This study determined the effects of rumen-protected methionine (RPMet) supplementation on milk yield and milk composition in early lactation dairy buffalo fed a forage-based diet. A total of 20 lactating, multiparous Anatolia water buffalo were used, with a mean initial milk yield of 4.63 ± 0.52 kg/d, 42.75 ± 6.21 days in milk, and a body weight of 452.8 ± 28.92 kg. The buffalo were separated into two groups, each containing 10 animals of similar body weight, parity, days in milk, and milk yield. The first group (CON) received a ration without feed additives as a control, whereas the second group (RPMet) was fed the control diet supplemented with 10g/head/day of RPMet. The buffalo were housed in two separate free-stall barns. The experiment lasted for nine weeks, including one week for adaptation and eight weeks for the trial period. Experimental animals were fed a total mixed ration with a forage to concentrate ratio (R:C ratio) of 70:30 containing 15% crude protein and 1.72 Mcal/kg NEL. Daily milk yield was recorded for individual animals and milk samples were collected at 2-w intervals. The supplementation with 10 g/d of RPMet considerably increased milk yield (+ 0.16 kg/d), FCM (+ 0.66 kg/d), energy-corrected milk (+ 0.74 kg/d), milk protein yield (+ 0.02 kg/d), and milk fat yield (+ 0.05 kg/d), but did not affect milk lactose and SNF yield. A higher milk protein percentage was obtained with RPMet compared to the CON (0.23% vs.0.21); fat, lactose, and solid non-fat were similar. Early lactation RPMet supplementation beneficially affects milk yield, milk protein content and yield, and milk fat yield. Further studies are needed to assess the efficiency of RPMet under different dietary conditions in lactating buffalo.

Abstract This study establishes the serological frequency against Neospora caninum on day zero and the presence of N. caninum DNA surveyed throughout the gestation of Bubalus bubalis females in a bovine buffalo system in the central zone of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Blood samples were taken from 11 females in 6 different sampling periods and analyzed for N. caninum antibodies detection on day zero. DNA detection by PCR was performed on all sampling periods. The gestation months of the females were recorded for five trimesters by ultrasonography, as well as births and pregnancy losses. Recorded seropositivity and positivity for agent DNA were 90.9% (95% CI 58.7-9.7) and 36.3% (95% CI 10.9-69.2), respectively, on day zero. N. caninum DNA was detected between 18.1% (95% CI 2.3-51.7) and 45.4% (95% CI 16.7-76.6) over the five trimesters of observation, with three births and three abortions recorded. The studied water buffalo population had a high presence of N. caninum antibodies; however, the detection of N. caninum DNA remained below 47% in the females. The association was only observed in the detection of DNA with pregnant females (P 0.007). Our results support the hypothesis of the resistance of water buffaloes to infection and the onset of clinical signs against infection by N. caninum even upon a high possibility of infection and reinfection described in this production system in Mexico. N Veracruz Mexico 1 ultrasonography losses 909 90 9 90.9 95% 95 (95 58.79.7 58797 58.7 9.7 58 7 58.7-9.7 363 36 3 36.3 10.969.2, 109692 10.9 69.2 , 10 69 2 10.9-69.2) respectively 181 18 18.1 2.351.7 23517 2.3 51.7 51 2.3-51.7 454 45 4 45.4 16.776.6 167766 16.7 76.6 16 76 16.7-76.6 observation however 47 P 0.007. 0007 0.007 . 0 007 0.007) 90. (9 79 58.79. 5879 587 58. 97 9. 5 58.7-9. 36. 969 10.969.2 10969 109 10. 692 69. 10.9-69.2 18. 351 2.351. 2351 23 2. 517 51. 2.3-51. 45. 776 16.776. 16776 167 16. 766 76. 16.7-76. 000 0.00 00 ( 58.79 58.7-9 96 10.969. 1096 10.9-69. 35 2.351 235 2.3-51 77 16.776 1677 16.7-76 0.0 58.7- 10.969 10.9-69 2.35 2.3-5 16.77 16.7-7 0. 10.96 10.9-6 2.3- 16.7- 10.9-

