Buffalo Population Research Articles

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Mastitis among Dairy Buffaloes from the Departments of Antioquia and Córdoba, Colombia

Background: Mastitis is the most common disease among dairy buffaloes worldwide, and it significantly affects the economic profitability of buffalo farms as well as animal welfare and public health.
 Methods: This study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 at the Colombian departments of Antioquia and Córdoba, where 41% of the country’s total buffalo population is concentrated. Overall, 1,018 dairy buffaloes, including 603 in Antioquia and 415 in Córdoba, distributed among 11 farms, were assessed in the study. These animals were evaluated using the California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) to determine the presence of subclinical mastitis (SM). They were considered positive for SM when the results of CMT were higher than traces and SCC was >200,000 cells/mL.
 Results: The total prevalence of the disease was 7.9%, and microbiological culture was performed on the samples obtained from the SM-positive animals. The main isolated bacterium was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Furthermore, risk factors affecting milking routine, hygiene, and farm facilities were determined. Manual milking, milking in the barn, non-disinfection of milkers' hands, etc., were identified as risk factors for the disease.
 Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale study of mastitis among buffaloes in Colombia.

Reliable use of smart cameras for monitoring biometric parameters in buffalo precision livestock farming

Precision Livestock Farming, as a specific sub-sector of Public Health Informatics, focuses on the application of process engineering principles and techniques to achieve an automatic monitoring, modelling, and management of animal productions. In the present work a timely "protocol" is proposed for unobtrusive direct/indirect monitoring of biometric parameters for the estimation of body conditions on Mediterranean Buffalo populations, using low-cost automated systems already present on the market i.e., smart cameras endowed with depth perception capabilities.

Molecular Detection of Coxiella burnetii by Nested PCR Method in Cattle and Buffalo Raw Milk, Urmia Region, Iran

Background: Coxiella burnetii, a pleomorphic coccobacillus with a Gram-negative cell wall and the cause of query (Q) fever. Amongst animals, farm animals, goats, and sheep are the main reservoirs of Q fever. Methods: This study was conducted to outline the presence of C. burnetii in raw milk received from farm animals and buffalo in all 12 months of 2020 within the Urmia region, northwest Iran. A total of 600 milk samples were received from 3 regions by registering the animals' ages. DNA extraction from milk samples was performed. Results: The nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was efficient in the detection of C. burnetii based on the transposable com1 gene. The results showed that 12.33% (95% CI: 9.9 - 15%) of the total samples (12.66% buffalo and 12% in cattle raw milk) were positive for C. burnetii DNA. The prevalence of C. burnetii in raw milk samples was considerably higher in summer (12.66%, P < 0.05, 95% CI: 9.3 - 17%). In addition, the superiority of C. burnetii in livestock milk drastically varied (P < 0.05) amongst age groups. However, it was not significant in buffalo milk samples. Conclusions: The farm animals and buffalo population in Urmia may be taken into consideration as an important parameter in the epidemiology of Q fever.

Dynamics of livestock and poultry population in India and Himachal Pradesh:A comparative temporal analysis

The present study on livestock population dynamics can provide useful insights about growth trends of various species and overall livestock population. Such type of analysis is useful for making sound policy and programme planning in livestock sector. The study is based on the secondary data (1977 to 2019) collected from sources such as different livestock census, basic animal husbandry statistics, statistical outlines of India and Himachal Pradesh. The results revealed that India’s cattle population after attaining a peak of 204.5 million in 1992 remained in the range of 190-200 million during majority of census period. Cattle population in Himachal after attaining peak in 2007 has shown sharp decline in last two censuses. During last two census (2007-19) period, buffalo population’s growth has slowed down in India whereas it showed negative growth rate in Himachal Pradesh. Goat population in India showed promising positive trend in majority of census period but in Himachal Pradesh, growth has slowed down. Sheep population also showed steady growth in majority of census period in India whereas in Himachal Pradesh it has declined in every census. Therefore, growth rate of cattle and buffalo population has either stagnated or slowed down in India. On the contrary, cattle, buffalo, sheep population declined in Himachal Pradesh and goat population witnessed slower growth rate in comparison to entire India. The poultry population in the India and Himachal Pradesh increased at impressive and consistent growth rate.

