Whole‑genome transcriptome and DNA methylation dynamics of pre‑implantation embryos reveal progression of embryonic genome activation in buffaloes

Background During mammalian pre-implantation embryonic development(PED),the process of maternal-to-zygote transition(MZT)is well orchestrated by epigenetic modification and gene sequential expression,and it is related to the embryonic genome activation(EGA).During MZT,the embryos are sensitive to the environment and easy to arrest at this stage in vitro.However,the timing and regulation mechanism of EGA in buffaloes remain obscure.Results Buffalo pre-implantation embryos were subjected to trace cell based RNA-seq and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing(WGBS)to draw landscapes of transcription and DNA-methylation.Four typical developmental steps were classified during buffalo PED.Buffalo major EGA was identified at the 16-cell stage by the comprehensive analy-sis of gene expression and DNA methylation dynamics.By weighted gene co-expression network analysis,stage-spe-cific modules were identified during buffalo maternal-to-zygotic transition,and key signaling pathways and biological process events were further revealed.Programmed and continuous activation of these pathways was necessary for success of buffalo EGA.In addition,the hub gene,CDK1,was identified to play a critical role in buffalo EGA.Conclusions Our study provides a landscape of transcription and DNA methylation in buffalo PED and reveals deeply the molecular mechanism of the buffalo EGA and genetic programming during buffalo MZT.It will lay a foundation for improving the in vitro development of buffalo embryos.

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.

Prevalence of various pathological conditions in female buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The present review article has described the prevalence of various pathological conditions of reproductive system of female buffaloes starting from ovary to vulva and vagina. Various pathological conditions were analyzed and tabulated as the total number of animal examined, number of the animals showed pathological lesions, percentage of animal showed various pathological lesions and percentage of individual pathological lesion in different parts of reproductive system of female buffaloes. The incidence of disorders of female genital organs of buffaloes has been reported by various authors at various percentages in different countries. The incidence of pathological conditions was recorded in clinically infertile cows after slaughtering or from apparently healthy buffaloes slaughtered for human consumption and/or based on postmortem examination. This review is comprehensively covering pathological conditions of female buffalo hitherto which was not previously described at one place. This review will provide a comprehensive knowledge about the prevalence of different pathological condition of different parts of reproductive tract of female buffaloes. The review has six numbers of tables described about the various pathological conditions from ovary to vulva and vagina in female buffaloes. The present review article will be very useful to the buffalo farmers, buffalo breeders and researchers are working in buffalo reproduction & breeding and pathology.

Application of advanced reproductive biotechnologies for buffalo improvement with focusing on Egyptian buffaloes

Many countries in the world consider the buffalo as a priority animal for the future, since it plays a pivotal role in human food sustainability. Even though Food and Agriculture Organization has termed the buffalo as an important undervalued asset, this species has yet to drive the same attention as cattle. Egypt has a wealth of buffaloes dispersed in small herds all over the country, so the efforts that have been made to improve their genetic background show little return. Contrarily, other countries concerned with buffalo improvement have already used a data recording system in buffalo herds, allowing to achieve a much faster improvement progress. This review intends to survey the existing information on the application of assisted reproduction techniques to improve buffalo productivity. The strength points that may help to improve buffalo production are identified, and the obstacles hindering the genetic improvement of Egyptian buffalo are characterized. Therefore, this work will gather information related to buffalo and compile it for an audience of researchers and specialists to enforce international collaboration for the development of buffalo production. Also, it will open the way for people interested in developing a future vision for buffalo potential, which will be helpful to close or minimize the biological gaps of buffaloes' researches.

Immunohistochemical Localization and Receptor Expression of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Pituitary of Guangxi Swamp Buffaloes

[ Objective] To locate gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） in pituitary of Guangxi swamp buffaloes and to provide a theoretical ba- sis for cloning and sequence analysis of GnRH receptor gene. [ Method] GnRH in pituitary were immunohistochemically stained by avidin biotin complex method. The GnRH expression was analyzed with image system. The GnRH receptor gene was amplified by real-time PCR. [ Result] Many GnRH positive cells were detected in pars distalis of adenohypophysis. GnRH were distributed in cytoplasm but not in nuclei. No positive sig- nal was observed in neurohypophysis. In addition, the GnRH receptor gene, 920 bp in size, was amplified. [ Conclusion] A large number of GnRH and GnRH receptor were found in pars distalis of adenohypophysis, which indicates that anterior pituitary is an important tissue for functions of hypo- thalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and other endocrine axes.

