Pregnant Murrah Buffaloes Research Articles

Effect of melatonin implantation prior to ovsynch plus cidr protocol on subsequent ovarian activity and pregnancy rate in summer anestrous Murrah buffaloes

For assessing the impact of melatonin pre-treatment in summer anestrous Murrah buffaloes on subsequent reproductive activity of a fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol, 83 anestrous Murrah buffaloes were subcutaneously inserted 2x4 mm size absorbable melatonin (MT) implants (18 mg/50 kg b wt) at the base of left ear and 38 Murrah buffaloes were used as non-implanted controls. On day 35 post-MT, the treatment and control group Murrah buffaloes were subjected to FTAI protocol (Ovsynch plus CIDR). Ovarian ultrasonography and jugular vein blood sampling was carried out on day 7 and 10 of protocol and on day 7-post AI. Overall pregnancy rate on day 90 post-AI in MT group was higher compared to control group (55.4 vs 31.6%, P<0.05), along with the higher (P>0.05) plasma progesterone on day 7 of FTAI protocol in Murrah buffaloes of the former group which conceived subsequently compared to their non-pregnant counterparts. Moreover, MT group had higher (P>0.05) increase in dominant follicle diameter between day 7 and 10 of protocol compared to control group. On day 7 post-AI, the luteal profile in pregnant murrah buffaloes of MT group was better (P<0.05) compared to their counterparts in control group (CL: 14.80±0.70 vs 10.82±0.46 mm, P4: 1.54±0.07 vs 1.04±0.08 ng/ml). In conclusion, melatonin pre-treatment in summer anestrous Murrah buffaloes could be associated with better luteal activity and higher pregnancy rate in the Ovsynch+CIDR protocol.

Risk association of metabolites and immune response mediator indicators withthe occurrence of retained placenta in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

This study was designed to investigate the risk association of metabolites and immune response mediator indicators with the occurrence of retained placenta (RP) in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). A total of six (n=6) healthy pregnant Murrah buffaloes and four (n=4) buffaloes suffering from RP were selected from the ICAR-NDRI cattle herd. Blood samples were collected from each healthy buffalo on days -56,-48,-42,-35,-28, -21, -14, -7, 0, +7, +14, +21, +28, +35, +35, +42, +48, +56 relative to calving. Blood samples were also collected from the buffaloes on the day of diagnosis of the RP as well as on an alternate day. The result revealed that plasma β-Hydroxybutyric acid (β-HBA)and nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in buffaloes suffering from RP compared to normal parturient buffaloes. The level of IgG was significantly (P<0.05) lowered in buffaloes suffering from RP (8.84±0.85 mg/mL) compared to normal parturient buffaloes (17.41±1.68 mg/mL). However, plasma Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN),calcium, Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Total Antioxidant Activities(TAA) levels were non-significant differences between buffaloes suffering from RP and normal parturient buffaloes. A binary logistic regression assay revealed the positive association of postpartum β-HBA with RP (Odds ratio= 1.85). Overall results suggest that plasma β-HBA, IgG, and NO can be used as screening biomarkers during the transition period for the risk assessment of RP in buffaloes.

Response of diet supplemented with mustard oil on production performance in lactating Murrah buffaloes

The study determined the response of diet supplemented with mustard oil on production performance in lactating Murrah buffaloes at Livestock Farm, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Jabalpur, M.P., India. A total of 12 advance pregnant Murrah buffaloes were selected 21 days pre-partum and randomly allocated in 2 groups of 6 each: CON as control with basal diet + no oil and MO as treatment with basal diet + mustard oil supplementation 200 ml/animal/day. The trial was continued for 90 days post-partum. Significant positive response (%) in the daily milk yield, milk fat percent and 6% fat corrected milk yield by 8.10, 9.14 and 14.47, respectively was observed in MO in comparison to CON. Besides, there were insignificant findings for DMI, milk solid not fat, protein and lactose per cent, peak milk yield, persistency of lactation and predicted lactation yield (PLY) between the groups. The study affirms that supplementation of mustard oil improves the production potential of lactating Murrah buffaloes and could be recommended to dairy farmers during transition period and early lactation to earn profits.