Abstract The quality and quantity of the extracted DNA are two key aspects for a successful PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification. Moreover, reduction in time and cost required for DNA extraction are also two considerable factors, in cases when large number of samples are to be analyzed within a limited time-frame and budget. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare and optimize performance of five different DNA extraction methods by boiling meat tissues from cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, chicken, camel, horse and dog in PBS (Phosphate Buffer Saline), distilled water, alkaline lysis buffers 1, 2 or 3. The results indicated that the boiling of meat and its products in alkaline lysis buffers was a good method to extract crude DNA. The optimized crude DNA extraction protocol was coupled with PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analysis for meat species differentiation. This developed workflow was tested on fifty-three commercial beef and mutton samples, out of which three samples were found to be adulterated. In conclusion, the rapid crude DNA extraction protocol has led to the development of a direct PCR-RFLP workflow that is simple, time-saving and cost-effective for PCR-based identification of different meat species. Polymerase Reaction amplification Moreover factors timeframe frame budget Accordingly cattle buffalo sheep goat chicken camel Phosphate Saline, Saline , Saline) water 1 3 PCRRFLP RFLP Restriction Polymorphism differentiation fiftythree fifty adulterated conclusion simple timesaving saving costeffective effective PCRbased based

Resumo A infecção gastrointestinal (GI) parasitária é um assunto importante para o manejo do gado. Existem variações nos efeitos dos parasitas GI quanto a sexo, idade do gado, condição da água potável, nutrição e gravidade da infecção. Faltam estudos sobre a prevalência de parasitas GI entre a população de gado em Lower Dir. Um total de 40 fazendas foi selecionado aleatoriamente em seis tehsil, nomeadamente Tehsil Adenzai, Tehsil Timergara, Tehsil Balambat, Tehsil Munda, Tehsil Lalqala, Tehsil Khall. Amostras fecais de gado fresco foram coletadas aleatoriamente das fazendas selecionadas de março de 2018 até dezembro de 2018. Dos 314 búfalos e bovinos examinados, 58,59% (184/314) foram positivos para ovos, cisto/oocisto de uma ou mais espécies de parasitas GI. A prevalência de infecção parasitária foi maior em Buffaloes 63,55% (75/118) em comparação com vaca 55,61% (109/196), mas a diferença não foi significativa (p > 0,05). Entamoeba spp, Moniezia spp, Haemonchus spp e Coccidian spp foram encontrados neste estudo. Os animais não tratados indicaram a maior porcentagem de infecção em vacas 57,71% (101/175) e búfalos 68,13% (62/91). A prevalência do parasita GI em fêmeas foi maior em vacas fêmeas 62,58% (87/139) e búfalas 77,33% (58/75) em comparação ao masculino. Mas a diferença não é significativa (p > 0,05). A modelagem linear geral mostrou que o tratamento do animal estava significativamente relacionado com a prevalência de parasitas GI. Bezerros de um ano tiveram a maior taxa de infecção parasitária gastrointestinal. Futuras investigações são necessárias para avaliar a perda econômica devido aos parasitas GI em bovinos.

Abstract Gastrointestinal (GI) Parasitic infection is a hot issue for cattle management. There is variation of GI parasites effects in sex, age of cattle, drinking water condition, nutrition, and severity of infection. Studies on prevalence of GI parasites among cattle population in Dir Lower are lacking. A total of 40 farms were selected randomly in six tehsil namely Tehsil Adenzai, Tehsil Timergara, Tehsil Balambat, Tehsil Munda ,Tehsil Lalqala, Tehsil Khall. Freshly cattle fecal samples were collected randomly from the selected farms during March 2018 till December 2018. Out of 314 buffaloes and cattle examined 58.59% (184/314) were positive for eggs, cyst/oocyst of one or more species of GI Parasites. The prevalence of parasitic infection was higher in Buffaloes 63.55% (75/118) as compared to Cow 55.61% (109/196) but the difference was not significant (p>0.05) Entamoeba,spp, Moniezia spp, Haemonchus spp and Coccidian spp were found in this study. The non-treated animals indicated the highest percentage of infection in cow 57.71% (101/175) and buffalo 68.13% (62/91).GI parasite prevalence in female animal were higher female cow 62.58% (87/139) and female buffalo 77.33% (58/75) as compared to male. But the difference is non-significant (p> 0.05) Yearling calves had the lower rate of GI parasitic infection than adults. Future investigations are necessary to evaluate the economic loss due to GI parasites in cattle’s.

