Reproductive Performance Of Buffaloes Research Articles

Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on Reproductive Performance in Nili Ravi Buffaloes

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of body condition score (BCS) at calving on post-calving reproductive performance in Nili Ravi buffaloes. The study was conducted at the Livestock Experiment Station, Hasalpur, Pakistan. Thirty-six buffaloes were selected approximately 40 days before the expected date of calving and randomly divided into three study groups (12 buffaloes/group) based on their BCS. The BCS was assigned on a scale of 1–5 with 0.25 increment and the BCS groups were categorized as; 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25 to 3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75. The feeding allowance was given according to the requirements of individual animals to maintain their BCS till calving. Post-calving feeding was done according to their production level. The enrolled buffaloes were followed till 300 d of lactation. The results revealed that the body condition score (BCS) at calving significantly influenced reproductive performance in buffaloes. Buffaloes in the medium BCS group had 101 fewer days to first estrus, 1.5 fewer services per conception, and 87 fewer days open compared to the low BCS group (p < 0.05). However, the performance of the medium BCS group was only numerically better compared to the high BCS group for these reproductive measures (p > 0.05). The results suggested better reproductive performance in buffaloes with a medium BCS at calving (3.25-3.5) compared to those with low and high BCS.

Reproductive Performance of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Small Scale Farm in Boyolali Regency Central Java

This study aimed to determine the reproductive performance of female buffalo in Boyolali Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The sampling method used was the purposive sampling method. The number of respondents was 30 buffalo farmers with a total sample were 100 female buffalo. Collecting data using interview, observation, and literature study methods and analyzing descriptively. The data that has been obtained is then calculated into percentages, averages, and standard deviations, then analyzed descriptively. Buffalo farmers are rice farmers who are still productive with a dominant age of less than 65 years. The main feed given was rice straw, and 64% of buffalo received additional field grass when grazing. The farming experience of farmers was quite long, which is more than 15 years, and was classified as a small-scale farm with the number of buffalo less than 5 heads. The management system used by buffalo farmers is mostly (90%) semi-intensive. The values of gestation length, postpartum estrus, and postpartum estrus were 308.0±7.4 days, 102.2±6.2 days, and 406.8±8.9 days, respectively. The age of first calving for buffalo in the study in Boyolali Regency was 3.60 ± 0.3 years. This study concluded that the reproductive performance of buffaloes in smallholder farms in Boyolali Regency, Central Java Province was in good condition.

Administration of GnRH at day 20 of AI and embryonic losses in synchronized crossbred buffalo.

Following the application of different artificial insemination and synchronization protocols, the synchronized buffaloes had a higher incidence of early embryonic or fetal death, thus impairing reproductive performance. Therefore, there is a need to devise a synchronizing program that can improve conception, allow early pregnancy diagnosis, reduce early embryonic losses, and provide an early clue for pregnancy diagnosis and establishment. The present study aimed (1) to determine the effect of administration of different GnRH doses at day 20 of artificial insemination (AI) on the reproductive performance of buffaloes and (2) to observe the influence of synchronization protocol, parity, age, milk production, and body condition score (BCS) on early embryonic loss and progesterone (P4) levels in crossbred buffaloes. Crossbred buffaloes (n = 101) were synchronized using the GPGMH protocol. At day 20 of AI, the synchronized buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and administrated GnRH doses (0, 100, 150, and 200 μg). The buffaloes were monitored for ovarian dynamics, P4 level, non-return rate, embryonic/fetal losses, and pregnancy rates. The previously synchronized buffaloes were also classified for synchronization protocol (with or without GnRH), parity (nulli- or multiparous), milk production (high or low), BCS (low, medium, or good) or age (>3 or < 3 years) groups for observing the embryonic loss and P4 level variations. The results indicated no difference (P > 0.05) in CL size, P4 level, pregnancy rate and embryo/fetal losses across the treatment groups at different observation periods. There was a high (P < 0.05) incidence of early embryonic mortality in aged, multiparous, low BCS and low milk-producing buffaloes treated without GnRH. The data suggest that GnRH 200 μg at day 20 of AI improves embryo survival and pregnancy maintenance in crossbred buffaloes.

