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Simple Summary: Due, in large part, to the popularity of mozzarella cheese, buffalo breeding has become quite popular in Italy in the new century. The transition (30 days before to 30 days after calving) is a critical period for buffalo cows, with a decrease in dry matter intake and a consequent loss of body weight. These phenomena lead to a higher susceptibility of buffalo cows to metabolic disorders, which may compromise their performance. Following the prohibition of antibiotics for auxinic purposes, there has been a surge in interest in feed additives and their potential to improve animal performance and nutrient use through effects on rumen metabolism. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) cultures have garnered significant attention as supplements in ruminant nutrition. Therefore, the influence of diet supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on nutrient digestibility and milk and mozzarella cheese yield in buffalo cows during the transition period was investigated. The aim of the trial was to evaluate the influence of diet supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on nutrient digestibility and milk and mozzarella cheese yield in buffalo cows during the transition period. Twenty buffalo cows in the last month of pregnancy were equally divided into two groups (control, C, and treated, T) homogeneous for parity and milk yield at the previous lactation. The diet of group T was supplemented with 100 g/head/day of a product containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc 47- CNCM I-4407) for 4 weeks before and after calving. Dry matter intake and the body condition score were not affected by the dietary treatment. In contrast, organic matter, protein, NDF, and ADF digestibility significantly (p < 0.01) increased. Group T showed a higher milk yield (kg 10.5 vs. 9.2, p < 0.05) but lower milk fat (g/kg 76.0 vs. 80.1, p < 0.05). The buffalo standard milk (FPCM = 740 kcal) yield was higher in the treated group (kg 16.8 vs. 15.0, p < 0.05), whereas the mozzarella cheese yield was not affected by the treatment (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that supplementation of the diet of buffaloes with Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the transition period results in notable enhancements in nutrient digestibility and milk yield. These outcomes are worthy of further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to monitor the changes in metabolic profile during the pre- and post-partum period of high milk producing buffalo cows and their relationship with herd management. The transition period is defined as the period from 3 weeks before calving to 3 weeks after calving. Among the factors that influence the metabolic profile of buffalo cows, the following were highlighted: nutrition, reproduction and climatic factors. This study was carried out on two batches of 10 buffaloes in different stages of the gestation period. The buffaloes benefited from the same fodder ration before going out to graze. After going out to the pasture, the animals taken in the study were fed only with grass from the natural pasture. Ante partum and post-partum blood samples were collected. The samples were analyzed biochemically. The results draw attention of the metabolic profile of the blood in evaluating the nutritional status of buffalo cows and ensuring good health in very demanding physiological conditions, in addition, they provide some indications that buffaloes are more resistant to metabolic disorders in the post-partum period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to determine the levels of acute-phase proteins haptoglobin [Hp], serum amyloid A [SAA] and proinflammatory cytokinesinterleukin-6 [IL-6, and IL-8] in serum of buffaloes that developed subclinical endometritis (SCE) during the early postpartum period. Endometritis, which is one of the most common postpartum diseases in cattle and occurs several weeks postpartum, causes severe economic losses. A total of 72 buffaloes, aged 3 years to 12 years and at 15–24 days post-calving, were enrolled in this study. All the animals were checked by transrectal palpation, ultrasound examination to evaluate degree of uterine involution. Endometrial cytological samples were collected by using cytobrush to determine the proportions of endometrial cells and PMNs and later incidence of cytological endometritis in week 4 postpartum buffaloes. Blood samples (10 ml) were collected weekly from week 4 to week 7 after calving to measure levels of IL-6, IL-8 and acute-phase proteins: Hp and SAA in healthy and buffalo cows that developed cytological endometritis. The