Relationship among uterine involution, ovarian activity, blood metabolites and subsequent reproductive performance in Egyptian buffaloes

The aim of the study to monitor post partal uterine involution, ovarian activity and biochemical parameters and it is relation to the subsequent fertility. A total sixty normal calving pluriparous buffaloes were examined between 14th and 75th day post partum (p.p.) rectaly, ultrasonically and blood sampling were collected on weekly sessions. There were differences (P < 0.01) between pregnant (PREG) and non-pregnant (NPREG) groups in Body condition score (BCS) and body weights. There was a difference between previous gravid uterine horn (PGUH) and non-gravid uterine horn (NPGUH) diameter in PREG and NPREG groups at 28th day p.p. The calving to first service interval in the PREG group was shorter (P = 0.03) than that of NPREG one. The number of buffaloes with dominant follicles (DF 3 8 mmdiameter) in ipsilateral and contralateral ovary to the PGUH in PREG group was higher (P < 0.01) than in NPREG. The calving to first service interval in the PREG group having DF in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH (n = 16) was shorter (P < 0.01) than those buffaloes having no DF (n = 18). The number of service per conception and days open in the PREG buffaloes which had no DF in the ovary ipsilateral to the PGUH were higher and longer (P < 0.01) than that which had DF group. The values of glucose and triglyceride were higher (P = 0.057) in PREG than NPREG group. In conclusion, postpartum ovarian activity has positive effect on the uterine involution and postpartum profile of some metabolities may be a good predictor of fertility status of buffaloes.

Effect of Sugar Beet Top Ensiled with Sugar Cane Bagass in Diet of Lactating Buffaloes

Sugar beet tops including leaves and crown harvested and chopped into 3-6 cm, mixed with sugar cane pulp and sugar cane molasses （about 5% of the total mass） to provide a mixture contained 30-35 percent dry mater. After two months of ensiling, the silage was evaluated and used in the ration of lactating buffaloes. A Latin square experiment in a changeover design, with three periods of time, each with 20 days for adaptation and 10 days for recording data, was conducted in which 15 multiparous lactating buffloes were used in three similar groups, each with five animals. The prepared silage was included in the diet of lactating buffaloes where a control diet （A） was compared with treatment diets contained 25% （B） and 50% （C） silage （DM basis） respectively. Milk yield was recorded, sampled and analysed for fat, protein, solid not-fat and total solids-content. The maximum daily rough milk yield per animal was obtained on diet C while minimum on diet A （P 〈 0.05）. Similar trends were observed for 4% fat corrected milk, and 3.5% fat corrected milk that were significantly different between the treatments （P 〈 0.05）. The percentage of crude fat and daily fat yield per animal were significantly （P 〈 0.05） higher in treatment C comparing to A and B. An increasingly trend of milk and fat yield was observed when the animals received silage contained diets but statistically it was significant only for the diets contained 50% silage. In addition, the fat percentage was significantly （P 〈 0.05） increased when the buffaloes received diet containing 50% silage. The highest （P 〈 0.05） amount of protein and total solid yield obtained, when the animals received high （50%） silage diet.

Description of the technique of bone marrow harvesting in the coxal tuberosity for isolation and culture of mesenchymal stem cells of buffaloes(Bubalus bubalis)

Several studies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been developed in many species because of its ability to differentiate into other mesoderm lineages, capacity of self-regeneration, low immunogenicity, paracrine, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiapoptotic effects which make them a promissory source to be used in therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study is to report the technique of harvest of bone marrow (BM) in the coxal tuberosity (CT) of buffaloes and its processing and cultivation. For this, after anesthetic block from the region corresponding to the CT, bone marrow harvesting was performed with a myelogram’s needle. The samples collected showed plastic adherence with 96 hours and took approximately 32 days to reach 80% confluence. And then differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages was performed. Samples showed morphological changes during differentiation protocol, but not all presented production of extracellular deposits of calcium or intracellular fat droplets. The anatomical site tested showed to be an alternative site of harvest of BM once provided with the appropriate isolation and culture of the mononuclear fraction. Moreover, the procedure was performed without difficulty and with great security. Based on this, it can be concluded that CT is an excellent anatomical site for isolation and culture of MSCs and the proposed technique is viable and feasible to be held in buffaloes.