Resumen El objetivo fue identificar la especie, prevalencia, manifestaciones clínicas y evaluar la eficacia de dos tratamientos para el control de piojos en búfalos de agua del trópico de México. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo, con visitas semanales a un rancho de búfalos durante dos meses. Se inspeccionaron 300 búfalas, para conocer la prevalencia y especie de piojo, adicionalmente en dos grupos de 20 búfalos se describieron lesiones en piel y el nivel de infestación. En dos grupos de 10 animales se aplicaron los tratamientos: 1) cipermetrina (15%) + diclorvos (30%) por aspersión y 2) ivermectina 1% vía subcutánea (0.2 mg/kg1 de pv). Se determinó que la prevalencia de la infestación fue del 100% en el hato y se identificó al piojo como Haematopinus tuberculatus. Las infestaciones por piojos adultos fueron bajas en el 60% de las búfalas y del 95% en los bucerros. La eficacia de los insecticidas fue de 80% en búfalas y 100% en bucerros.

Abstract The objective was to identify the species, prevalence, clinical manifestations and two treatments to control an outbreak of lice in water buffalo in the tropics of Mexico. A prospective descriptive observational study was carried out, with weekly visits for two months to a buffalo farm. A total of 300 female buffaloes were inspected to determine the prevalence and species of louse. The level of infestation by adult lice and skin lesions (n = 40) were determined, and two treatments were applied in two groups (n = 10), cypermethrin (15%) + dichlorvos (30%) was applied by spray and ivermectin 1% subcutaneous route (0.2 mg/kg1 of bw). The prevalence of the infestation was 100%, the louse was identified as Haematopinus tuberculatus. Adult lice infestations were low in 60% of buffaloes and 95% in calves. The efficacy of the insecticides was 80% in buffaloes and 100% in calves.

SUMMARY: The present study was conducted to detect the differences in glycohistochemical features in the epididymal duct of the dromedary camel and the water buffalo. Epididymal sections (caput, corpus and cauda) from both species were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated lectins. Binding sites for five lectins (DBA, GSA-1, HPA, PNA and WGA) have been found in both species. The binding sites of different lectins showed significant variations in the pattern of distribution in both a species. This included both species-specific and region-specific order. Additionally, only three (GSA-1, PNA and WGA) out the five lectins studied exhibited binding sites in all epididymal regions in both species. The other two lectins (DBA and HPA) followed the same order recorded for the other three (GSA-1, PNA and WGA) in buffalo, but failed to show any binding sites in cauda epididymis in camel. In conclusion, the variable regional and species-specific distribution features of lectins revealed that both species have diverse glycomic characteristics that may be related to their different reproductive patterns. However, the glycome-associated functional capacities remain obscured and need further profound investigations.

RESUMEN: El presente estudio se realizó para detectar las diferencias en las características glicohistoquímicas del conducto epididimal del dromedario y el búfalo de agua. Las secciones del epidídimo (cabeza, cuerpo y cola) de ambas especies se tiñeron con lectinas conjugadas con isotiocianato de fluoresceína (FITC). Se encontraron sitios de unión para cinco lectinas (DBA, GSA-1, HPA, PNA y WGA) en ambas especies. Los sitios de unión de diferentes lectinas mostraron variaciones significativas en el patrón de distribución en ambas especies. Esto incluía tanto el orden específico de la especie como el específico de la región. Además, solo tres (GSA-1, PNA y WGA) de las cinco lectinas estudiadas exhibieron sitios de unión en todas las regiones del epidídimo en ambas especies. Las otras dos lectinas (DBA y HPA) siguieron el mismo orden registrado para las tres restantes (GSA-1, PNA y WGA) en búfalos, pero no mostraron ningún sitio de union en la cola del epidídimo en camellos. En conclusión, las características de distribución regionales y específicas de especies variables de las lectinas revelaron que ambas especies tienen características glucómicas diversas que pueden estar relacionadas con sus diferentes patrones reproductivos. Sin embargo, las capacidades funcionales asociadas con el glicoma permanecen desconocidas y requieren mayor investigación.

