Bubalus Bubalis Research Articles

SURVEY ON INTESTINAL PARASITES INFECTIONS IN WATER BUFFALO CALVES, IN CENTER ROMANIA

A cross-sectional survey was carried-out to investigate the occurrence and associated risk factors for digestive parasite infections in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) calves, in Center Romania. For this, individual fecal samples were collected, from a total of 63 calves and tested for protozoan and helminth infection by using standard qualitative (flotation) and/or quantitative (Mini-Flotac) copro-microscopic techniques. Overall, 77.8% [95% CI: 63.58-87.03] of the tested animals were positive for at least one parasite infections, either as single (53.9%; 95% CI: 38.03-65.35) or mixed (23.8.0%; 14.39-38.38) infections. Of the positive animals, 13.4% showed diarrhoea and all were with mixed infections. Among the parasites detected, the most frequent was Eimeria spp. (68.2%), followed by Toxocara vitulorum (15.9%), Giardia duodenalis (14.3%), and Strongyloides papillosus (4.2%). These findings showed the presence of parasites that may seriously impact the animal health, some of them with zoonotic potential. Altogether the results of this study emphasize the requirement for specific measures for control parasite infections in water buffalo farms.

Characteristics of the karyotype of Ukrainian buffalos

The article presents the results of studying the karyotype of the Ukrainian buffalo population. With the help of routine and GTG methods of analysis of metaphase plates of chromosomes, it was established that in the studied animals the diploid chromosome set was equal to fifty chromosomes (2n=50), which consisted of 5 pairs of meta- and submetacentric and 19 pairs of acrocentric autosomes and one pair (XX) or (XY) sex chromosomes. The total number of chromosome arms (FN) was 60, which correspond to animals of the water buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis), a subspecies of the river buffalo (B. b. Bubalis). Cytogenetic control revealed wide intraspecies limits of spontaneous somatic mutagenesis: absence of constitutive chromosomal disorders; the frequency of metaphases with aneuploidy, the average value (M±m) of which was equal to 10.5±0.13%, polyploidy (M±m=0.7±0.25%), asynchronous separation of the centromeric regions of chromosomes - (M±m=5.3±2.00), chromosomal breaks (M±m=0.7±0.24%), the proportion of cells with micronuclei (M±m=2.5±0.39‰), binucleated cells (M±m=2.6±0.32‰) and mitotic index (M±m=4.8±0.65‰). It has been established that Ukrainian river buffaloes are characterized by high karyotype stability.

Cardiac and physico-chemical responses to xylazine and fentanyl analgesia in Bubalus bubalis

The minor surgical intervention and safe restraining requires sedation and analgesia especially in furious animals like buffaloes which can be achieved by using proper combination of sedative and analgesic drugs. The combination of xylazine with opioids is an effective way to achieve sedation and analgesia in cattle and horses. Six apparently healthy buffaloes having minor wounds were included in the present study. The sedation was accomplished by fentanyl (5 µg per kg b.wt) plus xylazine (0.05 mg per kg b.wt) intravenously. Physiological, hematobiochemical and electrocardiographic parameters were observed at different time interval after the administration of drugs. Following the administration of medicine, there was a significant reduction in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Respiration rate increased significantly at 30 minutes interval. PR interval and QT interval increased significantly at 20 minutes and 15 minutes respectively of the observation period, whereas a significant increase in the duration of ST segment was noticed from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The present study revealed that the drug combination has no deleterious effects on cardiopulmonary, hematobiochemical and physiological parameters during the observation period.

Possibilities of Using “BUGA” Named Software for Breeding Value Estimation of Anatolian Water Buffalo Population of Istanbul

In this study, variance components and breeding value estimations of Anatolian water buffaloes were estimated from the data obtained within the scope of community based water buffalo improvement program of Anatolian water buffalo population of İstanbul. The "BUGA" named software, which was started to be developed with the support of Harran University Scientific Research Project Unit (HUBAP) for use in the estimation of (co)variance components and breeding value were used in this study. The BUGA software used in the research can predict genetic and environmental effects together with variance components as Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) with the Restricted Maximum Log likelihood (REML) method. Unlike its counterparts of another software of foreign origin, it has a visual interface. The language of use is Turkish. The dataset includes records such as city, district, village, genealogy information, date of birth, gender, calving date, lactation parity, number of test day milk yield, lactation milk yield and previous calving date of 442 Anatolian buffaloes raised in this population. The records were analysed using the repeatability model with BUGA software and the additive genetic and permanent environmental effects of all animals in the dataset were estimated. Random environment variance, genotypic variance and permanent environment variance values were estimated as 107112.60 kg2, 20045.22 kg2 and 1259.50 kg2, respectively, while heritability (h2) and degree of repeatability (r) were determined as 0.1561 and 0.1659, respectively. The results obtained as an example of case study applied for the possibility of usage the BUGA software in the estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values showed that BUGA software can be easily used in farm recording conditions with the advantage of friendly user features.