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.

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.

Conjunctival cytological examination,bacteriological culture,and antimicrobial resistance profiles of healthy Mediterranean buffaloes(Bubalus bubalis) from Southern Italy

Objective: To assess normal conjunctival cytological and bacteriological/fungal flora features in the Mediterranean buffalo(Bubalus bubalis).Methods: Swabs were taken from the inferior conjunctival sac of both eyes of 57 healthy female buffaloes aged 24–36 months, with no evidence of ocular disease, farmed in Campania region(Southern Italy), for microbiological analysis. Conjunctival eye specimens of both eyes were subsequently obtained by a cyto-brush, for cytological analysis.The antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates was also determined using the diskdiffusion method on Mueller Hinton agar plates.Results: Cytological examination of conjunctival swab specimens(114 eyes) revealed epithelial cells(basal, intermediate, columnar and super ficial) in all samples, whereas neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells were present in 70%, 10% and 2% of samples,respectively. Microorganisms, for a total of 261 aerobic bacteria and 6 fungi, were isolated from 112/114 conjunctival samples [98.25%; 95% con fidence interval(CI): 93.18–99.70]. Only two conjunctival swabs did not yield bacteria and/or fungi(2/114, 1.75%;95% CI: 0.30–6.82). Gram-positive aerobes were most commonly cultured(181/261,69.35%; 95% CI: 63.31–74.81), with Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus lentus predominating. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated as Gram-negative bacteria(80/261, 30.65%; 95% CI: 25.19–36.69). The antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolated bacteria showed amoxycillin/clavulanic acid and cephalothin as the least sensitive antibiotics for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.Conclusions: These results provided first information on normal conjunctival ocular micro flora and cytological features in Mediterranean buffalo.

A comparative pattern of lectin-binding in the endometrial glands of the uterus and placenta of healthy buffaloes and bovines at early gestation

Water buffalo(Bubalus bubalis)and domestic cattle(Bos taurus)are closely related species.However,embryo transfer interspecies has been attempted without any success.The failure in hybrid embryo-implantation is associated with the glycocode in the maternal-fetal interface.Glycosylation patterns have been studied in different species of ruminants;however,in B.bubalis,only the binucleated cells(BNC)have been analyzed.This glycocode is essential for a successful embryo-implantation and can be defined by Lectin-Histochemistry(LHC).The aim of this study is to compare the glycosylation pattern of placenta and uterus in water buffaloes and cattle by LHC.Tissue samples of placenta and uterus from pregnant Mediterranean female water buffaloes(Buf1)and Angus cows(Bov1)were analyzed.All animals were euthanized at 98 days of gestation.LHC was carried out using twelve lectins(Con A,LCA,PSA,sWGA,PHA-e,SBA,UEA-1,WGA,RCA-1,PNA,DBA,BSA-1).The intensity of lectin binding was semiquantitatively scored using a scale of 0(negative)to 3(strongly positive).Difference between species was found in trophoblast layer by PSA,SWGA,PNA and BSA-1,in BNC,and in the mononuclear cells by LCA,PSA,PHA-e,DBA,BSA-1,PNA.In utero,differences in the apical cellular membrane and the secretion of glands were identified by DBA and RCA-1,and in the cytoplasm of those glandular epithelial cells by PHA-e,BSA-1,WGA,and SBA.In both species,BNC presented a strong positive reaction with DBA and SBA,a moderate response by LCA,PHA-e,BSA-1 and PNA lectin,and a low reaction by PSA,UEA-1,SWGA,WGA,Con A and RCA-1.The results found in this study suggest that although both species are closely related,glycosylation patterns in the placenta and uterus are different,thus providing a possible reason for embryo transfer not being possible between these species.