experimental group consisted of 12 buffaloes with subclinical endometritis and the control group of 12 buffaloes without cytological endometritis. Analyses in both groups of cows were carried out at weeks 4, 5, 6, and 7 postpartum (DPP). The levels of the following cytokines: IL-6, IL-8 and acute-phase proteins: Hp and SAA were determined using ELISA. Twelve of 72 clinically healthy buffalo cows (16.6%) had subclinical endometritis (= 8 % PMN cows). The levels of IL-6, IL-8, Hp, and SAA significantly (P < 0.05) were higher in buffalo cows with subclinical endometritis than healthy animals. The results indicate that the evaluation of the levels of cytokines and Hp in serum can be an important diagnostic indicator in buffalo cows that developed subclinical endometritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the hormonal treatment during early postpartum period on the days open, serum progesterone hormone levels at 28 and 42 days post injection and pregnancy percentage following different hormone protocols in multiparous and primiparous buffaloe- cows. The experiment was carried out on 65 (40 multiparous -25 primiparous) clinically healthy animals, randomly allotted into five groups: each (n=8) multiparous and (n=5) of primiparous. The first group; received saline 0.9% intramuscular at day 14 postpartum (control). The second group; injected by 5 ml Receptal (20 µg Buserelin ) at day 14 post-partum. The third group; injected by 5 ml Receptal at day 14 post-partum and day 21 then 3ml Estrumate (750 µg cloprostenol) at day 28. The fourth group received 2 vials of Gonaser (1000 IU eCG) at day 14 post-partum. The fifth group injected by 1000 IU eCG at day 14 post-partum, and at day 21 receive 5 ml Receptal then 7 days later at day 28 receive 3ml Estrumate. Fertile bulls were ensured for all buffaloes. Blood samples collection were performed at the days 28 and 42 day from treatment for serum progesterone levels determination. Ultrasound pregnancy check was done at day 40-45 days later. The present study demonstrated that group 4 has significant (P>0.05) decrease of the current days open than other groups of multiparous buffalo and have lower significant (P < 0.01) difference from previous days open and Primiparous buffaloes. Meanwhile, control group showed the highest current days open (113.3 ± 4.4) compared to other groups of multiparous buffalo cows and have significant (P < 0.05) difference from primiparous buffalo cows. Highly significant (P < 0.05) differences in serum progesterone concentration at 28 and 42 day among groups of multiparous buffalo cows where, group 4 at 28 day had greater (0.56±0.11 ng/mL) concentration than both group 2 (0.31±0.07 ng/mL) and group 3 (0.29±0.06 ng/mL). No significant differences in percentages of pregnancy rates within multiparous and primiparous buffaloes but group 1 and group 3 of primiparous buffaloes had the lowest pregnancy rate percentage compared to other groups. In conclusion, the application of hormonal treatment during early postpartum period at day 14 postpartum especially group 4 resulted in decreased days open and could be used for improvement of the reproduction in postpartum buffaloe-cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The transition period is often associated with metabolic disorders in Bubalus bubalis. We examined the potential effect of Aspergillus oryzae (ASG) on blood biochemistry, adaptive immunity, milk yield and composition, dry matter intake, inflammation markers, and oxidative stress in buffalo cows. Thirty buffalo cows were divided into two homogeneous experimental groups (15 buffalo cows in each group) from 3 weeks pre-partum to 3 weeks post-partum. The first group received the basal diet and served as a control, while the second group was orally administered with 5 g of ASG per head per day. ASG treatment significantly improved liver and kidney functions. The concentration of haptoglobin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly lower in the treated group (4.42 mg/dl, 68.89 pg/ml, 3.46 nmol, respectively) than in the control group (8.29 mg/dl, 83 pg/ml, 6.23 nmol, respectively). At the same time, the levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), immunoglobulin M, and G were significantly higher. Regarding energy metabolism, the ASG supplementation significantly increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein compared to the control group. Meanwhile, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and somatic cell counts in milk (SCC) were significantly reduced by ASG supplementation. The daily milk yield and its composition were significantly increased by the ASG supplementation (p

