A Hybrid Classification and Identification of Pneumonia Using African Buffalo Optimization and CNN from Chest X-Ray Images

An illness known as pneumonia causes inflammation in the lungs.Since there is so much information available fromvarious X-ray images,diagnosing pneumonia has typically proven challenging.To improve image quality and speed up the diagnosis of pneumonia,numerous approaches have been devised.To date,several methods have been employed to identify pneumonia.The Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)has achieved outstanding success in identifying and diagnosing diseases in the fields of medicine and radiology.However,these methods are complex,inefficient,and imprecise to analyze a big number of datasets.In this paper,a new hybrid method for the automatic classification and identification of Pneumonia from chest X-ray images is proposed.The proposed method(ABOCNN)utilized theAfrican BuffaloOptimization(ABO)algorithmto enhanceCNNperformance and accuracy.The Weinmed filter is employed for pre-processing to eliminate unwanted noises from chest X-ray images,followed by feature extraction using the Grey Level Co-Occurrence Matrix(GLCM)approach.Relevant features are then selected from the dataset using the ABO algorithm,and ultimately,high-performance deep learning using the CNN approach is introduced for the classification and identification of Pneumonia.Experimental results on various datasets showed that,when contrasted to other approaches,the ABO-CNN outperforms them all for the classification tasks.The proposed method exhibits superior values like 96.95%,88%,86%,and 86%for accuracy,precision,recall,and F1-score,respectively.

Seropositivity and Other Determinants Associated with Toxoplasmosis in Local Buffalo in Iraq

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the Seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in water buffalo in three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Maysan) and to estimate the risk aspects related to infestation throughout the period from January to December 2019. A total of 430 serum samples were inspected with a commercial ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Indirect multi-species kit. The overall Seropositivity of T. gondii in the examined local buffalo was 7.4%, and the highest rate (9.3%) was in Baghdad Governorate. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10;95% CI: 0.87-57.68;P = 0.067) and young herds (OR = 8.42;95% CI: 1.07-66.02;P = 0.043) were more subject to infestation from young buffalo and large herds. Furthermore, the hazard of toxoplasmosis was increased in winter especially among animals in contact with cats. It is therefore requisite to determine risk aspects to evaluate which mitigation, control, prevention and procedures should be carried out to diminish, control and prevent infestation with T. gondii and its propagation.

Fatty Acid Composition and Amino Acid Content in Beef of Dehong Buffalo and Its Cross Combinations

The Dehong buffalo( D),F1 hybrids of Dehong buffalo × Murrah buffalo( MD) and F1 hybrids of Dehong × Nili buffalo( ND) as the experimental animals to investigate their fatty acid composition and amino acid content. Five of each buffalos were bred by freely grazing and slaughtered at 35. 8-month old age to investigate the fatty acid composition and amino acid content in beef of Dehong buffalo,MD buffalo and ND buffalo. The results showed that,saturated fatty acid content of Dehong buffalo( 44. 33%) was significantly higher than that of ND buffalo( 41. 39%) and MD buffalo( 41. 48%)( P 【 0. 05),and the latter two were not significantly different( P 】 0. 05). The content of PUFA in Dehong buffalo( 53. 90%) was significantly lower than ND( 56. 83%) and MD( 56. 83%)( P 【0. 05),however,the n- 6∶ n- 3( 4. 25) of Dehong buffalo was significantly higher than ND( 3. 14) and MD( 3. 52)( P 【 0. 05). The content of amino acids in muscle was not significantly different between Dehong buffalo,MD buffalo and ND buffalo( P 】 0. 05),while the acidic amino acid content of Dehong buffalo was higher than that of MD buffalo and ND buffalo.

