of the genetic variance. Intriguingly, buffaloes with the CC genotype of this SNP exhibited a PPAI that was 12.71 ± 3.21 days longer compared to buffaloes with AA and CA genotypes. To gain insight into the functional relevance of this SNP, a computational analysis was performed which indicated that the C allele of the SNP (g.36417726C > A) increased the stability of LAMA2 mRNA compared to the A allele. This computational prediction was corroborated by observing a significant increase (P = 0.01798) in Lama2 gene expression (greater than 8-fold) and higher fat percentage (P < 0.05) in adipose tissue of CC genotypes (48.78 ± 1.87 %) compared to AA genotypes (33.59 ± 4.5 %). Furthermore, we noted a significant (P < 0.05) upregulation of C/ebpβ, Pparγ, Fasn, C/ebpα, and Pnpla2 genes, along with the downregulation of Bmp2 and Ptch1 in CC genotypes as opposed to AA genotypes. This observation suggests the involvement of the Pparγ-mediated pathway in both adipogenesis and lipolysis within CC genotypes. In summary, our comprehensive analysis involving association and functional validation underscores the potential of the SNP (g.36417726C > A) within the Lama2 gene as a promising genetic marker against extended PPAI in Murrah buffalo.

Comparative RNA isolation methods from fresh ejaculated spermatozoa in Sahiwal cattle (Bos indicus) and Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls for high quality and enhanced RNA yield

Sperm mRNA transcriptional profiling can be used to evaluate the fertility of breeding bulls. The aim of the study was to compare the modified RNA isolation methods for higher RNA yield and quality from freshly ejaculated sperm of cattle and buffalo bulls. Ten fresh ejaculates from each Sahiwal (n = 10 bulls × 10 ejaculates) and Murrah bulls (n = 10 bulls x 10 ejaculates) were used for RNA isolation. From the recovered live sperm, total sperm RNA was isolated by conventional methods (TRIzol, Double TRIzol), membrane-based methods combined with TRIzol (RNeasy + TRIzol) with the addition of β-mercaptoethanol (BME) and Kit (RNeasy mini) methods in fresh semen. Among different isolation methods; the membrane-based modified methods combined with TRIzol (RNeasy + TRIzol) with the addition of β-mercaptoethanol (BME) resulted significantly (p < .05) higher total RNA quantity (300–340 ng/µL) and better purity in different concentrations of spermatozoa viz., 30–40 million, 70–80 million and 300–400 million sperm. The study concluded that the inclusion of BME to the combined membrane-based methods with somatic cell lysis buffer solution was best for constant increased yield and purity of RNA isolation from Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo bull sperm.

Assessment of hormone status during complete lactation in Murrah buffaloes

The present study was conducted on (n = 15) Murrah lactating buffaloes; the objective was to study the hormonal profile and its correlation with the temperature-humidity index (THI) during the complete lactation of the Murrah buffaloes. The blood samples were collected on 7th and 15th day of parturition and thereafter at fortnightly intervals on days 30th, 45th, 60th, 75th, 90th, 105th, 120th, 135th, 150th, 165th, 180th, 195th, and 210th of lactation and on same days THI was recorded. The results showed significant variations in the concentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, and glucose during lactation period in Murrah buffaloes. However, Insulin was significantly and positively correlated with THI. Whereas, IGF-1 observed significant but negative correlation with THI.

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.

Utilizing intramammary Melaleuca alternifolia as an organic internal sealant for dry-off therapy in Murrah buffaloes.