Boron supplementation in peripartum Murrah buffaloes: The effect on calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, endocrine and antioxidant status

BackgroundCalcium homeostasis and immuno-endocrine system undergoes drastic changes in peripartum dairy animals and failure to adapt these physiological changes causes major impact on animal health as well as productivity. Boron (B), a newer trace element, influences calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) metabolism as well as immune system by manipulating several hormones or enzyme systems. Present study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary B supplementation on Ca homeostasis, bone metabolism, endocrine and antioxidant status in peripartum Murrah buffaloes. MethodsThirty advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes (8th month pregnant) were allocated into three groups based on their most probable producing ability (MPPA) and parity (n = 10 in each group) viz. B0, B200 and B400 and supplemented with 0, 200 and 400 ppm of B in the form of boric acid. Blood samples were collected at periodic intervals (-45, -30, -21, -15, -7, 0, 7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 day relative to expected date of calving) and analysed for minerals concentration, hormonal profile, bone health biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes. Results and conclusionBoron supplementation at 200 and 400 ppm increased (p < 0.05) plasma Ca, Mg and osteocalcin (OCN) concentration during postpartum stage. Higher (p < 0.05) levels of plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were observed in both B supplemented groups as compared to B unsupplemented group irrespective of physiological stages. Plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) and cortisol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in both B supplemented groups than B unsupplemented group, especially during postpartum stage. Whereas, plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in B supplemented groups as compared to B unsupplemented group. Furthermore, antioxidant enzymes (erythrocytic superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase; GPx), plasma level of total immunoglobulins (TIg), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) remained unaffected by dietary B supplementation. Overall, it can be concluded that supplementation of B at 200 ppm in the diet of peripartum Murrah buffaloes helped to induce metabolic adaptations for improving Ca homeostasis, bone metabolism and antioxidant status without much additional benefits at higher level used in the present study.

Evaluation of TBARS, SOD and GPx in Saliva during Pregnancy of Murrah Buffaloes Maintained under Isohyet Conditions

The objective of the present study was to assess the oxidative status in saliva samples during pregnancy by measuring salivary antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress marker in Murrah buffaloes. We considered saliva as an alternative biological sample because of its non-invasiveness and also from farmer’s perspective. In our study 20 saliva samples each ten were collected from non-pregnant and pregnant Murrah buffaloes maintained under agro climatic regions receiving equal rain fall and laid on equal elevation to avoid geospatial differences. The mean saliva TBARS concentration was significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher (2.59±0.31 µmoles/L) whereas SOD and GPx levels were significantly (P≤ 0.05) lower during pregnancy when compared to non-pregnant Murrah buffaloes. In our study, a significant increase in concentration of TBARS in saliva of pregnant Murrah buffaloes was observed whereas the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx were significantly decreased in saliva during pregnancy.

Two dimensional trans-rectal ultrasonographic studies in early pregnant murrah buffaloes

Two dimensional ultrasonographic studies were conducted in six pregnant Murrah buffaloes using 5.0-7.5 MHz frequency rectal probe twice a week from day 18 to 60 days followed by weekly interval up to 90 days postin semination. Two dimensional images of antenatal fetal organs particularly fetal stomach, eye, limbs, heart, umbilical cord, thorax, liver and placentomes were imaged and variat ions in size of placentome, stomach and crown rump length were measured. Fetal heart beat was measured from day 26 to 90 which decreased with advancement of gestation. From the present study it may be concluded that early pregnancy can be diagnosed ultrasonogra phicallythrough trans-rectal approach by day 26 post insemination.

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Influence of varied metabolizable energy levels on antioxidant status and performance of transition Murrah buffaloes