Isolation, Cuture and Biological Characteristic Analysis of Stromal and Glandular Epithelial Cells of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Endometrium

[Objective] The experiment aimed to set up a method for isolating and culturing endometrial stromal cells (BESC) and endometrial glandular epithelial cells(BEGEC) of buffalo as well as laid foundation for studying biological mechanism of embryo implantation and uterine diseases. [Method] The enzymatic digestion method, scraping method, serial filtration and differential velocity adherent technique were used to isolate BESC and BEGEC, then immunocytochemical method and TRYPAN-Blue assay were used to determine the purity and survival rate of isolated cells. [Result] The BESC and BEGEC were successfully isolated and cultured while immunocytochemical method and cell count method demonstrated that the purity was over 90%. The result of TRYPAN-Blue assay shown that survival rate of BESC and BEGEC was 91% and 78% respectively. [Conclusion] The enzymatic digestion method, scraping method, serial filtration and differential velocity adherent technique could isolate BESC and BEGEC with high purity.

Distribution of Oxytocin Hypothamic-Picuitary-Ovary Axis in Guangxi Local Buffalo

To study the association of oxytocin (OT)'s distribution in hypothalamatic,pituitary and ovary,and understand how the OT secrete releasing in hypothalamus,pituitary and ovaries,the paraffin section immunohistochemistry SuperPicTureTM two step method was used to detect the distribution of OT in hypothalamatic-pituitary-ovary axis of five femal Guangxi local buffalo. The test results could provide morphology according to study the OT's synthesis and mechanism of action,and could play reference and directions part in breeding Guangxi local buffalo. The test results display:oxytocin immuno reactive (OT-IR) neuronsw eremainly distributed arcuate nucleus,supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus,and OT-IR neurons was also found in ventromedial nucleus,ventrolateralis nucleus,suprachiasmaticus nucleus,dorsomedial nucleus,mamillary body,anterior hypothalamic nucleus and so on. The OT immunoactive production was found in pituitary and few OT-IR nerve fibers extended to post pituitary from hypophyseal stalk and medium eminence. In ovaries,OT immunoactive productions were only distributed in germinal epithelium cells,granulosa cells and lutein cells. The OT was first discovered in singulorum link of hypothalamatic-pituitary-ovary axis of Guangxi local buffalo. The OT immunoactive neurons were first discovered in every main nucleus of Guangxi local buffalo hypothalamus,especially distributed in arcuate nucleus,supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus.

Preliminary Study on Transgenesis by Injecting Exogenous DNA into Zygote Cytoplasm of Buffalo

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of transgenesis by injecting exogenous DNA into zygote cytoplasm of Buffalo. [Method] Buffalo oocytes were randomly divided into two groups 20-22 h after in vitro maturation. One group of oocytes was introduced with about 7.5 pl of 50 μg/ml DNA solution containing linear EGFP fragment by cytoplasmic injection 7-10 h or 18-20 h after in vitro fertilization （IVF）; the other group of oocytes was introduced with mixture of a single buffalo sperm and about 7.5 pl of 50 μg/ml DNA solution containing linear EGFP fragment by cytoplasmic injection （generally called ICSI-Mediated Gene Transfer, ICSI-Tr）. Expression of exogenous DNA was observed and recorded during the process of embryonic development. [Result] Early embryonic gene expression efficiency and blastocyst gene expression efficiency in IVF injection group showed no significant difference compared with that in ICSI-Tr group （P0.05）. In addition, the cleavage rate and early embryonic gene expression efficiency in IVF injection group were significantly higher with injection at 7-10 h post IVF than that at 18-20 h post IVF （P0.05）. [Conclusion] These results indicate that transgenic buffalo embryos can be generated by injecting exogenous DNA into cytoplasm of IVF oocytes, and the optimal injection time is 7-10 h post IVF.

原发性肾病综合征大鼠Buffalo／Mna肾移植后复发病理机制的研究

目的 利用特殊的原发性肾病综合征（局灶性节段性肾小球硬化症）动物模型Buffalo/Mna大鼠进行肾移植研究其发病及复发的机制。方法 正常大鼠LEW·1W的肾分别移植到对照组Wistart大鼠，6月龄输供体血组和非供体血输入组出现蛋白尿的Buffalo/Mna大鼠体内观察尿蛋白并进行病理组织学检查。结果 肾移植术后对照组无蛋白尿，肾功能正常，非供体血输入组大鼠在平均26天出现复发性蛋白尿及肾小球损伤，输供体血组在肾移植后46天出现蛋白尿及肾小球的损害。结论 肾移植后非供体血输入组及供体输血组大鼠出现蛋白尿提示原发疾病的复发与体内致病因子存在有关，该肾病综合征动物模型可以帮助深入了解人类肾病综合征发病及复发的机制。