The effects of intramammary dry cow therapy based on the administration of 5% Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree essential oil (TTO) as an internal teat sealant to Murrah cows were evaluated. A longitudinal prospective and retrospective negative control study was performed using 12 buffaloes from a total of 20 Murrah buffaloes on an organic farm, with the cow used as a control for herself. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for treatments with pure oil (TTO) and medication containing 5% TTO (O5) were determined. The buffaloes were clinically examined, and the teats were evaluated using thermography and ultrasound. Udder health was monitored during the first 100days in milk (DIM) using milk somatic cell count (SCC) and California mastitis test (CMT). Laboratory tests against standard strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC®25,923™, Escherichia coli ATCC®25,922™, and wild bacterial strains showed maximum MIC values of 50 µL/mL for the TTO and O5 treatments. One wild-type S. aureus strain showed no MBC. No adverse effects were observed after the intramammary application of TTO. The CMT and SCC values were similar (P > 0.05) for all observations. The medication containing 5% TTO was effective in vitro and compatible with the intramammary tissue in vivo of Murrah buffaloes. TTO was safe, not inducing inflammatory processes or other modifications of the teat detectable by thermography or ultrasound. It was able to protect buffaloes during the dry period under field conditions, demonstrating potential use as a teat sealant for organic farms.

Influence of Maternal Contact on Hormonal, Growth, and Behavioral Responses of Murrah Buffalo Calves in Winter

Aims: The study was conducted to reveal the effect of calf-mother contact and ameliorative measures on cortisol, growth rate and behaviour of Murrah Buffalo calves during the winter season.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Livestock Research Centre (LRC) of ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, India and between November 2021 to February 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 21 advanced-pregnant Murrah buffaloes were carefully chosen and the buffalo-calf pairs were divided into three treatment groups, each consisting of 7 pairs. In the first group (T0), the Murrah buffalo mothers were permitted to nurse their calves with colostrum and later milk twice a day. In the second group (T1), the buffalo mothers had direct contact with their calves during the first five days, allowing free-choice colostrum suckling. Afterward, they were housed near their calves, separated by a fence line. These buffalo mothers were allowed to nurse their calves twice a day, following a similar routine as the T0 group. In the third group (T2), all conditions were similar to those of the T1 group, a notable distinction was that the calves in the T2 group were provided with halogen lights in the shed.&#x0D; Results: Minimum temperature in T2 shed was significantly (p &lt;0.05) higher than that in T0 and T1 shed. The mean cortisol level of T1 (6.64±0.71 ng/mL) and T2 (6.21±0.67 ng/mL) was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) as compared to T0 (7.88±0.70 ng/mL) group of calves. The findings indicated that within the experimental calf groups, both T2 and T1 exhibited higher (P&lt;0.05) average daily gain (ADG) compared to the T0 group basis every week. Moreover, calves in T2 and T1 spent significantly (P&lt;0.05) more time resting, eating, and engaging in rumination compared to the calves in the T0 group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings show that offering fenceline mother-calf contact can reduces stress and enhances growth, behavior, and welfare of calves more effectively than calves with restricted contact during winter season.

Incidence of gastro-intestinal parasites in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves under organized farming system in East coast plain region of Andhra Pradesh

Incidence of gastro-intestinal parasites in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves under organized farming system in East coast plain region of Andhra Pradesh

Assessment of expected breeding value for milk production traits of Murrah buffaloes under different heat stress zones in Indian sub-tropical climatic conditions.

Present study was conducted to investigate the impact of temperature humidity index (THI) on expected breeding value (EBV) for daily milk yield (DMY) and monthly test day fat% (MTDF%) and monthly test day SNF% (MTDSNF%) of Murrah buffaloes at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. 302,101 records of DMY and 9864 records each on MTDF% and MTDSNF% buffaloes spanned over 20years (1994 to 2013) from NDRI, Karnal, and meteorological were collected from ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal. The year was classified into three zones: non-heat stress (NHSZ), heat stress (HSZ), and critical heat stress zone (CHSZ) based on THI. The heritability (h2) estimates for DMY, MTDF%, and MTDSNF% in NHSZ were 0.432 ± 0.054, 0.090 ± 0.004, and 0.070 ± 0.002; in HSZ 0.491 ± 0.073, 0.112 ± 0.003, and 0.052 ± 0.001; and in CHSZ 0.524 ± 0.077, 0.116 ± 0.004, and 0.092 ± 0.003, respectively. The repeatability (r) for DMY, MTDF%, and MTDSNF% in NHSZ were 0.528 ± 0.006, 0.166 ± 0.007, and 0.135 ± 0.007; in HSZ 0.572 ± 0.007, 0.198 ± 0.006, and 0.077 ± 0.006; and in CHSZ 0.599 ± 0.008, 0.217 ± 0.004, and 0.156 ± 0.009, respectively. EBV for DMY and MTDF% was maximum in NHSZ (8.85kg and 7.85%) and in HSZ (7.27kg and7.78%) and lowest (6.90kg and 7.77%) at CHSZ. For MTDSNF%, EBV was highest during NHSZ (9.6403), declined to 9.6265 at HSZ, and marginally elevated to 9.6271 at CHSZ. Impact of climatic factors on milk production and constituent traits is vital, and proper management should be followed during the heat stress and critical heat stress periods to improve the production performance of Murrah buffaloes.