Effects of Ketosis and Hypocalcemia on The Biochemical Parameters and Subsequent Postpartum Reproductive Performance in Buffaloes

Effects of Ketosis and Hypocalcemia on The Biochemical Parameters and Subsequent Postpartum Reproductive Performance in Buffaloes

Application of the Two-Factor Mixed Model in Discrimination Between Buffalo Breeds Regarding Productive and Reproductive Parameters

Proper reproductive performance in buffaloes is the key to dairy economics. Additionally, the reproductive indices are fundamental indicators for the validation of breeding efficiency. A frequent design in animal science is the analysis of data involving repeated observations collected on animals (experimental unit) assigned to different treatments over time. Therefore, this research investigated the effects of four buffalo breed groups and five levels of parity on lactation yield (LY) and lactation length (LL) as productive traits, as well as calving interval (CI), dry period (DP), days open (DO), and days to first breeding (DFB) as reproductive traits, using data from a dairy buffalo farm in Egypt's Ismailia governorate. The results revealed that parity, breed and their interactions showed a highly significant (P &lt; 0.05) effect. The balady breed exhibited the lowest yield features among the breeds (LY=1894.43 kg and LL=233.5 days) with shorter periods up to 13.26 months, 5.14 months, 133.53 days, and 60.78 days for CI, DP, DO, and DFB, respectively. The yield traits of 50% Italian cross-breed buffaloes were the highest (LY=2286.17kg and LL=241.69 days), and the reproductive traits of more than 50% Italian cross-breed buffaloes were the highest (CI=14.05 months, DP=5.75 months, DO=164.45 days, and DFB= 80.48 days). The second parity was the highest across breeds for the productive attributes, but the first parity was the highest for reproductive traits. Buffaloes that produce more milk have poor reproductive performance. Furthermore, animals after the fourth parity performed poorly in both productive and reproductive activities.

Effect of mineral mixture supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of buffaloes

Effect of mineral mixture supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of buffaloes

Effect of Feeding Rumen Bypass Fat on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Buffaloes under Field Conditions

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of bypass fat one month pre-parturition and three months of early lactation on milk production and reproductive performance of buffaloes. Thirty two multiparous pregnant buffaloes (2-3 lactation) were selected at farmers’ doorstep in Dahod District, Gujarat, and were divided into two equal groups, each of 16 animals, on the basis of their milk production and fat % during previous lactation. Animals in T1 group (n=16, control) were fed as per farmers’ feeding schedule, and those in T2 group were additionally supplemented with bypass fat @ 100 g/h/d during prepartum and 20 g/kg of milk yield during postpartum phase. The overall average whole milk yield (kg/head/d) of buffaloes was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in bypass fat group T2 than control T1 (5.43±0.07 vs. 4.50+0.04). The fat percentage was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher (6.77±0.09 vs. 5.84±0.04) and SNF was lower (10.68±0.18 vs. 11.32±0.16) in bypass fat supplemented group. The average daily yields (kg/head/d) and cumulative yields (kg/head) of whole experimental period of fat, SNF, 6% FCM, SCM and ECM were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in bypass fat group. However, average milk constituents, viz., total solids, protein, calcium and phosphorus were statistically similar in T1 and T2 groups. Daily feed cost (Rs. 101.66±0.45 vs. 92.98±0.64) and average realizable receipt from sale of milk (Rs. 231.12±1.46 vs. 165.88±1.39/head) were (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 group over control, and thus average daily profit increased per buffalo was Rs. 56.56 over control. Postpartum first heat was earlier by 14 days with significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced number of AIs per conception (1.63±0.13 vs. 3.88±0.20) and service period (129.46±9.61 vs 187.70±11.89 days) in bypass fat group compared to control group. The findings indicated that supplementing bypass fat to buffaloes @ 100 g/head/day one month before parturition and 20 g/kg milk yield during early lactation is advantageous in terms of increased milk yield, 6% FCM yield, with improved postpartum fertility and higher daily profit per buffalo.

