Journal of Buffalo Science

Editorial

2024-09-19T13:59:10+00:00

Editorial

Metagenomic Analysis during Co-Digestion Buffalo Sludge and Tomato Pomace Post Thermal Stress: A Case Study

2024-09-19T14:55:27+00:00

The tomato industry and buffalo farming generate waste, including sludge (BS) and tomato pomace (TP), which can significantly impact their economic and environmental sustainability. The case study tracked changes in microflora composition after a thermal shock during anaerobic co-digestion. The inoculum-to-substrate ratio was 0.5 based on volatile solid content under mesophilic conditions. An Automatic Methane Potential Test System was used to monitor the process before and after thermal stress (50°C) occurred for three days. Next-generation sequencing analyzed the bacterial and archaeal communities. The pH decreased, and methane production plateaued due to the high volatile solid content (87 g/L). After thermal stress, the pH returned to neutral, and the batch resumed biogas production. The cumulative CH₄ production reached 3,115 Nml. The biogas had a maximum methane peak of 78.5% compared to 58.4% in BS. The taxonomic classification showed that Firmicutes (51.7%) and Bacteroidetes (29.9%) represented 81.6% of the total OTUs among the bacteria. Fonticella, the most abundant Clostridiaceae (average 4.3%), was absent in BS and increased (up to 17.1%) in TP during methane production. Methanocorpusculum was the most abundant in the archaeal community. However, Metanosarcina showed a stronger correlation with methane production. Brief thermal stress significantly altered bacterial and archaeal populations and allowed to resume biogas production.

Comparison of Different DNA Sampling and Extraction Protocols for Bacterial and Archaeal Populations Analysis in Water Buffalo

2024-09-19T14:55:24+00:00

Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas, and ruminants are a significant source of agricultural emissions. It has been hypothesized that the host's genome controls rumen microbial communities, but robust results require numerous samples. The feasibility of a research project will depend on the ease and representativeness of the sampling method, as well as the cost-efficiency of large-scale sequencing. This study aimed to compare different protocols to investigate whether non-invasive samples could serve as a substitute for ruminal digesta. DNA recovery was tested in various matrices (whole rumen content, feces, and buccal swabs) from five cannulated buffalo cows. Three types of buccal swabs were tested, as well as feces in different forms (as-is, pelleted, or in a glycerol solution) and the rumen content. The study compared different protocols for DNA extraction, including WUR protocol, Maxwell®, and Quick Extract™, and two sampling times. Saliva was a challenging matrix to process, obtaining unsatisfactory DNA yield. Feces showed higher yields when pelleted but lower than rumen. The highest amount of DNA was obtained from whole rumen content using all three DNA extraction methods. Quick Extract was the easiest method to perform, while WUR resulted in the highest yield of DNA, swabs excluded. The Maxwell® method gave satisfactory results with all three matrices. However, further metagenomic analysis is required to verify if the species composition is comparable.

Different Types of Milk Flow Curves and Factors Affecting Milkability in Buffalo Species

2024-09-19T14:55:22+00:00

Buffaloes are characterized by longer teats and teat canals and stronger muscular resistance of the teat wall than cattle; it is necessary to have a high vacuum level to open the teat canal and begin milk ejection. In buffalo milking management, milk yield, and flow profiles are essential parameters to record and evaluate. The milking machine is a critical point, and the characteristics of the milking vacuum and the pulsation rate are closely related to milk flow observations. In Italy, the most used vacuum levels are 44-46 kPa (range 40-53 kPa). The data on the milkability traits of the Mediterranean Italian breed made it possible to classify eight different types of milk flow curves due to anatomical, physiological, and management differences. This study aims to evaluate the main factors influencing milkability in dairy buffaloes. The results suggest the detachment of the milking cluster to reduce the decreasing and blind phases with the following advantages: reduction of the total milking time and consequently of the worker's time, improvement of the farmer's profitability and milk quality through decreasing the incidence of mastitis. Milk ability is influenced by physiological, sanitary, management, and genetic factors. In Mediterranean Italian buffaloes milked with the Automatic Milking System (AMS), a considerable variation in milk ejection and, consequently, in the milk flow curve was found compared to the conventional one, with better pre-stimulation, independent milk ejection for each teat, optimal milking of all quarters.

