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Abstract : Effect of Parity on Productive Performance and Calving Interval in Water Buffaloes
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Abstract: 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. Keywords: Buffalo, milk yield, calving interval, lactation length. |
Abstract : Experimental Study on Brucella abortus Strain RB51 Vaccinated Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Challenged with Virulent B. abortus Strain during Pregnancy
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Abstract: 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; χ2). 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. Keywords: Brucella abortus, RB51 vaccine, Water buffalo, Challenge, Abortion. |
Abstract : Detection of Symmetries in Cattle Skulls
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Abstract: 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. Keywords: Bos taurus, Cranial Morphology, Directional Asymmetry, Fluctuant Asymmetry, Geometric Morphometrics. |
Abstract : Prevalence of Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Buffaloes in East Azerbaijan, Northwestern Iran
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Abstract: 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. Keywords: Bovine immunodeficiency virus, PCR, Buffalo, Iran. |