Comparison of ultrasonographic measures of reproductive tract in Thai swamp buffalo heifers and cows

Although artificial insemination (AI) technology is widely used in buffalo breeding in Thailand, AI in buffaloes has a lower conception rate compared to AI in beef cattle. It is crucial to understand the development of the ovary and reproductive system of buffalo heifers and cows. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive tract characteristic using ultrasound measurements during the luteal and follicular phases in Thai swamp buffalo heifers and cows. The studies of reproductive tract were conducted in buffalo cows (n=8; BCS=3.38) and heifers (n=8; BCS=3.25). The reproductive tract was evaluated by measuring the size of the ovary, dominant follicle, CL, uterine horn, cervix, and vulva. The buffalo cows had larger diameter of the cervix and vulvar width (P<0.05) compared with those of heifers. In the follicular phase, buffalo cows had a mean ovarian diameter (ipsilateral POF) of 2.35 cm, and heifers had a mean ovarian diameter of 2.24 cm (P>0.05). The average preovulatory follicle diameter was 1.29 cm in buffalo cows and 1.18 cm in heifers (P>0.05). In the luteal phase, the mean ovarian diameter (ipsilateral CL) of buffalo cows was significantly larger than heifers (P<0.05; 2.46 vs. 2.09 cm, respectively). The diameters of the CL in buffalo heifers and cows were 1.27 and 1.47 cm, respectively (P>0.05). Buffalo cows and heifers have no differences in ovarian components in the follicular and luteal phases, but there are differences in the size of the reproductive tract, which reproductive tract of buffalo cows is larger than heifers.

Comparative studies on the detection of Theileria annulata infection by clinical, parasitological and molecular techniques in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

During the period of 2019-2021, a total of 715 buffaloes were screened for Theileria infections. A set of clinical parameters were used to identify the theileriosis suspected animals which were later confirmed through microscopic tests (peripheral thin blood smear examination and lymph node biopsy smear examination) and molecular assay (cytochrome b based T. annulata specific polymerase chain reaction test). On the basis of clinical evaluation, 33.43% (239/715) buffaloes were suspected for the presence of theileriosis. Through laboratory examination, 63.60% (152/239), 7.48% (16/214) and 100% (239/239) were found positive for Theileria infection by blood smear examination, lymph node biopsy and PCR, respectively, among the clinically suspected theileriosis animals. The efficiency of PCR was recorded to be highest, followed by microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears, and the lowest value was obtained for lymph node biopsy smear examination. The results indicated that PCR is a highly sensitive diagnostic technique for confirmatory diagnosis of T. annulata parasitic infection in buffaloes, even at very low level of parasitemia. Analysis of the data based on thin blood smear examination revealed that the field incidence of theileriosis was 11.55% in the south-western region of Gujarat, India. The high incidences of T. annulata infection in buffaloes may be due to the sub-tropical climate of the region which is favorable for the growth and development of vector ticks and parasites.

A Systematic Review on Lumpy Skin Disease

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) results in significant financial setbacks for the livestock sector. This condition is instigated by the Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), a member of the Poxviridae family, and the Neethling strain serves as its reference or prototype. LSDV is a member of the Capripoxvirus genus, which also includes the sheep pox and goat pox viruses. LSD is an enzootic, contagious, eruptive, and seldom lethal illness of cattle defined by skin nodules. The only impacted animal species are cattle and water buffalo, which have significant morbidity rates but minimal death. But calf mortality rates are greater. LSD impairs the production of milk and beef, results in female miscarriages, and makes males sterile. The initial outbreaks of Lumpy skin disease (LSD) were first documented in Zambia in the year 1929. LSD's origins date back to 1929 in Zambia. In Africa, LSD is seen as an endemic illness. In 1984, the illness was spread outside of Africa. It has been documented in Madagascar and a few Middle Eastern and Arab Gulf countries. Recent reports of the sickness in LSD-free nations (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Iran and Iraq) with possible financial harm to the cattle sector. Both the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have issued warnings regarding the potential for the transmission of diseases to result in substantial economic repercussions. This disease diminishes the milk production of cows due to the presence of oral ulcers, which weaken the animals and cause a loss of appetite. The objective of this review article is to examine Lumpy skin disease (LSD) in the context of the current situation, particularly in relation to the growing concern about the disease spreading to countries that have thus far remained LSD-free.