Field study on effect of hormonal protocol on treatment of postpartum anoestrus in water buffaloes of semi-arid region of Uttar Pradesh

Water Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) is one of the premier productive animal and a major contributor to milk, meat, skin and draught power in our country. It is a better dairy animal in comparison to cattle in terms of better feed (roughage) conversion efficiency, greater resistance to diseases, and, higher milk fat percentage. But anoestrus is the most important cause of poor reproductive performance in buffaloes both in filed condition as well as in organized farm. The percentage of anoestrus is more in rural areas mainly due to malnutrition, lack of scientific knowledge and improper management practices causing huge economic losses to the farmers. Thus this study was conducted to test the effectiveness of these treatments in farmers field for treating anoestrus in buffaloes with PGF2α or GnRH protocol (ovsynch protocol) under the field conditions. A total of 36 animals were selected from different affected villages of Matura district with good body condition score (BCS >2.5), parity of two or above, healthy reproductive organs and history of minimum 6 months anoestrus problems after reaching the age of breeding or after calving or the last breeding were selected. The treated animals were examined per-rectal method. Among 36 treated buffaloes, 13 were found pregnant (36.11 %) and another 9 buffaloes had become cyclic with success rate of treatment was 61.11 %.

Profiling and integrated analysis of whole-transcriptome changes in uterine caruncles of pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes

Improved reproductive performance in buffaloes can be achieved by understanding the basic mechanism governing the embryonic attachment and feto-maternal communication. Considering this, trascriptomic profiling and integrative analysis of long intergenic non-coding RNAs were carried out in the uterine caruncles of pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes. Transcriptome data of pregnant and non-pregnant uterine caruncles after quality control was used to perform the analysis. Total of 86 novel lincRNAs expressed in uterine caruncular tissues were identified and characterized. Differential expression analysis revealed that 447 mRNAs and 185 mRNAs were up- and down- regulated, respectively. The number of up- and down- regulated lincRNAs were 114 and 13, respectively. Of the identified 86 novel lincRNAs, six novel lincRNAs were up-regulated in the pregnant uterine caruncles. GO terms (biological process) and PANTHER pathways associated with reproduction and embryogenesis were over-represented in differentially expressed genes. Through miRNA interaction analysis, interactions of 16 differentially expressed lincRNAs with mi-RNAs involved in reproduction were identified. This study has provided a catalogue of differentially expressed genes and novel regions previously unknown to play a significant role in buffalo reproduction. The results from the current study extends the buffalo uterine lncRNAs database and provides candidate regulators for future molecular genetic studies on buffalo uterine physiology to improve the embryo implantation and successful completion of pregnancy.

Case report on uterine prolapse in a Buffalo and its management

Uterine prolapse is a common obstetrical problem, adversely affects productive and reproductive performance of buffalo by hampering postpartum return to estrus, conception rate and calving interval. A three years old buffalo having history of recent parturition was suffering from prolapsed mass coming throughout the vagina. On gynae-clinical examination it was diagnosed as uterine prolapse as the mass was huge and presence of maternal caruncles on it. The prolapsed mass was replaced manually, in recumbent condition using Buhner’s suture. The buffalo was recovered uneventfully without any complication

Assessment of biochemical and immunohistochemical changes in buffalo-cows with reproductive disorders

Low reproductive performance of buffaloes is a major problem faced by breeders. Anestrus and repeat breeding are the most common reproductive disorders in buffaloes. In this study, 25 buffalo-cows (normal cyclic, n = 9, pluriparous; anestrus, n = 7, nulliparous and repeat breeders, n = 9, pluriparous) were used to assess some biochemical and immunohistochemical changes in those that had reproductive disorders in comparison with normal cyclic animals. Serum calcium (Ca) and vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were analyzed. Also, serum progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) levels were measured to assess the animals’ reproductive statuses. Additionally, immunohistochemical expression of calcium-binding protein-D9k (CaPB-9k) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the uterine tissues of all examined animals were evaluated. It was interesting that both biochemical and immunohistochemical results seem to correlate well. Both anestrus and repeat breeder buffalo-cows showed significant (p < 0.01) low serum levels of Ca and 25(OH)D as well as P4 and E2 in comparison with normal cyclic animals. Immunohistochemically, CaBP-9k and VDR immunoreactions were limited to the endometrial epithelia of all examined animals. But, both anestrus and repeat breeder buffalo-cows showed remarkable lower uterine expressions for CaBP-9k and VDR in comparison with normal cyclic ones. In conclusion, this study refers to the potential necessary role of Ca, 25(OH)D, CaBP-9k, and VDR in the continued fertility of buffalo-cows as well as, the endometrial viability. Therefore, our results suggest a link between the incidence of anestrous or repeat breeding in buffalo-cows and the low serum levels of Ca and 25(OH)D and/or low expression of uterine CaBP-9k and VDR.