中非跨境物流服务发展面临的挑战及对策——基于BUFFALO的案例

BUFFALO公司是提供中非跨境物流的服务商,目前其在南非市场获得了较快的发展,随着BUFFALO公司进一步开拓中非跨境物流市场,其将面临非洲地区基础设施条件较差,清关程序复杂,海外仓建设费用高和利用率低,非洲地区信息化水平低等挑战。基于以上分析,对于类似BUFFALO公司的中国跨境物流服务商,可以优先进入基础设施相对完善的国家和地区市场,建立自有清关公司,充分利用第三方物流公司的海外仓资源,选择与较高信息化水平的本土物流服务商合作来打开非洲市场。

Endocrine and ovarian responses in water buffalo cows immunized against inhibin and subjected to the Ovsynch protocol

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of stimulating ovarian fol icle development in order to improve fertility in water buffalo cows by immunization against inhibin. The experiment was carried out in early summer (May) and included 24 multi-parity crossbred Murrah-Swamp buffaloes that were divided into immunized (n=11) and control (n=13) groups. Each immunized cow was administered with a 2-mL immunogen of mineral oil adjuvant containing 2 mg of recombinant inhibinα-subunit fusion protein. The controls were treated with the adjuvant only. Al animals received Ovsynch protocol treatment, starting on the day of the antigen administration, and they were artiifcial y inseminated upon behavioral estrus. As a result, al of the immunized buffaloes generated antibodies against inhibin during the experimental period and had higher plasma concentrations of fol icle-stimulating hormone (FSH), activin, and estradiol (E2) related to estrous expression. A higher proportion of immunized animals expressed estrus behavior than did the controls (72%vs. 30%, P<0.05). On aver-age, inhibin-immunized buffaloes had signiifcantly more large fol icles (≥9 mm in diameter) than the controls (mean±SEM;1.2±0.1 vs. 0.84±0.1, respectively;P<0.05) and a slightly higher mean total number of fol icles (≥2 mm;11.4±0.7 vs. 9.0±1.1, respectively;P=0.09) and smal (2–4 mm) fol icles (8.81±0.6 vs. 6.84±1.0, respectively;P=0.12). A higher percentage of cows ovulated in the immunized group than in the control group (91%(10/11) vs. 54%(7/13), respectively;P<0.05). Moreover, inhibin-immunized cows had slightly larger corpus luteum (CL) than the controls 9 days after ovulation and signiifcantly higher (P<0.01) post-ovulation peak plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations. Immunization against inhibin also mar-ginal y increased the conception rate 42 days after insemination (45.8%vs. 15.4%;P>0.05). These results demonstrate that immunization against inhibin, coupled with the treatment with the Ovsynch protocol, can constitute a new technique to increase fertility in water buffalo cows.

Changes of the Levels of Blood NO and TNF-αConcentrations in Water Buffaloes and Goats Infected with Fasciola hepatica

Changes of concentrations were studied in water buffaloes and goats infected with Fasciola he-patica on blood NO(nitric oxide) and TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor-α). Twenty healthy male castrated water buffaloes of 2 - 3 years old and weighing 300 - 500 kg as well as six goats were confirmed free of fasciolosis by fecal examination and Dot-ELISA. Two studies were conducted using the water buffaloes. In the first experiment, 8 water buffaloes were randomly divided into control group (n = 3) and infection group (n = 5). Each buffalo in the infected group received orally 60 metacercariae of F. hepatica per day for 20 days (total 1 200 metacercariae) to produce a chronic infection. In the second experiment, 12 water buffaloes were randomly divided into infected (n=9) and control group (n = 3). Each buffalo in the infected group was given a single oral dose of 1 600 metacercariae to produce an acute infection. The 6 goats were randomly divided into two infected groups and a control group. The sheep in two infections received a single oral dose of 200 and 500 metacercariae respectively, the control group remained uninfected. Blood NO and TNF-a concentrations of the test animals were measured by a reductive enzyme assay and RIA, respectively. Blood NO concentration in both acutely and chronically infected water buffaloes progressively increased from week 3 post-infection and was significantly greater than that of the control group (P<0. 05) at the 5th week (acute infection) and 7th week (chronic infection), and remaining at higher concentration for the remaining period of the studies. Blood TNF-αconcentrations in both chronically and acutely infected water buffaloes also increased after infection. In the goat experiment, plasma NO concentrations in both infection groups increased from week 3 after infection, and remained higher than that of the control group until the end of the experiment. TNF-α concentrations in goats in infection group 1 and 2 gradually increased after infection and were significantly greater than those of the control group from the 9th to 11th week and from the 11th to 15th week respectively.

