The aim of this study was to investigate the enzymatic activity of 21 bacteria isolated from refrigerated raw buffalo milk, as well as to evaluate the production of biofilm by these bacteria. Proteolytic, lipolytic and lecithinase activity, as well as the production of exopolysaccharides were evaluated at different temperatures. For all of the psychrotrophic bacteria, biofilm formation on microtiter plates was evaluated at different temperatures and in the presence of residual buffalo and bovine milk. All cultures showed a proteolytic profile while 9 cultures showed lipase activity. Lecithinase production was found in 7 of the evaluated psychrotrophic bacteria. The ability to produce exopolysaccharides was found in 12 bacteria. Of the 21 bacterial isolates, 16 were biofilm producers at 7°C. At 23°C, 20 isolates were found to be biofilm producers. At a temperature of 37°C, biofilm formation by 17 isolates was weak. In the presence of residual buffalo milk, 7 were biofilm producers, while 16 bacteria produced biofilm in residual bovine milk. The results of this study show that many isolates of psychrotrophic bacteria from raw buffalo milk have the potential to produce extracellular enzymes as well as biofilm. This deserves special attention when considering the best practices to recommend during the collection of raw milk in establishments which process milk.

E-coli mastitis is one of the most frequent causes of environmental mastitis in the dairy cattle worldwide. The purpose of this field study was to compare the efficacy of ceftiofur (HCL) in conjunction with supportive measures versus supportive measures alone for treatment of dairy cows affected with naturally occurring acute form of E. coli mastitis. From January 2014 to December 2016 a total number of 100 cows naturally affected by acute E-coli mastitis randomly were allocated into two groups. A milk sample from the affected quarter was collected for bacteriological tests on the first day of treatment. In group A (control), fifty cows received ceftiofur (HCL) 1mg/5kg/BW, flunixin meglumine 2.2mg/kg, calcium borogluconate 40%, 250ml and hypertonic saline (Nacl 7.2 %,) 5ml/kg. In group B (treatment, n=50), cows received the same drugs mentioned for group A, except ceftiofur (HCL) which replaced by placebo. In the group A, 41cows (82%) and in the group B, 2 cows (4%) were survived respectively. The rates of quarter health recovery in the groups A and B were 31.7% and 0% respectively. The differences between two groups were significant (P≤0.01). In conclusion our results indicated that treatment of cows affected with naturally occurring acute form of E. coli mastitis without application of effective antibiotic(s) such as ceftiofur (HCL) and fluid therapy almost impossible

The aim of this study was to investigate the enzymatic activity of 21 bacteria isolated from refrigerated raw buffalo milk, as well as to evaluate the production of biofilm by these bacteria. Proteolytic, lipolytic and lecithinase activity, as well as the production of exopolysaccharides were evaluated at different temperatures. For all of the psychrotrophic bacteria, biofilm formation on microtiter plates was evaluated at different temperatures and in the presence of residual buffalo and bovine milk. All cultures showed a proteolytic profile while 9 cultures showed lipase activity. Lecithinase production was found in 7 of the evaluated psychrotrophic bacteria. The ability to produce exopolysaccharides was found in 12 bacteria. Of the 21 bacterial isolates, 16 were biofilm producers at 7°C. At 23°C, 20 isolates were found to be biofilm producers. At a temperature of 37°C, biofilm formation by 17 isolates was weak. In the presence of residual buffalo milk, 7 were biofilm producers, while 16 bacteria produced biofilm in residual bovine milk. The results of this study show that many isolates of psychrotrophic bacteria from raw buffalo milk have the potential to produce extracellular enzymes as well as biofilm. This deserves special attention when considering the best practices to recommend during the collection of raw milk in establishments which process milk.

The aim of this study was to investigate the enzymatic activity of 21 bacteria isolated from refrigerated raw buffalo milk, as well as to evaluate the production of biofilm by these bacteria. Proteolytic, lipolytic and lecithinase activity, as well as the production of exopolysaccharides were evaluated at different temperatures. For all of the psychrotrophic bacteria, biofilm formation on microtiter plates was evaluated at different temperatures and in the presence of residual buffalo and bovine milk. All cultures showed a proteolytic profile while 9 cultures showed lipase activity. Lecithinase production was found in 7 of the evaluated psychrotrophic bacteria. The ability to produce exopolysaccharides was found in 12 bacteria. Of the 21 bacterial isolates, 16 were biofilm producers at 7°C. At 23°C, 20 isolates were found to be biofilm producers. At a temperature of 37°C, biofilm formation by 17 isolates was weak. In the presence of residual buffalo milk, 7 were biofilm producers, while 16 bacteria produced biofilm in residual bovine milk. The results of this study show that many isolates of psychrotrophic bacteria from raw buffalo milk have the potential to produce extracellular enzymes as well as biofilm. This deserves special attention when considering the best practices to recommend during the collection of raw milk in establishments which process milk.

Thirty farms that raised Lime or Parkote female buffaloes in Kaski were selected for the survey of animal census, feeding traits and body dimensions in the rainy season and the dry season. The average number per farm was 0.76 in Lime and 0.27 in Parkote. The average of age and parity was 8.2 years old and 4.4 in Lime, and 6.6 years old and 2.8 in Parkote, respectively. The mean dry matter (DM) supply of roughage, supplemental feed and total feed was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (11.8 kg/head/day vs. 10.3 kg/head/day, 1.2 kg/head/day vs. 0.8 kg/head/day, 13.0 kg/head/day vs. 11.1 kg/head/day, respectively, P<0.05). Although the average DM supply of roughage per body weight (BW) and total feed supply per BW had no significant differences between the seasons, the mean DM supply of supplemental feed per BW was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (0.35% of BW vs. 0.22% of BW, P<0.01). The BW, heart girth (HG) and hip born width (HW) of Parkote were higher than those of Lime (401.7 kg vs. 368.0 kg, 185.7 cm vs. 179.8 cm, 50.4 cm vs. 48.4 cm, respectively, P<0.05). However, the body length, wither height (WH) and criss-cross height showed no significant differences between Lime and Parkote (127.4 cm and 129.8 cm, 118.7 cm and 119.5 cm, 118.0 cm and 119.4 cm, respectively). The BW estimation using body dimensions may play a significant role to know about the buffalo body condition. With the measured BW, HG, WH and HW in this survey, the formulae to estimate BW of Lime and Parkote buffaloes were established.

An inquisitive on-station feeding trial was carried out to identify the dexterous species and age for beef production with same plane of nutrition. A 2×3 (2 species × 3 ages) factorial experiment was settled for a period of 105 days with eighteen native buffalo and 18 BCB-1 (BLRI Cattle Breed-1) bulls of three age groups (18 months, 24 months and 30 months) and distributed them randomly in six treatment groups having an equal number (6) of animals in each. Intake of nutrients i.e.: DM, CP of buffalo bulls was significantly (p<0.001) higher than BCB-1 bulls in all the cases. The buffalo bulls had significantly higher digestibility of DM (68.0%, p<0.001), OM (67.9%, p<0.001), CP (66.3%, p<0.05), ADF (59.8%, p<0.001) or NDF (59.6%, p<0.001) than cattle (63.0%, 62.7%, 63.6%, 52.4% & 49.6%, respectively). But, the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, ADF or NDF was not affected significantly (p>0.05) by the age of the bulls with any cases. Buffalo bulls gained body weight more rapidly (p<0.001); 1.11 & 0.88 kg/day, respectively and showed a better FCR (p>0.05; 6.72 & 6.86, respectively) than cattle with low feed cost of per kg gain (US$ 1.62 & US$ 1.69, respectively). ADG (p<0.01), FCR (p<0.05) and estimated feed cost (p<0.05) affected significantly and increased linearly by the age of bulls, where 18 months bulls of buffalo and BCB-1 performed best. In an aggregation, it revealed that, buffalo performed better than BCB-1 cattle and 18 months age of both species was more responsive for profitable meat production

For years the study of the differences in reproduction between bovines have been restricted to describe the consequences not the causes, it is very easy to find differences in parameters such as embryo/oocyte morphology, metabolism, cleavage rate, but it is quite difficult to find papers trying to explain the reason of this differences and it is not possible to identify their influence in the reproductive parameters and answer to reproductive biotechnologies. The idea that the quantity of follicles and oocytes in ovaries impacts on fertility is a long-held tenet in reproductive biology (46), Follicle formation occurs during fetal life in ruminants and primates. The establishment of the pool of primordial follicles is critical to a female’s reproductive success, but very little is known about how this important developmental process is regulated. It has been reported is has been reported in buffaloes the effect of season in the gene expression of oocytes and follicles(47) .However, until now very few studies has been attempted to evaluate this fundamental hypothesis, it is possible to think that animals with low follicle count such buffaloes has lower fertility than cattle but this must be demonstrated. The aim of this review is to present evidence related to the differences in reproductive potential in two closely related bovines: buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus), with special emphasis in the role of antimullerian hormone (AMH) and discuss their possible role in the application of reproductive biotechnologies.