Present experiment was conducted to study the effect of varied levels of metabolizable energy (ME) on performance and antioxidant status of Murrah buffaloes. Advance pregnant Murrah buffaloes (n=16) were randomly divided into three experimental groups i.e., 5, 5 and 6 animals in LME, MME and HME, respectively on the basis of most probable production ability (MPPA) and lactation number. They were fed graded levels of ME, namely low metabolizable energy (LME), medium metabolizable energy (MME), high metabolizable energy (HME) which is 85, 100 and 115 percent of ICAR, 2013 requirements for 130 days, duration i.e., 40 day prepartum to 90 days postpartum. Animals in group LME, MME and HME were offered concentrate with metabolizable energy content (MJ/kg DM) 11.80, 12.18, and 13.85, respectively. Green fodder (maize) and dry roughage (wheat straw) were fed as per the experimental protocol. No significant effect on dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein (CPI) and metabolizable protein (MPI) (% BW) were observed due to dietary variation in ME. ME intake (MJ/100 kg BW) before and after calving was statistical (P&gt;0.05) higher in HME (15.01, 24.66) followed by MME (14.07, 22.11) and LME (12.33, 19.16) groups, respectively. Significant (P&gt;0.05) higher milk yield efficiency (kg/kg DMI) and 6% FCM (kg/kg DMI) were observed in MME in comparison to HME group. The antioxidant profile revealed no significant influence of dietary treatment on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ferric reducing activity of plasma (FRAP) whereas significant (P&gt;0.05) lower level of antioxidant status i.e., glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (µmol/L) in HME (1834.60) than LME (2240.23) was observed. Considering optimum production performance and similar antioxidant activity among treatment groups, it can be concluded that ICAR, 2013 recommendations are suitable for feeding transition Murrah buffaloes.

Assessment of feeding varying levels of Metabolizable energy and protein on performance of transition Murrah buffaloes.

Fifteen close up pregnant Murrah buffaloes of mean body weight (668.3±24.03) kg, lactation number (2.8±0.17) and expected producing ability (EPA) (2125.7±46.34) were randomly distributed into three groups each of five animals to investigate the performance at different levels of metabolizable energy and protein. Control group was fed as per ICAR Nutrient requirements of animals (2013) recommendation whereas treatment group (1) high metabolizable energy and high metabolizable protein (HMEMP) and group (2) low metabolizable energy and low metabolizable protein (LMEMP) were offered with ration containing 15% more and 15% less ME and MP, respectively. The feeding trial was carried out for the period of 40days before parturition and continued for 120days after parturition. Intake of dry matter (DM) (%BW) was similar among experimental groups. Metabolizable energy (ME) (MJ/100kg BW) and metabolizable protein (MP) (g/100kg BW) intake was highest in HMEMP followed by control and LMEMP group, respectively. Digestibility trial of 7days was conducted at 60days post-partum and it was observed that apparent digestibility coefficients (%) of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extracts (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among the experimental groups. Milk yield (kg/kg DMI) was similar among treatment groups whereas 6% fat corrected milk (FCM) was lower in LMEMP group as compared to HMEMP and control. No significant effect of dietary MP and ME levels on milk composition was observed among experimental groups. There were no significant difference in non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), growth hormone (GH) and insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) concentration among different experimental groups whereas concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) (μg/ml) was found to be lower in LMEMP. The study results indicate that nutrient digestibility and lactation performance was not affected with 15% variation in intakes of ME and MP in lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Plasma lipid and haematological profile during transition period inMurrah buffaloes supplemented with prilled fat

Fourteen apparently healthy advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes at 35 day prepartum were either maintained as per routine management practices (control group) or fed prilled fat (treatment group) @100g/d during the prepartum and @ 150g/d for a period of 95 days during the postpartum period. Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals during different periods i.e. prepartum, day of parturition and postpartum by day 35 and thereafter at fortnightly intervals till day 120 of lactation. Haematological parameters, plasma glucose and lipid profile were analyzed by standard method of analysis. Red blood cell (RBC) number declined on the day of parturition and increased after the parturition (P&lt;0.01) in both the groups, however RBC count varied non - significantly between the groups. Haemoglobin (Hb) level was significantly more before parturition (P&lt; 0.05) and was low on the day of parturition. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) in the treatment group was higher (P&lt;0.01) on day of parturition in comparison to before and after parturition. Total leukocyte count (TLC) (P&lt;0.01) varied significantly before, during and after parturition. However, between group changes were non-significant (P&gt;0.05). Plasma glucose increased in the treatment group (P&lt;0.01) over the control group. Plasma cholesterol and HDL were increased in treatment group (P&lt;0.05) as compared to control group. However, triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels varied non-significantly (P&gt;0.05) between the groups. It was concluded that supplementation of prilled fat did not influence haematological parameters; however treated buffaloes had higher blood glucose, HDL and cholesterol levels.