Comparative study of Anaplasma parasites in tick carrying buffaloes and cattle

A comparative study on the prevalence of Anaplasma parasite was conducted on ticks carrying buffaloes and cattle. Five hundred blood samples of both animals (250 of each) were collected during February, March and April. Thin blood smears on glass slides were made, fixed in 100% methyl alcohol and examined. Microscopic examination revealed that 205 (41%) animals had Anaplasma parasites, out of which 89, 44 and 72 animals had Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale and mixed infection respectively. Infected buffaloes and cattle were 75 and 130 respectively. The infection in female was 53 and 92 in buffaloes and cattle respectively. Twenty-two and 92 blood samples of male were found positive in buffaloes and cattle respectively. Com- parative study revealed that the cattle were 26.82% more susceptible than buffaloes. The parasite prevailing percentage in female of both animals was slightly higher than that of the male. This investigation was aimed at studying the comparative prevalence of Anaplasma parasite in tick carrying buffaloes and cattle.

Effect of using ascorbic acid and cysteamine supplementation onin-vitrodevelopment of buffalo embryos

Objective:To improvein vitro embryo production in buffalo by supplementation of L-ascorbic acid during maturation and development (experiment 1) and combination with another antioxidant as cysteamine (experiment 2).Methods:Two experiments were performed, the first one aimed to evaluate the different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 μM) of L-ascorbic acid on embryo developmental rate of buffalo oocytes. The L-ascorbic acid was added to the maturation and culture media. In the second experiment, oocytes were cultured in media with two type of antioxidant (ascorbic acid + cysteamine) or ascorbic acid only.Results:There was a significant increase in cleavage rate at 25, 50 μM than 100 μM and control group. But, the blastocyst rate was higher at 50 μM ascorbic acid than other concentrations (0, 25, 100 μM). Supplementation of ascorbic acid and cysteamine to maturation and cultured media improved embryo development than ascorbic acid alone.Conclusions: Using of 50 μM L-ascorbic acid duringin vitro maturation and development improve the developmental competence of buffalo oocytes, this effect was increase with the presence of cysteamine.

Effect of butylated hydroxytoluene on quality of pre-frozen and frozen buffalo semen

Objective: To clarify the antioxidant effect of butylated hydroxytoulene (BHT) at different concentrations on cooled and post frozen semen diluted in tris-citrate-fructose egg yolk glycerol and lecithin -based extenders. Methods: Forty ejaculates were harvested from four buffalo bulls by means of the artificial vagina. Ejaculated semen samples were diluted with each of the tris citrate-fructose egg yolk glycerol and lecithin-based extender diluents. The semen samples diluted with each of the two extenders were added to pre-warmed dried test tubes containing BHT (prepared in ethanol) to get concentrations at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mM/mL BHT. These ingredients were put at 37 ℃ for 5 min to allow the proper BHT spermatozoal permeation. The diluted semen samples were cooled to 5 ℃ and then frozen to -196 ℃ in 0.25 mL ministraws before dipping in liquid nitrogen pending its evaluation. Sperm motility, viability, morphology, intact acrosome and membrane integrity were tested. Visual motility was tested using a high power ordinary microscope (at 400 × ) with closed circuit television, and sperm concentration was tested using Neubauer haemocytometer and abnormality % using eosin-nigrosin stain. Spermatozoal membrane integrity was tested using the hypo-osmotic swelling test. The sperm with swollen twisting tail was normally intact. Sperm acrosomal integrity % was tested as mentioned by Watson. Results: Addition of BHT improved (P<0.01) progressive motility, viability, morphology and acrosome as well as plasma membrane integrities at 0.5-2.0 mM/mL depending upon types of used extenders and stages of pre-and post-freezing process. Higher levels of 2.5 and 3.0 mM/mL BHT had a deteriorating (P<0.01) result if compared to the control and all extenders assayed. Conclusions: BHT addition at lower concentration can improve pre-frozen and post-thawed buffalo sperm quality.