Socio-economic Status, rearing practices and reproductive performance of buffaloes under field conditions of Haryana

Present study was carried out to examine the reproductive status and incidence of infertility in buffaloes in Haryana. The study was carried out in 40 villages of 10 districts and 1000 respondents constituted the study sample. Data on socioeconomic profile of respondents, buffalo rearing practices, reproductive status and incidence of infertility were collected. The analysis revealed that respondents were pre-dominantly having medium land holding size and their education qualification ranged from matric to secondary level and dairy was the main purpose for buffalo rearing. Major proportion of respondents (67.3%) did not maintain any record and 62.2 per cent of respondents were breeding their buffaloes through artificial insemination (AI). The age at first conception, service period and calving interval was found to be 31.98 months, 42.03 months, 110.81 days and 420.80 days, respectively indicating better reproductive status of buffaloes. Low incidence of calving related disorders such as retained placenta (2.41%), genital prolapsed (1.93%), dystocia (1.59%), abortion (0.69), premature birth (0.21) and still birth (0.21) were observed. The incidence of anestrus and repeat breeding was 9.47 per cent and 6.34 per cent in buffaloes, respectively whereas delayed pubertal and repeat breeder were reported in 9.69 and 6.79 per cent heifers, respectively.

Vocal cues based Decision Support System for estrus detection in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

To have more economic profitability from buffalo dairy business, timely estrus detection and right timed insemination is the key to success but accurate and timely detection of estrus period has remained a challenging task for the livestock breeders particularly in buffaloes. Silent estrus is important factor which hamper reproductive performance in buffaloes. Proper estrus detection is the biggest constraint in attaining high conception rate in buffaloes. Contemporary practice for estrus detection relies on the visual observation of estrus-specific behaviours/signs. This study proposes the design of a Decision Support System based on acoustic features of vocalization for estrus detection in buffaloes. Threshold values of acoustic features along with animal number were used as input variables. So, two types of conditions (positive estrus and negative estrus) were identified by DSS based on vocal cues of Murrah buffaloes. Accuracy and efficiency of DSS model for estrus detection were found to be 95% and 78.94%, respectively. This study explores the potential use of vocal cues for the development of algorithms for automation and precision livestock farming in commercial dairy buffalo farms. Moreover, this study is a proof that DSS based on animal calls may be a corrigible method to get clue about estrus phase in buffaloes especially during daytime when chances of silent estrus are more.

Serum Hormonal, Metabolic and Minerals Profile in Normal Cyclic and Postpartum Anestrus Egyptian Buffaloes

Reproductive performance in buffaloes is greatly affected by postpartum anestrus condition. So, the purpose of the current study was to compare between the normal cyclic and postpartum anestrus Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in their serum hormonal, metabolic and minerals profile. Blood samples were collected from 20 normal cyclic animals at day 11 of the estrous cycle and other samples were taken from 20 postpartum anestrus animals. Gyneco-clinical and ultrasonographical examinations were performed for confirmation of cyclic and anestrus condition after calving. Anestrus animals had a significant reduction in serum progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), total cholesterol, phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn). Nonetheless, blood glucose, protein, triglycerides, HDL - cholesterol, calcium (Ca) and copper (Cu) levels did not vary between regular cyclic and anestrus condition. In conclusion, these findings may improve our understanding of some aspects related with postpartum anestrus buffalos which may lead to better procedures for reproductive management.

The potential effect of temperature-humidity index on productive and reproductive performance of buffaloes with different genotypes under hot conditions.

