Bubalus Bubalis Research Articles

Infection, dissemination, and transmission of lumpy skin disease virus in Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Giles), and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) mosquitoes

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a transboundary viral disease in cattle and water buffaloes. Although this Poxvirus is supposedly transmitted by mechanical vectors, only a few studies have investigated the role of local vectors in the transmission of LSDV. This study examined the infection, dissemination, and transmission rates of LSDV in Aedes aegypti, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, and Culex quinquefasciatus following artificial membrane feeding of 102.7, 103.7, 104.7 TCID50/mL LSDV in sheep blood. The results demonstrated that these mosquito species were susceptible to LSDV, with Cx tritaeniorhynchus exhibiting significantly different characteristics from Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. These three mosquito species were susceptible to LSDV. Ae. aegypti showed it as early as 2 days post-infection (dpi), indicating swift dissemination in this particular species. The extrinsic incubation period (EIP) of LSDV in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. quinquefasciatus was 8 and 14 dpi, respectively. Ingestion of different viral titers in blood did not affect the infection, dissemination, or transmission rates of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. All rates remained consistently high at 8–14 dpi for Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. In all three species, LSDV remained detectable until 14 dpi. The present findings indicate that, Ae. aegypti, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and Cx. quinquefasciatus may act as vectors during the LSDV outbreak; their involvement may extend beyond being solely mechanical vectors.

Reproduction Management of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) In People's Livestock In Tanjung Lolo District, Sijunjung Regency

Sijunjung Regency is one of the centers for the development of buffalo livestock in West Sumatra. Even though the buffalo population in this area is quite large, from year to year the population increase is not as expected. One reason is the management of livestock reproduction which is not well controlled by breeders. This community service activity (CSA) for the buffalo livestock group aims to: change the behavior of farmers regarding the reproduction of buffalo livestock by providing knowledge about reproduction management, especially regarding puberty, detection of lust, and artificial insemination programs in buffalo livestock. The program targets are buffalo breeders in Nagari Tanjung Lolo, Tanjung Gadang District, Sijunjung Regency. The approach method used is counseling with a lecture approach and direct demonstrations. In addition, to determine the state of reproduction (ovaries) of buffalo cattle palpation is carried out. Guidance and coaching for breeders is carried out periodically through coordination with one of the breeders in the group. The mentoring activities carried out involved students of the animal husbandry study program. The results of the community service program activities are: 1) breeders know the age of puberty and signs of lust in buffalo cattle. 2) breeders know the reproductive condition (ovaries) of their livestock, 3) breeders know the ideal body condition of a livestock, 4) vitamin E administration to improve the growth and body condition of livestock.

Do the blood anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in young females correlate with the ovarian follicular population later in life in water buffalo?

In this longitudinal study, the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in blood were determined in 32 Murrah buffalo females at 8, 10, 12, 16 and 19 months of age when females were synchronized and the antral follicular population (AFP) was estimated. Correlations of AFP to the AMH level at 19 months of age and retrospectively to younger ages were investigated. Then females were split into high and low AFP, and their AMH levels were compared for all ages and tested as predictors of AFP categories. The highest AMH level (p < .05) was detected at 8 months, reducing but not differing (p > .05) at 10, 12 and 16 months then reducing again (p < .05) at 19 months of age. The mean AFP was 17.6 ± 6.3 follicles, and it was positively correlated with AMH in all ages tested. High AFP females had approximately two times more antral follicles than low AFP (p < .05) and their AMH levels were higher (p < .01) than in low AFP ones in all ages. Only at 8 months, AMH levels can be used to precociously detect high AFP heifers (a cut-off point of 464.7 pg/mL; p < .05), while low AFP heifers could be detected by AMH measurements at 8, 10, 12 and 16 months of age (p < .05). We conclude that AMH of buffalo calves correlates with AFP of heifers later in life and depending on the age, its levels could be used to identify future females with low or high AFP.

Anatomy and Physiology of Water Buffalo Mammary Glands: An Anatomofunctional Comparison with Dairy Cattle.