ABSTRACT In order to guarantee quality food without hazards to public health, safety food production systems must be complied, from the producer to the consumer. The availability of safety food is a consumer demand and a social necessity. In Cuba, there are no regulated aspects for the application of the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system for the management of sanitary hazards of water for animal consumption of productive species. This work was aimed at establishing the theoretical-methodological bases for the application of the HACCP system to obtain quality water in a buffalo dairy farm in Artemisa province. To this end, the following activities were carried out: establishment of a flow diagram of the water obtaining and supply process, identification of its Critical Control Points (CCPs), setting of the critical limits corresponding to each of the identified CCPs, and proposals of corrective actions for possible deviations in the critical limits of those CCPs. As results, the theoretical-methodological bases were established for the application of HACCP in obtaining quality water from a buffalo dairy farm Artemisa province, as well as the identification of the associated processes as Critical Control Points. Therefore, it is inferred that the milk produced represented a hazard to the health of consumers, due to the fact that the water used did not have the quality required.

RESUMEN Para garantizar alimentos de calidad, y sin riesgos para la salud pública, deben cumplirse sistemas de producción de alimentos seguros, desde el productor hasta el consumidor. Disponer de un alimento inocuo y seguro es una exigencia de los consumidores y una necesidad social. En Cuba, no existen aspectos legislados para la aplicación del sistema HACCP (del inglés, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) para la gestión de los riesgos sanitarios del agua de consumo animal de las especies productivas. El presente trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de establecer las bases teóricas-metodológicas para la aplicación del HACCP en la obtención de agua de calidad en una lechería bufalina de la provincia Artemisa. Para esto se llevaron a cabo las actividades siguientes: confección de un diagrama de flujo del proceso de obtención y suministro de agua, identificación de los Puntos Críticos de Control (PCC) del mismo, establecimiento de los límites críticos correspondientes a cada uno de los PCC identificados, y propuestas de acciones correctivas para las posibles desviaciones en los límites críticos de estos PCC. Se concluye que se establecieron las bases teóricas-metodológicas para la aplicación del HACCP en la obtención de agua de calidad de una lechería bufalina de la provincia Artemisa, así como la identificación de los procesos asociados como puntos críticos de control; por lo que se infiere que la leche producida constituye un riesgo para la salud de los consumidores, debido a que la calidad del agua empleada está comprometida.

Resumen Antecedentes: La cría de búfalos ha aumentado significativamente en Brasil en los últimos años. Sin embargo, se han realizado escasas evaluaciones genéticas. Objetivo: Evaluar las interacciones genotipo x ambiente en búfalos de agua Mediterráneos criados en Brasil, para peso a los 205 días de edad, utilizando modelos de reacción mediante regresión aleatoria. Métodos: Los datos de búfalos nacidos entre 1990 y 2014 se obtuvieron de cinco granjas situadas en el Norte (1), Nordeste (1), Sur (2) y del Sureste (1) de Brasil. Todas estas haciendas participan en el Programa Brasileño de Mejoramiento de Búfalos. Nuestra base de datos inicial consistió de 5.280 observaciones a los 205 días de edad (P205). Evaluamos el ajuste utilizando dos modelos de norma de reacción jerárquica: de dos pasos (HRNM2s) y un paso (HRNM1s). El ajuste del modelo se estimó usando el Criterio de información de la desviación, desviación basado en los factores de bayes y desviación basado en la ordenación predictiva condicional. Los descriptores ambientales fueron creados para agrupar individuos en ambientes de producción comunes basados en año, estación, rebaño y sexo. Resultados: El mejor ajuste se obtuvo para el modelo de norma de reacción jerárquica con un paso (HRNM1s). Las estimaciones de heredabilidad directa para este modelo variaron de 0,17 a 0,67 y la heredabilidad materna de 0,02 a 0,11 con gradiente ambiental creciente. Las correlaciones más bajas entre las clasificaciones de los reproductores se obtuvieron en comparación con las HRNM1s, en ambientes con bajo y alto manejo, confirmando la presencia de interacciones genotipo x ambiente. Conclusiones: Recomendamos la aplicación amplia de la evaluación genética en búfalos para identificar genotipos óptimos en ambientes específicos.