The water buffalo of Iraq are river type (Bubalus bubalis), some scholars think they are most closely related to the water buffalo of India, but white patches which is rather common on the foreheads indicate some influence of Nile breed, this latter influence of course could be quite recent (ALhamadany, 2015), while recent molecular studies referred indicated that Mesopotamian buffaloes were from River type and large animal as well well very large variation between animals and buffalo populations due to absent of genetic improvement (Jaayid and Hamd). There were many historical and archeological studies that had different debate about Mesopotamian buffalo origin still need more molecular genetic studies [1]. Buffalo breeders (Maadan), in Iraq represents living descendants of the ancient Sumerians, divided to Nomads and Villagers [2]. These ancient genetic recourses in Iraq, go through many drastic impacts during three decades, environmental, economical and wars, lead to decline of population and breeders displacement [3], that need conservation plans to be adopted and protect this ancient animal, which achieved by Ministry of Agriculture. Baghdad, involved Artificial Insemination project, sponsored by FAO and supported breeders by loans.

Protein need for small holder dairy animals is very limited. Considering this problem one on-station and one on-farm trails were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Nepal respectively. In on-station trial (2013) 15 milking buffaloes were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 kg de-oiled soybean meals/day/buffalo) and in on-farm trial (2014), 20 milking buffaloes were assigned to 0.5 kg de-oiled soybean meal/day/buffalo for two months dry period. From on-station trial, significantly higher (42 %) milk production was observed from 0.5 kg and 1 kg de-oiled soybean meal/day/buffalo feeding groups. From the on-farm trials in village dairy buffaloes 20 percent milk production increment was observed compared with the normal farmers feeding practices (de-oiled soybean meals unfed condition). It was concluded that, in addition to normal diet, 0.5 to 1 kg de-oiled soybean meal (depending up on the body weight of animal and feeding situation) per day feeding as bypass protein sources could be beneficial during dry period where green fodder is scarce to maintain milk production from dairy animals.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common etiological pathogen of bovine mastitis. Subclinical mastitis is characterised by a non-alteration of the milk but can cause food poisoning by production of enterotoxins in milk. Knowledge about the genetic variability within different S. aureus populations would help in the design of efficient treatments to prevent subclinical mastitis and provide useful data for epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to characterize the genetic nature of the S. aureus cultured from subclinical bovine mastitis occurring in 16 farms in the middle western Anatolia. Methods: Two hundred sixty eight milk samples positive with California Mastitis Test (CMT) suggesting the subclinical mastitis of lactating cows in 16 different farms in the Middle Western Anatolia were collected and S. aureus were isolated. Identification was carried out by traditional tests and ribotyping confirmed the identification. Staphylococcal Enterotoxins (SE) were detected and typed by Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Test Reversed Passive Latex Agglutination (SET-RPLA) test kit. Genetic characterisation of the isolates was carried out by both ribotyping and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: A total of 77 isolates of S. aureus were purified and analysed by both biochemical identification and genotyping. Only 4 isolates (5.19 %) of S. aureus were recorded as enterotoxin positive. Genetic characterisation of the isolates was carried out by ribotyping revealed eight ribotypes while pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was more discriminative representing 19 pulsotypes. Conclusion: This study shows no significant association between enterotoxin production, ribogroup and pulsotype profile of the S. aureus isolates collected from the Middle Western Anatolia.

Haematopinus tuberculatus is the main arthropod affecting buffaloes around the world. It causes intense itching and restlessness, altering feeding habits, thus reducing animal productivity. This parasitosis is seldom studied, as it does not lead to significant animal mortality or financial losses. In this project, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of two commercially available products for control of pediculosis in naturally infested buffaloes. A total of 24 milk producing, clinically healthy female buffaloes that were naturally infested by lice were included in this study. Animals were equally distributed into two groups: group 1 was treated with a single dose of pour on Fipronil (1%, Carval de Colombia, 1 ml of product per 10 kg of live weight). Group 2 was treated with a single dose of deltamethrin (5%, Bioara, SA), at a final concentration of 0,1% applied with an aspersion pump as a single bath of 4 liters of diluted solution per animal. Lice were counted weekly from day 1 to day 58 post-treatment. Up to day 23 post-treatment, no significant differences in efficacy were observed between products.Fipronil 1% consistently exhibited an efficacy above 70% from day 8 and until 30 day of the study. These results suggest that both products are efficient and safe to control lice infestations in buffaloes. However, fipronil 1% exhibited a greater residual effect, which reduces the number of baths required to treat infested animals, and reduces the probability of selecting for drug-resistant lice populations.

This review seeks to integrate recent scientific findings on the behaviour of buffalo cows in different production systems. These issues are discussed in relation to the level of welfare that buffalo cows experience under different production systems. In extensive conditions, the level of welfare is high because the animals are free to express natural behaviours related to feeding (grazing, ruminating) and rest. In contrast, intensified livestock-raising methods and techniques (machine-milking, artificial breeding etc.), first developed for dairy cattle are increasingly being used with water buffaloes in order to increase milk production. Greater knowledge of the biology of dairy buffaloes in aspects linked to physiology, behaviour, and health, together with needed adjustments to their production systems, will indicate options for improving the levels of comfort and welfare of these animals and contribute to increasing the efficiency of this type of dairy production. It is necessary to appreciate the importance of welfare within the entire chain of animal production since each of the scientific aspects considered in this manuscript reflects that animal welfare is not an absolute term, but multidisciplinary, with direct consequences on productivity. The welfare of animals in the production systems must be considered with the aim of ensuring an adequate nutritional, clinical, sanitary and behavioural status of the animals. When these aspects are achieved, production can be maximized and, for this reason, it is essential to maintain a balance between welfare and productivity.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the parity on productive performance (lactation length, total milk yield and milk yield by day of calving interval) and calving interval in water buffaloes. For this purpose, records of 663 lactations from 248 buffaloes were evaluated. Total milk yield was 1344.91 liters, lactation length was 291.20 days, calving interval was 453.55 days and milk by day of calving was 2.77 liters. Parity did not significantly affect total milk yield, but had a significant effect on lactation length, calving interval and milk by day of calving interval. First calving buffaloes had a longer lactation, a longer calving interval and in consequence lower productivity than buffaloes with two and three or more calving. Second calving buffaloes had intermediate and significantly different values than buffaloes with three or more calving. Calving interval was positively correlated with total milk yield (r = 0.34983, p <0.0001) and length of lactation (r = 0.67408, p = <0.0001); and negatively with milk by day of calving (r = -0.41263, p<0.0001). In conclusion, parity affected the productive performance and calving interval, with buffaloes of one and two calving being less productive due to a longer calving interval. An increase of milk yield is related with a longer calving interval, therefore, buffaloes of one and two calving, must be provided with optimal management conditions, which allow them to support milk yield and not to compromise the reproductive performance.

A sample of adult individuals from two ethnological groups (“European” n=36 and “African” n=10) that exhibited a normal craniofacial phenotype on their dorsal aspect was studied by means of geometric morphometric methods. Eleven landmarks were selected, corresponding to the neurocranium and viscerocranium. Both fluctuating as directional asymmetries were detected. The latter accounted for the largest proportion of the total variation, causing the main variation in symmetric shape, the former being higher in Kuri cattle. Detected fluctuating asymmetries could indicate an overall poor quality or general low health condition of individuals, due to the harder conditions (climatic, tropical) in which Kuri breed must thrive. Detected directional asymmetry, on the other side, could reflect just a mere functional lateralization of Bos taurus, as it has been established for other domestic animals.

The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of Brucella abortus strain RB51 (RB51) vaccine in preventing abortion in pregnant water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) experimentally challenged using the intravenous route, with a local pathogenic strain of B. abortus biovar 1 (Trinidad 1). Thirty-two female water buffalo calves aged 6-10 months were randomly divided into three groups for the vaccination trial using the subcutaneous route: Group I animals received recommended dose (RD) vaccine twice 4 weeks apart, Group II was vaccinated twice 18 weeks apart and Group III (control) received saline once. At approximately 6 months of pregnancy following natural breeding, the animals were challenged by the intravenous route with 2.5 x 108 to 4.4 x 108 colony forming units of a local strain of B. abortus, Trinidad 1. Blood samples were collected, pre-challenge and post-challenge, for serological assay using the BPAT and the animals were monitored for clinical signs. The bacteriological study was also performed on tissues of the dams and their calves. The frequency of abortion/stillbirths/early neonatal deaths was 55.6% (5/9), 42.9% (3/7) and 40.0% (2/5) for Groups I, II and III dams respectively (P>0.05; ?2). For calves from infected dams, the frequency of isolation of B. abortus Trinidad 1 from the abomasal and rectal swabs was 100.0%, 80.0% and 100.0% for Groups I, II and III animals respectively (P>0.05). It was concluded that vaccination of water buffalo with the RB51 vaccine using the recommended dose was ineffective in preventing infection, abortion, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths.

Bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) has a worldwide distribution, but its prevalence in different regions of Iran is unknown. In this study, for the first time, the presence of BIV infections is detected by using the PCR method in Iranian water buffalo in East Azerbaijan. For this matter, blood samples were taken from 83 randomly selected buffaloes slaughtered in Tabriz industrial slaughterhouse from June to October 2012. All of the animals were clinically examined before sampling. Viral Gene-spin™ Viral DNA/RNA Extraction Kit was used to extract the DNA, and PCR was performed on the extracted DNA using oligonucleotiode primers specific for the gag gene region of the BIV virus. The prevalence of BIV in buffaloes was 2.4% (2 of 83), which is less than the prevalence of BIV in Pakistan (10.3%) and India (19%). The low prevalence observed in this study may be due to our small sample size.

This study conducted as a type of survey in a time period duration of 6 month that starts from the end of the march to the end of September total of the 1000 houses were visited from each of the selected villages of Haripur Pakistan along with 100 dairy farms study carried out by the questionnaires and by the direct meeting with the keepers of buffalos. Four villages were selected where the highest population of buffaloes were found in Syria maira. The farm buffalos were kept mostly for the purpose of selling the milk Results showed that the most of the areas the buffalo keeping is for the purpose of selling the milk wile in other where the selling rate is not found they keep them for their own food and milk purposes. It facilitate their economic status to rise as a part time job. Government should take steps to rise there stander.

This paper provides a short review of the scientific literature, focusing on recent advances on the most representative events from birth to weaning, with special emphasis on the behavior and welfare of buffalo calves during the phases of imprinting, suckling and allosucking, based on the differences and similarities reported with dairy and beef cattle. The similarities include the facts that all 3 are gregarious animals whose dams separate from the herd prior to parturition to facilitate dam-calf bonding, and that maternal care fosters the ingestion of colostrum by the young. These species are also precocial and rely on mother - young mutual recognition for calf survival. In particular, mothers develop a selective bonding with their young soon after parturition, although buffalo cows seem to be tolerant to alien claves and are often engaged in communal nursing. In buffaloes and cattle negative emotions are induced by the stress brought on by early maternal separation. However, buffalo calves are more prone to express cross-sucking and contract neonatal diseases with higher mortality rates in intensive systems as compared to cattle. The review concludes that all three exhibit similar behaviors from parturition to weaning although the knowledge about the specific needs of buffalo calves should be increased and appropriate management practices implemented to improve their welfare state.

The aim of this paper was to examine the environmental consequences of raising buffalo calves, as assessed by life cycle assessment. Life cycle assessment has been widely used to assess the environmental impact of different livestock production systems. The primary data were collected from 32 animals aged 0-90 days. Calves were allowed to uptake colostrum before separation from their mothers within 24-h after birth. After separation, the animals were kept individually (1 x 2 m) for 8 weeks and then housed in groups of 8 in straw-bedded pens (5 x 8 m). According to the results of the analysis, the contributions from all calves to global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, non-renewable energy use was high. In particular, the impact generated from global warm potential was 7 kg CO2 - eq per day, and the impact of non-renewable energy use was 38 MJ - eq per day. Our results estimated for the first time the environmental impact generated from buffalo calves. We conclude that the strategies to mitigate the effects on the environment impact must start from the birth of the buffalo calves and then continue throughout its life cycle.

Reviews of literature confirmed that Egypt has a comparative advantage in milk production rather than red meat, particularly from buffalo. In addition, there is an increasing scarcity in water resources, which constrains horizontal expansion in fodder acreage. In addition, there is a sharp competition between food demand and feed demand on available agricultural land resources. Thereof, a horizontal expansion in dairy buffalo stock would not be feasible. Thereof, the only option for buffalo development in Egypt is the vertical expansion via increasing milk yield to fulfil the current deficit in domestic milk production. The Egyptian consumer gives high preference to buffalo milk for color taste and high content of total solids, particularly fat. Buffalo milk has higher price than cow milk and its production grow faster than cow milk production. Artificial insemination (AI) network is the approach to accelerate the proposed genetic improvement of the buffalo milk yield. A recent study [1], provided evidence that the return of genetic investment in dairy buffalo would be feasible, (IRR = 19.71%) However, the Official statistics showed that there are only two AI-centers for buffalo selected buffalo sires, serving four AI-units in Egypt. Therefrom, the objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of establishment an AI-network in Egypt, by estimating (NPV, IRR, and payback period) and its sensitivity to unfavorite changes that may face the proposed program. The study used a field survey data collected from an AI-unit of the buffaloes semen and an AI-Center for raising buffalo sires in Nile Delta. Results showed that, while the average discount rate of the Egyptian economy was 17.5%, under the most probable condition the estimated IRR for one AI-unit was about 35%. A 10% Decrease in Semen Price and a 10% increase in Insemination Costs would result in IRR about 28% and 31%, respectively. The estimated IRR for the AI-center, under the most probable conditions was about 31%. 10% Decrease in Semen Price, and 10% increase in feed costs or in Sires price would result in 26%, 30% or 28% respectively. Thereof, the less sale price of semen dose is the most effective variable on the IRR. However, unfavorable changes would keep investments with high incentives in establishing a feasible AI-Network for increasingly rapidly the dairy buffalo milk yield.

The paper describes for the first time four cases of postparturient malignant edema in water buffaloes due to Clostridium septicum (Cl. septicum). The study was carried out on four primiparous buffaloes that showed swelling of perineal and perivulvar areas, fever and agalactia a few hours after calving. Two of them died within 20 hours after calving. The other two developed edema in the skeletal muscles of one leg and were treated with sulfadiazine-trimethoprim for 10 days. The clinical signs completely resolved. Culture and molecular investigations identified the pathogen isolated from exudate taken from the vulva as Cl. septicum. The isolate showed multi-drug resistance. In the management of infection due to Cl. septicum, timely diagnosis and the chirurgic curettage, associated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, were found to be sufficient for the survival and recovery of the infected animals.

The study objective was to characterize and classify buffalo dairy production systems in Egypt. Ten governorates having high buffalo population density were selected as the study area. The data were collected from 1811 dairy buffalo farms using survey. Buffalo holders were face to face interviewed by constructed questionnaire. The survey was applied in two years (2010 and 2011). Two-Step Cluster procedure (CA) was used and analysis was repeated several times until the cluster quality came good (average silhouette >0.5). The algorithm selected the number of clusters, after calculating the Akaikes information criterion (AIC). Statistics of CA showed that the numbers of farm in each cluster were 43 (2.4%) in cluster1 (CL1), 1364 (75.3%) in cluster2 (CL2) and 404 (22.3%) in cluster3 (CL3). CL1 farms had a good availability of facilities. The management practices were the higher in comparison with the farms in the other clusters. Management and feeding systems practices in CL1 ranged from medium to high. CL2 was the largest, with 1364 farms located in all the ten governorates. The availability of facilities and equipment were low or lacking. The management practices were the lowest in comparison with farms in other clusters. CL3 facilities availability were low to medium. The management practices were medium when compared with the farms in the other clusters. The results of the current study demonstrate the existence of a large variability among buffalo dairy production systems in Egypt. These systems variability should be taken into consideration for sustainable system development.

Grazing occurs mainly around sunrise and sunset. The time spent eating during the dusk grazing bout appears to be longer than that during the dawn and afternoon bouts. The rumen fill has likely a more significant role in regulating the dusk feed intake compared to dawn and afternoon feed intakes. The evening instead of morning feed delivery in once daily fed lactating dairy cows has increased eating rate and the amount of feed ingested within 3-h post-feeding substantively. Evidently, feeding strategies and systems regulate feed intake through altering circadian rhythms of feed intake in high-producing ruminants. The large evening meals in grazing cows have partly been linked to an optimal foraging strategy. Ruminants attempt to optimize their nutrient intake profile by filling the rumen in the evening because usually little grazing occurs overnight. Turning lights on and off seems to act as an inducer, thus stimulating eating activity. Dairy cows fed once daily at 2100 vs. 0900 h have experienced a larger rumen volume. The greater rumen contents or greater rumen fiber load may stimulate bolus formation required for rumination. The greater rumen contents or greater rumen fiber load may stimulate bolus formation required for rumination. Future research is warranted to quantify how different managements can manipulate eating and ruminating patterns in dairy and beef ruminants undergoing varying physiological states.