In conclusion, continuous milkability monitoring will help optimize milking practices by reducing labor time and increasing farmers’ income through better milk quality. In addition, the identification of buffaloes with desirable types of milk flow curves could be helpful for buffalo breeders’ associations to address farmer management and to define potential new breeding objectives.

Characterization of Cellular Immune System at Different Ages in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

2024-09-19T14:55:21+00:00

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in understanding the immune system of the water buffalo due to the increased economic impact of this species. The study aimed to perform an in-depth evaluation of lymphoid and myeloid cells in water buffalo of different ages. We assess three multicolor panels of antibodies to evaluate by flow cytometry the percentage of the CD3⁺ CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and γδ T lymphocytes; CD79⁺ and CD21⁺B lymphocytes; monocytes and cM, intM, and ncMsubsets; NK cells, granulocytes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). Seventy-eight animals from three different farms were divided into three groups by age (26 in each group): 80-100 days old calves, 16-18 months old heifers, and 4-6 years old cows. Significant differences by Kruskal-Wallis test were found between age groups in the percentage of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, γδ T lymphocytes, NK cells (P=0.0001), total monocytes (P=0.0008), granulocytes (P=0.0358) and PBMC (P=0.0056). Between the farms, the adult animals showed differences in the percentage ofCD3⁺ (P=0.0152), CD4⁺ (P=0.0047), CD8⁺ (P=0.0019), CD4:CD8 ratio (P=0.0033) and γδ (P=0.0013) T lymphocytes; CD21⁺ B lymphocytes (P=0.0007);total monocytes (P=0.0100), cM and ncM subsets (P=0.0320;P=0.0252), granulocytes (P=0.0030) and PBMC (P=0.0120). The calves showed significant differences in CD79⁺ and CD21⁺ B lymphocytes (P=0.0141; P=0.0049), total monocytes (P=0.0010), cM, intM and ncM subsets (P=0.0335; P=0.0499; P=0.0065). The heifers group in CD21⁺ B subset (P=0.0439).In summary, this study provides the composition of lymphoid and myeloid cells in this species for the first time, highlighting large differences between age groups and between different herds.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Buffalo Milk Production in India

2024-01-09T13:51:42+00:00

Context: The vast resource of Indian livestock played an important role in improving the socio-economic conditions of people in rural areas. Dairying has provided strong support to stabilise the Indian economy by ensuring a certain degree of diversification and flexibility.

Aim: The present study aims to analyse the costs and returns from buffalo milk production in the Punjab state of India to know about the viability of the dairy business.

Methods: The present study is based on primary data collected through a detailed schedule from 420 dairy farmers belonging to different farm size categories (landless households, large, medium, small, and marginal farmers) from 21 villages situated across three different agro-climatic zones of Punjab state in 2019. A multi-stage sampling technique has been used to select the villages and dairy farmers in the study area.

Key Results: The study has revealed that the total costs of buffalo milk production are ₹180.16 per day per milch buffalo. The sale of fluid milk constitutes a major component of gross returns. The net returns are calculated as ₹6.42 per litre from buffalo milk production in rural Punjab.

Implications: Economic analysis of dairy farming is very important to know about the economic viability of dairy enterprises. The profitability from dairying depends upon the milk yield of dairy animals, the sale price of milk, and the cost involved in dairying. Adequate knowledge of the cost involved in dairying is important as it can be used for policy-making and also for providing incentives to dairy farmers.