LA RÉPARTITION GÉOGRAPHIQUE DES POPULATIONS DE BUFFLES ÉLEVÉES SUR LE TERRITOIRE DE LA ROUMANIE AU DERNIER SIÈCLE

After bulls, buffaloes are the most important group of cattle. Buffalo populations have an obvious practical importance for milk production and, to a lesser extent, for muscle work (traction for various agricultural works). A geographical approach to the presence of water buffaloes in Romania has not been carried out until this day. On the territory of Romania, buffaloes are raised only in rural households. Between 1920 and 1980, the number of buffaloes varied between 135,000 and 180,000 head. The lowest number (135,000 specimens) was recorded in 1946, and the maximum population (almost 200,000 specimens) was reached in 1985, the largest in the previous century. Subsequently, the number of buffaloes decreased sharply, so that in 2019 the population was 90% smaller compared to that of 1985, the causes of this decrease being rather convoluted. The main breeding area of this mammal is Transylvania.

Sustainability Indicators of Kalang Buffalo Production Systems in Swamp Ecosystems in South Kalimantan

This study aims to identify problems, identify and analyze stakeholders and determine indicators (qualitative and quantitative) for the sustainability of kalang buffalo production systems in swamp ecosystems in South Kalimantan. The kalang buffalo is a type of mud buffalo that is reared using the kalang system. In the local language, kalang is an enclosure built in the middle of swamp waters. This study is expected to be a source of information for academics, farmers, communities and policymakers in South Kalimantan Province regarding the strategic function of Kalang buffalo for the people of South Kalimantan. Data collection was done by describing the problem and determining relevant stakeholders. The literature study was conducted with expert discussion. FGDs were also conducted to explore important issues, followed by SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis and to determine relevant issues. Situation analysis and secondary data showed that the Kalang buffalo population is declining. Stakeholder identification identified the central and local governments as primary stakeholders; secondary stakeholders were scientists/academics, butchers, sellers, and consumers. The primary stakeholders selected were buffalo farmers, central and local governments, while secondary stakeholders consisted of scientists/academics, butchers, farmer sellers, and consumers. The selected indicators on the EES issue are economic indicators such as gross margin (GM), body weight, weaning weight, and reproduction (calf crop (%)); environmental indicators such as total grazing land use and waste disposal; and social indicators such total of buffalo, feeding procedures, mating system, cages, record keeping, time allocation for maintenance, social status and land use conflicts.

Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Prepubescent Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Water buffaloes are bred in Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and some African countries. European water buffaloes are all of the river type and are considered to be of the same breed named the Mediterranean water buffalo. This species plays a key role in milk production in Italy. Buffalo breeding for milk production has represented an important economic value in recent years, even in Italian regions where this activity was not historically rooted. Therefore, it is very important to monitor animal health and welfare by performing periodical clinical examinations combined with different hematological and biochemical tests. However, there are few studies regarding these aspects, as well as research aimed at establishing the reference ranges for species. This study aims to define hematological and biochemical parameters in a population of healthy water buffalo in controlled conditions for over a year in Italy.

Inheritance of body size and ultrasound carcass traits in yearling Anatolian buffalo calves.

The body size and ultrasound carcass traits are related to the growth and muscling of animals. These characters promise future improvement through genetic selection in animal breeding. In breeding programs, knowing the (co)variance components serves to reveal the performance differences among animals and detection of suitable traits for selection. The research was carried out with 313 Anatolian buffalo calves born in 2019 at 36 farm operations. The least-square means for body weight (BW), wither height (WH), rump height (RH), body length (BL), chest width (CW), hip width (HW), chest circumference (CC), cannon-bone circumference (CBC), longissimus muscle area (LMA), longissimus muscle depth (LMD), and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in yearling calves were 175.41 2.06 kg, 108.35 0.34, 111.85 0.37, 103.74 0.41, 33.93 0.23, 30.56 0.23, 135.18 0.60, 15.69 0.08 cm, 19.36 0.45 cm, 3.086 0.028, and 0.655 0.006 cm, respectively. The direct heritabilities for BW, WH, RH, BL, CW, HW, CC, CBC, LMA, LMD, and SFT were 0.334 0.032, 0.483 0.044, 0.473 0.043, 0.441 0.041, 0.364 0.034, 0.432 0.040, 0.435 0.040, 0.226 0.021, 0.0001 0.000, 0.300 0.026, and 0.539 0.046, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations predicted in this study ranged from 0.02 to 0.90. All the genetic and phenotypic correlations among body size and ultrasound carcass traits were significant (), except for the genetic correlation between CW and HW. Some polymorphisms in PLAG1, NCAPG, LCORL, and HMGA2 genes were analyzed. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for PLAG1 and NCAPG genes were found to be monomorphic in this buffalo population. Meanwhile, the effects of two SNPs in the LCORL and HMGA2 genes were not significant but showed some tendencies in the aspects of least-square means. The results of the study indicated that the Anatolian buffaloes have the potential to improve in growth and muscling characteristics.