Resumo Antecedentes: A criação de búfalos aumentou significativamente no Brasil nos últimos anos. No entanto, eles raramente foram objeto de avaliações genéticas. Objetivo: Avaliar as interações genótipo x ambiente em búfalo Mediterrâneo criados no Brasil, para peso aos 205 dias de idade, utilizando modelos de reação por meio de regressão aleatória. Métodos: Os dados para búfalos de água do Mediterrâneo nascidos entre 1990 e 2014 foram coletados de cinco fazendas localizadas nas regiões Norte (1), Nordeste (1), Sul (2) e Sudeste (1) do Brasil. Todas essas fazendas participam do Programa Brasileiro de Melhoramento dos Búfalos. Nosso banco de dados inicial consistiu de 5.280 observações aos 205 dias de idade (P205). Nós avaliamos o ajuste usando dois modelos de norma de reação hierárquica: um de dois passos (HRNM2s) e um passo (HRNM1s). O ajuste do modelo foi estimado usando o Critério de informações do desvio, desvio baseado nos fatores de bayes e desvio baseado na ordenação preditiva condicional. Os descritores ambientais foram criados para agrupar indivíduos em ambientes de produção comuns baseados em ano, estação, rebanho e sexo. Resultados: O melhor ajuste foi obtido para o modelo de norma de reação hierárquica com um passo (HRNM1s). As estimativas de herdabilidade direta para este modelo variaram de 0,17 a 0,67 e a herdabilidade materna de 0,02 a 0,11 com gradiente ambiental crescente. As correlações mais baixas entre as classificações dos reprodutores foram obtidas em comparação com as HRNM1s, em ambientes com baixo e alto manejo, confirmando a presença de interações genótipo x ambiente. Conclusões: Recomendamos a aplicação mais ampla da avaliação genética em búfalos visando identificar genótipos ótimos em ambientes específicos.

Abstract Background: Buffalo breeding has significantly increased in Brazil over recent years. However, few genetic evaluations have been conducted. Objective: To assess Genotype x Environment Interactions in the Mediterranean Water Buffalo in Brazil, for weight at 205 days of age, using reaction norm models via random regression. Methods: Data for buffaloes born between 1990 and 2014 were collected from five farms ascribed to the Brazilian Buffaloe Improvement Program, located in the North (1), Northeast (1), South (2) and Southeast (1) regions of Brazil. The initial database consisted of 5,280 observations at 205 days of age (W205). We assessed fit using two hierarchical reaction norm models: a two-step (HRNM2s) and a one-step (HRNM1s). Model fit was estimated using the Deviance Information Criterion, Deviance Based on Bayes Factors and Deviance based on Conditional Predictive Ordinate. The environmental descriptors were created to group individuals into common production environments based on year, season, herd and sex. Results: The best fit was obtained for the hierarchical reaction norm model with one-step (HRNM1s). Direct heritability estimates for this model ranged from 0.17 to 0.67 and the maternal heritability from 0.02 to 0.11 with increasing environmental gradient. Lower correlations among the sire classifications were obtained in comparison with HRNM1s in environments with low and high management, confirming the presence of genotype x environment interactions. Conclusion: We recommend a wider application of genetic evaluation in buffalo aimed at identifying optimal genotypes within specific environments.

Abstract Bovine viral leukosis (BVL) is a disease with a high morbidity and low mortality. There are reports of natural infection in some bovine species, but it has been little studied in buffaloes. In Colombia, buffalo production is growing rapidly, and, so far, there are no reports of the disease. The objective of this study was to characterize buffalo production in the coffee-growing region and to determine, by PCR, the prevalence of BVL in buffaloes, as well as its presence in humans, cattle, and sheep near the coffee-growing region. Blood samples from 140 buffaloes and 10 buffalo milk samples were collected, and so were 58 samples from bovines, 35 samples from sheep, and 9 samples from humans that had been in contact with buffaloes. Hematological analyses were performed. Subsequently, DNA was extracted for PCR evaluation. Production information was gathered, and the results were processed and analyzed using the R software. The majority of animals were Mediterranean breed females, with a birth weight of 33.39 kg, a weaning weight of 202.93 kg, a calving interval of 491.77 d, a time to peak of 67.26 d, and 381.59 L of milk (adjusted to 305 d at two teats). A prevalence of 33.6 % and of 3.4 %, respectively, was detected in buffaloes and in bovines; no milk, sheep or human samples were positive. No risk factors associated with the infection were found; neither were significant alterations of the blood count or factors of production. These results constitute the first molecular report of the bovine leucosis virus (BLV) in the Americas and one of the first in the world.

