Swamp Buffalo Bulls Research Articles

Melatonin supplementation improved cryopreserved Thai swamp buffalo semen.

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cryopreservation process impairs the sperm characteristics and fertilizing ability. However, melatonin, an antioxidant, could protect spermatozoa against this cell damage during cryopreservation. Therefore, we attempted to evaluate whether the melatonin supplementing in the semen extender could improve the sperm quality of swamp buffalo during cryopreservation. The semen collected from six swamp buffalo bulls were diluted with tris-citrate egg yolk extender supplementing with 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0mM of melatonin. The parameters of sperm viability and motility were evaluated using computer-assisted semen analyser (CASA) after cryopreservation on days 1, 7, 15 and 30. The group supplemented with 1.0mM melatonin exhibited the higher viability after cryopreservation on days 1, 7, 15 and 30 with 58.346±2.1a , 57.586±2.0a , 55.082±1.8a and 55.714±1.8a , respectively, and showed the best results of motility parameters. However, higher concentration of melatonin at 3.0mM impaired all the parameters. In conclusion, the addition of melatonin at 1mM to semen extender could exert the best protection against sperm damage in swamp buffalo bull during cryopreservation.

Age-Dependent Changes in Fresh Semen Quality of Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fresh semen quality of swamp buffalo raised in Lembang Artificial Insemination Center with respect to different age. The semen was collected from one swamp buffalo bull at three different stages (5, 6, and 7 years old). The evaluation of semen quality was conducted directly upon collection. Semen color, consistency, and mass sperm motility were analyzed descriptively, while semen volume, pH, sperm concentration and individual sperm motility were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by least significant difference test. The results showed that the dominant physical characteristics of swamp buffalo’s semen were milky white color with moderate consistency and fast mass sperm motility (++). There was a highly significant effect (P<0.01) of age on semen volume, sperm concentration, and individual sperm motility, whereas semen pH was not affected (P>0.05) by age. Swamp buffalo had higher (P<0.01) semen volume and sperm concentration at 7 years old, but with lower (P<0.01) individual sperm motility as compared to 5 and 6 years old. In brief, this study reveals that semen production of swamp buffalo is dependent of age with 7 years old become the most superior age.

The effect of age on semen freezability of Swamp Buffalo bull in a commercial artificial insemination center

This study aimed to assess the effect of age on semen freezability (sperms motility before freezing, post-thawing, recovery rate, and straws production per ejaculate) of swamp buffalo bull kept in Lembang Artificial Insemination Center. A total of 115 ejaculates collected from one swamp buffalo bull at 5, 6 and 7 years old were included in the study. The results showed that the overall mean values of sperms motility before freezing, post-thawing, recovery rate, and straws production per ejaculate of swamp buffalo bull were 62.13%, 43.61%, 62.16%, and 114.16 doses, respectively. The age of bull did not show significant (P>0.05) effect on sperms motility before freezing, however the sperms motility post-thawing, recovery rate, and straws production per ejaculate was influenced (P<0.01) by bull age. At seven years old, the poorest (P<0.01) post-thawing sperms motility and recovery rate were noted in comparison to 5 and 6 years old, nevertheless the difference in post-thawing sperms motility was only less than 3% point, which was not biologically important. On the other hand, the semen collection at seven years old had a higher (P<0.01) straws production per ejaculate than those at 5 and 6 years old (133.70 vs. 106.39 and 90.61 doses, respectively). In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the semen freezability of swamp buffalo bull is varied among the age with the peak frozen semen production was achieved at seven years old.

Identification of Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) Gene Polymorphism Using PCR-RFLP Method in Buffalo Bulls

Growth Hormone (GH) is a single polypeptide chain synthesised and secreted from anterior pituitary gland by somatroph cells. The product of GH gene hastens metabolism and promotes the growth of many organs and tissues especially bone, muscle and visceral organs. It also regulates growth, mammary gland development and lactation. Polymorphism in this gene is associated with increase in growth and development of many tissues in the body.&#x0D; Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene in buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) using the PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique.&#x0D; Design: Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 10 bulls, consisting of Murrah – Swamp crossbred and pure Swamp buffalo bulls. A The 446 segment of the bGH gene was amplified. The DNA amplicons were detected in 2% agarose gel following 45 minutes of electrophoresis. They were thereafter digesting with AluI endonuclease restriction enzyme, and the digested DNA were detected in 2% agarose gel following electrophoresis for about 45minutes in all samples&#x0D; Results: Similar bands of approximately 300 and 146-bp each, with no variation, were detected in 2% agarose gel following electrophoresis in all the animals tested.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the Alu1 digestion result, all samples produced the same allele of the gene, with no polymorphism detected.