Storynomic Tourism Strategy of Kebo Ketan Ceremonial Art as a Form of Marketing Communication for Eco-Tourism

Storynomic Tourism Strategy of Kebo Ketan Ceremonial Art as a Form of Marketing Communication for Eco-Tourism

Variations of Physiological Parameters and HSP70 and HSP90 Polymorphisms in Water Buffaloes in Taiwan During Cool and Warm Season

Background: This study examined the physiological parameters of water buffaloes in Taiwan in the cool (February) and warm (August) seasons of 2020 and 2021.
 Methods: Data was collected for a study in February, August 2020, and 2021. The ambitious temperature, humidity, water buffaloes’ rectal temperature (RT), and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded. The plasma expression levels of heat-shock protein (HSP)70 and HSP90 were examined using an ELISA kit. Furthermore, the HSP70 and HSP90 fragment genetic sequence variations were analyzed using the PCR method and MEGA6 software.
 Results: The results revealed that in the warm season, the rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), and heat tolerance coefficient (HTC) were significantly higher compared to the cool season (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the temperature-humidity index (THI) had moderate to high correlations with RT (0.518), RR (0.744), and HTC (0.757). Plasma HSP70 expression levels were higher in the warm season than in the cool season (P < 0.05). The genetic sequences of HSP70 and HSP90 fragments were compared, and five single-nucleotide variation (SNV) sites were identified. However, each genotype showed no significant physiological difference between the cool and warm seasons.
 Conclusion: Temperature and humidity changes in Taiwan had a significant correlation with the physical condition of water buffaloes. This information can be valuable in improving the living conditions of these animals, leading to better animal welfare. Additionally, the HSP70 and HSP90 gene variations in water buffaloes in Taiwan could be used as a reference for future research on breeding and identifying molecular markers.

Coenzyme Q10 improves the quality and invitro fertility of post-thawed buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen via its antioxidative effect.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the freezing medium on functional and oxidative stress parameters and invitro fertilization (IVF) rate of buffalo sperm. Collected samples were relocated to the laboratory for initial evaluation, gentle dilution in extenders, cooling (4°C, 2 h), equilibration (4°C, 4 h), packaging (straws, 0.5 mL), programmable freezing, and thawing (37°C, 30 s). Statistical analysis depicted that adding CoQ10 (100 μM) in a freezing medium caused a significant augmentation in total motility (%), average path, and straight-line velocities (μm/sec) of buffalo sperm than control. Adding CoQ10 (100 μM) improved sperm progressive motility, rapid velocity, and functional parameters (%) compared to the control and 10 μM of CoQ10. Moreover, CoQ10 in a freezing medium caused a significant augmentation in seminal plasma catalase (U/mL) and glutathione reductase (GSH; nmol/109 ) at 100 μM than control and other treatments. CoQ10 inclusion (100 μM) ameliorates seminal plasma superoxide dismutase (U/mL), glutathione-S-transferase (GST; nmol/mL/min) fructose (μg/mL), and ATP (nmol/million) than control. Furthermore, CoQ10 at 100 μM improved seminal plasma glutathione peroxidase (μM) levels than control, 10 μM, and 20 μM. Lastly, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2; nM) production was significantly lower at 100 μM than at control and 10 μM. CoQ10 (100 μM) caused a significant augmentation in the un-capacitated pattern followed by a reduction in the capacitated pattern, and apoptosis-like changes (%) than control, and other treatments, whereas viability was increased than control and other treatments. CoQ10 (100 μM) significantly improved the IVF rate in comparison with control, CoQ10 at 10 μM, and 20 μM groups. In conclusion, the addition of CoQ10 (100 μM) in the freezing medium can improve the quality and invitro fertility of post-thawed buffalo semen via its antioxidative effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 on the invivo fertility of buffalo bull semen.