The present review aims to analyze the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the mammary gland and udders of water buffalo by making an anatomofunctional comparison with dairy cattle. It will also discuss the knowledge generated around the physiological regulation of milk ejection in the water buffalo. It was found that buffalo's average udder depth and width is approximately 20 cm smaller than Bos cattle. One of the main differences with dairy cattle is a longer teat canal length (around 8.25-11.56 cm), which highly influences buffalo milking. In this sense, a narrower teat canal (2.71 ± 0.10 cm) and thicker sphincter muscle are associated with needing higher vacuum levels when using machine milking in buffalo. Moreover, the predominant alveolar fraction of water buffalo storing 90-95% of the entire milk production is another element that can be related to the lower milk yields in buffalo (when compared to Bos cattle) and the requirements for prolonged prestimulation in this species. Considering the anatomical characteristics of water buffalo's udder could help improve bubaline dairy systems.

Bovine Tuberculosis Testing in Colombia: Comparative Histopathological, Microbiological, and Molecular Biology Findings

Introduction: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic infectious disease present in Colombia, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, and causes tuberculosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis through the intradermal test is difficult; evaluating and understanding the behavior of other diagnostic tests is necessary.&#x0D; Objective: To describe the behavior and results of different diagnostic methods for bovine tuberculosis in water buffalo positive for the Purifed Proteic Derivate (DPP) intradermal test.&#x0D; Methodology: In water buffaloes positive for comparative cervical tuberculin test, different diagnostic methods were applied, described, and compared: Ziehl-Neelsen staining, microbiological culture, histopathological analysis, and PCR-HRM.&#x0D; Results: Histopathological tests showed that 26 water buffalo positive for DPP (52%) had histological lesions compatible with bovine tuberculosis. 37% of the evaluated samples from tuberculin-positive Buffalo's lungs and secondary lymph nodes showed acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus with Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Four samples of Mycobacterium bovis from tuberculin-positive buffalo were isolated and identified, with two of these isolates confirmed from tissues with PCR-HRM, and three buffalo with microbiological isolates presented granulomatous lesions through histological analysis. Seventeen tuberculin-positive buffalo (34%) tested positive for real-time PCR HRM, and nine of these buffalo did not have histological lesions compatible with bTB and were confirmed with the molecular test.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our results provide positive evidence of histological findings, microbiological isolation, and molecular diagnosis of tuberculin-positive water buffalo in the lowlands of Colombia. None of the complementary tests performed showed 100% concordance with the comparative cervical tuberculin test results for bTB.

Cloning, expression and application of a novel laccase derived from water buffalo ruminal lignin-degrading bacteria

Water buffalo is the only mammal found to degrade lignin so far, and laccase plays an indispensable role in the degradation of lignin. In this study, multiple laccase genes were amplified based on the water buffalo rumen derived lignin-degrading bacteria Bacillus cereus and Ochrobactrum pseudintermedium. Subsequently, the corresponding recombinant plasmids were transformed into E. coli expression system BL21 (DE3) for induced expression by Isopropyl-β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). After preliminary screening, protein purification and enzyme activity assays, Lac3833 with soluble expression and high enzyme activity was selected to test its characteristics, especially the ability of lignin degradation. The results showed that the optimum reaction temperature of Lac3833 was 40 °C for different substrates. The relative activity of Lac3833 reached the highest at pH 4.5 and pH 5.5 when the substrates were ABTS or 2,6-DMP and guaiacol, respectively. Additionally, Lac3833 could maintain high enzyme activity in different temperatures, pH and solutions containing Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Mn2+. Importantly, compared to negative treatment, recombinant laccase Lac3833 treatment showed that it had a significant function in degrading lignin. In conclusion, this is a pioneering study to produce recombinant laccase with lignin-degrading ability by bacteria from water buffalo rumen, which will provide new insights for the exploitation of more lignin-degrading enzymes.

Retracted: Exploring the Potential of Interferon Gamma Gene as Major Immune Responder for Bovine Tuberculosis in River Buffalo.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/5532864.].

Susceptibility of Mediterranean Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) following Experimental Infection with Lumpy Skin Disease Virus.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle and water buffalo characterized by cutaneous nodules, biphasic fever, and lymphadenitis. LSD is endemic in Africa and the Middle East but has spread to different Asian countries in recent years. The disease is well characterized in cattle while little is known about the disease in buffaloes in which no experimental studies have been conducted. Six buffaloes and two cattle were inoculated with an Albanian LSD virus (LSDV) field strain and clinically monitored for 42 days. Only two buffaloes showed fever, skin nodules, and lymphadenitis. All samples collected (blood, swabs, biopsies, and organs) were tested in real-time PCR and were negative. Between day 39 and day 42 after inoculation, anti-LSDV antibodies were detected in three buffaloes by ELISA, but all sera were negative by virus neutralization test (VNT). Cattle showed severe clinical signs, viremia, virus shedding proven by positive real-time PCR results, and seroconversion confirmed by both ELISA and VNT. Clinical findings suggest that susceptibility in buffaloes is limited compared to in cattle once experimentally infected with LSDV. Virological results support the hypothesis of buffalo resistance to LSD and its role as an accidental non-adapted host. This study highlights that the sensitivity of ELISA and VNT may differ between animal species and further studies are needed to investigate the epidemiological role of water buffalo.