Study on Blood Cell Immune Response in Water Buffaloes Infected Acutely with F. hepatica

Action mechanism of blood cell immune response in water buffaloes against acute infection with F. Hepatica was studied. The results showed that after water buffaloes were infected, the total levels of WBC surpassed control group during whole infection period; Eosinophiles (%) of DC were higher than control group at the 2nd week until 19th week, and then dropped and was close to control group; Neutrophiles(%) was low or significantly lower than control group within the 5 - 16th weeks; The total levels of lymphocytes (%) was lower than control group during the whole infection period; T-lymphocytes (%) dropped significantly, but B-lymphocytes(%) had opposite changes from the first week of infection, and they were close to the control group after 11 weeks; RBC-CR] and RBC-IC rosette rates dropped and rose during 2 - 16 and 2-18 weeks, respectively, and then approached the same between both groups. It was suggested that the violent changes of specific and nonspecific immune responses in water buffaloes with acute F. hepatica infection are related with the mechanism against infection with F. hepatica together.

Estimated Breeding Value in Iranian Buffaloes

This study was conducted from 1992-2002 on 65,534 individual milk records and fat percentage in 473 herds, in six provinces of Khuzestan, Mazndaran, W. Azerbaijan, E. Azerbaijan, Ardabil and Gilan. The data was analyzed by SAS sotfware using GLM procedure. The heritability and breeding value of 1,195 animals were calculated by DFRML procedure. The average milk yield per lactation, days of lactation, fat percentage and LSM of fat percentage were 1,513 kg, 202 days, 5.04 and 6.77, respectively. The estimated heritability of milk was 0.16. The LSM of average milk production in the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, E. Azerbaijan, W. Azerbaijan, Khuzestan and Ardabil were： 1,452, 1,586, 1,382, 1,183, 2,135 and 1,189 kg, respectively. These results indicated that Khuzestan province has the highest potential in the field of milk production. The top five highest breeding value bulls have been introduced to artificial insemination＇s station in the city of Uremia.

The Relationships Between Milk Constituents and Various Milk Properties in Anatolian Buffaloes

The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships among milk composition, renneting time, urea concentration, acidity, density and pH of Anatolian Buffaloes＇ milk. As a total of 115 individual milk samples from 53 Anatolian buffalo cows that calved in 2004 and 2005 on days of their lactations 30 ± 15, 60 ± 15, 90 ±15, 120 ± 15, 150 ± 15, 180± 15, 210 ±15, 240 ± 15 and 270 ± 15 in 8 units of lhkpmar village were collected in morning milkings in June, September, December and March. Samples were analysed for total dry matter （TDM）, fat, protein, ash, density, pH, acidity, renneting time and urea content. Data were classified according to the following environmental factors： lactation stages： （30 ± 15, 60 i 15, 90 ±15 days）： 2 （120±15, 150 ± 15, 180 ± 15 days）： 3 （210 ± 15, 240 ± 15, 270± 15 days）; calving year： 1 （2004）, 2 （2005）; calving season： 1 （January-May）, 2 （September and October）; month of samples collection： 1 （June）, 2 （September）, 3 （December）, 4 （March）; lactation order： 1 and 2：1, 3 and 4：2, 5 and 6：3. Means and correlation coefficients for the characteristics investigated were calculated. There were negative significant correlations between daily milk yield with TDM, fat and protein percentages, and between pH and all of the milk constituents. Density reduces as TDM, fat and protein contents increase. Relationships between density and coagulation time with milk yield and pH were not significant. Relationships between milk urea concentration with none of milk constituents, milk yield, density, pH and titratable acidity were not significant statistically. It was concluded that genetic selection has to be directed towards increasing fat, protein and total not fat dry matter yields. Under selection programs in which milk yield is taken into consideration, fat and protein yields also increase, but fat and protein concentrations decrease.

Clinical Features of Post-Parturient Hemoglobinuriain Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes: A Review

Postpartum hemoglobinuria (PPH) is a sporadic noninfectious syndrome which normally seen in bovine around the world. PPH is most commonly affecting high-productive cows and buffaloes during the early pregnancy and early lactation period. PPH stands as a serious threat to the dairy cattle and buffaloes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, affecting a considerable number of animals every year. It is characterized by hemoglobinuria, intravenous hemolysis, severe anemia, and death due to anemia and hypoxia. However, the exact mechanism of the mentioned illness is not completely understood. Lots of comprehensive studies have been done and/or still are in progress in order to find the exact causes of intravascular hemolysis that is responsible for hemoglobinuria in the mentioned disease. But, hypophosphatemia in the high productive milking cows during the early stage of milk production is widely confident to be associated with PPH. In different parts of the world, many risk factors had been reported to be associated with PPH. Decreasing the level of phosphorous in blood serum, interrupted the phospholipid layers of red blood cells resulting in hemoglobinuria, a decrease in milk production, anorexia, and the death of animals in the cause if remained untreated. Urinalysis and hematology findings are the most commonly suitable diagnostic tools for this disease. Lots of studies have been suggesting that injection of sodium acid phosphate along with important minerals and supportive therapy with anti-oxidants can be used as the therapeutic protocol for the management of PPH.