Influence of Dietary Cation-Anion Differences (DCAD) on Nutrient Intake, Milk Yield and Metabolic Parameters of Transition Buffaloes

2024-01-18T10:46:12+00:00

The study was divided into 2 phases. During 1^st phase, 20 pre-partum buffaloes were divided into two groups, given -100 (high negative; HN) and -50 (low negative; LN) mEq/kg of dry matter (DM) diets. In the second phase, +200 (low positive; LP) and +400 (high positive; HP) mEq/kg of DM diets were formulated for postpartum buffaloes. Buffaloes that received LN DCAD were divided into 2 groups (LN-LP and LN-HP), and those that received HN DCAD were also divided into 2 groups (HN-LP and HN-HP). In the first phase, the group fed the HN DCAD diet had significantly lesser DM, nutrient intake, and urine pH (p<0.05) but higher ME intake and ADF digestibility. Also, higher serum phosphorus levels (p<0.05), fewer cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis, and a relatively smaller decrease in body weight were reported with the HN group. In the second phase, DM, organic matter, and NDF intakes were higher (p<0.05) in HN-HP and LN-LP groups, whereas ME intake and nutrient digestibility were higher in HN-LP and LN-HP (p<0.05). Daily milk, solid not fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose yields, and plasma total protein, urea, and cholesterol concentrations were the highest in the HN-HP group (p<0.05), but the highest fat content and fat yield were recorded in the HN-LP group (p<0.05). Better efficiency of milk production and the lowest cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis were observed for both groups. In conclusion, for transition buffaloes, the HN and LN DCAD (-100 and +200 mEq/kg of DM, respectively) diets showed a beneficial impact.

Milk Production, Quality Parameters, and Bacterial Colony Counts of Raw Milk from Murrah Buffaloes Reared in Mixed Crop-Livestock Systems

2024-02-15T13:19:07+00:00

This research aimed to assess the quantity and quality of raw Murrah buffalo milk in a mixed crop-livestock farming system in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted at the Sumber Ternak Abadi livestock farm in Pagar Merbau District, North Sumatra, Indonesia, established in 2012 within an oil palm plantation. The study observed 40 lactating Murrah buffaloes. Variables included milk production and quality metrics such as total plate count in colony-forming units per ml, water content percentage, total solids, fat content, and pH. Results demonstrated a milk yield standardized to 305 days ranging from 1,200.78±490.25 to 1,505.71±589.73 kg/head/lactation. The total plate count was 2.1 x 10⁵ ± 0.32 CFU/ml, total solids were 16.87% (w/w), fat was 5.7% (v/v), and pH was 6.73. The results confirmed that the raw Murrah buffalo milk from the observed farm meets the Indonesian National Standard for milk quality. A significant positive correlation was found between water content and total bacterial colony count (r = 0.82, p < 0.01), suggesting that higher water content in milk correlates with increased bacterial colonies.

Evaluating the Usability, Perceived Performance, and Perceived Effects of KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© Mobile Apps for Buffalo Management in Selected Municipalities in the Philippines

2024-02-19T14:32:45+00:00

This study evaluates the KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© mobile apps designed for buffalo health and feeding management, particularly for agricultural extension professionals (AEPs) in selected Philippine municipalities. These apps aim to address challenges in buffalo management, such as limited access to veterinary expertise, personalized recommendations, organized data, communication channels, and difficulties in calculating ideal feed compositions and meeting the distinct needs of smallholder farmers and AEPs. Despite System Usability Scale (SUS) scores indicating marginal acceptability for both apps, weighted mean scores by AEPs for statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (1 as strongly disagree and 5 as strongly agree), demonstrate that AEPs reported high confidence in the accuracy of buffalo health diagnostics (Mean of 4.20) and health management recommendations (Mean of 4.17) provided by KBGAN iHealth©. Similarly, KBGAN iFeed© received favorable ratings, with AEPs expressing agreement on the accuracy of feeding recommendations (Mean of 3.89) and the facilitation of feeding ration computations (Mean of 4.00). These positive perceived performance outcomes, coupled with increased confidence (Mean of 4.03) and motivation (Mean of 4.00) among AEPs, suggest the potential for frequent and consistent app usage despite usability concerns. Chi-square tests examining the relationship between AEP characteristics and SUS scores for the apps reveal significant associations between AEPs' education and experience levels and SUS scores for KBGAN iFeed©. The choice of IT device also influences KBGAN iHealth© SUS scores. Proposed enhancements by AEPs include refining algorithms, improving the user interface for navigation, speed, and efficiency, and incorporating features such as photo uploads and geotagging.