EVALUATION OF THE RELIABILITY AND CONCORDANCE OF VISUAL WEIGHT ASSESSMENT IN WATER BUFFALO FEMALES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; For the development of reproductive, nutritional and health programmes, estimation of animal body weight (BW) is a fundamental tool in herd management. &lt;strong&gt;Objective. &lt;/strong&gt;To evaluate of the reliability and concordance&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;of visual weight assessment in water buffalo females. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology. &lt;/strong&gt;Data on visually estimated body weight (VM) and actual body weight (BW) were recorded for 229 female water buffaloes. BW was recorded using a digital scale and visual estimation BW was taken as the average of three observations made by three observers. The measurements obtained by each of the different estimation methods were also compared with the observed weights by inspecting the paired Bland-Altman plots prior to logarithmic transformation. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;Correlations between observed BW and mean predicted BW for visual methods showed a positive and significant relationship (P&amp;lt;0.001), with an r value of 0.95. According to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), there was a high degree of reliability in the visual estimates of buffalo weight, due to the similarity in the mean and dispersion of each observer's estimates. Both the Bland-Altman plot and the ICC show that there is a high level of concordance between the buffalo weights obtained by the visual and real methods. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; The result of the present study showed that visual assessment highlights the ability of livestock handlers to have a very accurate estimation of BW in female water buffaloes. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; The results of this study show that visual assessment highlights the ability of livestock handlers to visually estimate BW in female water buffaloes with high reliability and concordance with the animal weighbridge method.&lt;/p&gt;

The Characterization of Pastures by Grazing Cycle and Evaluation of Supplementation with Agro-Industry Co-Products on the Performance of Buffaloes in the Humid Tropics.

The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions, and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. All animals used in the study were clinically healthy and weighed approximately 458 kg. The animals were grazed in a single group, and supplementation (1% of live weight-LW/day) was divided into three treatments: control (control-conventional ingredients); Cocos nucifera coconut cake (Cocos nucifera) (coconut cake-70%); and palm kernel cake (Guinean elaeis) (palm kernel cake-70% palm kernel cake). The chemical composition of the forage is different in each part of the plant, with higher protein values in the leaves (11.40%) and higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) values in the stems (50.03%). Among the ingredients of the supplement, corn has the highest percentage of indigestible protein (35.57%), most of the protein in palm kernel cake is B3 (49.11%), and in Coco, B2 (51.52%). Mombasa grass has a higher percentage of B3 and B2 proteins; the indigestible fraction is lower in the leaves (17.16%). The leaf/stem ratio also varied between grazing cycles, being better in the second cycle (2.11%) and with an overall average of 1.71. Supplement consumption varied between cycles and was higher in the control treatment, with an overall mean of 4.74. There was no difference in daily weight gain and carcass yield, with an average of 1 kg/day and 49.23%, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that including supplements based on by-products from the coconut and palm oil agro-industries promotes performance and carcass yields compatible with conventional supplements. Their use reduces production costs, optimizes the utilization of forage mass, enhances the sustainability of the production chain, and, therefore, is recommended.

Histomorphological and histochemical features of atresia of antral follicles of water buffaloes

The present study aimed to characterize the atresia of antral follicles of buffalo. Two types of atresia, cystic and obliterative, were observed in the buffalo ovary. The cystic atresia was characterized by complete degeneration of the granulosa cells with the antrum filled with fluid. In obliterative atresia, the granulosa cells degenerated, and the surrounding theca cells started invaginating into the antrum. The ingrowth of these connective tissues filled the antrum. The histological picture of tertiary follicles showed that the atresia occurred in successive stages. The atretic changes observed were pyknosis of granulosa cells, the creation of small spaces between the cells, and the loosening of the cumulus oophorus cells. Two patterns were observed based on the start of atresia, i.e. antral atresia and basal atresia. At places, call-exner bodies were observed in the granulosa cell layer. The collagen fiber-containing basal lamina started separating from the theca layer at locations and later became hypertrophied in the cystic atresia type. In contrast, in the obliterative atresia, the collagen fibers were seen as abundant in growth towards the lumen and later, it filled the whole antral cavity. Disruptions of reticular fibers as stained with Gridley’s stain were observed in the cystic type of atresia, and ingrowth of reticular fibers in the antrum and formation of corpus atreticum were contributed by reticular fibers also.