Effects of Phytonutrients on Ruminal Fermentation, Digestibility, and Microorganisms in Swamp Buffaloes.

Simple SummaryFermentation in ruminants can influence greenhouse gas production, especially methane (CH4) production. Phytonutrients (PTN) and secondary metabolites (tannins, saponins) have antimicrobial activity which can be used for the inhibition of rumen methanogens and the reduction of methane emissions in ruminants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of PTN containing both mangosteen peel powder and banana flower powder on feed consumption, nutrient digestibility, and rumen microorganisms in swamp buffaloes. The results suggest that supplementation of PTN can improve fiber digestibility, increase the proteolytic and cellulolytic bacteria, and alter rumen volatile fatty acids (VFAs), especially increased C3 and reduced methane production. This study shows that PTN containing either mangosteen peel powder (MSP) or banana flower powder (BFP) could be used as a rumen modifier. This experiment aimed to use dietary sources containing phytonutrients (PTN) such as mangosteen peel powder (MSP) and banana flower powder (BFP) as sources of phytonutrients. Four swamp buffalo bulls fitted with rumen fistulae were used as experimental animals. A digestion trial covering four periods was used according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) = control (Cont), T2 = supplementation of PTN1 fed at 100 g/d, T3 = supplementation of PTN2 fed at 100 g/d, and T4 = supplementation of PTN3 fed at 100 g/d. The experiment was conducted for four periods; each period lasted for 21 days. All animals were fed a concentrate mixture at 0.5% body weight, while rice straw, water, and mineral blocks were fed ad libitum. The findings revealed significant increases in the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), while no changes in dry matter feed consumption occurred due to PTN supplementation. Rumen fermentation end-products, such as total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionic acid (C3), and butyric acid (C4), were notably enhanced (p < 0.05) and there were the highest in PTN2 and PTN3, whilst acetic acid (C2) was significantly decreased with PTN supplementation groups. Furthermore, the rumen protozoal population was suppressed (p < 0.05), which resulted in decreased rumen methane production (p < 0.05), while the bacterial population was enhanced. Using PTN sources can improve rumen fermentation as well as mitigating rumen methane production.

Seasonal effect on seminal constituents of swamp buffalo (Bubalus carabanesis) in the foot hill of Eastern Himalaya

ABSTRACT A total of 150 ejaculates, 10 from each of 15 swamp buffalo bulls comprising each group 5 animals were used in the study to observe the seasonal effect in sperm biochemical and semen quality. Methods: Clinical and andrological examinations, and monitoring of semen production and quality were carried out on fifteen mature, healthy swamp buffalo bulls in North East India. Seminal characteristics were compared between three seasons of the year (Summer, March-June; Monsoon, i.e. July–September; Autumn, i.e. October–November and winter, i.e. November–February) with distinct ambient temperature and humidity. Results: All bulls were diagnosed as clinically healthy and with good libido throughout the period of study. Ejaculate volume, mass activity, HOST and acrosomal integrity differ significantly (P < 0.05–0.001) between all seasons, whereas initial sperm motility, sperm concentration and abnormalities did not differ significantly. The total protein, total cholesterol and total lipid of seminal plasma of swamp buffalo semen differ significantly between all the seasons. In conclusion, climatic changes did not seem to largely affect semen sperm output or viability, although the proportions of some semen characteristics and biochemical constituents altered season wise. Conclusion: Seasonal changes moderately appear to cause deleterious changes in sperm quality in swamp buffalo.