Intradermal Tuberculin Test in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Experimental use of Mycobacterial Antigens for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis

2024-02-29T16:44:15+00:00

The study aims to evaluate the potential use of mycobacterial ESAT6 and CFP10 antigens, Early Secretory Proteins (ESP) in the Skin Test used for bovine tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Water Buffalo.

A pilot study was performed on 21 buffaloes from a TB outbreak and 11 buffaloes from a TB-free herd. Three concentrations of ESAT6-CFP10 (10, 20, and 30 mg) and two of ESP (50 and 100 µg) were inoculated in the Skin Test, along with PPDB, PPDA, and PBS as a negative control. Skin thickness was measured with calipers before the test and every 24 hours for 4 days. Then, to evaluate the specificity of the antigens, a field study was conducted, and 100 buffaloes from a TB-free herd were inoculated using the best antigens concentration derived from the pilot study.

In the positive buffaloes, the strongest skin response was to PPDB at 24h, with some subjects becoming inconclusive at 72 and 96 h. A peak response to PPDA at 48 hours was detected, followed by a slight decrease. The response to ESP-100 µg remained high at 24 and 48 h, then decreased, remaining positive at 72 h. In the 100 TB-free buffaloes, the best specificity was observed using ESAT6-CFP10 and ESP.

ESP yielded the best results, showing higher reactivity in infected animals and no reactivity in the healthy ones at 72 h. Therefore, ESP could be an excellent candidate for further extensive studies in the buffalo species to improve Skin Test performance.

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

2024-03-26T09:50:53+00:00

Introduction: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonotic infectious disease present in Colombia, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, and causes tuberculosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis through the intradermal test is difficult; evaluating and understanding the behavior of other diagnostic tests is necessary.

Objective: To describe the behavior and results of different diagnostic methods for bovine tuberculosis in water buffalo positive for the Purifed Proteic Derivate (DPP) intradermal test.

Methodology: In water buffaloes positive for comparative cervical tuberculin test, different diagnostic methods were applied, described, and compared: Ziehl-Neelsen staining, microbiological culture, histopathological analysis, and PCR-HRM.

Results: Histopathological tests showed that 26 water buffalo positive for DPP (52%) had histological lesions compatible with bovine tuberculosis. 37% of the evaluated samples from tuberculin-positive Buffalo's lungs and secondary lymph nodes showed acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus with Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Four samples of Mycobacterium bovis from tuberculin-positive buffalo were isolated and identified, with two of these isolates confirmed from tissues with PCR-HRM, and three buffalo with microbiological isolates presented granulomatous lesions through histological analysis. Seventeen tuberculin-positive buffalo (34%) tested positive for real-time PCR HRM, and nine of these buffalo did not have histological lesions compatible with bTB and were confirmed with the molecular test.

Conclusion: Our results provide positive evidence of histological findings, microbiological isolation, and molecular diagnosis of tuberculin-positive water buffalo in the lowlands of Colombia. None of the complementary tests performed showed 100% concordance with the comparative cervical tuberculin test results for bTB.

Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Cytokine Profiling of Bubalus bubalis (Murrah buffalo) Calves for Puberty Prediction