Effect of melatonin and/or cysteamine on development and vitrification of buffalo embryos

Objective:To assess the effects of melatonin and/or cysteamineonin vitro maturation, culturing and post-warming of buffalo embryos.Methods: Buffalo oocytes were classified into control, cysteamine (50 μM), melatonin (10 ng/mL) and cysteamine (50 μM) + melatonin (10 ng/mL) treatment groups. In experiment 1, previous treatments were added duringin vitromaturation and culturing of buffalo oocytes.Results:Cleavage and blastocyst rates were significantly (P<0.05) increased in melatonin treated group (70.5±0.9 and 12.8±1.0, respectively). However this effect was potentiated when combined with cysteamine (74.0±1.7 and 14.8±1.7, respectively). In experiment 2, the treatements were added in maturtaion, culturing as well as post-warming culture media. Embryos at 7 d were vitrified.Viability assessement directly after warming showed significant increase (P<0.05) in cysteamine, melatonin and their combination groups (76.8±2.8, 80.0±2.1 and 83.3±1.7, respectively) than control (65.8±2.4);but the viability after 24 h post-warming was the best in cysteamine + melatonin combination group (61.4±2.1).Conculsions: Enriching maturation, culturing and post-warming media of buffalo oocytes and embryos with melatonin and/or cysteamine have significantly beneficial effects on oocyte developmental competence as well as embryos vitrification procedure outcomes which in turn resulting in enhancement of commercial buffalo embryo production.

Expression Pattern and Target Gene of bbu-miR-103-1 in Buffalo(Bubalus bubalis) at Lactation and Non-lactation Periods

[ Objectivel The paper aimed to investigate the expression pattern of bbu-miR-103-1 in buffalo （Bubalus bubalis） at lactation and non-lactation periods, and to predict its target gene and function. [ Method] Expression pattern of bbu-miR-103-1 at lactation and non-lactation periods were detected by qRT-PCR. The precursor expression plasmid of bbu-miR-103-1 was constructed and named LpEZX-pre-miR-103-1. It was packaged and propagated to produce high-titer lenti- virus in 293T cell lines, which could be used to infect buffalo mammary epithelial cells （BMECs） and over express bbu-miR-103-1. The inhibitor of bbu-miR- 103-1 was chemically synthesized and transfected into BMECs to suppress bbu-miR-103-1 at the same time. The relative expression of pantothenate kinase 3 （ PANK3 ） and milk fat metabolism related genes were detected by qRT-PCR. [ Result] The relative expression of bbu-miR-103-1 at lactation period was 5.29 times higher than that at non-lactation period in buffalo （ P 〈 0.01 ）. The LpEZX-pre-miR-103-1 had been successfully constructed and packaged with the infection titer of 3.47×10^6 PFU/mL. Overexpress or suppress of bbu-miR-103-1 extremely down-regulated or up-regulated the expression level of PANK3 in BMECs （ P 〈 0.01 ）. Over expression of bbu-miR-103~l extremely enhanced the expression of Acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha（ACACA）, Glycerol-3-phosphate acyhransferase 1 mitochon- drial （GPAM）, Diacylglycerol Oacyhransferase l （DGAT1） and Pyrnvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 4 （PDK4） （P 〈0.01 ）, and also significantly up-regulated the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 c （SREBPI c）, Adipose differentiation-related protein （ADFP）, Cluster of differentiation 36 （ CD36）, Acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain subfamily member 1 （ACSS1） （P 〈0.05）. Over expression of bbu-miR-103-1 down-regulated the expression of PANK3, and improved the mRNA level of SREBPlc by feedback regulation, finally promoting the de novo synthesis of fatty acid beginning with ACACA. [ Conclusion] bbu-miR-103-1 plays an important role in enhancing milk fatty acid synthesis, which provides a molecular base for revealing formation and regulatory mechanism of high-level milk fat in buffalo.