Cryopreservation of Swamp Buffalo Semen in Skim Milk Yolk-based Diluent with Two Different Cryoprotectants

The successful of artificial insemination (AI) in buffalo is still low. The quality of frozen semen determines the successful of AI program. Glycerol is widely used for cryopreservation of buffalo semen with unsatisfactory results due to its toxicity and antifertility properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of glycerol and dimethylformamide (DMF) concentrations in skim milk egg yolk (SMEY)–based diluent on the quality of frozen-thawed swamp buffalo bull semen. Fresh semen was divided into eight aliquots. Each aliquot was diluted in SMEY containing 4%, 5%, 6%, and 7% glycerol and 4%, 5%, 6%, and 7% DMF. Diluted semen was packed into mini straw (0.25 mL), equilibrated at 4 °C for 4 hours, frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor for 10 minutes, and stored at liquid nitrogen container. The straws were thawed after 24 hours at 37 °C for 30 seconds for evaluation. The results showed that the post thawed sperm motility and recovery rate in SMEY extender containing 7% glycerol and 5% DMF were higher than the other glycerol or DMF concentrations. Post thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity in SMEY containing 4%-6% DMF did not differ significantly, however both values were higher than those in 7% DMF. Post thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity did not differ between SMEY containing 6% and 7% glycerol. However, both values were higher than those in 4% and 5% glycerol. It is concluded that 7% glycerol or 5% DMF is considered to be the most suitable cryoprotective agent for swamp buffalo semen cryopreservation.The successful of artificial insemination (AI) in buffalo is still low. The quality of frozen semen determines the successful of AI program. Glycerol is widely used for cryopreservation of buffalo semen with unsatisfactory results due to its toxicity and antifertility properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of glycerol and dimethylformamide (DMF) concentrations in skim milk egg yolk (SMEY)–based diluent on the quality of frozen-thawed swamp buffalo bull semen. Fresh semen was divided into eight aliquots. Each aliquot was diluted in SMEY containing 4%, 5%, 6%, and 7% glycerol and 4%, 5%, 6%, and 7% DMF. Diluted semen was packed into mini straw (0.25 mL), equilibrated at 4 °C for 4 hours, frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor for 10 minutes, and stored at liquid nitrogen container. The straws were thawed after 24 hours at 37 °C for 30 seconds for evaluation. The results showed that the post thawed sperm motility and recovery rate in SMEY extender containing 7% glycerol and 5% DMF were higher than the other glycerol or DMF concentrations. Post thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity in SMEY containing 4%-6% DMF did not differ significantly, however both values were higher than those in 7% DMF. Post thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity did not differ between SMEY containing 6% and 7% glycerol. However, both values were higher than those in 4% and 5% glycerol. It is concluded that 7% glycerol or 5% DMF is considered to be the most suitable cryoprotective agent for swamp buffalo semen cryopreservation.

Effect of banana flower powder on rumen fermentation, synthesis of microbial protein and nutrient digestibility in swamp buffaloes

Replacement of chemical compounds by dietary sources as rumen enhancers have been of great interest and concern by researchers. Four, rumen-fistulated swamp buffalo bulls with average liveweight of 365 ± 15.0 kg were randomly assigned to treatments, to investigate the impact of banana flower powder (BAFLOP) as a rumen modifier on pH, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, microbial protein synthesis and volatile fatty acids. All buffaloes were allotted according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Dietary supplementation treatments were as follows: 2 g concentrate/kg bodyweight (BW; T1), 15 g concentrate/kg BW (T2), 15 g concentrate/kg BW plus BAFLOP 300 g/head.day (T3) and 15 g concentrate/kg BW plus BAFLOP 600 g/head.day (T4). Untreated rice straw was fed ad libitum. The findings showed that total feed intake was increased in buffaloes fed a diet supplemented with concentrate at 2 g/kg BW, while rice straw intake was reduced. Nutrient digestibility was increased by BAFLOP supplementation at both levels (T3 and T4; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Ruminal pH dropped (5.9) in buffaloes fed with concentrate at 15 g/kg BW, while buffaloes with BAFLOP supplementation could maintain ruminal pH when fed with high-concentrate diet. Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen increased in the buffaloes fed concentrate at 15 g/kg BW, especially with BAFLOP supplementation. Feeding high-concentrate diet increased the concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids and propionic acid (C3), while the concentration of acetic acid and the acetic acid:C3 ratio and methane production were subsequently reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was increased by the BAFLOP feeding (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In the present study, using BAFLOP as a dietary rumen enhancer at 300–600 g/head.day resulted in an increased rumen pH, C3 concentration, nutrient digestibility and microbial protein synthesis, while mitigating ruminal methane production. Higher nutrient digestibility and lower ruminal methane production, more dietary energy and production efficiency are expected.