Resumen La leucosis viral bovina (LVB) es una enfermedad de alta morbilidad y baja mortalidad. Existen reportes de la infección natural en algunas especies de bóvidos; sin embargo, en búfalos es poco estudiado. En Colombia la producción de búfalos crece rápidamente y hasta el momento no hay reportes de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar la producción bufalina en el eje cafetero y determinar la prevalencia de LVB por PCR en búfalos y la presencia en humanos, bovinos y ovejas en cercanías. Se tomaron muestras de sangre de 140 búfalos, 10 de leche de búfala y 58 muestras de bovinos, 35 de ovejas y 9 de humanos en contacto con los búfalos. Se realizaron análisis hematológicos. Posteriormente, extracción de ADN para evaluación por PCR. Se recolectó información productiva y los resultados fueron procesados y analizados mediante el software R. La mayoría de animales fueron hembras de la raza mediterránea, con peso al nacimiento de 33.39 kg, peso al destete 202.93 kg, intervalo entre partos 491.77 días, tiempo al pico 67.26 días y 381.59 L de leche (ajustada a 305 días a dos tetas). Se encontró una prevalencia de 33.6 % en búfalos y 3.4 % en bovinos; ninguna muestra de leche, oveja o humano resultó positiva. No se encontraron factores de riesgo asociados a la infección, ni una alteración significativa del cuadro hemático, ni de los factores productivos. Estos resultados se constituyen en el primer reporte molecular del VLB en América y una de las primeras en el mundo.

This study explores the exclusion of informal micro-enterprises from the provision of basic urban infrastructure services in Duncan Village in East London, South Africa. It focuses on the informal food sector, which is dominated by women who are often held back from participating in economic activities that are more productive, as well as from social and political functions. Basic urban infrastructures, such as trading shelters with water and electricity connections provided by municipalities, are often expensive and most informal street traders find it difficult to access them. This study examines the energy struggles of the informal street food sector and its engagement with local government on issues ofinclusivity on policies regulating the sector. In-depth, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 40 participants in the informal street food sector in Duncan Village. The findings reveal the lack of energy transition in the informal street food sector, because of its heavy reliance on low-quality fuels. Unreliable and expensive energy services force informal street food enterprises into using a limited range of energy sources. The findings also reveal that the relationship between the municipality and the informal street traders is one of exclusion and negligence. It is therefore suggested that government needs to recognise and value the informal sector and livelihoods of those involved in this sector, to take into account their needs, and engage with them when designing and implementing policies that regulate the sector.

Abstract Due to the increasing consumption of ghee in the Western countries, a complete characterization of buffalo and cow ghee was performed to complement and update the available literature. Ghee is a lipophilic dairy product with 98.9% lipids, 0.3% water and less than 0.9% nonfat solids. Fatty acids are the major lipid fraction and represent 85.1% and 83.65% for buffalo and cow ghee, respectively. More than 52% of the fatty acids were saturated, and palmitic (24-28.8%), stearic (9.4-14%) and myristic (8.5-10%) acids were predominant. Monounsaturated fatty acids were approximately 23.8% and the major component was oleic acid. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was 2.45% (buffalo) and 4% (cow). The vaccenic acid (2.18%) and the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA cis-9, trans-11) with a concentration of 0.77% in buffalo and 1% in cow ghee, were the main ruminant trans fatty acids. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of cow and buffalo ghee complied with the literature and national regulation. Finally, the sensory profile of buffalo and cow ghee was defined with a predominantly lactic odor, followed by cooked and fatty notes. The taste was characterized as fatty, lactic, sweet and cooked; and the texture was described as fatty with fatty mouthfeel, lumpy and greasy notes.

Resumen 16. En Argentina, los búfalos de agua representan una alternativa económica importante en la cría de gana do. Tales animales se emplean mayormente en la producción de carne y leche. La especie se encuentra estrechamente relacionada al ganado bovino, existiendo en la actualidad una amplia cantidad de campos de producción mixta búfalo-bovino en nuestro país. Se ha de mostrado que el ganado bubalino, a pesar de su resistencia a las enfermedades, es susceptible a gran parte de los virus que afectan al rodeo bovino. El objetivo de esta revisión es relevar la importancia del rol del búfalo en el mundo en general y en Argentina en particular, así como destacar la susceptibilidad del ganado bubalino a diferentes enfermedades infecciosas, particularmente virales, enfatizando su rol como reservorio de gérmenes patógenos de otras especies.

