Journal of Buffalo Science

Innovation in Making Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Milk Probiotic: Dadih

2026-02-12T12:12:53+00:00

Dadih is a traditional, sustainable food made from fermented buffalo milk, passed down from generation to generation on the island of Sumatera for thousands of years. The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly increased demand for buffalo milk, including fermented buffalo milk/dadih in Sumatera due to its nutritional content. Until now, milk fermentation has been carried out using Bambusa verticillata bamboo tube containers. This fermentation process has varied consequences depending on the conditions of each bamboo. Furthermore, bamboo cannot be reused in making dadih, so efforts are underway to find alternative containers for producing dadih, including plastic containers with the addition of a starter culture. This study aimed to identify the optimal conditions for manufacturing dadih in plastic containers using bamboo dadih as the initial culture. The study utilised a factorial completely randomized design comprising two factors. The first factor was the fermentation period, which was 24 to 48 hours. The second factor comprised initial concentrations of 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%.

At the beginning of the study, dadih was isolated to obtain a dominant culture, which was then purified and identified using the PCR 16S rRNA method-the study analysed chemical quality parameters, including pH, protein content, and total acid. In addition, it evaluated the biological condition by quantifying the overall number of bacterial colonies. The organoleptic characteristics were assessed based on aroma, color, texture, and taste. The PCR results showed that the dominant bacteria were Weissella cibaria. The pH levels across all treatments ranged from 4.53 to 4.62.

Furthermore, the protein level decreased as the proportion of starter and the length of fermentation increased. In contrast, the overall acidity level rose as the proportion of starter and duration of fermentation increased. There was an interaction between the fermentation period and dadih concentration. The organoleptic test showed significant differences in texture and taste due to the treatment using a 3% starter and a fermentation time of 24 hours. The study results suggest that fermenting dadih in plastic containers with a 3% starter for 24 hours produces the most desirable organoleptic effects. The colony count of 2.4x10⁸, which is dominantly by Weissela cibaria, indicates that the drink is classified as probiotic.

Unlocking the Potential of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) in Water Buffaloes

2026-03-17T12:05:17+00:00

Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are essential to agricultural economies across Asia and other regions, providing milk, meat, and draught power. Despite their importance, reproductive efficiency remains lower than in cattle due to species-specific constraints, including limited ovarian reserves, poor superovulatory responses, and suboptimal uterine conditions. Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) offers a promising strategy for accelerating genetic improvement, particularly in swamp buffalo-dominated areas seeking the infusion of riverine germplasm. While MOET is widely successful in cattle, its application in buffaloes is challenged by anatomical, endocrine, and physiological differences. This review synthesizes current knowledge on MOET development in water buffaloes, highlighting historical milestones, reproductive limitations, protocol refinements, hormonal strategies, embryo recovery innovations, and the role of international collaborations. By addressing biological and logistical barriers, MOET can become a strategic tool to enhance genetic gain, improve reproductive outcomes, and support sustainable buffalo production systems.

Optimizing Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Efficiency through Co-Synch Techniques in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

2026-04-23T08:18:58+00:00

The main aim of the study was to optimize the potential of CIDR-CoSynch-hCG protocols developed in water buffaloes. Multiparous animals (163) were assigned to three hormonal treatments. CIDR-Synch-hCG (T1/Control), wherein CIDR and GnRH were given (day 0), prostaglandin (day 7), hCG (day 9), and artificial insemination (AI) was performed twice on day 10. CIDR-CoSynch-hCG-day-9 (T2): Same hormones were given on days 0 and 7, but injection of hCG and AI were concomitantly performed on day 9. CIDR-CoSynch-hCG-day-10 (T3): the same hormones were given on days 0 and 7, but hCG and AI were injected concomitantly on day 10. The size of the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) at the time of AI was likewise determined to evaluate its influence on pregnancy. The effect of the number of inseminations on pregnancy was determined. Results revealed that pregnancy rates of T1 (43.70%), T2 (43.27%), and T3 (46.07%) were not significantly different (P>0.05). The study demonstrated that simultaneous injection of hCG and AI, either on Day 9 or Day 10 of the CIDR-CoSynch-hCG protocol, is as effective as doing them separately (T1/Control). In addition, large-size (≥12 mm) POF at the time of AI increased pregnancy outcomes (65.52%) compared to medium (41.46%) and small (26.05%) follicles. Meanwhile, twice insemination (51.10%) resulted in significantly higher (P=0.0004) pregnancy rates than single insemination (21.64%). This work identifies key factors and innovative strategies to enhance FTAI implementation in water buffaloes.

Effects of Calf Sex Altering Oral Preparation on Pregnancy Rate and Female Calf Production in the Buffalo

2026-04-28T11:52:44+00:00

Purpose of the Study: The use of calf sex-altering oral preparations (CSAOP) to increase female offspring can offer advantages in field applicability and affordability compared to other sex-manipulation techniques. The current study evaluated the effect of CSAOP (FemEXX^®) on pregnancy rate and calf sex ratio in buffaloes.

Methods: Parous buffaloes (N = 240) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (60 buffaloes per group). The groups received one of the following treatments: CSAOP alone, CSAOP combined with a special feed supplement, special feed supplement alone, or no treatment (control). At estrus, all buffaloes were bred naturally, and those in the CSAOP alone and CSAOP + special feed supplement groups were orally drenched with 300 mL of FemEXX^®, 30 minutes after natural mating. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of treatment and other factors on pregnancy and female calf birth rates, and linear regression was applied for gestation length. Variables significant in univariable analysis were included in multivariable models, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05.

Results: The overall pregnancy rate was 76.62%, and no significant difference in pregnancy rate was observed among treatment groups (p = 0.76). However, the proportion of female calves was significantly higher in the CSAOP (78.9%) and CSAOP with special feed (77.1%) groups than in controls (42.5%), with higher odds of female calf birth (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.68-12.78 and OR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.52-11.72, respectively). Pluriparous buffaloes had higher odds of producing female calves than primiparous animals (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.01-4.70). Gestation length did not differ among treatment groups but was shorter in female-bearing buffaloes (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: In conclusion the use of CSAOP is effective in increasing the number of female calves without affecting pregnancy rate in buffaloes.