The influence of replacing silage with sorghum silage in the diet of dairy buffalo cows on metabolic status and on milk yield, chemical characteristics, and fatty acid profile was studied. Forty dairy buffalo cows were included in the trial and divided into two homogeneous groups (SS, sorghum silage and CS, corn silage). Blood was collected at the end of the trial (120 days), individual milk yield was registered daily. Samples of milk were monthly collected and analyzed for fat, protein, and lactose. Moreover, fatty acid profiles of silages and milk were determined. Buffalo cows fed sorghum silage showed an average milk yield higher than group CS (kg/d 10.120 vs. 9.270; p < 0.05), probably due to the lower lignin content of sorghum silage (31.0 g/kg dry matter (DM)) compared to corn silage (47.0 g/kg DM) and, by consequence, to the higher digestibility of SS diet. The percentage of linoleic acid was significantly higher in milk of group CS (C18:2: 1.27 vs. 2.05%; p < 0.01) due to the higher content of these acids in corn than in sorghum silage. The omega 6/omega 3 ratio was significantly lower in milk from buffalo cows fed sorghum than those fed corn silage (7.8 vs. 12.9; p < 0.01). Serum biochemistry showed no negative effects of the corn replacing with sorghum.

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This study was designed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of three methods for detecting the onset of cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes. The methods investigated were visual signs, transrectal ultrasonography, and serum progesterone (P4) assay. For this study, 102 post-partum Murrah buffalo cows were grouped for monitoring their ovarian activity. The first group of buffaloes was between 26 and 35 days post-partum. Thereafter, the buffalo cows that calved were grouped after every 10 days for the study sample. Thus, the study animals were adjudged between 26 and 35, 36-45, 46-55, 56-65, 66-75, 76-85, and 86-95 days post-partum with an average of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 days post-partum, respectively. Visual estrus signs were monitored twice daily, and simultaneously, ultrasound examination was carried out at 10 days interval for accessing the presence of corpus luteum (CL). Serum P4 was estimated in the animals which were adjudged cyclic by ultrasound examination, and the assay was repeated after 10 days. The buffalo cows in estrus were inseminated artificially, and pregnancy status was assessed after 30 days post-insemination. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of visual observation were low (39.37 and 70.73%, respectively) when compared to P4 assay (98.80 and 96.47%) and ultrasound examination (single, 97.59 and 97.59%; double, 100 and 100%), respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of single and double ultrasound examination and P4 assay were comparable. In conclusion, this study reports that single and double ultrasound examination and P4 assay are more efficient than visual observation in detecting the onset of ovarian cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal & Poultry Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Intercaruncular glandular regions were found among the uterine caruncles in ruminant pregnant uteruses. The endometrial glands play an important role in the substance transfer from dam to fetus, including that of iron. Therefore, our objective was to characterize these intercaruncular regions of the pregnant uterus of zebu and buffalo cows. Small portions of the same regions of zebu (n=57) and water buffalo cows (n=30) were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and 4% paraformoldehyde in PBS, processed and stained for light microscopy in order to characterize the morphology, and histochemistry (Perl’s, PAS and acid phosphatase reactions) to confirm iron transfer. The intercaruncular region was located among the uterine caruncles and was composed by an endometrium, a myometrium, and a richly vascularized perimetrium. The endometrial glands were made up of a simple columnar epithelium and they were reactive to ferric iron (Perl's reaction), acid phosphatase and PAS. Collectively, the present results support the hypothesis that endometrial glands are important sites of secretion and substance transfer from the dam and that they are implicated in the nourishment of the ruminant fetus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mastitis on CL development and function and pregnancy rate in buffaloes. Sixty-six buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalus ) reared in a commercial farm at El-Beheira governorate, north of Egypt were used in this study. According to the visual