The USAID Iraq Marshlands Restoration Program (IMRP) promoted the application of two promising initiatives tested from 2004 to 2006: (1) the introduction of alfalfa and maize fodder to feed and improve the nutrition of buffalo and (2) the creation of a veterinary service to increase livestock production and health. The livestock sector in the marshlands has seen dramatic improvement since IMRP ended in 2006. These changes are across the board in the absolute number of livestock (from 66,700 heads in 2006 to 111,525 heads in 2017) and in their increasing diversity (buffalo were 74.33% of all livestock in 2006 but decreased to 70.33% in 2017). Buffalo, specifically, had greater birth weight (40 kg in 2006 and 45.6 kg in 2017), greater daily growth rates (0.3 kg in 2006 and 1-1.25 kg in 2017), higher daily milk yields (8.81 kg/day in 2006 and 9.69 kg/day in 2017), and longer lactation periods (150 days in 2006 and 238 days in 2017). There have been accompanying advances in the closely related meat and dairy markets. Live weight and market prices for buffalo and cattle have increased three- to four-fold. Rising daily milk yields also sparked the creation of cottage industries to produce dairy products using higher fat buffalo milk. These changes all point to an increasingly healthy and dynamic livestock sector in the marshlands. However, other anticipated changes in the marshlands did not meet expectations. In 2006, IMRP predicted a strong shift away from the historical dominance of buffalo ownership to a more diversified pattern of ownership that included the relatively newly introduced cattle and a rapid increase in sheep holdings, making the latter the dominate animal. Instead, buffaloes have continued to be the vastly most numerous animals owned in the marshlands. In 2017, they ranged from 65 to 75% of all livestock holdings. Greater access to reflooded marshes by buffalo herders and increased financial earnings realized from meat and dairy production may help to explain the continued reliance on buffalo ownership. IMRPs introduction of a veterinary service dedicated to working in the marshlands villages was far less successful but highly regarded by Marsh Arabs, being the first time that the services were offered in the marshes.

The present study was carried out to estimate the seasonal variation of calving in Murrah buffaloes. The study was conducted in North West alluvial plain of Bihar (Chappra, Siwan and Samastipur), of India on 773 Murrah buffaloes, and these buffaloes were inseminated during June 2010 to December 2014 at BAIFs field Artificial Insemination centres which provide door-step artificial insemination service at villages level. The result indicated that the calving of Murrah buffaloes occurred throughout the year. In Chhapra maximum calving observed in August, i.e. 17% while 14% in October. September and November 13% each. Based on season majority of calving observed between July to January. In Samastipur maximum calving observed in August 16% while in September 14 % followed by November 13% and October month 11%. Based on season majority of calving observed between July to January months. In Samastipur maximum calving observed in August 16% while in September 14% followed by November 13% and October 11%. Based on season majority of calving found between July to January months. It could be concluded that Murrah buffaloes tend to calve more in the days with shorter photoperiod as compared to days with more extended photoperiod.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of dietary supplementation of rumen un-degradable protein on productive performance of early lactating buffaloes for the duration of 90 days from February 5, 2014, to May 5, 2014. A total of twenty one lactating Murrah buffaloes in their early to mid-lactation were randomly selected and divided into three groups. Experimental diets were formulated into three- low (30.56% of dietary Crude Protein), medium (43.54% of dietary crude protein) and high (50.04% of dietary CP), iso-nitrogenous (16% CP) and iso-caloric (72% total digestible nutrients) rumen un-digestible protein (RUP) levels. A significant difference (p<0.05) in body weight gain of buffaloes was recorded in animals of high RUP group in comparison to medium and low RUP groups. Milk yield in the medium RUP group (43.54%) was significantly higher than the high and the low RUP group (p<0.05). The mean serum total protein, blood urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly lower in both the high and the medium RUP groups than in the low RUP group (p<0.05). However, blood glucose level was significantly higher in high RUP group than in low and medium RUP group (p<0.05) whereas milk fat, solid not fat, lactose, protein and electrical conductivity showed no significant differences among the three treatment groups (p>0.05). Hence, it can be concluded that the diet containing a medium level of dietary CP as RUP improved the productive performance of early lactating buffaloes. Thus, diet containing the medium level of dietary CP as RUP should be given to improve the productive performance of early lactating buffaloes under the climatic settings of Nepal.

The liver is the largest gland in the digestive system. Most parts of the liver are placing in the right region of the abdominal cavity and fixed by special ligaments, arteries and veins. The blood of the digestive system is drained into the liver by the portal vein. In this survey, the relationship between portal vein with hepatic veins, types of hepatic veins, manner of drainage of hepatic veins and also manner of drainage of the portal vein into caudal vena cava are studied. Thirty healthy livers of buffalo are selected from Urmia industrial slaughterhouse and biometrical studies performed on them. Also, the latex injection is used for observation of anastomosis of different veins in the liver. Results of liver biometry are followed: Average of weight of liver = 4380±1173/30gr, average of length of liver = 467.5±47/00972mm, average of wide of liver = 270.8±38/90934 mm270.8±38/90934 mm, average length of gallbladder = 109.66±13/7673mm, average of wide of gallbladder = 70.4±17/7426mm, average of caudal vena cava canal = 151.06±28.6854, Average of diameter of portal vein = 30.93±4.4430 and average of caliber of portal vein in entrance to liver = 39.26±6.2098. The liver veins were short veins, which are occupied parenchyma of the liver. These veins are received more branch of small veins. All of these veins were draining into abdominolateral wall of inter hepatic part of the portal vein. Results of this research are showed which inter hepatic veins have a different diameter. Rang of this diameter was from 0.5 to 3 mm or more. Interhepatic veins were classified according to the size of their calibre into three groups, large intrahepatic veins (they were generally more 3mm in diameter), intermediate interhepatic veins (they were 1to 3 mm in diameter) and small interhepatic veins (they were less 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter). Results of this study are showed which the average number of large foramen were 3.8, the average number of medium foramen was 8.3, and an average number of small foramen was 36.56. The studies on derivatives of portal vein on the buffalo liver have appeared which portal veins are dividing three principals trunks (left, middle and right). Left principle trunk is dividing into three branches (proximal, middle and distal). The outlet of all three types of hepatic veins had a valvular fold in entrance into caudal vena cava, which is named operculum the direction of this valve was toward the heart. Also, these research results have appeared which liver of buffalo is weightier and bigger than cattle

Udder and teat characteristics differ between buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle (Bos taurus) and the differences are important in relation machine milk ability. Dairy buffalo milk out more slowly and are more difficult to milk than dairy cows, especially when milking machines are used. The goal of this study was to determine the ultrasonographic characteristics of udder and teat morphology in dairy buffaloes in Brazil, a country with a relatively recent history of buffalo farming. External assessment of the udder type and ultrasonography of the teat were done in 63 purebred Murrah and Mediterranian x Murrah dairy buffalo cows on three farms with different management systems. Udder types differed among farms; the rear-heavy udder type was most prevalent on two farms and the ball-shaped type occurred frequently on the third farm. Ultrasonographic measurements of the teat were made on one farm and showed correlations between the width of the teat tip and teat canal length, between the width of the teat tip and teat wall thickness and between the width of the teat tip and teat length. During the ultrasonographic examination of the teat, hyperechogenic membrane-like structures in the region of the annular folds, referred to as prominent annular folds (pAFs), were detected in at least one teat in 98 % of all buffaloes. These folds caused narrowing of the lumen between the teat cistern and gland cistern, but their physiological function and relevance concerning machine milk ability remain unclear. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of prominent annular folds on milk flow characteristics during mechanical milking in dairy buffaloes

The study was aimed at assessing the productive performance of dairy buffalo and milk marketing approaches in different agro-climatic districts of Bangladesh. Three (03) districts of Bangladesh viz. Bhola, Mymensingh, and Dinajpur were chosen from the coastal, river basin and semi-arid region, respectively. A triangulation method of survey was used to collect the data and the components of the triangle were buffalo farms, buffalo farmers and buffalo herdsmen. The investigation duration was twelve (12) months. The study revealed that the highest milk yield (5 L/h/d; p=0.010) was found in the river basin and semi-arid region. Lactation yield was also recorded double in the river basin and semi-arid districts compared to coastal districts (p=0.000). In the case of lactation length, the river basin buffaloes possessed 33 and 36% longer than coastal and semi-arid districts, respectively. All the chemical components were found significantly different (p=0.050) but fat. Among different agro-climatic districts, about 92% of milk was traded in the coastal region after meeting the households need but it was noted that the farmers from the semi-arid region kept more than 21% of milk for family consumption (p=0.000). The highest unit price (BDT 72/L) of milk was observed in the river basin district (p=0.011). In conclusion, the current situations of buffalo farming and milk marketing approaches in Bangladesh, varies considerably.

The study was conducted on lingual tonsil of six adult buffaloes (5-6 years of age) of the local mixed breed to explore histomorphological characteristics with functional significance. The mucosal surface of the lingual tonsil lined by stratified squamous keratinized epithelium was comprised of strata basale, spinosum, granulosum and corneum whereas towards the deeper folds the epithelium was stratified squamous non-keratinized. The latter epithelium modified into reticular epithelium especially toward the deeper portion and was characterized by a reduced number of epithelial cells, loss of distinct strata and heavy infiltration of lymphoid cells. The propria submucosa had loose irregular connective tissue along with glandular and lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid tissue was mainly distributed in the form of lymphoid follicles and diffused arrangement. The follicles of varying shapes and size showed darkly stained corona and lightly stained germinal centre were surrounded by parafollicular areas. The parafollicular areas possessed high endothelial venules (HEVs) with large sized endothelial cells having round to oval nuclei with distinctly visible centric or eccentric nucleoli. These HEVs are involved in trafficking of lymphocytes by transendothelial and interendothelial migration. The mucous glandular acini presented strong reactions for glycogen, acidic mucopolysaccharides, weakly sulfated mucosubstances, hyaluronic acid, sialomucins and mucins as demonstrated by different histochemical techniques. The secretions of acini also showed the presence of more than 4% content of cysteine. The presence of modified reticular epithelium and associated lymphoid tissue suggested that the lingual tonsil may be involved in sampling of oral antigens and transporting them to the underlying mucosal lymphoid tissue for processing and initiation of immune responses. The future microbiological studies may exploit the tonsil as a targeted organ for improved delivery of existing mucosal vaccines and development of new strategies for oral vaccines.