Lumpy Skin Disease, an Emerging Transboundary Viral Disease in Animal’s: A Review

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an arising viral ailment impacting cows and buffaloes in India. Livestock industry suffers enormous financial damages as a result of lumpy skin disease (LSD). Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a part of the Poxviridae family induces it, along with precursor being Neethling variant. Lumpy skin disease virus belongs to Capripox virus genus, it also contains sheep and goat pox viruses. Lumpy skin ailment is a bovine illness that is enzootic, contagious, eruptive, and infrequently lethal. It is characterised by skin lumps. Cows and buffalo are the sole impacted types of animals, with substantial morbidity yet lower fatality levels; although, calves die at a greater rate. Lumpy skin disease lowers milk and meat output, induces female miscarriages, and promotes male impotency. Skin nodules all over the body, fever, lachraimal discharge, nasal discharge, anorexia, decreased milk yield, emaciation, depression, and reluctance to move are all major clinical signs. LSD's origins can be traced back to 1929 in Zambia. Lumpy skin disease is regarded an indigenous illness in the African continent. However, around 1984, this disease spread beyond Africa. It has been reported in Madagascar as well as some Middle Eastern countries and Arabian Peninsula. This sickness has lately been documented in regions where lumpy skin ailment is not available (Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, and Iraq, Jordan), posing a financial risk to the livestock industry. After the earliest case of lumpy skin ailment was reported in India, it has spread rapidly throughout the country, posing a risk to the cattle and buffalo populations of productivity and mortality.

Biodiversity of Indonesian indigenous buffalo: First review of the status, challenges, and development opportunities.

In Indonesia, the buffalo is important for small and marginal farmers' livelihood and economic development as a source of food, working animal, and tourist attraction. Therefore, an in-depth study is needed to examine challenges and opportunities for buffalo development in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the buffalo is divided into two types: swamp buffalo and river buffalo. The buffalo population in Indonesia has declined significantly. A decrease of approximately 39.35% was recorded from 2022 to 2017. The decline occurred due to low reproduction rate and suboptimal rearing management systems. There are three buffalo-rearing systems: Intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. The productivity of buffalo is diverse and closely related to the characteristics of the regional agroecosystem, consistent with existing natural resources and rearing management systems. The diversity of buffalo productivity provides a good opportunity to improve productivity. Improvement of buffalo genetics is urgently needed, by improving mating management, etc., especially to reduce potential inbreeding. In recent years, genetic and molecular research on Indonesian buffalo has made progress, including use of molecular markers, such as microsatellites and single-nucleotide polymorphisms, to evaluate genetic diversity within and among buffalo populations across Indonesia. In addition, studies are being conducted on the relationship of genotype mutations that contribute to appearance and phenotypic performance (heat stress, reproduction, behavior, coat color, and production attributes) in buffaloes. Identification of genetic diversity in local buffaloes can be improved using various genetic and genomic techniques. These findings will form a basis for the targeted conservation of local buffaloes in Indonesia. This study aimed to collect information on the genetic resources of the local buffalo, particularly its status and production system and provide recommendations for developing buffalo production in Indonesia.

Read-depth based approach on whole genome resequencing data reveals important insights into the copy number variation (CNV) map of major global buffalo breeds