Effect of age and body weight on scrotal circumference and testicular growth in Nagaland swamp buffalo bulls

A study was carried out to assess the effect of age and body weight on the scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular growth rate of swamp buffalo bulls in Nagaland. These buffaloes utilized for the present study were maintained around the villages of Medziphema block, Dimapur district, Nagaland, India. In the present study, a total of 24 swamp buffalo bulls were identified, selected and utilized. These buffaloes were grouped into four different categories as per their age and each category comprised 8 buffalo bulls. The groups were Group I: 18-24 months (6), Group II: 25-36 months (6), Group III: 37-48 months (6) and Group IV: 49 months and above (6). SCand testicular growth parameters were estimated with vernier caliper and simple measurement tape and by using dental formula, the age of animals was estimated.The Shaeffer's formula was used to estimate the body weight of buffalo bulls. Statistical analysis revealed that the SC and testicular growth parameters had significant positive correlation with body weight than age of the bulls. As compared to cattle, testicular growth parameters and SC of the swamp buffaloes were lower. The study result indicated that testicular growth parameters and SC of swamp buffalo are the useful indicators to determine the testicular development to select the buffalo bull for breeding purpose.

Effect of different concentration of fish oil in skim milk-egg yolk extenders on post- thawed semen qualities of Kalang swamp buffalo bull

Objective: To explore the effect of fish oil at different concentrations on post-thawed semen of Kalang swamp buffalo. Methods: A total of 4 Kalang swamp buffalo bulls with 3-5 years of age and weighed about 340-360 kg were slected. Semen was regularly collected from these buffalo bulls once a week by an artificial vagina. Fish oil was supplementary at the dosages of 0 mg (control), 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg to the extender (skim milk-egg yolk). Fresh, pre-freezing and frozen semen were thawed at 37 °C and evaluated for motility, viability, morphology, and plasma integrity of membrane. Results: The study results indicated that before freezing, supplementation of fish oil at the dose of 150 mg in the extender had significantly motility. And a significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in viability and motility of post-thawed semen at the dose of 150 mg fish oil, which was in difference with other treatment groups. Conclusions: Addition of 150 mg fish oil in the extender could be positive for the enhancement of the quality of post-thawed semen of Kalang swamp buffaloes.

Heparin-induced in vitro capacitation changes of swamp buffalo spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to evaluate heparin-induced in vitro capacitation-associated changes in spermatozoa of swamp buffalo. Therefore, freshly ejaculated and washed spermatozoa of 8 swamp buffalo bulls were capacitated in vitro in TALP medium supplemented with BSA, heparin, and HEPES buffer at a concentration of 6 A— 109 spermatozoa/mL at 37 °C for 6 h. Capacitation status of spermatozoa in terms of the hyperactivated motility, acrosome membrane integrity, total hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and sperm membrane protein (SMP) and cholesterol content were estimated for each ejaculate at 1-h intervals from 0 to 6 h of incubation. The results revealed that the highest hyperactivation of spermatozoa (74.50 ± 1.78%) and live acrosome reaction (56.92 ± 1.88%) was recorded at 4 h of incubation while the total HOST-reacted spermatozoa and SMP and cholesterol levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01) with increasing period of incubation. The AST and ALT activities increased significantly (P < 0.01) as incubation period increased. In conclusion, heparin induces in vitro capacitation changes in swamp buffalo spermatozoa as evidenced by the highest hyperactivation of spermatozoa and live acrosome reaction at 4 h of incubation.

Effects of Leucaena leaf pellet on bacterial diversity and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffalo fed on rice straw

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Leucaena leaf pellet (LLP) supplementation on feed intake, microbial protein synthesis and rumen microbial population and diversity in swamp buffalo fed on rice straw. Four swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned according to a 4×4 Latin square design to receive LLP at 0, 150, 300 and 450g/hd/d. Untreated rice straw was fed ad libitum, while concentrate was fed at 5g/kg BW. The results revealed that rice straw intake and total intake were significantly improved when level of LLP supplementation increased. Ruminal NH3–N concentration was significantly higher than in the control group. Population of fungal zoospores, amylolytic bacteria, proteolytic bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria were significantly increased (P<0.05) with increasing LLP supplementation while the population of rumen protozoa decreased. Supplementation of LLP increased the population of total bacteria, Ruminococcus albus, Fibrobacter succinogenes, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, while population of methanogenic bacteria were decreased (P<0.05). The N balance and microbial nitrogen supply were remarkably improved when LLP supplementation level increased. Rumen methanogen diversity was not shifted as analyzed by PCR-DGGE technique, while rumen total bacterial diversity was similar by sampling time and treatments. Supplementation of LLP can improved rumen ecology, thus improved N-retention and microbial N supply.