Phenotypic Characterization of Shahi Strain of Nagpuri Buffaloes was done in the Chandrapur District of Maharashtra, India. Two hundred and forty Shahi strain of Nagpuri female buffaloes of various age groups were observed in their home tract (n farms=24). It was found that black coat colour, black coloured muzzle, white patches on the legs, whitish eyes, white coloured tail switch, horizontal ear orientation, sword-shaped horns with pointed tip first turning backwards and then upwards, bowl-shaped udder are typical characteristics of this breed. The average live body weight, body length, chest girth, height at withers, head length, breadth of head of these buffaloes is (means ± standard deviation) 433 ± 8.4 kg, 137.08 ± 2.78 cm 180.81 ± 3.84 cm, 129.43 ± 2.26 cm, 54.18 ± 1.10 cm, 28.18 ± 0.34 cm in 3 years and above age group, respectively. The average daily milk yield and milk yield per lactation of Shahi strain of Nagpuri buffaloes were observed to be 4.06 ± 0.08 kg and 1,220.84 ± 41.57 kg, respectively.

This reviews objective is to provide information on the mechanisms that buffaloes express during the thermoregulation process. Generally, the water buffalo is associated with warm and tropical climates. In these systems, the combination of high temperature, relative humidity, and radiation cause different physiological and behavioral changes, particularly during the summer months. Wallowing behavior in water or mud promotes heat dissipation through physical mechanisms, such as conduction, convection, and radiation. Furthermore, the provision of natural or artificial shades contributes to thermoregulation and maintains homeostasis. In production systems in cold climates, the wallowing behavior is inhibited by the water temperature, so it is important to keep the animals protected in stables to avoid the cold winds and rapid drops in temperature, causing increased illness pneumonia and sometimes death. Finally, in cold conditions, the animals require an appropriate diet since the use of energy is distributed mainly for the production of heat. Thus, heat stress and cold stress generates relevant problems in health, welfare, and productivity in water buffaloes. A comprehensive assessment of the severity of the resulting problems associated with thermal stress and specialty in cold stress in water buffaloes is necessary so far, and theres very little information about it in this species.

The present study examined lingual tonsil of six buffaloes of the local mixed breed by scanning and transmission electron-microscopy to elucidate their ultrastructural features. The lingual tonsil presented folded mucosa having longitudinally oriented folds which were separated by grooves. The surface mucosa showed a squamous arrangement of cells which delineated from the adjacent cells. The surface of these cells at a higher magnification presented the microplicae of different arrangements which were mainly of closed pattern type and resembled fingerprints of humans. The luminal openings of glandular ducts on the free surface presented varying shapes. The transmission electron-microscopy described ultrastructural details of the different strata of the stratified squamous keratinised, non-keratinised and reticular epithelia. The propria-submucosa contain reticular cells, fibroblast, lymphoid cells, plasma cells, granulocytes and interdigitating cells. Few high endothelial venules observed and the cytoplasmic process of these endothelial cells contained small vacuoles equivalent to vesiculo-vacuolar organelles, membrane-bound bodies and vacuolated structures.

Considering breeding livestock programs to milk production and type traits based on existence two different ecotypes of Iranian’s buffalo, a study carried out to investigate the population structure of Iranian buffalo and validate its classification accuracy according to different ecotypes from Iran (Azerbaijan and North) using data SNP chip 90K by means Support vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and Discriminant Analysis Principal Component (DAPC) methods. A total of 258 buffalo were sampled and genotyped. The results of admixture, multidimensional scaling (MDS), and DAPC showed a close relationship between the animals of different provinces. Two ecotypes indicated higher accuracy of 96% that the Area Under Curve (AUC) confirmed the obtained result of the SVM approach while the DAPC and RF approach demonstrated lower accuracy of 88% and 80 %, respectively. SVM method proved high accuracy compared with DAPC and RF methods and assigned animals to their herds with more accuracy. According to these results, buffaloes distributed in two different ecotypes are one breed, and therefore the same breeding program should be used in the future. The water buffalo ecotype of the northern provinces of Iran and Azerbaijan seem to belong to the same population.

Recombinant bubaline (Bubalus bubalis) myxovirus resistance protein 1 (bbMx1) was successfully expressed by an Escherichia coli expression system. After immunization and cell fusion, a set of ten mouse hybridomas producing mAbs to bbMx1 was established. The ten corresponding mAbs were further characterized using indirect ELISA, western blot analysis and immunocytofluorescent staining. Eight mAbs, designated 11C7, RD5, NF3, 9D1, FD4, PE6, 11A7 and 10F5, displayed binding abilities and specificity in the three formats. Moreover, combining NF3 (for capture) with RD5 (for detection), 9D1 with RD5, FD4 with 11C7 or PE6 with 11C7 generated a strong signal in a prototype sandwich-ELISA. The results suggest that the mAbs developed and characterized here provide an excellent starting point for developing diagnostic tools aimed at detecting viral infections in the water buffalo, whatever using immunoblotting, immunocytostaining or sandwich-ELISA.

Data on birth weight of Swamp buffalo calves that were born between 2015 and 2017 were collected and analyzed for this study. The objective was to estimate the effect of heritability and to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on the birth weight of swamp buffalo calves. The heritability was estimated using parent-offspring regression method while the environmental factors were measured using linear regression analysis. The average birth weight for swamp buffalo calves was 31.5 ± 5.33kg. It was significantly (p<0.05) affected by the age of dam and the year of birth but the body weight of the dam and the sex of calves did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the birth weight. The heritability of birth weight was estimated to be 0.29, which is low. Therefore, environmental and herd management factors seem to play a larger role in birth weight than genetics. The low estimated heritability obtained from this work indicates that improvement through selection may not be feasible.

In order to improve production, it is necessary to apply reproductive biotechnologies, including embryo transfer. Due to the management and physiology of the animals and the buffalo production system, the best system is the in vitro production of embryos (IVP). This work aims to compare the results of the (IVP) of cows (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from animals kept under the same conditions of feeding and handling. This study was conducted in an Argentinan commercial herd located in the province of Corrientes (-27.742859 latitude, -57.773611 longitude) that raise buffaloes and cattle, during the breeding season of 2018 (March-May). Twenty animals of each species were used. Antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels of each animal were determined using ELISA. Standardized protocols were used for oocyte aspiration, maturation, fertilization and culture of the embryos, frozen semen of a single proved bull was used in each species. Information about the number of follicles, oocytes, and embryos was recorded and analyzed individually and grouped by species. The normality of the data was evaluated with the D Agostino and Shapiro-Wilk tests and the comparisons between species using the Mann Whitney and ANOVA tests. Values are shown as median and range. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The AMH levels of the cows were 688.5 pg/ml (45.3-2394) and the buffaloes 73.8 pg/ml (14.8-262.5), p <0.001. Significant differences were found in the number of recovered oocytes 9 (0-23) cows vs. 4.5 (1-11) buffaloes (p> 0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of follicles and the quality of the oocytes. Significant differences were found in the number of oocytes cleaved 4 (0 -17) vs. 0.5 (0-4) and blastocysts/animal 1,5 (0-15) and 0,1 (0-2) l for cows and buffalos respectively. The number of blastocysts in relation to the number of oocytes cleaved did not show statistical significance. The differences in the levels of AMH and the marked differences in the IVP between buffaloes and cattle are confirmed, it is necessary to propose research proposals that explain the differences.

Total 32 emergency cases of buffaloes with esophageal obstruction resulting from the ingestion of potato tubers during their grazing are described. Treatment comprised immediate rumen trocarisation by a 14g syringe, premedication with IM xylazine (0.05 mg/kg), and passing a designed stout flexible tube to dislodge the obstruction to the rumen. The results were 100% successful recovery without any complications.