Impact of Feeding Biofortified Wheat (WB 2) Straw-based Diet on Immunity of Lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) Buffaloes

Backround: Buffaloes contributes heavily to the livestock sector of India and buffaloes are preferred for milk production in India due to their efficiency and better nutrients in milk. Major part of their diet constitute roughage which is usually wheat straw in north-western region of India. WB 2 is a biofortified wheat variety with high zinc and iron levels in its grain, has been developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research in Karnal, Haryana. This study aimed at comparing the benefits of substituting conventional straw with WB 2 straw. Methods: The present experiment was conducted on 12 Murrah buffaloes, divided into two groups i.e., Control (T0) and Treatment (T1) based on body weight, parity and previous milk record. Feeding continued for a period of 90 days as per ICAR (2013) feeding standard. The wheat straw, oats fodder and concentrate mixture was fed in the ratio 50:15:35 (on DM basis) in both the groups. However, in control group, conventional wheat straw was used and in the treatment group, biofortified wheat variety straw was utilized. Result: Non-significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were observed when both the groups were compared for body weight and dry matter intake on fortnightly basis. Similarly, haematology was carried out on monthly basis and there were non- significant differences (P greater than 0.05) between the two groups. Non-significant difference for plasma IgG1 was also recorded. The study reveals that the feeding of biofortified wheat variety (WB 2) straw had no impact on immunity of lactating Murrah buffaloes compared to conventional straw-based diet.

The Current Status and Potential Development of Genetic Resources of Indigenous Toraya Spotted Buffalo in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

Buffaloes are integral to the Asiatic market as they are crucial for agricultural work and transportation and provide a significant source of dairy and meat, contributing to various industries, local economies, and cultural practices across the region. Indonesia is a mega biodiversity country abundant in livestock genetic resources, including indigenous, local, and introduced breeds that play a crucial role in agriculture and the livestock industry. These genetic resources offer the potential for selective breeding and improving the quality of livestock populations through well-designed breeding programs, ensuring sustainable livestock production for the future. The current study was performed using the “Publish or Perish” software, and the data obtained was analyzed using the CADIMA web tool. The Toraya buffalo population is the largest in the Tana Toraja and North Toraja regencies and is widely distributed within South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The population of Toraya buffalo in this region reached 43674 heads. Toraya buffaloes exhibit diverse body color characteristics, such as black, gray, white, and mixed. Moreover, Toraya buffaloes possess distinct quantitative traits that set them apart from other swamp buffalo breeds. Although there are limited studies on Toraya buffaloes, the potential for broader and more comprehensive studies offers opportunities to uncover new information on the characteristics, genetics, reproduction, health, and management of Toraya buffaloes. The development of Toraya buffalo farms also holds significant economic promise, as it can lead to increased agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods for local communities by enhancing the quality by implementing well-planned breeding programs and leveraging reproductive technology, and genetics-based selection, growth, and productivity can be produced. To increase the population and productivity of Toraya buffaloes, a well-structured breeding program integrating reproductive technology and selection based on quantitative and molecular genetics is essential. The development potential of Toraya buffalo is vast, not only due to its high cultural value but also its superior quantitative traits compared to common swamp buffalo, positioning it as a potential national meat provider. The present review article aimed to discuss the characteristics and development potential of Toraya buffaloes, along with the implementation of reproductive biotechnology and molecular genetics to enhance the population, productivity, and quality of Toraya buffaloes in Indonesia.

Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics of Mycobacterium orygis isolated from different animal hosts to identify specific diagnostic markers.

Mycobacterium orygis, a member of MTBC has been identified in higher numbers in the recent years from animals of South Asia. Comparative genomics of this important zoonotic pathogen is not available which can provide data on the molecular difference between other MTBC members. Hence, the present study was carried out to isolate, whole genome sequence M. orygis from different animal species (cattle, buffalo and deer) and to identify molecular marker for the differentiation of M. orygis from other MTBC members. Isolation and whole genome sequencing of M. orygis was carried out for 9 samples (4 cattle, 4 deer and 1 buffalo) died due to tuberculosis. Comparative genomics employing 53 genomes (44 from database and 9 newly sequenced) was performed to identify SNPs, spoligotype, pangenome structure, and region of difference. M. orygis was isolated from water buffalo and sambar deer which is the first of its kind report worldwide. Comparative pangenomics of all M. orygis strains worldwide (n= 53) showed a closed pangenome structure which is also reported for the first time. Pairwise SNP between TANUVAS_2, TANUVAS_4, TANUVAS_5, TANUVAS_7 and NIRTAH144 was less than 15 indicating that the same M. orygis strain may be the cause for infection. Region of difference prediction showed absence of RD7, RD8, RD9, RD10, RD12, RD301, RD315 in all the M. orygis analyzed. SNPs in virulence gene, PE35 was found to be unique to M. orygis which can be used as marker for identification. The present study is yet another supportive evidence that M. orygis is more prevalent among animals in South Asia and the zoonotic potential of this organism needs to be evaluated.