observation of milk, physical examination of the udder and actual somatic cell count in milk, buffalo cows were divided into three groups: without mastitis (W), n = 23; subclinical mastitis (SC), n = 18; and clinical mastitis (C), n = 25. All buffalo cows were synchronized by double dose of PGF2 α (11-day interval) and inseminated by frozen-thawed semen of fertile bull. Mean CL diameter was ultrasonically examined on Days 5, 9, 12, 16, 21, and 25 after artificial insemination (AI). Blood samples were taken on the days of ultrasonography for progesterone (P4) assay. Results indicated that pregnancy rates were lower (P < 0.05) in C (28.00%) and SC (55.56%) compared with W (69.57%) on Day 25 after first AI. Pregnancy rates reduced to 60.87%, 44.45%, and 16.00% in W, SC, and C, respectively, at Day 45 after insemination. Thus, the embryonic loss was 8.7%, 11.11%, and 12.00 % in W, SC, and C cows, respectively. Pregnancy rates decreased between 44.32% and 50.51% when mastitis occurred during Day −15 before to Day +30 after AI, compared with 59.22% in the uninfected cows. The diameter of CL was greater (P < 0.05) in W than SC and C cows starting at Day 9 postbreeding onward. Likewise, P4 concentrations on Days 9 through 25 after AI were greater (P < 0.05) in W cows as compared to SC and C cows. Positive correlations (P < 0.01) were found on Days 5, 9, 12, 16, 21, and 25 after AI between CL diameter and P4 concentrations. Similar trend was found among CL diameter, P4 concentrations, and pregnancy rate. Accordingly, incidence of mastitis revealed suppression to both CL diameter and function leading to significant reduction in pregnancy outcome of buffalo cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of GnRH-loaded chitosan-TPP nanoparticles (GnRH-CsNPs) to improve the reproductive performance of anestrus buffaloes during the summer. Egyptian buffaloes (n = 50) were synchronized for estrus either with the ovsynch protocol (OVSs, n = 20) or with the modified ovsynch protocol (OVSm, n = 30) using GnRH-CsNPs. Sera samples were collected on days 0, 7, and 10 (insemination day); and days15 and 30 post insemination for estradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P 4) determination. The follicles were monitored on day 0 and day 10. CLs diameter and pregnancy diagnosis were scanned on day 30 post insemination. Using a half dose of GnRH as GnRH-CsNPs in the OVSm improved (P < 0.05) the number of total and large follicles, and the total surface area of subordinate and large follicles compared to the OVSs protocol. The OVSm increased (P < 0.05) the largest follicles diameter on day 10 and CLs diameter on day 30 post insemination compared to the OVSs protocol. E 2 concentration was greater (P < 0.05) on insemination day, and P 4 concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) on days 15 and 30 post insemination in the OVSm than in the OVSs. The estrus induction rate was 80 % higher (P < 0.05) in the OVSm and cows exhibited estrus within 17.54 h earlier than the OVSs (50 % within 42 h), respectively. The conception rate increased in OVSm compared to OVSs (75 vs. 40 %, respectively). In conclusion, nanofabrication of GnRH allowed to reduce hormonal dose to 50 % without any adverse effects on fertility, and improved ovarian activity and reproductive performance of anestrus buffaloes during the low breeding season. • The nano-conjugation of GnRH analogue with chitosan-TPP nanoparticles improved hormone efficiency compared with bare GnRH. • GnRH nanofabrication permitted the reduction of hormonal doses to 50% without any adverse effect on anestrus buffaloes. • Using GnRH-CsNPs increased ovarian activity, E 2 and P 4 levels, Estrus induction rate, conception and pregnancy rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty pluriparous, clinically normal buffalo cows (n =60) were used to investigate the relationships between metabolic status, subclinical endometritis and reproductive performance. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by endometrial cytology (EC) and ultrasonography (US) during weeks 4–9 postpartum (pp). A comparative assessment of these diagnostic approaches was made with respect to reproductive outcomes. Blood samples were collected on a weekly basis from weeks 4 to 9 in order to estimate some blood metabolites including blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Reproductive tract examination was carried out weekly from weeks 4 to 9 by endometrial cytology (percentage of polymorphonuclear cells; PMN%) and Ultrasonography (detection of fluid in uterus regardless to its amount or echogenicity; FIU). The percentage of buffalo cow suffering from subclinical endometritis as diagnosed