Background and objectives: New information on the epidemiology of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in water buffaloes is crucial for understanding their risk factors and transmission. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the prevalence of GI parasites in buffaloes in the Marshland areas of southern Iraq, and (2) to evaluate the association of risk factors with the parasitic infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 166 water buffaloes from the Marshland in the north of Basra (n=75), and Thi-Qar (n=91) provinces from November 2016 to April 2017 were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected and examined for the presence of helminth eggs and protozoal oocysts using sedimentation-flotation and centrifugal flotation techniques. Results: The overall prevalence of infection in buffaloes was 82% (136/166), with the highest number of single parasite infection (64%), followed by those with double (29%) and triple (7%) parasite infections. The most frequently identified parasites were Fasciola spp. (23%, 39/166), Eimeria spp. (19%, 32/166), Toxocara vitulorum (13%, 21/166), Trichostrongylus spp. (12%, 20/166), and Oesophagostomum spp. (10%, 10/166). Moniezia spp. was the only identified cestode with a prevalence of (8%, 13/166). A significant association was reported between feeding type and parasitic infections with Eimeria spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp., and Ostertagia ostertagia. Conclusion: The prevalence of GI parasitic infection in buffaloes raised in the Marshlands is high, indicating a high intensity of natural infection. The findings of this study imply an urgent need for the implementation of efficient control measures against parasitic infections in the Marshlands.

The tubal tonsils of 12 adult buffaloes of the local mixed breed were studied using light and electron microscopy. The tonsillar mucosa lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells was modified into lymphoepithelial, due to its association with underlying lymphoid tissue. The lymphoepithelial further modified into follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) characterised by absence of the ciliated cells, goblet cells and the presence of more lymphocytes. The FAE exhibited varying modifications and presented M-cells intimately associated with lymphocytes. At places, the change of the epithelium also showed the presence of specialised M-cell like cells without any association with lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid tissue was in the form of isolated lymphocytes, diffuse aggregations and follicles. The goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium and the glandular acinar cells showed positive activity for the different carbohydrate moieties like acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides, glycogen, mucins, weakly sulfated acidic mucosubstances, hyaluronic acid and sialomucins. Scanning electron microscopy of the mucosal surface presented a dense mat of cilia, and the FAE exhibited a heterogeneous population of microvillus and M-cells. Transmission electron-microscopy demonstrated the different cell organelles of the various epithelia as well as the cellular profiles of the propria-submucosa, including the high endothelial venules where lymphocytes migration by both inter-endothelial and transvascular routes was also observed. The structural features of the tubal tonsil suggest that new strategies are required to explore this tonsil for targeted delivery of drugs and develop more effective vaccines by the intranasal route.

The buffalo calf is more challenging to adapt to the transition from breast milk to other substitutes that favor weaning. Growth in the pre-weaning period is affected by the amount of reconstituted milk consumed. When the quantity of reconstituted milk consumed is low, the weaning weight is also low. The gap between the latter and the optimal weight will never be eliminated because the species cannot perform compensatory growth, such as cattle. There is a delay in reaching an optimal live weight to start puberty. The age at first birth is, in fact, lower in those countries that leave all the milk to the calf for meat production or as happens in Italy where there is a suitable milk substitute. In Italy, it has been verified that calves taking almost ad libitum quantities of cows milk weigh more than 140 kg at 4 months and have their first birth at the age of 22-26 months. As adults, they have an almost zero percentage of vaginal or uterine prolapse. In further experiences on 3672 heifers, it was possible to verify "ex-post" that the calves that had taken a more significant quantity (150 kg vs. 105) of milk substitute had shown age at the first birth in advance of about 6 months (28, 5 versus 34). Future investigations should verify the effect of weaning birth and not just the cost of weaning. Age at first birth is not only an economic parameter, but it is useful for an early evaluation of bulls in progeny tests.

The river buffalo is an emerging production species worldwide; indeed, it is overtaking other cattle as a producer of meat and milk in some countries. Though both species belong to the Bovidae family, they show significant anatomical, physiological, and behavioral differences due to their different phylogenetic positions. The river buffalo is a rustic animal that can benefit from low-quality, fibrous forages due to its digestive system, in contrast to beef cattle or dairy cows. Besides, the buffalo cow’s reproductive apparatus has fewer cervical muscle rings and a shorter vagina and cervix. This species has maintained its seasonal breeding pattern, also in contrast to Bos indicus and Bos taurus. Even though buffaloes have an inefficient thermoregulating system, scarce hair, and a thicker epidermis, they are more resistant to tropical weather conditions if water for wallowing is available than dairy cows, which in turn adapt better to temperate zones. Due to the morphology of the river buffalo’s mammary glands, they produce less milk, while their conical teats with narrower sphincters decrease predisposition to mastitis compared to dairy cows. Thus, the study of the anatomical and physiological differences among river buffalo, Bos Taurus, and Bos Indicus will allow the implementation of strategies to improve the former’s productivity while also increasing welfare levels according to the production system in which they are raised.

Meat and meat products share an important status among the various food products because of their high biological value with the goodness of nutritional compounds. Meat is a perfect source of protein along with minerals, vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids and many other specific nutrients. Socio-economic factors have to lead to a change in lifestyle, which in turn has increased the demand for ready to eat products, among which meat products are also rapidly gaining attraction of consumers. Although these meat products have good nutritional value, they generally contain a large amount of fat and added salts but are lack of dietary fibre which leads to various health problems in human consuming meat and meat products. Lack of dietary fibre in meat products gives birth to coronary heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and intestinal cancer etc. Consumers are growing their consciousness towards the health aspect without compromising on nutritional benefits. Therefore, meat products fortified with significant levels of dietary fibre has been suggested. 28-36 g/day dietary fibre is recommended and which can be met by their incorporation in the diet of people consuming meat and meat products. The insoluble part of dietary fibre helps in regulation of intestinal function whereas soluble dietary fibre regarded as helpful in lowering cholesterol level by absorbing glucose in the intestine. Another critical problem concerning meat and meat products is the lipid oxidation which reduces the shelf life of product during storage. Natural antioxidants are suggested for retarding lipid oxidation and ultimately enhancing the shelf life of the product under storage. Synthetic antioxidants are losing publicity because they have revealed several toxicological effects during various studies. Thus there is a growing trend of use of natural antioxidants along with the dietary fibre obtained from plant sources in meat and meat products. Various food wastes such as fruit and vegetable by-products from food processing industries can serve the purpose of dietary fibre as well as natural antioxidants because of the polyphenolic compounds present in them. Generally, these by-products from fruit and vegetable processing industries are cheap, and their utilisation develops indirect income generation. The utilisation of vegetable and fruit wastes as a source of dietary fibre and natural antioxidants also reduces pollution to some extent which might be caused by their disposal. Thus along with waste reduction, cost reduction in economic terms, it also helps the environment by decreasing the load of their disposal. The incorporation of these by-products from various plant sources attracts consumers as they improve quality attributes viz. physicochemical, microbiological and organoleptic properties in meat and its products with health benefits and hence gives satisfaction to the consumers regarding their health consciousness.

Between 1961 and 2018 on the total number of dairy ruminants, the percentage of buffaloes and the quantity of milk produced by them had an increasing trend from 3.7% to 5.2% and from 5.4 to 15.7%, respectively; this value on the world total "cow milk + buffalo milk" rose to 18.64%. In the Asian continent, buffaloes incidence on the total number of dairy ruminants increased slightly (from 10.2% to 11.7%) while the percentage of cattle fell from 38% to 26.4%. In the same period, the percentage of buffalo milk decreased from 44.6% to 36.9%, while cow milk shares increased from 55.4% to 63%. The percentage of milk produced in Pakistan, India, Nepal (after 2010), and especially in Egypt showed a downward trend. In Italy, the trend has always been increasing. The market price of buffalo milk in developing countries does not compensate for costs which are 15% higher than cows milk, if only the cost of feeding is considered, and increases to 40% when the difference in kg of milk equivalent between the two species is about 900 kg per lactation. A reduction of the production gap between the two species is difficult to be achieved because the genetic improvement of dairy cattle is performed in industrialized countries with higher financial support. Therefore, a marketing effort is needed to make well-differentiated buffalo products with specific and well-received sensory properties. In this regard, it should also be noted that d-valerobetaine, a bioactive molecule beneficial for human health, is present in buffalo milk and meat in higher quantities than in cows milk.

This article aims to review both the economic impact of reproductive failures on the profitability of water buffalo systems and the effect of different factors on the reproductive performance of water buffaloes. Besides, an overview of various non-hormonal alternatives to improve reproductive performance is made. The optimal reproductive efficiency in water buffaloes implies calving to conception interval around 90 days to reach a calving interval of 400 days, with longer calving intervals having a negative impact on profitability. Reproductive efficiency is the consequence of the interaction of genetic and non-genetic factors, and the recognition of these factors by analyzing the reproductive information must be a priority. Although each factors impact can be of greater or lesser magnitude depending on the conditions of each herd, some factors like nutrition, milk yield, body condition score, negative energy balance, parity, bull presence, low estrus intensity, and season can be considered high-impact factors. Not all factors are common among farms; therefore each farm must implement a program for the identification, control, and prevention of reproductive problems, especially during early lactation, to prevent a long anestrus; and when artificial insemination is used, so that it is done at the correct time with respect to the beginning of estrus to enhance fertility.