Ultrasonographic diagnosis of reproductive disorders in Murrah buffaloes

The present investigation was carried out in the year 2016 to 2017 at government livestock farm sector-1 and buffalo farm of LUVAS on Murrah buffaloes and a total of 70 post-partum animals were examined using real time B mode ultrasonography. A total of 13 animals were diagnosed with reproductive ailments including granulosa cell tumour, follicular cyst, mucometra, parovarian cyst, pyometra, hydrometra, cystitis and early embryonic mortality

Ultrasonographic characteristics of prostate and seminal vesicle glands in developing Murrah buffalo bulls

The study was performed in Murrah buffalo-bull calves to assess the developmental dimensions of the prostate and seminal vesicle (SV) glands from 1 to 30 months of age with transrectal ultrasonography. The width of prostate gland ranged between 1.39±0.07 and 2.65±0.14 cm. The rate of change in the mean width of the gland was gradual and almost same from one to thirty month (P&lt;0.05). The correlation co-efficient between width of prostate gland and age was r2 = 0.73. The mean circumference and length of the SV gland at one month to thirty months of age ranged from 6.14±0.32 to 13.05±0.34 cm and 2.61±0.09 to 6.02±0.27 cm, respectively. The correlation co-efficient between length and age, width and age, and circumference of SV gland and age were r2 = 0.68, r2 = 0.55 and r2 = 0.74, respectively. From this study, it is concluded that the ultrasonographic evaluation of prostate and SV along with growth rate could be very practical tool for the assessment of puberty.

Comparative study of depotash vinasse and molasses as binder and production performance in lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Dairy sector has recently focused a lot of attention on the addition of agricultural by-products as functional feed additives as an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology. Depotash vinasse (DPV) serves as a cheap source of nutrients and a binder for animal feed in dairy sector. However, there is little information available on the usage of depotash vinasse on animals. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the role of depotash vinasse as pellet binder on nutrient digestibility, blood parameters and milk production in early lactating Murrah buffaloes. Fifteen Murrah buffaloes (daily milk yield 8.5 to 9.0kg/day) were randomly assigned to three groups, viz., control, group 1 (G1) and group 2 (G2) on the basis of milk yield and days in milk. The control group animals received a basal diet of concentrate mix, oat greens and wheat straw, G1 animals received molasses as a binder (8%), while G2 received DPV as binder (8%). Results revealed that there was no significant effect on nutrient digestibility. Blood parameters and hepatic enzymes were statistically similar (P > 0.05). Supplementation of depotash vinasse as binder had no effect on plasma minerals and was comparable to control group. There were no changes in milk production and 6% fat-corrected milk yield in treated groups as compared to control. It was concluded that depotash vinasse (8%) may be used for pellet production with no negative impact on milk yield and composition, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical parameters in early lactating buffaloes.