Abstract 20. In Argentina, water buffalos represents an important economic alternative in livestock breeding. They are used mostly in the production of meat and milk. This species is closely related to cattle because there is currently a large number of mixed buffalo-bovine production fields in our country. It has been shown that buffaloes, despite their resistance to diseases, are susceptible to a large part of the viruses that affect the bovine herd. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of the role of the buffalo in the world and in Argentina, the susceptibility of buffalo cattle to different infectious diseases, mainly viral and the role as a reservoir of pathogens of other species.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the growth hormone ( GH; somatotropin-like) gene polymorphisms in 150 water buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) from different regions of Turkey. 404 bp long partial intron 4, exon 5, 3’ UTR regions of the GH gene (also called GH/Alu I locus) and 347 bp long exon-intron 3 and partial exon 4 regions of the GH gene (also called GH/Msp I locus) were amplified, and their PCR products analyzed via DNA sequencing method. Seven genotypes due to twenty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and one deletion/insertion were identified in a 347 bp long region of the GH/Msp I locus. A missense mutation from glycine to glutamate amino acid and four silent mutations in the serine, threonine, and asparagine amino acids were determined in the exon 3 region of the GH gene. Four genotypes due to eight SNP were identified in a 404 bp long region of the GH/Alu I locus. A missense mutation from lysine to arginine amino acid and six silent mutations in Leucine, aspartate, histidine, lysine, arginine, and cysteine amino acids were revealed in the exon 5 region of the GH gene. The partial DNA sequence of the GH gene in water buffalos was reported, and these sequences were deposited at the NCBI Genbank database with the accession numbers MN266903-MN266909 and MN530973-MN530976. These SNP may have an effect on economic (such as body composition) and carcass traits, reproduction, and milk yield and content in water buffalo populations and may prove to be useful for water buffalo breeding.

Abstract Ruminant energy supplementation with vegetable oils or fats has been standing out worldwide and oil palm processing has been receiving growing interest. This study assessed the effect of supplementation with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry on the lipid profile of seminal plasma and of the sperm membrane, as well as on the morphological and functional characteristics of raw and cryopreserved buffalo semen. Twelve purebred Murrah bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were assigned to the experimental groups and fed diets for 120 days with no added lipids (CONT, four bulls), or with an extra amount of 3% lipids from crude palm oil (PALM, four bulls), or from palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODD, four bulls). Semen was collected and cryopreserved every 15 days. The lipid composition of membranes and semen quality were determined after collections. Lipid supplementation did not impact feed intake (P>0.05). Diet enrichment with PALM increased the linoleic acid (C18:2,ω6) in seminal plasma. Lipid supplementation did not increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane composition, but significantly increased the lignoceric acid (C24:0). Cryopreserved semen of the supplemented bulls presented higher progressive motility (60.2 vs. 67.9 vs. 65.2%; P<0.05) and sperm viability detected by eosin-nigrosin staining (61.1 vs. 69.4 vs. 67.8%; P<0.05). Palm oil reduced major sperm defects in both raw (12.2 vs. 9.3 vs. 13.2%; P<0.0001) and cryopreserved semen (12.4 vs. 9.4 vs. 11.2%; P<0.0001). The lipids added to the diet did not impact the population of spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membranes (PI-/PSA-), but significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential (25.6 vs. 31.5 vs. 32.0%; P=0.008). The results suggest that lipid supplementation based on crude palm oil or palm oil deodorizer distillate can be safely used to feed buffalo bulls and may increase sperm attributes related to male fertility.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the proximate analysis and fatty acid profile of water buffalo meats. Samples were taken from three different local meat suppliers in Baklalı, Orcunlu, and Nakkas villages, Istanbul Province, Turkey. Animals were males 24 months old reaching final live weights of 420-440 kg. Significant differences were observed in pH, moisture, fat, color and fatty acid profile of water buffalo meats (p<0.05 and p<0.01). The results of proximate analysis demonstrated that the pH (5.03-5.46), moisture (48.60-59.73%), fat (18.90-30.02%), ash (2.48-3.56%), protein (15.12-17.65%), ‘L’ lightness (24.38-33.50), ‘a’ redness (9.88-13.81), and ‘b’ yellowness (5.66-8.53) were found in the samples. C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C16:1, C18:1 and C18:2 content of the water buffalo meats were found to be 1.53-4.15%, 19.99-26.85%, 19.48-34.50%, 2.95-5.33%, 35.37-50.62%, and 1.02-3.56%, respectively. The total SFAs, total MUFAs, total PUFAs, and total UFAs contents of the samples ranged between 40.73 and 60.28%, 38.32 and 55.15%, 1.34 and 4.46%, and 39.72 and 59.27%, respectively.