Vitrification, a method of rapid cooling, is an alternate cryopreservation method of oocytes and embryos. The present study was aimed to examine the effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on vitrification of buffalo oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with fully grown oocytes (120-130 µm in diameter) were aspirated from slaughtered buffalo ovaries for vitrification. COCs were treated with equilibration solution at room temperature for 5 min and then transferred to a vitrification solution for 1 min. Then the COCs were submerged into liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for a while using cryotops. The COCs were thawed, diluted, and washed in a washing solution for 5 min, respectively. Vitrified oocytes were incubated for in vitro maturation (IVM) at 38.5°C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in the air for 24 hrs. Cumulus cells surrounding the oocytes were removed mechanically, oocytes were fixed in acetic acid and ethanol, and stained with aceto-orcein to examine the meiotic stages of oocytes. The numbers of morphologically normal oocytes after vitrification were higher in 5% PVP than 0 and 10% PVP groups. A proportion of oocytes treated with 5% PVP reached the metaphase II (MII) stage while none of the oocytes from 0% and 10% PVP groupsdeveloped beyond anaphase I and metaphase I (MI) stages, respectively. These results show that PVP can be used as a cryoprotectant for the vitrification of buffalo oocytes.

One of the most important challenges facing today’s society is feeding a growing world population. This review aims to examine the available information to assess the potential of river buffalo as a meat producer with a focus on the sustainability of the supply chain and on meat quality in terms of nutritional and sensory properties. Traditionally, buffalo meat came from old, culled animals in rural agricultural regions where animals were slaughtered at the end of their productive life as dairy or draught animals. Therefore, the meat had low quality. However, when younger animals are used, buffalo meat is generally well appreciated by consumers. Buffaloes can adapt to different production systems and convert poor-quality high fiber feedstuffs into high-quality products, including meat, with a lower degree of competition with human nutrition. In addition, although requiring more land, extensive production systems may have lower environmental impacts due to the low inputs used in the productive process and show higher levels of animal welfare. Although weight gains and dressing percentages are generally lower than in cattle, the meat is characterized by better nutritional properties (low fat and cholesterol contents, high-quality protein, and unsaturated fatty acids). In addition, the use of appropriate production systems might improve its sensory properties. Therefore, buffalo meat may be considered a good option to meet the increasing demand for food for human consumption.

The objectives of this review are to detect scientific findings and areas of opportunity in the study of river buffalo meat from primary production through commercialization and to establish future areas of research linked to each step of the meat supply chain to strengthen and improve the production and quality of buffalo meat in the future. Recent studies show that buffalo meat is healthy and that the prevalence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases is not related to intramuscular fat consumption. The current grand demand for food constitutes an ongoing challenge for agricultural production. Of course, this demand includes meat, but the animal species traditionally destined for human consumption are no longer capable of satisfying requirements. This review detected gaps in studies of the alimentary systems of this species (including its digestive tract) and a paucity of analyses designed to determine the optimum slaughtering age. Identifying –and correcting– practices that foster contamination, reduce the shelf life of buffalo meat, and suggest appropriate conservation and packaging methods during commercialization are two additional pending concerns. This study concludes that marketing buffalo meat represents a great challenge for producers and researchers, one that requires a multi- and interdisciplinary approach that examines in detail every step of the productive chain.

Dairy products are an essential source of animal protein, particularly for nutritional vulnerable groups and vegetarians in Asian countries. Therefore, the approach towards increasing the domestic supply of milk is to raise the buffalo milk yield via genetic improvement from the semen of the selected buffalo sire that possesses a high predicted milk difference. Data were collected from Artificial Insemination Centers in Egypt, as a case study, to apply a dynamic mathematical investment model for estimating the rate of return (IRR) to genetic investment. The effective variables in IRR, besides the economic variables, are the reproductive traits and feed efficiency. The estimated most probable level of IRR was feasible, i.e., 19.71%. A worse change in the reproductive efficiency variables, i.e., the aggregate of 10% increase in the number of conception services, age at the First Calving, and the service period, would decrease the IRR by 7.51%. A decrease in feed efficiency by 10% would decrease the IRR by 9%. A worse change by 10% in the feed costs, price of semen, and milk price would decrease IRR by 7%. To import buffalo sires semen of high predicted milk difference at moderate prices till establishment, domestic genetic merit is required.

Since the 19th century, the presentation of bovines with disproportionate muscle development have been associated with mutations that inhibit the action of the myostatin gene, it is referred to as double muscle mutation, which is common in some European Bos taurus breeds but it is not reported in buffaloes Bubalus bubalis. This study aims to evaluate if the phenotype observed in 6 young buffaloes with disproportionate muscle development has the same myostatin mutation reported in cattle. DNA was obtained from the blood of the animals of the Murrah breed. First, second and third exon was amplified end point PCR; the fragments were sequenced using capillary electrophoresis. Holstein cattle (Bos taurus) was used As control for normal phenotype. The results obtained from the comparison of the sequence of the myostatin gene show that the observed double-muscled phenotype did not show differences from normal controls. Interspecific variation was demonstrated by comparing exons two and three of the gene, finding 12 variations between the Bos taurus and Bubalus bubalis species in the evaluated fragments. It is necessary to study physiology, and the animals to explain the phenotype observed in buffaloes.

The study examined the ultrastructural features of the palatine tonsils of the local mixed breed of adult buffaloes using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The tissue samples collected from the palatine tonsils were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde solution and processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy of the tonsils surface epithelium presented folded mucosa consisting of folds divided by shallow grooves. The mucosal surface was having a squamous arrangement of cells that were delineated from the adjacent cells. These cells at higher magnification presented the microplicae, which appeared as if filled with material. A few small duct openings were irregularly placed throughout the mucosal surface. The transmission electron-microscopy elaborated structural details of the distinct strata of the surface and reticular epithelia, the cell organelles as well as the lymphocytes migration across the high endothelial venules. The vesiculo-vacuolar organelle was also observed. The study provided detailed ultramicroscopic features of the palatine tonsil, which might play a significant role in the induction of immunity against ingested antigens sampled at the mucosal surface.

The purpose of this study is to verify the influence of ambient temperature on the percentage of subjects with decreased production, compared to what was recorded in the previous 7-10 days. The data processed in the 2017-2020 period was studied in a company in the lower Caserta area that raises 3000 animals per year, of which 1300 are dairy. All this was possible thanks to the daily collection of production data recorded in the milking parlor, using RFID technology, and then transferred to management software, essential for the farmer for problem-solving decisions. The buffalo is of tropical origin, and there are many factors that influence the production of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo, first of all, seasonality, temperature, health, or the combination of all these elements. For these reasons, it seemed appropriate to focus our attention on the influence of ambient temperature on production. In the first three years of observation, it emerged that as the ambient temperature decreases, the percentage of subjects that recorded a drop in production compared to the previous figure increases. However, this was not found in 2020, when the covered structures were equipped with permanent bedding consisting of straw. This shows that it is important to guarantee the state of well-being so as not to penalize the production of milk for the PDO buffalo mozzarella, which represents an interesting source of income.

Background and Objectives: The epidemiological features of Neoascaris vitulorum infection in buffaloes are important to know their transmission and risk factors assessment as well treatment regimens. This study was conducted with the objectives of determining the prevalence of Neoascaris vitulorum infection in buffaloes in Sylhet district of Bangladesh and to evaluate the efficacy of anthelmintics against the parasite. Materials and Method: A total of 211 fecal samples were collected from buffaloes and examined for the detection of parasitic eggs during the period from July 2017 to June 2018. For the determination of therapeutic efficacy, animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (T0, Ti, T1, T2, T3, T4) where each group consisting of 3 buffaloes. The group T0 (negative control-non infected) and Ti (positive control-infected) were treated only with phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The other four infected groups were treated as T1 with albendazole, T2 with piperazine citrate, T3 with ivermectin and T4 with combination of tetramisole HCL and oxyclosanide. Before trials day 0 and after treatment of 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days fecal samples examined using McMaster technique. Results: The overall prevalence was estimated 17.06% (36/211). The prevalence was higher among buffalo calves of below six months (39.28%) followed by 6 months to 1 year, 1 to 2 years and above 2 years as 25%, 22.5% and 7.20% respectively. The infection rate was high in females (20.0%) than males (13.18%). The parasite was more prevalent in rainy (21.42%) than summer (16.67%) and winter (14.29%) seasons. The EPG results revealed piperazine citrate was the most effective (100%) against Neoascaris vitulorum. The percent efficacies of other anthelmintic used in this study were albendazole, ivermectin and combination of tetramisole HCL and oxyclozanide as 95.49%, 86.20% and 95.58% respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Neoascaris vitulorum infection in buffalo at Sylhet district of Bangladesh was relatively high. The results revealed that piperazine citrate, tetramisole HCL and oxyclozanide combination are highly effective for the reduction of egg per gram (EPG) of Neoascaris vitulorum infection in buffalo. On the other hand ivermectin and albendazole were also around ninety percent effective respectively.