2024-07-18T13:38:24+00:00

The present study incorporated ten buffalo calves aged 0 to 6 months, with an average weight of 35 kg, and ten buffalo heifers aged 12 months, with an average weight of 200 kg, to study the cytokine and AMH profile in relation to pubertal advancement. Venous blood samples (5ml) were collected from buffalo calves on the day of birth (day 0), day 15, day 30, day 60, day 90, day 120, day 150, and day 180. A single blood sample was collected from Buffalo heifers (1 year age). Cytokines: IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1, IL-13, TNF-α, and TGF-β, and anti-Müllerian hormone: AMH were estimated using respective ELISA kits. At birth, cytokine levels in serum showed a varied pattern, with lower levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-13, whereas IL-1, TNF-α, and TGF-β were higher. Throughout the study, IFN-γ, IL-13, and TGF-β levels remained relatively stable, whereas IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α increased notably by day 180. IL-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were higher (P<0.01) from birth to 180 days as well as on day 365. AMH levels remained consistent from birth to 180 days, indicating a marked increase at Day 15 (33.49 ± 12.63 ng/L), followed by a decline to 4.60 ± 1.55 ng/Lat the end of the first year. Implications of the Karl Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a negative correlation between AMH levels and IFN-γ and TNF-α. AMH was positively correlated with IL 13 and TGF-β. Hence, it was concluded that IFN-γ and TNF-α are predictive markers for a reduction in AMH levels and hence, setting up puberty in buffalo heifers.

Buffalo Selection in Bali Province, Indonesia: Performance and Quantitative Trait Analysis

2024-07-18T13:38:21+00:00

Background: The selection program is one of the efforts that can be made to select livestock as superior breed stock. The selection program can be carried out by looking at the performance of quantitative traits in buffalo by measuring several economically valuable traits referring to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7706.1: 2011) regarding superior young bull buffalo breeds.

Methods: The research was carried out by directly measuring the performance of quantitative characteristics of buffalo in three regencies out of nine regencies in Bali Province, Indonesia, namely: Jembrana Regency, Tabanan Regency, and Buleleng Regency. Data analysis was carried out descriptively to obtain average quantitative characteristics and calculate the magnitude of population diversity.

Results: The results obtained were that the performance of quantitative traits in male and female buffalo in Bali Province, Indonesia, was higher than the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7706.1: 2011) regarding superior young bull buffalo breeds. The population diversity of quantitative characteristics of male buffalo aged 2-3 years old in Bali province is categorized as diverse (varied). On the other hand, male buffalo aged >3 years are in the uniform (homogeneous) category, as are female buffalo aged 2-3 years and >3 years.

Conclusion: The buffalo in the province of Bali, Indonesia, were suitable for use as a breed, and effective selection was carried out on the male buffalo population aged 2-3 years. Suggestions require efforts to increase public interest in keeping buffaloes by providing protection and appreciation to breeders who want to keep buffaloes, especially female buffaloes.

Research of Species Composition of Bovine Piroplasmosis and its Distribution in the South of Kazakhstan

2024-08-02T12:46:36+00:00

Context: The relevance of the stated subject of scientific research is determined by the need for rational planning and timely implementation of therapeutic and prophylactic measures with cattle in different geographical regions to prevent the spread of ticks and develop an objective understanding of the real features of the epizootic situation in these regions.

Object: This scientific research aims to explore the species composition of bovine piroplasmosis and its distribution in the Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Methods: This research combines species identification of ixo did ticks with practical examination and regular collection from cattle during the pasture season to determine tick species and pasture tickiness, conducted at Mukhtar Auezov South Kazakhstan University, the regional veterinary laboratory, and farms in the Turkestan region.

Results: During this scientific research, practical results were obtained, indicating the main trends in the species composition and development of dynamics of the distribution of Bovine theileriosis on the territory of the Turkestan region. The research results and conclusions are highly significant for livestock farm workers in the Turkestan region of Kazakhstan, aiding in cattle health management and epidemic prevention.