by endometrial cytology was significantly (P <0.01) higher in non-pregnant cows (80%) at weeks 4 and 5 (60%) pp when compared with pregnant animals (0). HDL-c concentration was significantly lower (P <0.05) in cytologically diagnosed ENDM group (15.4±0.7mg/dl) if compared to NOENDM group (25.0±3.1mg/dl) during week 4 pp. During week 5 pp, triglycerides concentration was significantly high (P <0.05) in ENDM group, as diagnosed by the presence of FIU (184.6±12.4mg/dl) if compared to NOENDM group (102.7±30.6mg/dl). Total cholesterol concentration was significantly lower (P <0.01) in ENDM group (51.9±0.5mg/dl) than that of NOENDM group (85.9±2.0mg/dl) during week 6 pp. In conclusion, Weeks 4 and 5 pp are the best times to identify cytologically diagnosed endometritis. Furthermore, glucose and total cholesterol indicated that energy status is not a risk factor for cytologically diagnosed subclinical endometritis in buffalo cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy performance of crossbred buffalo cows was characterized using 18 412 milk yields on the test-day and accumulated milk yields (2 575, 1 838 and 1 155) at 100,200 and 244 d of lactation, respectively. Animals belonged to 37 herds of the Crossbreeding enterprise "El Cangre". The Mixed procedure of SAS was applied to analyze the fixed effects: calving year (7), calving season (2), herd (37), lactation number (9), test-day order (9) and random effect of each animal living in the herd (1377). Yield means on the test-day was 3.4 kg and adjusted to 244 d of 860.3 kg. The first lactation was of lowest yield, with 2.58 ± 0.03 kg on the test-day and accumulated milk yield at 100, 200 and 244 d: 346.6 ± 5.0 kg, 629.2 ± 12.5 kg and 762.1 ± 19.8 kg. Buffalo cows calving in July-October showed the highest yields: 3.27 ± 0.03 kg, 425.9 ±4.6 kg, 768.0 ± 11.1 kg and 923.8 ±16.9 kg, respectively. Accumulated milk yield at 244 d was maintained constant from 2004 to 2009. In the studied population there were productive fluctuations associated to the effects of the number of lactation, test-day order, herd, season and calving year. General means were above to what was reported in Cuba in previous studies. However, a tendency towards a productive rise is not described. Genetic and environmental measurements are required to attain better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw material is milk dairy products for 1000 as part of human nutrition, whose value depends on the nutritional and biological components in milk. Thus, lactose is able to be fermented by the action of lactic acid bacteria starter cultures for dairy products to obtain acidophilous. Another important component of casein cheese with a major role in getting this property with the clot, and the milk goes from liquid to gel state under the action of coagulating enzymes present in rennet or weak acids. Buffalo milk has a very high fat content 7.8% (7.5 to 8.2%) and lactose 4.9% (4.8% to 5%), which increases milk yield in dairy fat (cream, butter) and print a sweetish taste, good protein content 4.25% (4.0 to 4.3%), milk is rich in casein (85%), which favors obtaining a high efficiency cheese production. FAO data show the weight fractions of casein (26% a casein, 51% β casein and 23% γ casein, whereas k casein is not detected). Lactoglobulin and albumin have a share of the factions as follows: 2% alpha-lactalbumin, beta- lactoglobulin 39%, 2% serum albumin and immunoglobulins 20%, the energy (calorie) is the largest (1145 kcal / kg), but the variation is insignificant. In comparison with buffalo milk, cow milk following differences appear: -dry-matter content is higher on average by 5%, fat 4.0%, 0.9% protein, 63% and energy value of mineral salts 0.01%, which is rich in Ca and P and poorer in Na and Cl; -carotene content is lower, which makes fat milk and milk products to be less valued by consumers, except for whipped cream; -fat cells are higher by 25-50% and the fat in buffalo milk melting and freezing points is reduced, causing a soft butter, not appreciated by consumers, although it has a pleasant aroma. Buffalo milk compared to that obtained in sheep are similar in terms of dry matter content and is richer in protein but low in fat and more, by 11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poor estrus expression and anestrus decrease the reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) to an estrous synchronization protocol and timed insemination could improve ovulation and pregnancy rates of anestrous buffalo cows under tropical conditions. The study population comprised 65 lactating Murrah buffalo cows which were assigned to CIDR (n =33) or CIDR+eCG (n =32) treatment groups. Cows in