Microbial population in the rumen of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as influenced by coconut oil and mangosteen peel supplementation

Four, rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were used to study microbial populations in the rumen when supplemented with coconut oil and mangosteen peel. Animals were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Four treatments were un-supplemented (Control), supplementation with coconut oil at 50 g/kg (CO5), supplementation with mangosteen peel at 30 g/kg (MP3) and supplementation with CO5 and MP3 (COM), of total DM intake. Animals received concentrate at 10 g/kg of BW, and rice straw was given ad libitum. Abundance of total bacteria was increased by CO5 supplementation, whereas populations of protozoa and Fibrobacter succinogenes were reduced by CO5 and COM supplementation. Dietary supplementation did not affect methanogen, Ruminococcus flavefaciens or Ruminococcus albus abundances. Dietary treatments changed denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) band patterns of methanogens and protozoa when compared with the control group, especially when supplemented with MP3. Supplementation of COM resulted in the greatest difference in pattern of DGGE bands for total bacteria compared with the control. Coconut oil and mangosteen peel supplementation resulted in changing of rumen microbial abundances and communities; however, combination of them could be more benefit to improve rumen fermentation of swamp buffalo fed on rice straw.

Effect of glutathione and bovine seminal plasma in lactose extender on viability of swamp buffalo frozen semen.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect on viability of frozen swamp buffalo semen of glutathione and bovine seminal plasma in lactose extender. Semen from two swamp buffalo bulls was collected twice weekly using an artificial vagina. Pooled, good-quality fresh semen was divided into three parts and centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 15 minutes in preparation for three treatments-substitution of buffalo seminal plasma with zero, 50 or 100% bovine seminal plasma (BS0, BS50 and BS100, respectively). Each semen aliquot was then divided in two parts, on which was diluted with lactose extender containing 1 mM glutathione (GSH) and the other diluted with lactose extender without GSH (0 mM GSH). Extended semen from all six treatments was cooled to 5 o C and then frozen in 0.25 ml straws. Mean motility percentages 0 and 30 minutes post thaw (PTM 0′ and 30′) with GSH were 38.33 and 34.29%, significantly higher (P < 0.05) than treatments without GSH (31.67 and 25.95%). PTM 0′ and 30′ were also higher (P < 0.05) with no substitution of bovine seminal plasma (BS0) than when buffalo seminal plasma was replaced with bovine seminal plasma at either 50 or 100%. Averages were 40.00 vs 34.46 and 30.54% (BS0 vs BS50 and BS100) at thawing and 36.96 vs 28.36 and 25.36% 30 minutes post-thaw. Mean percentages of live sperm (LD), intact plasma membrane (MPU) and intact acrosomal membrane (TAU) at thawing were not significantly different with or without addition of GSH. However,at 30′ post thawing, TAU and MPU were significantly higher in GSH treatments than inthose without GSH: 61.50 vs. 58.19% (MPU) and 59.81 vs. 57.38% (TAU). Mean percentages of LD, TAU and MPU 30′post thawing were higher with no substitution ofbuffalo seminal plasma (BS0) (P < 0.05) than to BS50 and BS100 treatments. In conclusion, the addition of glutathione (GSH) improved the quality of frozen swamp buffalo semen, but the partial substitution of buffalo seminal plasma with bovine seminal plasmaprovided no beneficial effects. Key Words: Swamp buffalo, Semen, Antioxidant, Glutathione, Seminal plasma

Effect of coconut oil and mangosteen peel supplementation on ruminal fermentation, microbial population, and microbial protein synthesis in swamp buffaloes