The current study was aimed to investigate the impact of THI on productive and reproductive indices of PE and F1 crosses (50% PE and 50% Italian buffaloes) and back crosses (BC) (75% PE and 25% Italian buffaloes) under hot conditions. In this study, 8385 records used PE (1914, 1518, and 1737), F1 (387, 447, and 657), and BC (495, 585, and 645) for low, medium, and high THI, respectively. The high THI reduced the conception rate after first insemination in PE, F1, and BC ((odds ratio, OR)=1.187, P=0.007; 2.361, <0.0001 and 1.603, <0.0001, respectively) when compared with low THI. But, stillbirth and calving condition were not significantly influenced by different THI levels in BC and F1. BC was more bearable to the harsh environment; they possessed the highest incidence of conception after first insemination (72.70, 72.60, and 62.40%), producing live calves (98.50, 100, and 99.40%) with easy calving condition (98.50, 100, and 99.40%) when compared to PE and F1 at different levels of THI, respectively. The average daily milk yield and peak of milk production were decreased in PE (4.02 and 5.12%), BC (13.33 and 10.95%), and F1 (25.29 and 12.20%) from low to high THI. However, BC revealed no significant changes in days open, dry period, calving interval, gestation length, service per conception, and the first service post-partum at different levels of THI when compared with PE and F1. Therefore, rearing BC is recommended for improving buffalo productive and reproductive performance under hot conditions.

Effect of peripartum nutritional management on plasma profile of steroid hormones, metabolites, and postpartum fertility in buffaloes.

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of peripartum protein and minerals supplementation on plasma profile of steroid hormones, metabolites, and fertility in rural buffaloes.Material and Methods:A total of 85 advanced pregnant (~8 months) pluriparous buffaloes selected at farmers’ doorstep in three tribal villages of Middle Gujarat were randomly divided into two groups, viz., control (n=45) and nutrients treatment (40). The buffaloes of treatment group (n=40), in addition to farmers feeding schedule/control, received daily 1.5 kg compound concentrate mixture (22% CP) and 50 g of chelated ASMM for 2 months each pre- and post-partum. Further, 15 buffaloes, each of control and treatment group, were injected parentrally (deep i/m) with 5 ml of micro-minerals (each ml containing Se, Zn, Cu and Mn at 5, 40, 15 and 10 mg, respectively), twice 2 months before and on the day of calving, keeping rest of the animals (control, n=30 and treatment, n=25) as controls. Blood sampling was done on days −60, −30, −15, 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 peripartum for estimation of plasma progesterone and estradiol by standard RIA techniques and other metabolites using assay kits on biochemistry analyzer. The puerperal events and postpartum fertility were monitored through history and by fortnightly palpation per rectum till day 45 and then again at 120 days postpartum for both the groups and subgroups.Results:The mean plasma progesterone concentrations in all groups declined significantly (p<0.05) from day 60 to day 15 prepartum, reached to the basal levels (<0.5 ng/ml) on the day of parturition, and subsequently, reduced nonsignificantly till day 15 postpartum and then showed a rising trend from day 30 to 60 postpartum with significantly higher values at day 45 and/or 60. The mean plasma estradiol values increased with approaching parturition and were at its peak on the day of calving (p<0.01). Thereafter, there was a rapid fall in the levels by day 15 and it remained low till day 45-60 postpartum. The blood glucose values showed an increasing trend with advancing gestation, reaching the highest on the day of calving, dropped significantly (p<0.01) within 15 days postpartum, and thereafter showed consistent values. The buffaloes supplemented with peripartum nutrients maintained significantly (p<0.05) higher blood glucose concentrations than the control during the peak lactation. The plasma protein levels varied significantly (p<0.05) between days within the group with the lowest values on the day of calving, as well as between groups with higher (p<0.05) values on day 30 and 60 postpartum in treated group. Micro-minerals injected did not reveal significant influence on steroid hormones, blood glucose, or plasma protein. The mean plasma total cholesterol was significantly lower (p<0.05) in treatment than the control group. The mean values in micro-minerals injected subgroup were higher than the non-injected control subgroup during postpartum phase. The mean plasma triglyceride values in the pregnant buffaloes under both the groups and subgroups gradually decreased as parturition approached with significantly lowest values on the day of calving. The values increased nonsignificantly by day 15 and then remained steady throughout postpartum period without influence of nutrient supplementation or micro-minerals injection. The incidence of retained fetal membranes (RFMs) was 5.00 and 13.33% in treatment and control groups, respectively, with placental expulsion time of 3.27±0.37 and 4.44±0.53 h (p>0.05). The micro-minerals injection appreciably reduced the incidence of RFMs and significantly (p<0.05) reduced the placental expulsion time over non-injected controls. In treatment group, the period for involution of uterus was significantly shorter (29.39±0.50 vs. 32.12±0.82 days, p<0.05), with early onset of first postpartum estrus (67.65±1.67 vs. 79.43±3.06 days, p<0.01), shorter service period (90.89±4.41 vs. 105.09±4.76 days, p<0.05) and higher conception rate (55.00 vs. 40.00%) than in control group. The micro-minerals injection apparently and/or significantly improved all these traits in both the groups. Thus, the postpartum reproductive performance was significantly improved in treated than control groups and subgroups.Conclusion:The results showed that nutrient supplementation in terms of high protein concentrate, ASMM and injection of sustained release micro-minerals (Se, Zn, Cu, and Mn) during transition period minutely altered the plasma steroid hormones and blood metabolites though it significantly improved the postpartum reproductive performance in buffaloes under field conditions.