Effect of pre-partum prilled fat supplementation on feed intake, energy balance and milk production in Murrah buffaloes.

Aim:To investigate the effect of pre-partum prilled fat feeding on dry matter intake (DMI), energy balance and milk production in Murrah buffaloes.Materials and Methods:Advance pregnant Murrah buffaloes were either received a dietary supplement of prilled fat at 100 g/day for 35 days pre-partum and at 150 g/day for 95 days post-partum (supplemented group [SG]) or did not receive fat supplement (control group [CG]). DMI and the yields of milk and milk component were measured. A body condition score (BCS) was recorded. Energy balance and gross feed efficiency (GFE) were calculated. DMI and BCS were recorded and milk yield (MY), fat, protein, lactose, solid not fat, energy balance were measured. The fat corrected milk yield was calculated.Results:The DMI was non-significant between groups and periods of study. BCS of buffaloes improved in the SG than CG (p<0.01). The energy intake in terms of total digestible nutrients (TDN%), TDN intake, digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy/kg of milk, DE of milk, net energy, and GFE were higher (p<0.01) in SG during post-partum period. Crude protein intake was statistically similar in both the groups. MY was higher (p<0.01) in SG than in CG during 95 days of early lactation. Milk fat, fat corrected MY was higher (p<0.01) in SG however protein, lactose and solid not fat content did not varied between the groups. The feed efficiency of the SG was higher (p<0.01) than the CG during the post-partum period.Conclusion:It was inferred that prilled fat supplementation augments energy balance and milk production in transition Murrah buffaloes.

Effect of additional chromium supplementation on health status, metabolic responses, and performance traits in periparturient Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

This study was conducted to determine the effects of inorganic chromium (Cr) on body condition, metabolic responses, lactation performance, and reproductive parameters in periparturient Murrah buffaloes. Twenty-four multiparous advanced pregnant Murrah buffaloes were randomly assigned to four treatment diets. Feeding regimen was the same in all the groups, except that the animals in the four respective groups were additionally supplemented with 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5mg of Cr/kg dry matter (DM) from day 60 prepartum to 150days postpartum. Dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production were recorded every day, while body condition score (BCS) and whole blood samples were collected at days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, -3, 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 relative to actual calving. As the days to calving advanced, DMI, plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, and Cr levels decreased (P < 0.05), and the levels were minimum on the day of calving. In contrast, the concentration of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) increased (P < 0.05) and was found to be highest at parturition. No change in DMI as well as BCS was observed due to dietary treatments. Supplementation of Cr improved plasma concentration of glucose, leptin, and Cr levels. However, the concentration of insulin decreased (P < 0.05) with the increased level of supplemental Cr. Milk yield (kg/day) was improved significantly (P < 0.05) in groups supplemented with 1.0 or 1.5mg Cr/DM; however, only a small change was recorded in the group fed 0.5mg Cr/kg DM. Fat-corrected milk and energy-corrected milk were 28.78 and 42.32% and 28.76 and 41.68% higher in the 1.0 and 1.5mg Cr/DM groups, respectively. Dietary Cr supplementation during the peripartum period had beneficial effects on the reproductive performance of buffaloes. These results could be interpreted as an improvement in the body condition, metabolic response, milk yield, efficiency of milk production and nutrient utilization, and reproductive performance of peripartum Murrah buffaloes.

Plasma hormones, metabolites, milk production, and cholesterol levels in Murrah buffaloes fed with Asparagus racemosus in transition and postpartum period

Ten dry and pregnant Murrah buffaloes were selected to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus feeding on hormones, metabolites, milk yield, and plasma cholesterol levels. The treatment groups of buffaloes were fed with A. racemosus (shatavari) @ 150 g/day/animal during prepartum and @ 300 g/day/animal during the postpartum period. Blood samples collected on -6, -4, -2-week, day of parturition (0), and +2, +4, and +6-week postpartum were analyzed for plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), prolactin, cortisol, and blood metabolites. Milk samples collected at weekly intervals (+1, +3, +5, and 7 weeks) were analyzed for total milk fat cholesterol. Prepartum plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in treatment group over the control (P < 0.05). Mean plasma triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, glucose, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels varied nonsignificantly between groups. Plasma prolactin and cortisol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) more in treatment group than in control group. On day of parturition, plasma prolactin, cortisol, LDL, and plasma total cholesterol were higher (P < 0.01) in treatment group buffaloes in comparison to control group. A. racemosus feeding significantly (P < 0.01) increased plasma prolactin, cortisol (P < 0.01), and milk fat cholesterol (P < 0.05) without affecting total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, glucose, and NEFA concentrations. The buffaloes of treatment group produced more milk (@ 0.526 kg/animal/day) suggesting thereby that A. racemosus is galactopoietic. It was concluded that feeding of A. racemosus increases plasma prolactin and cortisol and decreased plasma total cholesterol and LDL concentration.