The bovine species buffalo was domesticated from its wild strain Bubalus arnee and is widely used livestock in southern Asia. There are two distinct types of Buffalo- the swamp buffalo (B. bubalis kerebau) and the river buffalo (B. bubalis bubalis), which diverged from the wild Asian water buffalo and then evolved in separate geographical regions. Several research studies performed on buffalo, like- characterization of trait-specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), genetic and phenotypic diversity, gene prediction and function annotation, mapping of the draft genome, have helped our understanding of the buffalo genome. Some advanced discovery as identification of Single Nucleotide Variant (SNVs), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) marker and their association with various phenotypic traits, MicroRNAs expression profiling, whole-genome sequencing, etc. have also enabled us to track the chromosomal evolution, physiological processes, and gene expression of buffalo. Proper enhancement of these traits can lead us to apply multi-omics-based tools for better animal health and production. Recent advancement in genomic research on buffalo is being accelerated with the association of modern tools like- Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), genotyping by sequencing, epigenomic screening, microRNAs expression profiling, microarray technology, and whole-genome sequencing. All these tools bear great significance in breed up-gradation, identification of the phylogenetic relationship between species in proteome and genomic level, study gene expression level, diagnose diseases or developmental stages, phenotypic diversity, etc. All this knowledge paved the way for better optimization of production efficiency, product quality, and resistance to certain health hazards.

The Malaysian water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, has traditionally been important livestock for the local people of Sarawak. Buffalo, other ruminants, and non-ruminants are essential for the livestock industry as they supply the largest source of protein for the entire nation. Cattle provide the largest production in the livestock industry at 0.2%, followed by other ruminants, including goats (0.1%), sheep (0.04%) and buffalo (0.03%). Water buffalo, or kerbau sawah as it is locally known, is an overlooked animal compared to other livestock. Amidst the growing demand for beef within the domestic consumer market, the buffalo population in Sarawak has risen over the past 5 years from 5,396 to 6,205 heads in 2019. However, the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of cattle and buffalo beef has dropped from 26% in 2013 to 21.6% in 2019 despite the rising demand for local produce. Malaysia continues to import frozen buffalo beef from India and live bovine from other countries in order to meet domestic demands and support the growth of the local buffalo industry. Due to this, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak introduced a buffalo yard program (Natad Kerbau) to assist the state smallholder farmers in managing their buffaloes better. This paper focuses on describing the current status of buffalo production in Sarawak, its important functions (including provision for food security) and future prospects of B. bubalis in the livestock industry of Malaysia and Sarawak in particular.

Asian Wild Water Buffalo with the scientific name Bubalus bubalis arnee is recorded as an imperiled species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCNs) Red List of Threatened Species wetland-subordinate. More number Wild Water Buffalo in Nepal are found at the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), situated on the floodplain of the Koshi River in Province 1. This species is in danger because of a high anthropogenic pressing factor going from natural surroundings weakening to hybridization with homegrown Buffalo. Various preservation and work mediations have been attempted to shield the biodiversity, especially the wild buffalo populace in the KTWR. The people group-based supportable administration approach profiting both protection and work of neighborhood individuals is important to guarantee the drawn-out preservation of the species. But it is not happening, so the Government of Nepal translocated 18 Wild Water Buffaloes to Chitwan National Park, and the environment is not suitable for them. There is the possibility to translocate Wild Water Buffaloes in the Babai flood plain of Bardia National Park for conservation.

Background: Biplot simulation using factor analysis with Promax kappa rotation of 90 is used to determine the coordinates of the length and body circumference dimensions of male and female mud buffalo in two-dimensional space. So that it can be known which body dimensions have fast, medium, and slow growth rates, and also to find out at what age male and female buffalo the growth rate is fast or slow. Methods: This study used 3 male and female buffaloes aged 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 months, so that the number of buffalo used was 36. The data obtained were analyzed using Factor Analysis with Promax Kappa 90 rotation. The object coordinates were the coordinates of male and female swamp buffalo aged 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 months, determined based on the Analysis Factor Scores Regression. The location of the coordinates of the length and circumference dimensions and the location of the object coordinates of male and female buffaloes aged 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 months are drawn using a biplot graph. Conclusion: The biplot simulation results show that the body dimensions in quadrant II have the fastest growth rate, namely the length of the horns and the length of the neck, which are body dimensions that are slow to reach adult size. The dimensions of the body in quadrant I are body length, head length, upper and lower neck circumference. While the slow growth rate in quadrant IV indicates that the dimensions of the body are already growing or the growth is not optimal; namely, the length of the ears and the length of the tail have reached adult size. At the same time, the abdominal circumference and chest circumference are due to their growth not being optimal. Based on age and sex, the dimensions of male buffalos length and body circumference are always greater than that of female buffalo from the age of 10-20 months. The positional distance between male and female buffalo age shows that the older the age, the shorter the distance; this result indicates that the growth rate slows down with increasing age.

The buffalo and cattle population in Egypt reached about 4.898,893 and 3,476,396 heads, respectively, in 2019. The buffalo and cattle meat production represented around 43% and 45% of the total meat production in Egypt, respectively, and the average carcass weight of buffalo and cattle reached 318 kg and 336Kg in 2019. About 50% of livestock numbers are slaughtered off-slaughter houses due to a shortage in the capacity of slaughterhouses and other financial and administrative reasons. The conducted field survey of this study showed that the majority of Egyptian livestock markets lack live weight scales, and if available, they are expensive and frightening for the animals. Therefore, numerous feedlot enterprises hire an agent who can visually forecast the expected live weight of the exhibited feeder calves for sale in the market at a high charge. Most of the models to predict the weight of live cattle-bulls knowing the chest circumference were lacking such models for buffalo-bulls and were linear models that fit only limited periods of cattle-fattening. The sample survey included 500 buffalo males and 340 cattle males of different live weights from 14 villages in 4 provinces in the Nile Delta. The data were used to estimate the best-fitted model for Egyptian livestock. This study showed that the best-fitted model was curved linear. It was a quadratic form. For empirical application, the study designed a table to predict the live weight of buffalo and cattle males at a range of 100-200 cm chest circumference. The results showed that a 1% increase in the chest circumference was associated with a 2.4% and 2.8% increase in the buffalo and cattle males circumference, which implicitly reflects higher live weight gain of cattle than buffalo males and better meat quality. Therefore, the farm price of cattle feeder males surpassed the buffalo by $1000

The present study aims to characterize buffalo Stracchino cheese (BS) from a sensory point of view and verify how much consumers like it compared with the standard Stracchino cheese obtained from cow milk (CS). Nine panelists specifically trained to evaluate Stracchino cheese were used to conduct a quantitative descriptive sensory analysis, whereas 80 untrained consumers balanced for gender participated in the hedonic consumer test. Stracchino appearance was affected by milk type with higher intensities perceived for BS in terms of whiteness (P<0.0001) and shininess (P<0.001). As to taste and texture, BS showed higher sourness and oiliness intensities than CS, respectively (P<0.0001). Milk type did not affect the overall liking or the liking in terms of taste/flavor, texture, and appearance, but consumers rated both products at scores well above the neutral point. In addition, the liking expressed in blind conditions (i.e., without information on the milk type) was significantly lower as compared with the liking elicited by the expectations (i.e., based only on the information on the milk type) (P<0.05 and P<0.10, for CS and BS, respectively). We conclude that the good eating quality of buffalo Stracchino cheese as assessed by the consumer panel and the lack of differences between CS and BS in terms of a consumer may anticipate a possible good positioning of this novel product in the market of fresh cheese.

The paraepiglottic tonsil present on either side of the base of the epiglottis constitutes a small portion of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The present study was conducted on the paraepiglottic tonsils of 12 adult buffaloes of the local mixed breed to explore its basic histomorphological, histochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics and to compare with other tonsils of the oral region to ascribe immunological function. The tonsil mucosa was lined by partly stratified squamous keratinised epithelium towards the outer surface and a stratified squamous non-keratinised epithelium towards the shallow crypts. The non-keratinised epithelium modified into reticular type due to infiltration of underlying lymphoid tissue was characterised by the predominance of the lymphoid cells, interrupting basement membrane and indistinct strata. The reticular epithelium at places presented a spongy appearance. The loose irregular connective tissue of propria-submucosa was mainly comprised of glandular and lymphoid tissue. The lymphoid tissue was mainly in the form of isolated lymphocytes, diffuse aggregations, and lymphoid follicles. The inter-follicular areas showed the presence of high endothelial venules. The sero-mucous type of glandular acini presented a strong reaction for glycogen, acidic mucosubstances, weakly sulfated mucosubstances, mucin, and the presence of more than 4% cysteine in their secretions. The tonsils under scanning electron microscopy presented an undulating appearance due to the presence of crest and folds. Higher magnification revealed squamous cells having various patterns and arrangements of microplicae. Small pits visualised on the mucosal surface represented openings of the glandular ducts. The cells towards the lumen of some glandular ducts appeared whorl-like where typical microplicae were absent. The transmission electron microscopy of different strata of different types of epithelia showed varying cell organelles, especially the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and few filaments. The structural features of the tonsil were similar to those of other oral tonsils and suggested their immunological role, which might be of importance to local immunity.