the CIDR group were fitted for 8d with a controlled intravaginal drug release (CIDR) device containing 1.38g progesterone, received GnRH (10μg i.m.) on D 0, PGF2α (750μg i.m.) on D 7, and GnRH (10μg i.m.) on D 9; whereas cows in the CIDR+eCG group received the same treatment plus eCG (500IU, i.m.) at the time of PGF2α treatment. All cows were inseminated 16–20h after the second GnRH treatment. Blood samples were obtained 10d before the start of synchronization treatment (Day –10) and at the onset of treatment (Day 0). Cows with plasma progesterone concentrations <1ng/mL recorded in both samples (Low–Low levels of P4) were classified as non-cyclic cows. Similarly, when either one or both of the sample pair contained concentrations of serum progesterone ≥1ng/mL (High–High, Low–High, or High–Low levels of P4), the buffaloes were classified as cyclic cows. Ovulation rate, defined as the number of buffaloes with at least one corpus luteum 10 days after insemination, was significantly higher (P =0.018) in the CIDR+eCG (84.4%) cows than in the CIDR cows (57.6%). Pregnancy rate was numerically lower in CIDR (27.3%) than CIDR+eCG (40.6%) cows, though differences were not significant (P =0.25). Pregnancy rates for CIDR+eCG cows were similar to that of cows inseminated after natural estrus (40.9%; 29/71). In the non-cyclic animals, higher ovulation rates (P =0.026) were recorded for the CIDR+eCG (81%) than for the CIDR cows (47.4%). Our results indicate that the addition of eCG to a progesterone-based estrous synchronization regimen substantially improves the ovulation rate in non-cyclic buffaloes. When this treatment is followed by timed AI, pregnancy rates achieved in anestrous buffaloes, whether cyclic and non-cyclic, may approach the rates observed in cows inseminated at natural estrus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The effect of trees on the rearing of river buffaloes was studied in two units or farms with 30 dairy cows each and their calves, and the technology of rational silvopastoral system with Leucaena leucocephala was compared to a grass monocrop. An initial diagnosis was carried out to learn the characteristics of each unit and the floristic composition of the areas. The dry matter availability of the pastures was determined monthly in order to regulate the stocking rate in the pastureland and during four consecutive years the productive and reproductive indicators, as well as the economic incomes, were measured. The results in the tree system were higher in 0,72 kg of milk per cow per day; 279,8 kg/lactation; 1,49 kg/ha/day and 42 more days of lactation; nevertheless, the most significant aspect turned out to be the daily milk production per hectare in the system with trees, which tripled that of the grass monocrop (2,24 vs 0,75 kg), as a consequence of a higher availability of dry matter and nutrients. This allowed to increase the stocking rate, which was reflected positively on the incomes for the milk sale. All the indicators analyzed favored the system of leucaena with the technology of rational silvopastoral system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of a dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during the first and the second phase of lactation on dry matter (DM) intake, organic matter digestibility, milk yield and quality and haematological profile was evaluated in buffalo cows. Lactating buffaloes (n =190), 118.7 days in milk (DIM), were randomly divided into Group C (control, n =95) and Group T (fed diet supplemented with 98 billion CFU of S. cerevisiae, n =95). Eight buffaloes for each group (Groups T1 and C1), 85.4 DIM, were used to study the in vivo digestibility and the haematological profile. No differences were found for DM intake (16.5 kg·day−1) and haematological profile. The SC supplementation increased milk yield (7.9±0.2 vs. 7.4±0.2; P <0.01) but did not affect milk fat and protein. SC supplementation increased OM digestibility, mainly, in the first phase of lactation (<135 days), thus allowing a higher energy availability for milk yield and reduced fat mobilization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two total mixed rations, differing in energy and protein concentrations (diet A: 6.1 MJ/kg DM of NE l, 112.5 g/kg DM of metabolizable protein, MP, and 101.7 g of protein digestible at the intestinal level, PDI, vs. diet B: 6.4 MJ, 95.1 g of MP, 78.9 g of PDI) were administered ad libitum for 1 year to two groups of 12 buffaloes in which the partial monthly turnover of animals allowed the lactation stage to be maintained close to 160 days. The diets were formulated to obtain, with a daily intake of about 15.5 kg of DM, a balanced energy supply but an