Factors affectingin-vivo fertility of crossbred Egyptian - Italian buffalo semen

Objective:To assess the effect of region, season and year of insemination onin-vivo fertility of Italian-Egyptian crossbred buffalo semen.Methods: A total number of 4799 female buffaloes were inseminated by frozen semen with at least 50% post-thaw motility of Egyptian-Italian crossbred bulls in three localities in Delta, lower Egypt (El-Behira, El-Sharkia and Damietta) during the period of 2013, 2014 and 2015. The pregnancy rate after two months was evaluated during the four seasons.Results:The rate of pregnancy was significantly (P<0.0001) differ among the three localities. The effect of year of insemination on pregnancy rate was significantly higher during 2014 and 2015 than 2013 in El-Sharkia and El-Behira. But in Damietta, the rate of pregnancy was significantly higher in 2014 than 2013 and 2015. There were no significant differences among seasons in El-Behira and Damietta governorates but there was significant (P<0.05) differences in pregnancy rate in El-Sharkia. It was higher in summer, spring and autumn than in winter.Conclusions:Localities, year of insemination and season of the year have effects on fertility of crossbred Egyptian-Italian buffalo semen.

Impact of replacing egg yolk with lecithin on quality of pre-freeze and post-thaw buffalo spermatozoa

Objective:To estimate the result of egg yolk replacement with alternative cryopreservatives such as plant-derived lecithin from soybean on sperm quality parameters pre and post freezing in buffalo bulls.Methods: The control cryopreservation extender was tris-citric acid-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol (TCFYG) diluent. Semen samples were extended gradually 1:10 with TCFYG control extender and tris-citric acid-fructose-glycerol (TCFG) extender plus variable concentrations of soybean lecithin (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0%) to ensure 60 million active spermatozoa/mL of the extended semen. The diluted semen samples were refrigerated slowly (roughly for 2 h) up to 5℃ and equilibrated for 2 h. Semen was filled into 0.25 mL polyvinyl French straws (IMV, France). After equilibration period, the straws were placed horizontally on a rack and frozen in a vapor 4 cm above liquid nitrogen for 10 min and were then dipped stored in liquid nitrogen at -196℃. Results:The respective overall percentages of forward motile spermatozoa, live spermatozoa, morphologically normal spermatozoa, acrosome integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling reactivity observed primarily in fresh semen, after equilibration (pre-freeze stage) and post freezing (post-thaw stage) in TCFYG (control) extended semen declined progressively and statically (P<0.01) during these periods of study. Pre-freezing stage: replacement of egg yolk into TCFG with soybean lecithin at concentrations of 1.0% and 1.5% significantly (P<0.01) ameliorated the maintenance of (motility, viability, acrosome and membrane integrity %), meanwhile it had significantly (P<0.01) reduced the abnormality % of spermatozoa to the lowest value compared to control TCFYG and to some other concentrations in use. Post-thaw stage: the replacement of egg yolk with 1.0% soybean lecithin (SL) showed significantly (P<0.01) higher percentage of sperm progressive motility compared to 1.5% SL and TCFYG control. These values were significantly (P<0.01) higher than 0.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% SL. The post thawing live sperm percentage mean values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in 1.0% SL and 1.5% SL compared to control. These values were significantly (P<0.01) higher than in 0.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% SL. The mean values of post-thaw morphological normal sperm percentage did not differ between 1.0% SL and control groups but significantly (P<0.01) higher than 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 3.0% SL. The respective percentage mean values of post-thaw sperm with head, mid-piece and tail abnormalities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in 1.0% SL than all other SL concentrations. Concerning the post-thaw percentages of acrosome and sperm membrane integrity, the respective mean values were significantly (P<0.01) higher in 1.0% SL and 1.5% SL as compared to control. Mean values of both parameters in the 0.5% SL were intermediate between 1.0% and 1.5% SL versus control groups. The previously mentioned mean values in acrosome/membrane integrity were significantly (P<0.01) higher than 2.0% SL, 2.5% SL and 3.0% SL.Conclusions: Lecithin-based diluent can be a potent proper alternative extender for preservation of spermatozoa during pre- and post-freezing process. SL 1.5% extenders have supplied an optimal environment and condition for ameliorating the quality of pre-freezing and post-thaw buffalo spermatozoa by means of improved motility, viability, functional acrosome, sperm membrane integrity and morphologically normal spermatozoa.