Genetic parameters and genome-wide association studies for mozzarella and milk production traits, lactation length, and lactation persistency in Murrah buffaloes

Genetic and genomic analyses of longitudinal traits related to milk production efficiency are paramount for optimizing water buffaloes breeding schemes. Therefore, this study aimed to: 1) compare single-trait random regression models under a Single-step Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (ssGBLUP) setting based on alternative covariance functions (i.e., Wood - WD, Wilmink - WL, and Ali-and-Schaeffer - AS) to describe milk (MY), fat (FY), protein (PY), and mozzarella (MZY) yields, fat-to-protein ratio (FPR), somatic cell score (SCS), lactation length (LL), and lactation persistency (LP) in Murrah dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis); 2) combine the best functions for each trait under a multiple-trait framework; 3) estimate time-dependent SNP effects for all the studied longitudinal traits; and, 5) identify the most likely candidate genes associated with the traits. A total of 323,140 test-day records from the first lactation of 4,588 Murrah buffaloes were made available for the study. The model included the average curve of the population nested within herd-year-season of calving, systematic effects of number of milkings per day, and age at first calving as linear and quadratic covariates, and additive genetic, permanent environment, and residual as random effects. The WD model had the best goodness of fit based on the deviance information criterion and posterior model probabilities for all traits. Moderate heritabilities were estimated over time for most traits (0.30 ± 0.02 for MY; 0.26 ± 0.03 for FY; 0.45 ± 0.04 for PY; 0.28 ± 0.05 for MZY; 0.13 ± 0.02 for FPR; and 0.15 ± 0.03 for SCS). The heritability estimates for LP ranged from 0.38 ± 0.02 to 0.65 ± 0.03 depending on the trait definition used. Similarly, heritabilities estimated for LL ranged from 0.10 ± 0.01 to 0.14 ± 0.03. The genetic correlation estimates across DIM for all traits ranged from -0.06 (186 to 215 DIM for MY-SCS) to 0.78 (66 to 95 DIM for PY-MZY). The SNP effects calculated for the random regression model coefficients were used to estimate the SNP effects throughout the lactation curve (from 5 to 305 d). Numerous relevant genomic regions and candidate genes were identified for all traits, confirming their polygenic nature. The candidate genes identified contribute to a better understanding of the genetic background of milk-related traits in Murrah buffaloes and reinforce the value of incorporating genomic information in their breeding programs.

Kinetics of humoral response to Pasteurella multocida in buffaloes against combined foot-and-mouth+haemorrhagic septicaemia vaccine

The present study reports kinetics of anti-P. multocida antibody (Ab) response at monthly intervals in Murrah buffaloes of different age groups vaccinated against combined Foot-and-mouth disease+haemorrhagic septicaemia (FMD+HS) vaccine. A total of 60 Murrah buffaloes of three age groups having 20 animals each: calves, heifers and adults were used to monitor anti-P. multocida Ab response at monthly intervals using single dilution indirect ELISA. The percentage of adult buffaloes protected were found to be the highest during all the six months post-vaccination followed by heifers and calves. The protective mean Ab titres were maintained up to six months post-vaccination for heifers and adults but not for calves. The F value (the ratio of two mean squares) for pre- and all the six month(s) post-vaccination and all the three age groups was significantly higher. Pearson Chi square value for pre-vaccination and all the six months except three months post-vaccination was significantly higher. Pearson correlation value was significantly higher with positive linear relationship. The data in the present study indicated that the combined FMD+HS vaccine was found to be effective in buffaloes of all age groups at government organised farm and could be an ideal approach in field conditions under Livestock Health Disease Control Program run by the Government of India.