Viral Diseases in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): New Insights and Perspectives.

The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) has great adaptability to rustic environments and more variable conditions than cattle, who generally share the habitat. Diseases carried by buffaloes are relatively unknown and ignored and could be transmissible; an imbalance occurs between pathogens, environment, and susceptible hosts, generating a severe animal health problem. Also relevant is the effect of climate change on the populations of vectors that transmit viral diseases. The discovery of new virus variants that can pass from bovine (Bos) to buffalo or vice versa or to humans has highlighted the relevance of viruses crossing the host barrier. This review discusses the clinical viral diseases most reported in the water buffalo, characteristics, epidemiology, and recent findings about disease behavior, interaction with other species, the host, vectors, and pathogens. Diseases reviewed include Foot and Mouth Disease, Rinderpest, Malignant Catarrhal Fever, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, Bovine Viral Diarrhea, and Rabies. Also, vector-borne diseases include Lumpy Skin Disease, Ephemeral Fever, and Blue Tongue. The review also considers emerging viruses such as Buffalo Pox and Schmallenberg and, finally, other viruses such as papillomatosis. The knowledge and epidemiology of buffalo viral diseases must be constantly reconsidered and updated for adequate prevention and control programs.

Effect of heat exposure on prostaglandin production and expression of COX-2, PGES, PGFS, ITGAV and LGALS15 mRNAs in endometrial epithelial cells of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Early embryonic mortality is one of the major intriguing factors of reproductive failure that causes considerable challenge to the mammalian cell biologists. Heat stress is the major factor responsible for reduced fertility in farm animals. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of heat stress on prostaglandin production and the expression of key genes, including COX-2, PGES, PGFS, ITGAV and LGALS15, in buffalo endometrial epithelial cells. Buffalo genitalia containing ovaries with corpus luteum (CL) were collected immediately post-slaughter. The stages of the estrous cycle were determined based on macroscopic observations of the ovaries. Uterine lumens of the mid-luteal phase (days 6-10 of the estrous cycle) were washed and treated with trypsin to isolate epithelial cells, which were then cultured at control temperature (38.5°C for 24h) or exposed to elevated temperatures [38.5°C for 6h, 40.5°C for 18h; Heat Stressed (HS)]. The supernatant and endometrial epithelial cells were collected at various time points (0, 3, 6, 12, and 24h) from both the control and treatment groups. Although heat stress (40.5°C) significantly (P < 0.05) increased COX-2, PGES, and PGFS transcripts in epithelial cells but it did not affect the in vitro production of PGF2α and PGE2. The expression of ITGAV and LGALS15 mRNAs in endometrial epithelial cells remained unaltered under elevated temperature conditions. It can be concluded that elevated temperature did not directly modulate prostaglandin production but, it promoted the expression of COX-2, PGES and PGFS mRNA in buffalo endometrial epithelial cells.

Extraction and Characterization of Collagen Hydrolysate from Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Skin Including its Antioxidant Properties and Antiarthritic Effect

Extraction and Characterization of Collagen Hydrolysate from Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Skin Including its Antioxidant Properties and Antiarthritic Effect

A Retrospective Study (2015-2020) on the Risk Factors Associated with the Persistence and Spread of Brucellosis in Buffalo Farms in Caserta Province, Italy.