Serosurvey and associated risk factors for Neosporacaninum infection in Egyptian water buffaloes (Bubalusbubalis)

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that causes reproductive disorders in animals, making it a barrier to maximum efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neosporacaninum (N.caninum) antibodies in water buffaloes from four governorates in northern Egypt. A commercial indirect-ELISA test was used to detect antibodies against N.caninum in the serum of 450 water buffaloes. The total seroprevalence of N.caninum in water buffaloes from Egypt was 31.3%, and the highest prevalence was observed in Gharbia governorate. The identified risk factors for N.caninum infections in water buffaloes were sex (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.22−4.17), buffaloes more than 4 years of age ( OR = 5.80, 95%CI: 2.26−14.86), abortion in second trimester (OR = 16.48, 95%%CI: 2.99−34.03), history of abortion (OR = 3.45, 95%CI: 1.58−7.52) and contact with dogs (OR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.51−4.32). Thus, more studies are needed to determine the role of buffaloes in the epidemiology of neosporosis in Egypt.

Ameliorative effect of crocin on post-thaw quality, fertility-associated gene expression and fertilization potential of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull sperm.

Buffalo bull sperm suffer more cryoinjuries due to lipid peroxidation of high structural polyunsaturated fatty acid contents than cattle sperm. Consequently, the post-thaw fertilization potential of buffalo bull sperm is compromised. Crocin is a carotenoid known for its antioxidant potential through scavenging reactive oxygen species. Objectives of the current study were to investigate the effect of crocin addition in the semen extender on post-thaw quality, fertility-associated gene expression and fertilization potential of buffalo bull sperm. Semen samples (n = 32) from four Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls were extended with tris-citric acid extender containing different concentrations of crocin (0 mM; control, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mM). The extended semen was packed in 0.5 mL French straws (25 × 106 sperm/straw) and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. Computer-assisted semen analysis, hypo-osmotic swelling test, normal apical ridge assay, Rhodamine 123, acridine orange, propidium iodide staining, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay were performed to assess sperm motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, viability, and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Expression levels of sperm acrosome-associated SPACA3, DNA condensation-related PRM1, anti-apoptotic BCL2, pro-apoptotic BAX, and oxidative stress-associated ROMO1 genes were evaluated through qPCR. The fertility of semen doses containing the most potent concentration of crocin (based on optimum post-thaw semen quality) was compared with control during the breeding season. Buffaloes (n = 400; 200/group) were inseminated 24 h after the onset of oestrus and transrectally palpated for pregnancy at least 60 days post-insemination. Results revealed that 0.5 and 1 mM crocin improved sperm post-thaw total motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential and viability, and 1 and 1.5 mM crocin enhanced catalase activity and reduced lipid peroxidation compared to control (p < .05). Moreover, 1 mM crocin improved sperm post-thaw progressive motility, kinematics, and DNA integrity, and 1.5 mM crocin enhanced plasma membrane integrity than control (p < .05). Expression levels of SPACA3, PRM1 and BCL2 genes were higher (p < .05) with 1 mM crocin compared to other groups. In contrast, no difference (p > .05) was noticed in expressions of BAX and ROMO1 genes among all groups. The fertility rate of semen doses containing the most potent concentration (1 mM) of crocin was higher (p = .0465) compared to control (56 ± 0.03% vs. 46 ± 0.04%, respectively). In conclusion, 1 mM crocin in the semen extender improves post-thaw quality, fertility-associated gene expression and fertilization potential of buffalo bull sperm.