excess of protein (diet A); the opposite occurred with diet B. The average dry matter intake recorded during the trial was 14.5 kg for diet A and 15.0 kg for diet B. Milk production was similar for both groups (7.94 kg vs. 7.95 kg). The diet with a higher protein concentration brought about a significant increase in protein, casein and non-protein nitrogen contents in the milk. A significant increase in milk fat percentage was observed when the animals were fed the diet with a higher energy concentration. The serum urea concentration (8.62 mm/l) of buffaloes fed diet A was outside the physiological range for lactating buffaloes. The energy and protein conversion efficiencies for milk production were more favourable when their supplies were balanced: 3.58 MJ of NE l/kg of FPCM for diet A; 2.50 g of MP or 2.07 g of PDI/g of protein milk for diet B. Moreover, when the requirements were satisfied, greater energy or protein supplies failed to induce significant changes in milk yield and quality. Finally, regarding the great differences between estimated MP requirements and those recorded during the trial, the authors suggest that the equations used in the CPM-Dairy software, formulated for dairy cows, are not applicable in buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se investigó el efecto de la arborización en la crianza de los búfalos de río en dos unidades o fincas con 30 búfalas lecheras cada una y sus crías, y se comparó la tecnología del silvopastoreo racional con Leucaena leucocephala y un monocultivo de gramíneas. Se realizó un diagnóstico inicial para conocer las característi­cas propias de cada unidad y la composición florística de las áreas; mensualmente se determinó la disponibilidad de materia seca de los pastos para regular la carga animal en el pastizal y durante cuatro años consecutivos se midieron los indicadores productivos y reproductivos, así como los ingresos económicos. Los resultados en el sistema arborizado fueron superiores en 0,72 kg de leche por búfala por día; 279,8 kg/lactancia; 1,49 kg/ha/ día y 42 días más de lactancia; no obstante, lo más significativo resultó la producción de leche diaria por hectárea en el sistema arborizado, que triplicó la del monocultivo de gramíneas (2,24 vs 0,75 kg), como producto de una mayor disponibilidad de materia seca y nutrimentos. Ello permitió incrementar la carga animal, lo que se manifestó positivamente en los ingresos por la venta de la leche. Todos los indicadores analizados favorecieron al sistema de leucaena con la tecnología del silvopastoreo racional.The effect of trees on the rearing of river buffaloes was studied in two units or farms with 30 dairy cows each and their calves, and the technology of rational silvopastoral system with Leucaena leucocephala was compared to a grass monocrop. An initial diagnosis was carried out to learn the characteristics of each unit and the floristic composition of the areas. The dry matter availability of the pastures was determined monthly in order to regulate the stocking rate in the pastureland and during four consecutive years the productive and reproductive indicators, as well as the economic incomes, were measured. The results in the tree system were higher in 0,72 kg of milk per cow per day; 279,8 kg/lactation; 1,49 kg/ha/day and 42 more days of lactation; nevertheless, the most significant aspect turned out to be the daily milk production per hectare in the system with trees, which tripled that of the grass monocrop (2,24 vs 0,75 kg), as a consequence of a higher availability of dry matter and nutrients. This allowed to increase the stocking rate, which was reflected positively on the incomes for the milk sale. All the indicators analyzed favored the system of leucaena with the technology of rational silvopastoral system.

In the cattle enterprise "La Bayamesa", located in the Granma province, four river buffalo cows were selected randomly from a herd with the goal of estimating the intake and the digestibility of dry matter. The grazing animals were fed 300 g of Norgold and they were given in a compulsory form 20 g of chromium oxide for 17 d (twelve days of adaptation and five of collection) to determine the intake and digestibility of dry matter in grazing conditions, according to the double marking technique (chromium oxide and insoluble acid ash). The chemical and the mineral composition were determined in the feeds. The pastures were of poor quality, with crude protein contents not exceeding 8 % and total phosphorus levels lower than 0.12 %. The dry matter intake varied between the animals and ranged from 12 to 21 kg DM/animal/d in accordance with their live weights, without differences in the dry matter