Four rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned to receive dietary treatments according to a 4×4 Latin square design. The four dietary treatments were unsupplementation (control), supplementation with coconut oil (CO) at 50g/kg, supplementation with mangosteen peel (MP) at 30g/kg, and supplementation with CO at 50g/kg and MP at 30g/kg (COM), of total dry matter intake. Animals received concentrate at 10g/kg BW, together with a basal diet of ad libitum rice straw. Feed intake, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein were not significantly affected; however, MP supplementation resulted in significantly lower overall NDF and ADF digestibility when compared with COM supplementation. Ruminal pH and BUN concentrations were not significantly different between treatments, while supplementation with CO increased concentration of ruminal NH3–N. Total volatile fatty acid concentrations were increased with MP supplementation. The proportion of ruminal acetic acid was decreased while propionic acid was increased by either CO or COM supplementation. The ruminal protozoal population was dramatically decreased with either CO or MP supplementation; whereas, COM treatment had a lower fungal zoospores population when compared with the control group. Supplementation with MP resulted in a lower population of cellulolytic bacteria than supplementation with COM. In addition, CO supplementation resulted in a higher population of proteolytic bacteria than the control or supplementation with COM. Nitrogen balance and microbial protein synthesis were not affected by CO or MP supplementation. In conclusion, CO or MP supplementation could improve rumen fermentation by positively affecting the ruminal on microbial population in swamp buffalo on rice straw diets.

Manipulation of rumen fermentation and ecology of swamp buffalo by coconut oil and garlic powder supplementation

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of coconut oil and garlic powder supplementation on digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation, rumen ecology, rumen microorganism and methanogen diversity. Four, 3-year old, rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments; 7% coconut oil, 7% coconut oil with 50 g/day of garlic powder, 7% coconut oil with 100 g/day of garlic powder and non-supplemented (control). During the experiment, concentrate was offered at 0.5% of BW while rice straw was given on ad libitum basis. It was found that supplementation of 7% coconut oil had significantly influenced on total DM intake, OM, NDF and ADF digestibilites while supplementation of 7% coconut oil with garlic powder (50 and 100 g/day) were not significantly different when compared with the control. Dietary supplementations did not affect on rumen pH, NH 3–N concentrations. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly higher in supplemented groups. Total VFA concentration, proportion of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio were reduced by supplementation. Proportion of propionate was increased ( P < 0.05) when supplemented with 7% coconut oil and 7% coconut oil with 100 g/day of garlic powder. Methane production was dramatically reduced ( P = 0.005) in supplemented treatments and was 10% reduced in 7% coconut oil supplementation. Amylolytic and proteolytic bacteria were increased ( P = 0.007 and P = 0.024) while protozoal population decreased by 68–75% ( P < 0.01) by supplementation. Total bacterial population was increased by supplementation while total fungi and total methanogens were not significantly different among treatments. Percentage of cellulolytic bacterial population was not different among treatments. However, dietary supplementation reduced ( P < 0.001) percentage of F. succinogenes population. However, methanogen diversity was not changed using PCR–DGGE as technique. Thirteen separate bands were found in the DGGE gel. Based on this study, supplementation with 7% coconut oil plus 100 g/day of garlic powder could be efficiently utilized in the rumen and thus, could provide good fermentation end products and improve rumen ecology for the host swamp buffaloes particularly in reducing 9% methane gas production without changing nutrient digestibilities.

Ruminal ecology of swamp buffalo as influenced by dietary sources

Four, 3-year old, rumen fistulated swamp buffalo bulls were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to received four dietary treatments; factor A = 2 sources of energy (cassava chip and corn cobs), factor B = 2 levels of urea in concentrate mixture (15 and 30 g/kg). During the experiment, concentrate was offered at 5 g/kg BW while 50 g/kg urea-treated rice straw was given on ad libitum basis. Feeds, rumen fluid and rectal feces were collected for chemical analyses during each experimental period (21 days). In addition, rumen fluid was analyzed for, pH, temperature and NH 3-N concentration and microbial population and diversity by using direct count technique, roll-tube technique and molecular techniques including PCR-DGGE and real-time PCR technique. It was found that energy sources and urea levels had no effects on rumen pH, temperature, NH 3-N and total VFA concentrations as well as proportion of individual VFA. Energy sources especially cassava chip had a higher protozoal population than those of corn cob while urea had no effect. The two factors, energy sources and urea levels resulted in similar rumen bacterial and fungal zoospore population. Similarly with nutrient digestion coefficients, there were no differences among treatments, while cassava chip gave a slightly higher intake of urea-treated rice straw than corn cob fed group. Methanogenic and cellulolytic bacteria were variable among treatments and were highest in corn cob with 15 g/kg urea fed group which were higher than those in other groups. In addition, the use of PCR-DGGE has found diversity of rumen microorganisms particularly methanogenic and cellulolytic bacteria. Moreover, using of real-time PCR technique provided that population of Fibrobacter succinogenes had relatively higher than those Ruminococus flavefacieus and Ruminococus albus. Based on this study, corn cob and urea at 15 g/kg could be efficiently utilized in the rumen and thus, could provide good fermentation end-products and improve rumen ecology for the host swamp buffaloes.