Current Status of Reproductive Management in Buffalo in West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

The aim of this study was to know the application of reproductive management of buffalos in West Sulawesi Province. This study was conducted during a period from July to August 2012 in three different sub-districts;Mehalaan, Messawa, and Nosu. Purposive sampling was used to choose the location where the study was taking place with consideration that those sub-districts have different population of buffalos ranging from highest to smallest. Data collection both primary and secondary data was done through observation and interview to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. The results of this study showed that mating system of buffalos in this area were two different methods;natural mating without any help and natural mating with the help of the farmers, while artificial insemination (AI) method for mating the buffalos did not apply yet. A total of 85% farmers/respondent did mating system for the buffalos with the help of the farmers, while the remaining 15% of the farmers did mating system without any help. This study also showed that most of the farmers had good knowledge about estrus (98.3%) and the remaining 1.7% farmers had poor knowledge about estrus. Most of them were capable to identify buffalos in estrus by observing their behavior.

Genetic Biodiversity in Buffalo Population of Iraq Using Microsatellites Markers

Genetic structure of Iraqi buffalo population, in the South, Middle and North area of the country was characterized, using six microsatellite markers （ETHI52, ETH02, ETH225, CSSM060, BM1706 and INRA005）. Seventy alleles were detected across the six loci. Total number of alleles per locus （TNA） varied from 3 （INRA005 locus） to 16 （ETH 152 locus）. The mean number of allele （MNA） across the six loci in Iraqi indigenous buffalo was 11.4. The locus ETHI52 was the most polymorphic marker according to its number of allele （16）, the expected heterozygosity （0.86） and polymorphism information content （0.80） number of alleles （3）, expected Heterozygosity （0.1-0.2） and polymorphism information content （0.1-0.2）. Results showed that these markers were suitable in population genetics researches. It was concluded that a high degree of genetic diversity exist in the Iraqi buffalo populations.

Prevalence of Deg Nala disease in eastern India and its reproduction in buffaloes by feeding Fusarium oxysporum infested rice straw

Objective:To undertake a study on prevalence of Deg Nala disease in eastern states of India and to reproduce the disease in buffaloes by the Fusarium spp.,isolated from the affected region. Methods:During this investigation,a survey was conducted covering four states of eastern region to identify the Deg Nala cases as well as to isolate and characterize the causative agent(s). An experimental study was carried out to reproduce the disease in healthy male buffaloes(2-3 years age) by randomly dividing them into five groups(four in each group).Each individual group was fed with rice straw artificially infested with either of the two representative isolates of Fusarium oxysporum(F.oxysporum)(F01,F02) or representative reference strains of Fusarium equiseti(F.equiseti)(ITCCF-2470) and Fusarium moniliforme(F.moniliforme)(ITCCF-4821) for 30 days,whereas the control group was fed with normal rice straw only.Results:A total of 658 Deg Nala cases were recorded and 12 Fusarium isolates were identified from the mouldy rice straw collected from these affected areas.The characterization of the isolates revealed three species viz.,F.oxysporum,F.equiseti and F.moniliforme,among which F.oxysporum was predominant.The disease was artificially reproduced in three buffaloes in F01 group and one in F02 group within 20-23 days by feeding F.oxysporum infested rice straw which resembled the clinical symptoms and gross lesions of natural Deg Nala cases.Conclusions:The field investigation and laboratory studies,including experimental production of Deg Nala disease suggest the possible involvement of mycotoxins.However,further investigations needs to be done to understand nature of the toxic factors involved in production of the Deg Nala disease.