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.

Prevalence and spectrum of helminths in free-ranging African buffaloes(Syncerus caffer)in wildlife protected areas,Tanzania

Objective:To determine the prevalence and spectrum of helminths in free-ranging African buffaloes in Tanzania by a cross-sectional study.Methods:Faecal samples(n=123)from Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro Crater were examined for helminth eggs using sedimentation and floatation techniques during the period of March to June 2012.Results:Coprological examination revealed that 34.1%(n=42)of the buffaloes excreted nematodes and trematodes eggs and protozoan oocyst in their faces.The pattern of infection was either single or mixed.Single(52.4%)and concurrent infections with two,three,four and five parasites were recorded in 19.0%,11.9%,14.3%and 2.3%respectively of the cases.The nematode eggs encountered were those of Trichostrongylus sp.(20.3%),Oesophagostomum sp.(7.3%),Strongyle sp.(4.1%),Bunostomum sp.(4.1%),Ostertegia sp.(3.3%)and Toxocara sp.(2.4%).The trematode eggs encountered were those of Fasciola sp.(9.8%),Paramphistomum sp.(4.9%),Gastrothylax sp.(1.6%),Ornithobilharzia sp.(0.81%)and Fischoederius sp(0.81%).The protozoan oocyst recorded was that of Eimeria sp.(8.1%).Geographical location of buffaloes had significant influence on the prevalence of infection with Trichostrongylus(P=0.046)and Fasciola(P=0.001),and the mean prevalances in Arusha National Park are significantly higher than those in Ngorongoro Crater.Age had significant influence on infection with Fasciola(P=0.036),and juvenile recorded higher levels of infection than sub-adults.Health status,body condition score and sex-wise prevalence of helminths were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:This study indicates that helminths species are numerous and highly prevalent in the two protected areas and may be one of the contributing factors to lower buffalo productivity.

Response of primiparous and multiparous buffaloes to yeast culture supplementation during early and mid-lactation

Strains of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast have exhibited probiotic effects in ruminants. This study investigated the effects of the dietary yeast supplement, S. cerevisiae(Yea-Sacc^(1026)), on primiparous(PP)and multiparous(MP) Egyptian buffaloes in early to mid-lactation. Lactating buffaloes were fed either a basal total mixed ration(TMR, control; 4 PP and 8 MP) or the basal TMR plus 10 g Yea-Sacc^(1026) per buffalo cow per day(yeast; 4 PP and 8 MP). The feeds were given from 15 days prepartum to 180 days postpartum. Feed intake, body weight, and milk yields(MY) were recorded, and milk and blood samples were collected for analyses. Feces were collected from days 45 to 47 during early lactation and from days 90 to92 during mid-lactation to determine apparent digestibility of dry matter(DM), organic matter(OM),crude protein(CP) and crude fiber(CF). Energy corrected milk yield(ECM), feed conversion, and energy and nitrogen conversion efficiency were calculated. Yeast treated MP buffaloes consumed more DM(P < 0.041) and CP than the untreated control group. Apparent digestibility of DM and OM were significantly greater at mid-lactation for treated versus control group(P = 0.001). Crude fiber digestibility was greater in MP than in PP buffaloes(P = 0.049), and yeast supplemented MP cows had a greater CF digestibility than control MP buffaloes at mid-lactation(P = 0.010). Total blood lipids decreased after yeast supplementation(P= 0.029). Milk yields, ECM, fat and protein yields increased for yeast treated MP buffaloes(P < 0.039). The study concluded that the response to yeast supplementation in buffalo cows is parity dependent. Multiparous buffaloes respond to yeast supplementation with an increased DM intake and CF digestibility without significant weight gains, allowing a greater ECM yield with less fat mobilization. Supplementing buffaloes with yeast culture may increase milk production in early lactation and results in a more persistent milk production during mid-lactation. Feed conversion and energy and nitrogen conversion efficiency may be increased with the use of yeast supplementation in Egyptian buffaloes.