BackgroundElucidating genome-wide structural variants including copy number variations (CNVs) have gained increased significance in recent times owing to their contribution to genetic diversity and association with important pathophysiological states. The present study aimed to elucidate the high-resolution CNV map of six different global buffalo breeds using whole genome resequencing data at two coverages (10X and 30X). Post-quality control, the sequence reads were aligned to the latest draft release of the Bubaline genome. The genome-wide CNVs were elucidated using a read-depth approach in CNVnator with different bin sizes. Adjacent CNVs were concatenated into copy number variation regions (CNVRs) in different breeds and their genomic coverage was elucidated.ResultsOverall, the average size of CNVR was lower at 30X coverage, providing finer details. Most of the CNVRs were either deletion or duplication type while the occurrence of mixed events was lesser in number on a comparative basis in all breeds. The average CNVR size was lower at 30X coverage (0.201 Mb) as compared to 10X (0.013 Mb) with the finest variants in Banni buffaloes. The maximum number of CNVs was observed in Murrah (2627) and Pandharpuri (25,688) at 10X and 30X coverages, respectively. Whereas the minimum number of CNVs were scored in Surti at both coverages (2092 and 17,373). On the other hand, the highest and lowest number of CNVRs were scored in Jaffarabadi (833 and 10,179 events) and Surti (783 and 7553 events) at both coverages. Deletion events overnumbered duplications in all breeds at both coverages. Gene profiling of common overlapped genes and longest CNVRs provided important insights into the evolutionary history of these breeds and indicate the genomic regions under selection in respective breeds.ConclusionThe present study is the first of its kind to elucidate the high-resolution CNV map in major buffalo populations using a read-depth approach on whole genome resequencing data. The results revealed important insights into the divergence of major global buffalo breeds along the evolutionary timescale.

Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Livestock Farmers on the Usefulness of Governmental Services in Punjab (Pakistan)

Pakistan is prosperous in animals, and their potential is unmatched worldwide in population and production. Despite the vast livestock population, a handsome amount is spent on importing livestock products and byproducts to meet the needs of the people. Keeping in view this, the present study was designed in the Faisalabad (Purposively selected) district of Punjab-province which has a maximum number of registered farmers (194758) by the Livestock and Dairy Development Department (L & DD). It also has a vast population of cows (534499), buffaloes (999087), goats (528203), and sheep (87691). The sample size was calculated using the online sample size calculator from survey monkey website which was 383 farmers. Three hundred eighty-three farmers chosen through multistage random sampling were interviewed face-to-face on a structured schedule. Binary logistics regression was applied to the data to explore the impact of different socioeconomic attributes on the awareness and usefulness of the services. Results (P-Value) indicated that age, education, land size, milking method, income sources, and the number of cattle had a statistically significant relationship with awareness. Education, land size, milking method, and the number of cattle had a statistically significant association with usefulness. Training programs for the farmers and synergistic working of public and private livestock sectors can persuade farmers to be and improve the use of the provided services.

Phenotypic Classification and Clinical Examination of Anemia in Iraqi Water Buffalo in Nasiriyah Governorate

This research aims to classify anemia cases in the Iraqi water buffalo population by collecting 140 blood samples from buffaloes in Nasiriyah Governorate pastures. These samples were collected randomly from three age groups: > 1 year, 1-4 years, and < 5 years. Blood sample analysis revealed 45 anemia cases (32.12%) and 95 healthy cases (67.88%). Phenotypic classification of anemia encompassed microcytic hypochromic (12.14%), macrocytic hypochromic (7.85%), normocytic hypochromic (6.42%), and normocytic normochromic (5.71%) cases. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) notably increased in anemic buffaloes, displaying a statistically significant disparity (P< 0.05) compared to healthy counterparts. Anemia cases exhibited higher neutrophil counts in white blood cell relative differentials. For the three age groups, hemoglobin (Hb), packed blood cell volume (PCV), and total red blood cell count (RBC) values indicated significant decreases from normal levels, showcasing statistical significance (P< 0.05) between healthy and anemic buffaloes. While anemia cases generally displayed normal iron concentrations, microcytic anemia demonstrated lower iron levels in the 1-4 and >5 years age groups, with iron levels reaching the minimum global normal range in the <1 year age group. Copper concentrations remained normal in all healthy cases and anemia cases, except for microcytic anemia, which showed reduced levels across age groups.
 In conclusion, this study comprehensively characterizes anemia in Iraqi water buffaloes through clinical, hematological, and elemental analyses. The findings underscore the prevalence of various anemia types, their age-related variations, and significant hematological deviations in anemic buffaloes compared to healthy counterparts. This research enhances our understanding of anemias' impact on this population and provides valuable insights for future diagnostic and management strategies.