Coccidiosis in Murrah Buffalo Calves from Meghalaya's Subtropical Hilly Region

The present study reports the prevalence of coccidiosis in Murrah buffalo calves (8 nos.) of 11-22 days of age in hilly region of Meghalaya. Clinical signs observed were diarrhea, anorexia, weakness and loss of weight. Fecal sample examination by flotation and modified McMaster techniques revealed the presence of four species of Eimeria, viz., E. bareillyi (29.42%), E. zuernii (22.76%), E. bovis (36.53%) and E. ellipsoidalis (11.29%). High intensity of infection oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces was observed in infected calves. The OPG ranged from 20200 to 121000. Mortality observed when OPG exceeded 121000 which may be due to severe diarrhea, anorexia and weakness. The calves were successfully treated with Amprolium @ 10 mg per kg body weight orally for 7 days, Ceftriaxone @ 0.5 gm I/M for 5 days, Melonex @ 1.5 mL I/M for 5 days, Tribivet @ 1.5 mL I/M along with vimeral @ 10 mL orally for 3 days and fluid therapy @ 500 mL intravenously daily for 3 days. After 7 days of treatment most of the calves recovered gradually and started normal feeding.

Effect of cryopreservation and capacitation on expression patterns of ATP synthesis associated genes in bubaline spermatozoa

This study investigated the expression patterns of certain ATP synthesis associated genes (GAPDHS, PGK2, ENO4 and MDH2) in fresh and frozen-thawed bubaline spermatozoa vis-à-vis capacitation. Eight adult Murrah buffalo bulls, aged 5–7 years, were randomly selected from a bull farm and fresh semen was collected once a week for four weeks (n = 32) from the selected bulls. Simultaneously, frozen straws of the same bulls were collected (n = 32, four straws were pooled per sample). The samples were divided into four groups i.e., fresh non capacitated (control/group 1), fresh capacitated (group 2), frozen non capacitated (group 3) and frozen capacitated (group 4). In all groups mRNA extraction was done. The mRNA expression of GAPDHS was significantly higher in group 3 compared to the other groups, whereas the expression of ENO4 was significantly up-regulated in group 2 and 3 compared to the group 4. Similarly, the mRNA expression of PGK2 was significantly up-regulated in group 3 whereas in case of MDH2, it was significantly higher in group 2, 3 and 4 compared group 1. It can be concluded from our study that freezing and capacitation has a significant effect on the expression dynamics of the ATP synthesis-associated genes warranting necessary interventions in handling procedures to minimise the adverse effect of freezing on ATP synthesis process to ensure persistence of fertilizing ability of sperm.

Physiological parameters and serum electrolyte changes after betaine supplementation in lactating Murrah buffaloes during hot-humid season

Betaine acts as a methyl donor in metabolism and serves as an organic osmolyte, which is used by cells for protection against osmotic stress and high temperatures. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of betaine on physiological parameters and serum electrolyte changes in postpartum lactating Murrah buffaloes during the hot-humid season. The study was performed at the Livestock Farm Complex, N.D.V.S.U., Jabalpur, in 2019. Eighteen postpartum Murrah buffaloes were randomly divided into three groups for the experiment. T1 was a control group. T2 and T3 groups were supplemented with betaine at 50 g/animal/day and 100 g/animal/day, respectively. Betaine was supplemented in the feed from day 5 postpartum and continued up to 4 months. The rectal temperature was found to be significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups as compared to the T1 group on day 90 postpartum. The pulse rate was lower in the T2 and T3 groups as compared to the control group on day 105 postpartum. It was concluded that betaine improves serum sodium, potassium, and the chloride concentration as compared to the control group and reduces heat stress in lactating buffaloes.

Persistence of maternal antibodies in calves born of combined foot-and-mouth disease + haemorrhagic septicaemia vaccinated buffaloes at organized dairy farm

Twelve apparently healthy and recently parturiated Murrah buffaloes, vaccinated with Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) + Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) combined vaccine at an organized farm along with their newborn calves were inducted for detection of antibodies in serum and colostrum against FMD virus (FMDV) serotypes O, A and Asia-1, and Pasteurella multocida using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The calves born to vaccinated dams showed the presence of protective maternal antibody titre (≥1.8 log10) from birth till the period of study (16th week of age) against FMDV serotypes O, A and Asia-1. The maternal antibody titre against P. multocida were protective (≥1.8 log10) till fifth day of age which became partially protective thereafter till the period of study. It is recommended to avoid vaccination of the calves before 16th week of age with FMD+HS combined vaccine.