Pregnancy Outcomes Following GnRH- or Prostaglandin-Based Timed Artificial Insemination Protocols in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

2024-08-02T12:46:33+00:00

The efficiencies of Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI) protocols in post-partum riverine dairy buffaloes were evaluated in the present research work. In Study 1, GnRH-based ovulation synchronization for Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) protocol was evaluated for pregnancy. Buffaloes in Treatment 1 were subjected to the Ovsynch (GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH) protocol. Buffaloes in Treatment 2 were subjected to Controlled Internal Drug Release–Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (CIDR-Synch-GnRH) protocol, and buffaloes in Treatment 3 were subjected to CIDR-Synch-human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (CIDR-Synch-hCG) protocol. In Study 2, Prostaglandin-based estrus synchronization protocols were similarly evaluated for pregnancy. Buffaloes in Treatment 1 were treated with Prostaglandin hormone alone; buffaloes in Treatment 2 were subjected to Prostaglandin-GnRH protocol, while buffaloes in Treatment 3 were subjected to Prostaglandin-hCG protocol. Results in Study 1 revealed that supplementation of Ovsynch with CIDR in Treatment 2 and 3 resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rates compared with Ovsynch alone (T1). Meanwhile, the use of hCG as the final ovulatory hormone in FTAI protocol (T3) yielded a significantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rate than GnRH (T2). In Study 2, results showed that prostaglandin protocols enhanced with GnRH (T2) or with hCG (T3) resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rates (31.88±3.39 and 34.62±1.53), respectively, compared with Prostaglandin alone (T1, 23.91±2.49). However, pregnancy rates in Prostaglandin-based protocols (T2) and (T3) were not significantly different (P<0.05). In sum, the present study demonstrated that supplementation with exogenous progesterone (CIDR) improved the efficiency of Ovsynch FTAI protocol while using hCG as the final ovulatory hormone is found to be the best among FTAI protocols. Meanwhile, a Prostaglandin-based protocol enhanced with ovulatory hormones, either GnRH or hCG, on the day of AI improved pregnancy rates in post-partum water buffaloes.

Milk Production and Quality of Murrah Buffalo Supplemented by Turmeric Powder and Casava Leaf in Agam Regency, Indonesia

2024-08-19T12:32:39+00:00

Buffalo farming in Indonesia is still managed traditionally due to low milk production and quality. Like in other developing countries, buffalo farming has becomea side business. Murrah Buffalo milk has better fat and protein content compared to dairy milk. Production and quality of buffalo milk affect farming management, such as keeping systems and feed management. The study aimed to reveal the effect of turmeric powder supplement and cassava leaf as forage on Murrah Buffalo in terms of milk production and quality (protein, fat, and lactose content). The study was conducted experimentally for four female Murrah Buffalo fed several formula feeds. The formula feed treatments are A (basal feed 100%), B = A + cassava leaf (1kg) + Turmeric Powder (0.015% Body weight), C = A + Cassava Leaf (1.5kg) + Turmeric Powder (0.030% Body Weight), D = A + Cassava Leaf (2kg) + Turmeric Powder (0.045% Body Weight). The result shows Milk production, protein, fat, and lactose is 5.40-7.91kg, 2.93-3.41%, 4.81-10.69%, and 4.39-5.11%, respectively. In summary, the best turmeric powder supplementation and Cassava leaf supply belong to treatment D, which significantly increases Murrah Buffalo milk production and quality.

Behavioural Insights into Dairy Farmers’ Adoption of Feeding Innovations

2024-11-14T09:21:14+00:00

The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) has promoted various feeding innovations to enhance buffalo-based dairy enterprise and increase milk production, yet adoption rates have been suboptimal. This study explores the decision-making processes of dairy farmers regarding the adoption of these innovations, focusing on how attitudes and subjective norms influence their intentions to implement PCC-endorsed feed technologies, such as improved forage, concentrate feeding, legume supplementation, and forage ensiling. Data were collected through structured interviews with 60 dairy farmers. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that socioeconomic factors and farm characteristics minimally impact the intention to adopt innovations, with land ownership and herd size positively influencing concentrate feeding. Perceived usefulness and difficulty significantly shape farmers' intentions, indicating that constraints like land availability and high production costs hinder the adoption of legume supplementation and forage ensiling. While attitudes toward feeding innovations are generally positive, practical challenges limit their uptake. Social norms, shaped by extension staff and peer farmers, play a significant role in influencing farmers' intentions to adopt these innovations. This study emphasized the need to address practical barriers to enhance the uptake of feeding innovations and improve dairy buffalo production.