Investigating Parasites of Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) by Fecal Examination in Samsun

Mandalar çevre şartlarına uyumlu, hastalıklara dayanıklı hayvanlar olarak bilinseler de birçok parazite konaklık yaparlar. Bu araştırmada Samsun ve ilçelerinde yetiştiriciliği yapılan mandalarda bulunan parazitlerin, dışkı bakısı yöntemi ile araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında 556’sı malak, 432’si ergin mandalara ait olmak üzere toplam 988 dışkı örneği parazitolojik yönden incelenmiştir. İnceleme sonunda 394 (%70,9) malak, 190 (%43,9) manda dışkısında 2 trematod (Fasciola sp. ve parafistomatid tip), 1 sestod (Moniezia sp.) ve 4 nematod (Rhabtidid tip, trikostrongil tip, Capillaria sp., Trichuris sp.) olmak üzere 7 farklı helmint yumurtası, ayrıca Eimeria sp. ookistlerine rastlanmıştır. Dışkılarda en sık rastlanan helmint yumurtaları trikostrongil tip, Fasciola sp. ve Moniezia sp. olurken, Eimeria sp. ookisti incelenen 125 işletmenin %80’inde kaydedilmiştir. Akciğer kılkurdu larvalarına ise rastlanmamıştır. Araştırma sonunda, incelenen manda çiftliklerinin %90’nından fazlasında en az bir tür parazite rastlanmıştır. Türkiye’de mandacılık sektöründe entansif yetiştiriciliğe tam olarak geçilmediğinden parazit hastalıkları göz ardı edilse de, ileride bu hastalıklarla düzenli mücadele edilmesi gerekeceği unutulmamalıdır.

Water buffalo versus cattle under similar rearing condition. I. Growth and carcass performance

Water buffalo versus cattle under similar rearing condition. I. Growth and carcass performance

Water buffalo versus cattle under similar rearing condition. II. Eating and nutritional quality

Water buffalo versus cattle under similar rearing condition. II. Eating and nutritional quality

Investigating the impact of sous vide cooking on the eating quality of spent buffalo (BUBALUS BUBALIS) meat

This study describes the impact of sous vide cooking at different temperatures and time intervals on the eating quality, specifically tenderness of two muscles, bicep femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) from spent buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Spent buffalo refers to water buffalo that are no longer considered productive following a sixth lactation cycle. Steaks from each muscle were obtained and cooked at three combinations of time and temperature, namely 55 °C-8H, 65 °C-5H, and 95 °C-45 M, respectively. Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF), cooking loss, cooking yield, color, water activity (aw), total water content (TWC), total collagen content (TCC), heat soluble collagen (HSC), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), and sensory evaluation were measured. The collagen solubilization results showed that temperature and time interacted (P ≤ 0.05), reducing the toughness of the muscles. The tenderization achieved through sous vide cooking was mainly attributed to the thermal denaturation of proteins at the typically lower temperatures and extended time used, weakening of connective tissue through collagen solubilization, and water retention. More cooking loss (P ≤ 0.05) was observed at high temperature treatment of 95 °C-45 M. Meat color, TWC, MFI, and overall acceptability exhibited differences among treatments (P ≤ 0.05). An extended heat interval at lower temperatures caused initial denaturation of myofibrillar proteins, then solubilization of connective tissue proteins. Cooking treatment 55 °C-8H (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the WBSF in both muscles; however, the ST appeared more tender than BF.

TWAS revealed significant causal loci for milk production and its composition in Murrah buffaloes

Milk yield is the most complex trait in dairy animals, and mapping all causal variants even with smallest effect sizes has been difficult with the genome-wide association study (GWAS) sample sizes available in geographical regions with small livestock holdings such as Indian sub-continent. However, Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) could serve as an alternate for fine mapping of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). This is a maiden attempt to identify milk production and its composition related genes using TWAS in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). TWAS was conducted on a test (N = 136) set of Murrah buffaloes genotyped through ddRAD sequencing. Their gene expression level was predicted using reference (N = 8) animals having both genotype and mammary epithelial cell (MEC) transcriptome information. Gene expression prediction was performed using Elastic-Net and Dirichlet Process Regression (DPR) model with fivefold cross-validation and without any cross-validation. DPR model without cross-validation predicted 80.92% of the total genes in the test group of Murrah buffaloes which was highest compared to other methods. TWAS in test individuals based on predicted gene expression, identified a significant association of one unique gene for Fat%, and two for SNF% at Bonferroni corrected threshold. The false discovery rates (FDR) corrected P-values of the top ten SNPs identified through GWAS were comparatively higher than TWAS. Gene ontology of TWAS-identified genes was performed to understand the function of these genes, it was revealed that milk production and composition genes were mainly involved in Relaxin, AMPK, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway, along with CCRI, and several key metabolic processes. The present study indicates that TWAS offers a lower false discovery rate and higher significant hits than GWAS for milk production and its composition traits. Hence, it is concluded that TWAS can be effectively used to identify genes and cis-SNPs in a population, which can be used for fabricating a low-density genomic chip for predicting milk production in Murrah buffaloes.