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Editor’s Choice : Estimation of Conformation Score in Relation to Body Measurements Using 3D Scanner in Swamp Buffaloes
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Abstract: The objective of this study was to develop the appropriate equations to estimate the conformation score both in male and female swamp buffaloes using body part measurements from 3D scanner. The buffaloes’ conformation was evaluated using 3D scanning technique in 72 males and 78 females at Surin, Uthaithanee, Bangkok, Nakornpanom and Sakaew provinces of Thailand. Height (A), heart girth (B), shoulder width (C), iliac width (D), ischial tuberosity width (E), the length between shoulder and ileal wing (F, G), the length between ileal wing to ischial tuberosity (H, I), the length between shoulder to ischial tuberosity (J1, J2), tail length (K), knee circumference (L), the width measuring between the tip (M), the middle (N) and the base of horns (O), the horn length (P) and the length measured from the base to the tip of the horn on the same site (Q) were measured. The results found that A B, D, E, FG, J1J2, L and P were significantly higher along with age in both males and females. The scores obtained currently between academics and the philosophers were closely correlated in every categories in both male and females buffaloes over four and three years of age, respectively, except for the reproductive organ in females. The coefficient of determination (R2) for score prediction in male buffaloes under 4 years old was highest when body length and knee circumference were included in the equation: Score = [(0.568 J1J2) + (1.584 L) – 77.89] (R2 = 0.57, n = 19). The prime factor affecting score in male over 4 years of age was heart girth (R2 = 0.70). However, R2 was rise up to 0.85 when girdle width was included into the equation: Score = [(0.485 B) + (1.892 D) – 156.54] (n = 53). In females under 3 years old, the R2 were low in all type of equation (one traits to four traits equation; 0.25-0.42, n = 21). However, in females over 3 years of age the R2 is high (0.66) when girdle width was included in the equation : Score = [2.655 D – 91.52] (n = 57). Therefore, different traits should be used to evaluate the conformation in immature and mature males and females. Keywords: Conformation score, body measurements, 3D scanner, swamp buffaloes.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Study on Availability of Various Macro and Micro-Minerals in Lactating Buffaloes under Field Conditions of Sabarkantha District of Gujarat
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Abstract: A study was conducted in the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat to assess the status of some macro and micro-minerals in lactating buffaloes. Feeds and fodder samples were collected from 17 representative villages of the district for analysis of macro and micro-minerals. Calcium content in cottonseed cake (0.17%), crushed maize (0.03%) and maize cake (0.22%) was found to be below the critical level (0.30%). The phosphorus content in concentrate ingredients was high (0.32-0.67%) but low in dry roughages (0.06-0.20%). Feeds and fodder were found to be adequate in magnesium (0.40%), sodium (0.29%) and potassium (1.15%). Straws were found to be deficient in sulphur (0.16%). Green roughages were good source of copper (12.31 ppm). Wheat straw was found to be low in zinc (19.71 ppm) but comparatively high in manganese (47.88 ppm) and iron (630.24 ppm). Lucerne and chikori green were found to be rich source of cobalt (>0.35 ppm). Selenium (0.68 ppm) was present in appreciable quantities in most of the feedstuffs. Lactating buffaloes were also found to be excess in energy and crude protein (70%), whereas, calcium and phosphorus were deficient in the ration (65%). Ration of lactating buffaloes was found to be deficient in Ca, P, S, Cu, Zn and Co. Supplementing the deficient minerals through area specific mineral mixture could alleviate the deficiency and improve productivity and reproduction efficiency of lactating buffaloes. Keywords: Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Lactating buffaloes.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Prepubertal Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Leydig Cells: Isolation, Culture and Characterization
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Abstract: Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an economically important livestock species in India. Male buffaloes display delayed sexual maturity as compared to the bulls (Bos taurus). Serum testosterone level, the key regulator of sexual maturity of males, is reported to be low in male buffaloesin comparison to bulls. Testosterone secretion and progression of spermatogenesis is mediated essentially by Leydig cells in the males. Establishment of primary culture for buffalo Leydig cells can provide an excellent tool to investigate the factors which regulate testicular steroidogenesis. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to isolate, culture and characterize buffalo Leydig cells. Immunohistological analysis revealed that cytochrome P450, family 11, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP11A1) specifically mark the Leydig cells in prepubertal buffalo testis. Using enzymatic digestion and Percoll density gradient centrifugation, a cell population that consisted of approximately 95% pure Leydig cells was obtained as indicated by CYP11A1 staining. Purified Leydig cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) for 72 h. The cultured Leydig cells proliferated, expressed Leydig-cell specific transcripts (STAR, HSD3B1, HSD3B6, and CYP17A1) and proteins (CYP11A1, HSD3B and LHCGR), and secreted testosterone. It was concluded from the present study that buffalo Leydig cells can be maintained in culture for 72 h. The primary culture of buffalo Leydig cells can be used for studying acute responses, biochemical properties and other factors regulating testicular steroidogenesis, independent of other testicular cell types. Keywords: Male buffalo, testis, Leydig cells, cell culture, CYP11A1, testosterone.Download Full Article |
Editor’s Choice : Technologies Related with the Artificial Insemination in Buffalo
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Abstract: In buffalo oestrus behaviour has a lower intensity than in cows and is much more difficult to detect, limiting the application of artificial insemination (AI) program. Several methods of heat detection have been developed for use in cattle; these include visual observation, heat mount detectors, tail paint, chin-ball markers, teaser animals and electronic devices. In buffalo, unlike cattle, the female are receptive to mounting activity mainly by the bull and occasionally by other cows. Consequently unless a buffalo bull is to be left running with the herd it can be difficult to know when oestrus is occurring. The presence of a teaser bull is helpful to identify buffaloes in heat; in this case the standing oestrus is the most reliable sign referable to a next ovulation. Other heat detection aids utilized in buffalo include: pedometers; vaginal probes; pressure sensitive telemetry device (Heat Watch®). In order to increase the use of AI easy management schemes, that not require the identification of oestrus, have been studied. These schemes are based on the manipulation of the hormonal events occurring during the oestrous cycle as:manipulate peripheral progesterone concentration (by PGF2a or progesterone releasing device);manipulate follicular growth and timing of ovulation (by GnRH and PGF2a). A brief description of these technologies, with special reference to synchronization protocols to apply fixed time AI in buffalo, are presented in this review. The potential application of predetermining the sex of offspring will be also discussed, with reference to the techniques available for commercial practice in buffalo. Keywords: Oestrus detection, teaser bull, automatic system, hormonal treatment, sexing technology.Download Full Article |