Productive and reproductive performance of buffalo

Productive and reproductive performance of buffalo

Effect of pour-on alphacypermethrin on feed intake, body condition score, milk yield, pregnancy rates, and calving-to-conception interval in buffaloes.

The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy of alphacypermethrin (ACYP) on pediculosis due to Haematopinus tuberculatus and to evaluate the influence of the treatment on productive and reproductive performance in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) reared in an intensive system. The trial was performed on 56 pluriparous buffaloes at 86.8 ± 8.1 d in milk. The animals underwent individual louse count and were divided into 2 homogenous groups according to louse count, age, number of lactations, days in milk, live BW, BCS, pregnancy status, and milk yield. Group A (n = 28) was treated by a pour-on formulation of ACYP, and Group S (n = 28) was treated by pour-on saline solution. Individual louse counts were performed weekly on 10 buffaloes in each group. Feed intake was recorded daily and the total mixed ration, individual ingredients, and orts were analyzed to calculate DM ingestion. Individual milk yield was recorded daily and milk samples were analyzed at the beginning of the trial, after 4 wk, and at the end of the trial to assess milk composition. Individual BCS was also evaluated simultaneously. Finally, the animals underwent synchronization of ovulation starting 4 wk after treatment and the pregnancy rate and the calving-conception interval were evaluated. Data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test and ANOVA for repeated measures. The infestation was constant in Group S, whereas no lice were present in Group A throughout the study. Daily DMI was similar in the 2 groups (16.7 ± 0.4 vs. 16.3 ± 0.3 kg/d in Group A vs. Group S, respectively), although buffaloes in Group A showed higher (P < 0.05) BCS score at the end of the trial (7.39 ± 0.1 vs. 7.14 ± 0.1 in Group A vs. Group S, respectively). The average milk yield/buffalo was higher (P < 0.05) in Group A compared to Group S (10.58 ± 0.1 vs. 10.39 ± 0.1 kg in Group A vs. Group S, respectively) and this was mainly due to the higher milk production recorded in buffaloes at less than 75 d in milk (11.81 ± 0.1 vs. 11.45 ± 0.1 kg in Group A vs. Group S, respectively). Despite of a similar fertility rate (90.5 vs. 80.9% in Group A vs. Group S, respectively), a lower (P < 0.05) calving-conception interval was recorded in Group A compared to Group S (118 ± 16 vs. 177 ± 16 d in Group A vs. Group S, respectively). In addition to the pour-on treatment against pediculosis, productive and reproductive performance were also improved. This represents a significant improvement in dairy buffalo herd management.

Genetic Characteristics and Relationship in Different Goat Populations of Indonesia Based on Cytochrome B Gene Sequences

The present study was carried out drawing a sample of 120 dairy farmers using random sampling from the three blocks of Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh and from each block two villages were selected randomly. Production and Reproduction is one of the most important considerations to determine the profitability of buffalo. The parameters of productive and reproductive performance of buffalo were as under: Average daily milk yield, 5.36±1.2 lit./day/buffalo, lactation length, 293.5±27.1 days/buffalo, lactation milk yield, 1636.4±189 lit./buffalo, peak yield, 8.1±1.9 lit./buffalo, dry period, 156.4±39.6 days/buffalo, Age at first calving, 1482±162 days/buffalo, Service period, 142±26 days/buffalo, Service per Conception, 2.57±0.45 times/buffalo and Calving interval was 450.2±35.1 days/buffalo. The results showed that dry period and service period were found to be high which resulted in increase in inter-calving period, thereby leading to the increase in unproductive period among buffaloes of the study area.

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.