Effect of Bromocryptine on hormones and milk secretion in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

An experiment was carried out on 10 advance pregnant Murrah buffaloes to determine the role of hormones in milk secretion around parturition. Experimental animals were administered with a single injection of bromocryptine, @ 100 μg/kg BW, for 5 days before expected calving, whereas control group buffaloes were injected with placebo injections. Blood samples collected before parturition (−5,−4,−3,−2,−1 days), on day of parturition (day-0) and on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 15 post partum were analyzed for growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and prolactin (PRL) by radioimmunassay methods. Milk samples were collected daily for 5 days and on day 10 and 15 after parturition. Milk fat, protein, lactose, citric acid, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and somatic cell counts (SCCs) were determined in milk samples. Bromocryptine treatment significantly (P < 0.01) decreased pre partum PRL and increased GH levels (P < 0.01) on day of parturition in experimental buffaloes without influencing plasma IGF-I level. Milk yield was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in experimental than in control group. Further, effect of bromocryptine on milk yield was only for a week. Milk yield increased (P < 0.01) gradually and was similar to control group on day 15 post partum. Bromocryptine treatment significantly increased milk SCC (P < 0.01) and protein content (P < 0.01) but there was no effect of treatment on fat, lactose, citric acid, glucose, milk and plasma NEFA concentration. It was concluded that prepartum suppression of PRL by bromocryptine impairs milk secretion temporarily in ensuing lactation. The significant rise in GH level before parturition and on day of parturition suggests a role of it in milk secretion of buffaloes.

Peripheral plasma oestradiol-17β, progesterone and cortisol in buffaloes induced to calve with dexamethasone and vetoestrol

Ten pregnant Murrah buffaloes were used to compare effects of combined dexamethasone (DEX) and stilboestrol-dipropionate (Vetoestrol, V) on parturition and on hormone changes in peripheral blood plasma; while five animals served as controls receiving no treatment, the other five animals received, intramuscularly, 30 mg DEX and 30 mg V at the same time. Three treated buffaloes required a second injection of DEX and V 4 days after first administration to precipitate calving. Buffaloes in the control group calved 309 ± 35 days after breeding as compared to 284 ± 1.2 days for the treated animals. Placental retention occurred in all treated buffaloes and in none of the untreated buffaloes. Mean service period, services/conception and milk yield/day of the treated animals were similar ( P > 0.05) to their previous records. The mean plasma oestradiol-17β concentration in the control animals showed a gradual rise from 30 to 5 days prepartum ( P < 0.05), followed by a steep increase to peak level 1 day prepartum. Animals treated with a single injection showed a similar trend. Those which required two injections showed a fluctuating hormone rise to peak levels after the first injection, the levels subsequently declining to lower concentrations by the time of the second injection. After the second injection the hormone concentration increased steeply prior to calving. The mean plasma progesterone concentration in the control animals declined gradually from 30 to 2 days ( P < 0.05) prepartum, then fell sharply to low levels at calving ( P < 0.01). While the animals treated with a single injection showed a similar trend, the other animals showed no distinct pattern between injections, but the hormone level declined sharply after the second injection to record low levels at calving. The mean plasma cortisol concentration remained more or less constant during the pre- and postpartum periods, only rising sharply to a peak at calving in the control group. However, in all the induced animals, the DEX treatment brought about a sharp decline in cortisol concentration in blood. The data suggest that for normal expulsion of fetal membranes a rise in oestradiol-17β prepartum must be accompanied by a fall in progesterone, and that this shift should occur in a gradual and sustained manner.