Bovine and bubaline brucellosis is still present in some regions of Italy. Although control and eradication measures have been implemented for several years, the brucellosis situation remains problematic in the Campania region. The infection is present in the provinces of Salerno and Caserta, with the latter experiencing a drastic increase in the prevalence and incidence of infection in buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis) in recent years. The brucellosis eradication plan in Italy is subject to the European co-financing system, and failure to achieve the objectives of the plan has resulted in economic cuts for the Campania Region for years. This study aimed to evaluate the possible risk factors associated with the spread and persistence of brucellosis infection on buffalo farms in the Province of Caserta. The results of official controls carried out from 2015 to 2020 on the buffalo farms of the Province were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the R software (version 4.1.0) on a final dataset consisting of 4583 observations. The possible association between covariates and outcome (presence/absence of infection) was evaluated (T-Fisher and Wilcoxon). A logistic regression model with mixed effects was carried out. The study shows that the risk of infection is statistically associated with the density of farms per square km and previous notifications of abortions on the same farms. Furthermore, animal movements constitute a risk factor for the permanence of infection over time (OR > 1), and herds already infected prior to 2015 were seen to have an almost three-fold higher risk of developing the disease (OR = 3.35).

Molecular characterization of recombinant LSDV isolates from 2022 outbreak in Indonesia through phylogenetic networks and whole-genome SNP-based analysis

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a transboundary viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes caused by the LSD virus, leading to high morbidity, low mortality, and a significant economic impact. Initially endemic to Africa only, LSD has spread to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia in the past decade. The most effective control strategy for LSD is the vaccination of cattle with live-attenuated LSDV vaccines. Consequently, the emergence of two groups of LSDV strains in Asian countries, one closely related to the ancient Kenyan LSDV isolates and the second made of recombinant viruses with a backbone of Neethling-vaccine and field isolates, emphasized the need for constant molecular surveillance. This current study investigated the first outbreak of LSD in Indonesia in 2022. Molecular characterization of the isolate circulating in the country based on selected LSDV-marker genes: RPO30, GPCR, EEV glycoprotein gene, and B22R, as well as whole genome analysis using several analytical tools, indicated the Indonesia LSDV isolate as a recombinant of LSDV_Neethling_vaccine_LW_1959 and LSDV_NI-2490. The analysis clustered the Indonesia_LSDV with the previously reported LSDV recombinants circulating in East and Southeast Asia, but different from the recombinant viruses in Russia and the field isolates in South-Asian countries. Additionally, this study has demonstrated alternative accurate ways of LSDV whole genome analysis and clustering of isolates, including the recombinants, instead of whole-genome phylogenetic tree analysis. These data will strengthen our understanding of the pathogens’ origin, the extent of their spread, and determination of suitable control measures required.

A Overview on Lumpy Skin Disease: A Review

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an economically devastating emerging viral disease of cattle and it is caused by the virus which belongs to the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. It is a transboundary illness with serious economic implications that affects cattles and water buffaloes. The illness has a high morbidity and low mortality are caused by arthropod-borne transmission. LSD has made its first appearance in India with a 7.1% morbidity rate among cattle. The disease typically manifests clinically as fever, anorexia, and distinctive nodules on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, nostrils, udder, genital, and rectum. Abortion, infertility, and occasionally death can also occur. On examination, nodules are frequently seen on the mucosa of the oropharynx, udder, genitalia, and rectum. The disease is endemic to countries in Africa and the Middle East, but it has recently begun to spread to Asia and other continents. Recently China and Bangladesh have been reported who shareboundary with India. For the first time, we have compiled a list of LSD epidemics that have occurred in Asian nations during the past ten years the disease's epidemiological situation is still unclear in India. It may be possible to stop the disease from spreading by vaccination and enforcing rigorous quarantine rules and vector control measures. This study seeks to summaries recent advances in epidemiology with a particular disease's etiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment and its transboundary dissemination. Due to poor conditions in farming communities and limited availability to efficient immunizations, the dissemination of capripoxviruses appears to be spreading. This is mostly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic's negative economic repercussions, the devastating sanctions imposed in endemic areas, the rise in both legal and criminal commerce in live animal and animal product, as well as the effects of global climate change.

Effect of Adding Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma to the Freezing Extender on the Post-thaw Quality and In vitro Fertility of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Spermatozoa

Effect of Adding Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma to the Freezing Extender on the Post-thaw Quality and In vitro Fertility of Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Spermatozoa

Novel Nucleotides Polymorphism in CXTCR2 Gene Associated with Mastitis In River Buffalo, Egyptian Breed

Novel Nucleotides Polymorphism in CXTCR2 Gene Associated with Mastitis In River Buffalo, Egyptian Breed

Development, Quality, and Production Parameters of In Vitro Embryo in Anatolian Water Buffaloes

Development, Quality, and Production Parameters of In Vitro Embryo in Anatolian Water Buffaloes