Seasonal grass production and carrying capacity of buffalo grazing area in Paminggir, South Kalimantan

The population and performance of Kalimantan swamp buffalo are declining. Diminishing grazing area and pasture biomass availability, especially in the rainy season, contribute to inadequate buffalo feed consumption. This study was conducted to investigate the seasonal productivity of palatable native grasses and to estimate the carrying capacity of the swamp grazing area. One year of observation indicated that kumpai banta and sumpilang had higher dry matter production in the deep-water season, whereas kumpai minyak was in the shallow-water season, and padi hiyang had similar production in both seasons. Dry matter production in the deep-water season was higher than in the shallow-water season (1.29 vs 1.15 ton DM/ha/month) as well as for the carrying capacity of swamp grazing area (0.044 vs 0.029 AU/year). It is concluded that the swamp grazing area in the Paminggir sub-district could not carry the existing buffalo population.

A Novel Insight into the Identification of Potential SNP Markers for the Genomic Characterization of Buffalo Breeds in Pakistan.

Domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), known as water buffaloes, play a key role as versatile multipurpose agricultural animals in the Asiatic region. Pakistan, with the second-largest buffalo population in the world, holds a rich domestication history of buffaloes. The overall trends in buffalo production demand the genomic characterization of Pakistani buffalo breeds. To this end, the resequencing data of Pakistani breeds, along with buffalo breeds from 13 other countries, were retrieved from our previous study. This dataset, which contained 34,671,886 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), was analyzed through a pipeline that was developed to compare possible allele differences among breeds at each SNP position. In contrast, other available tools only check for positional SNP differences for breed-specific markers. In total, 1918, 1549, 404, and 341 breed-specific markers were identified to characterize the Nili, Nili-Ravi, Azakheli, and Kundi breeds of Pakistani buffalo, respectively. Sufficient evidence in the form of phenotypic data, principal component analysis, admixture analysis, and linkage analysis showed that the Nili breed has maintained its distinct breed status despite sharing a close evolutionary relationship with the Nili-Ravi breed of buffalo. In this era of genome science, the conservation of these breeds and the further validation of the given selection markers in larger populations is a pressing need.

A review of foot-and-mouth disease status and control measures in Botswana.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), an economically important disease of livestock, is endemic in Botswana. The country has been affected by this disease since the early 1930s, and FMD virus (FMDV) continues to circulate in both domestic and wild animal populations. Botswana is affected by the Southern African Territories (SAT1-3) of FMDV. Up to 80% of the income in the agricultural sector in Botswana is derived from the beef production, and about 70% of Botswana's beef exports go to the European Union (EU) market. Thus, trade restrictions caused by FMD outbreaks may result in declines in revenue. In this review, the FMD status of Botswana from 2006 to 2022 is discussed. During the report period, SAT2 was responsible for 80 out of a total of 87 FMD outbreaks, while SAT1 was responsible for 7 out of 87 outbreaks. These outbreaks were a result of SAT1 topotype I and SAT2 topotypes I, II, and III. There were no outbreaks associated with serotype SAT3 over the review span, suggesting absence of this serotype in the country, although it is still maintained in vaccines formulated for use in Botswana. Most of the outbreaks reported in this review occurred in the North West district of Botswana; an area that is heavily populated with cloven hooved wildlife. This highlights the role of wildlife-domestic animal interaction in FMD spread and maintenance. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has created a progressive control pathway for FMD (PCP-FMD) for the global elimination of FMD to reduce FMD-related losses. This review highlights how Botswana takes part in the PCP-FMD by putting in place control measures such as surveillance and vaccination. The review also touches on the disease control challenges such as limitations to separation of livestock with populations of buffaloes and lapses in livestock vaccination which contribute to maintenance of FMDV circulation in Botswana.