digestibility. The analysis of linear regression between intake and excretion of dry matter and between the contents of total ash and insoluble acid ash showed coefficients of determination of R² = 0.97 and R² = 0.88, respectively, for P < 0.001. It was proved that, in the conditions of this study, the buffalo river species makes a high intake of poor quality pasture, with approximate dry matter digestibility of 45 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of replacing silage with sorghum silage in the diet of dairy buffalo cows on metabolic status and on milk yield, chemical characteristics, and fatty acid profile was studied. Forty dairy buffalo cows were included in the trial and divided into two homogeneous groups (SS, sorghum silage and CS, corn silage). Blood was collected at the end of the trial (120 days), individual milk yield was registered daily. Samples of milk were monthly collected and analyzed for fat, protein, and lactose. Moreover, fatty acid profiles of silages and milk were determined. Buffalo cows fed sorghum silage showed an average milk yield higher than group CS (kg/d 10.120 vs. 9.270; p < 0.05), probably due to the lower lignin content of sorghum silage (31.0 g/kg dry matter (DM)) compared to corn silage (47.0 g/kg DM) and, by consequence, to the higher digestibility of SS diet. The percentage of linoleic acid was significantly higher in milk of group CS (C18:2: 1.27 vs. 2.05%; p < 0.01) due to the higher content of these acids in corn than in sorghum silage. The omega 6/omega 3 ratio was significantly lower in milk from buffalo cows fed sorghum than those fed corn silage (7.8 vs. 12.9; p < 0.01). Serum biochemistry showed no negative effects of the corn replacing with sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is considered that if buffalo cow fertilization has not occurred before entering the barn to be protected against the cold weather of the winter she will get in anestrous state and new heats will delay for a long time. The present paper refers to the results of a prostaglandin PGF2a derivate treatment of 44 cases of after calving anestrous in buffalo cows registered during the housing period in the last 4 years. The buffalo cows aged between 6 and 14 years. The time interval from the former last heat was over 90 days. The treatment consists of intra muscular injection 2 ml of one of cloprostenol derivates. After the first injection 15 buffalo cows out of 44 ones came in heat within 5 days. All of them were two times inseminated artificially at a 12 hours interval. Out of them 12 buffalo cows became pregnant. The other 29 buffalo cows have received a second doze of prostaglandins 11 days after the first treatment. All of them have received blind insemination after 48 and 72 hours from the second treatment. This time 9 buffalo cows became pregnant. Result of the treatment has to be considered as a good one since 24 cows out of 44 treated cases (54, 55%) became pregnant. Perhaps 14 buffalo cows didn't react to the treatment. Nevertheless the price of the 73 doses of prostaglandin used for the treatment is lower compared to the feeding cost saved by shortening the buffalo cows what became pregnant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MiRNAs (microRNA) constitute a large family of single-stranded, non-coding small RNAs. Although the functions and target genes of most miRNAs are still unknown, it has been well established that they are involved in embryogenesis, organogenesis and neonatal birth. In recent decades, interest in buffalo breeding has largely increased worldwide thus focusing the attention on this species as a dairy purpose animal. Problems related to long calving interval, late puberty and seasonal anestrus hamper reproductive efficiency in this species. Early pregnancy diagnosis is important to shorten the calving interval and increase lifetime production on dairy animals. MicroRNAs have recently emerged as key molecules in fertilization of several species even though in buffalo, few previous studies have investigated miRNAs. The aim of this research was to identify the best miRNA reference in serum among miR-191, miR-25-3p, SNORD44, and SNORD48. Consequently, assess the expression levels of miR-103, miR-200b, miR-301a, miR-423-5p, miR-375, miR-451 and miR-452 involved in buffalo progesterone-maturation oocyte and pregnancy. Interestingly, we found that all the miRNAs analyzed at 40days after artificial insemination were differentially expressed among pregnant and non-pregnant buffalo. Our research may be a first step for gain further insight in the biological function of circulating miRNAs in this species., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)