Seasonal variation in semen quality of swamp buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) in Thailand

To test the hypothesis that season affects the semen quality of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls used for artificial insemination (AI) under tropical conditions in Thailand, as it does in Bos taurus and Bos indicus. Clinical and andrological examinations, and monitoring of semen production and quality were carried out on five mature, healthy swamp buffalo AI bulls in Thailand from July 2004 to the end of June 2005. Sperm output, motility, morphology and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were compared between three seasons of the year (rainy, i.e. July-October; winter, i.e. November-February; and summer, i.e. March-June) with distinct ambient temperature and humidity. All bulls were diagnosed as clinically healthy and with good libido throughout the study. Ejaculate volume, pH, sperm concentration, total sperm number and initial sperm motility did not differ between seasons, whereas PMI and the relative proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa were highest in summer and lowest in winter (P<0.05). Buffalo age, week of collection and season influenced sperm morphology (P < 0.05-0.001). Among morphological abnormalities, only proportions of tail defects were affected by season, being highest in the rainy season and lowest in summer (P<0.001). In conclusion, climatic changes did not seem to largely affect semen sperm output or viability. Although the proportions of PMI and tail abnormalities were affected by season, they were always below what is considered unacceptable for AI bull sires. Seasonal changes did not appear to cause deleterious changes in sperm quality in swamp buffalo AI-sires in tropical Thailand.

Use of large bulls to improve the body weight of local small sized buffalo

Eight Swamp buffalo bulls (4 large and 4 local small sized) and 240 buffalo cows (120 selected and 120 non-selected) were used to evaluate the effects of bull size and selected cows on body weight of calves. Experimental animals were allocated into 4 groups: T1- large sized bulls x selected cows (BSB+SC); T2 - large sized bulls x non-selected cows (BSB+NSC); T3 – local small sized bulls x selected cows (SSB+SC) and CT – local small sized bulls x non-selected cows (SSB+NSC) as a control group. Each bull was mated with 15 selected cows and 15 non-selected cows.Body weight of calves at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of ages was highest in calves of T1, then T2 and then T3 while the lowest weight was found in the CT group. Calf weight in the large sized bulls and selected cows group was higher by 10-15% than that of calves in the local small bulls and non-selected cows group at all ages. It is concluded that the use of large sized bulls for breeding increased body weight of calves. Using large bulls and selected buffalo cows was the best solution for improving the body weight of the local buffalo.

Effects of bovine seminal plasma on frozen semen quality of swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis

Semen of two healthy swamp buffalo bulls were collected twice a week using artificial vagina. After initial evaluation, semen was divided into two parts, 1/3 for control (PK) and 2/3 for treatment (PS) and centrifugated at 3,000 rpm for 20 minutes. Seminal plasma of the second part was removed and changed with bovine seminal plasma for 0 minute (PS0) and 5 minutes (PS5) before semen was diluted with lactose extender containing 7% glycerol. Mean percentage of motility after thawing for PS5 (55.71%) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than PK (41.43%), but not significantly different with PS0 (52.43%). PS0 was significantly higher than PK. Mean percentage of live sperm and intact plasma membrane for PS5 (63.43% and 64.71%) were significantly higher (P<0.01) than PK (55.71% and 53.57%), but not significantly different with PS0 (61.14% and 59.28%). There was no significantly difference between PS0 and PK for mean percentage of live sperm and intact plasma membrane parameters. Mean percentage of intact acrosomal for PS5 (53.57%) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than PS0 (48.14%) and PK (43.14%). PS0 was significantly higher (P<0.01) than PK. Under conditions of these experiment it may be concluded that replacement of buffalo seminal plasma with bovine seminal plasma and diluted with lactose extender could improve of frozen semen quality of swamp buffaloes. Key words : Cattle s eminal plasma , frozen semen, swamp buffalo