MEASUREMENT OF STRESS LEVEL IN BUFFALOES BY THE EFFECT OF REPEATED RECTAL PALPATION IN TEACHING ENVIRONMENT

Livestock contributed 60.1 percent to the agriculture value added and 11.5 % in overall GDP during 2020-21 (Economic Survey 2020-21). Livestock plays a major and vital role in socio economic development of rural region of country. According to economic survey of Pakistan, 42.4 million buffalo population is present in Pakistan. Small holding buffalo farming system is present in rural areas of Pakistan. Rectal palpation is the most useful method for conducting pregnancy diagnosis, artificial inseminations and detection of various reproductive anomalies in large domestic animals like cows and buffaloes. This procedure, however, can prove to be stressful and painful for these animals which raise an animal health and welfare issue. Blood picture in terms of changed levels of cortisol, glucose, cholesterol and blood cells may occur in animals subjected to this procedure. Similarly, behavioral symptoms of elevated heart rate and respiratory rates may also occur. The aim of the current project, therefore, was to study the effects of repeated rectal palpation-related stress response in blood constituents in buffaloes so that the appropriate counter measures could be adapted to save the animals from impending pain and stress. The study was conducted on ten buffaloes divided into two groups each i.e. experimental and control. Buffaloes were subjected to rectal palpation procedure. Blood samples were collected before and after rectal palpation for serum cortisol and complete blood cells count. Blood samples were also collected from buffaloes of control group without rectal palpation. Physical parameters were also noted. No statistically significant difference found in cortisol levels, CBC or physical parameters i.e. TPR that demonstrates that rectal palpation procedure inflicts no harm to buffaloes and can be used for the training of students.

Effect of photoperiod and other environmental factors on the oocyte populations of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Veracruz state, Mexico

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of photoperiod and other environmental factors on the population of Water buffalo oocytes in Veracruz, Mexico. Oocytes (n=123) were obtained by follicular aspiration and graded according to morphological characteristics. Data regarding regional environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and daylight) were collected from a historic database of a metrological station. Statistical analysis was performed through Person correlation, one-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis, P<0.05 was considered significant. There was a correlation (P<0.05) between oocyte populations (total and viable) with temperature, humidity, and duration of daylight. ITH (index of temperature and humidity) and oocyte viability did not correlate (P>0.05) with other variables. Oocyte populations (total and viable) and environmental variables changed (P<0.05) during all the sampled months. Oocyte populations (total and viable) were affected (P<0.05) by temperature (r=-0.63; r=-0.57), humidity (r=0.46; r=0.39) and daylight (r=-0.86; r=-0.87), no association (P>0.05) with ITH or oocyte viability were identified. In conclusion, temperature, humidity, and daylight affected the oocyte populations (total and viable). Photoperiod seemed to be the most important factor affecting oocyte populations of water buffalos in Veracruz state, Mexico.

Determination Of The Current Status Of Buffalo Breeding in The Çaycuma District Of Zonguldak

This study was carried out to determine the breeding practices, important income sources and the future of water buffalo farming in Çaycuma district of Zonguldak province. For this purposes, 36 breeders were determined from the villages of Çaycuma district to constitute the buffalo population in the region. It is predicted that these breeders in villages in different parts of the district will reveal the current situation of water buffalo breeding in Çaycuma district and have sufficient material for this. First of all, a survey study was conducted with the business owners through face-to-face interviews. In addition, the data of statistical institutions were used. The data were analyzed with the Proc Freq procedure in the SAS (2017) package program. The results showed that the average age of the breeders was over 50 and most of the breeders were breeding buffaloes due to the habit from the past. In Çaycuma region, buffalo milk, buffalo yoghurt and buffalo meat used in sausage production have been identified as the most important income sources of enterprises.

An Analysis of DNA Sequence Polymorphism in the Swamp Buffalo Toll-like Receptor (TLR2) Gene.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane proteins important for directing immune responses. Their primary role is to recognize pathogens based on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) characteristics. TLR2 is categorized as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that is important for the recognition of pathogens. Nucleotide variation in the coding region determines the conformation of the TLR protein, affecting its protein domain efficiency. This study aimed to identify SNPs in the coding region of TLR2 to enhance available genetic tools for improving health and production in swamp buffalo. A total of 50 buffaloes were randomly sampled from the northeastern part of Thailand for genomic DNA extraction and sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were aligned and compared with cattle and river buffalo based on the database. The results showed, there were 29 SNP locations in swamp buffalo and 14 different locations in both cattle and buffaloes. Haplotype analysis revealed that 27 haplotypes occurred. Swamp buffalo were identified from 13 SNPs based on biallelic analysis, which found eight synonymous and five nonsynonymous SNPs. Nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.16, indicating genetic diversity. Genetic diversity (haplotype diversity; HD) was high at 0.99 ± 0.04. This indicates a high probability that the two sample haplotypes are different. The π and HD values are important indicators of the genetic diversity of the swamp buffalo population. In summary, the Thai swamp buffalo population detected a polymorphism of the coding region of the TRL2 gene. Therefore, further, in-depth study of the relationship between these genes in the immune system and disease resistance should be recommended.