Search Results (105)

Background: While economically vital, buffalo exhibits low reproductive efficiency largely due to embryonic losses during implantation. Successful implantation requires precise embryo–maternal communication and metabolic/immune adaptations in the endometrium. We aimed to identify key serum metabolic signatures and associated peripheral immune responses that characterize the endometrial receptivity window during early pregnancy in water buffalo. Methods: Blood samples from pregnant (Preg, n = 12) and non-pregnant (Non-P, n = 10) buffaloes were collected on days 15, 18, and 21 post-artificial insemination (AI). We measured leukocyte counts and hormone levels and performed untargeted serum metabolomic profiling using LC-MS. Results: Pregnant buffaloes showed significantly reduced total white blood cell count, lymphocyte (LYM%), and neutrophil (NEU%) percentages, indicating immune remodeling at the beginning of pregnancy establishment. Metabolomic analysis identified 131 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) associated with pregnancy status at different stages. Enriched pathways included steroid hormone synthesis, retinol metabolism, starch/sucrose metabolism, and phenylalanine biosynthesis. Crucially, alterations in unsaturated fatty acids, retinol, and phenylalanine metabolism, along with monocyte (MON%)/LYM% ratios, were strongly linked to receptivity changes and successful implantation. Conclusions: Endometrial receptivity in buffalo during the embryonic implantation window was associated with changes in immune cells and metabolism in the blood, suggesting that immunometabolism may play an essential role in modulating endometrial receptivity during the implantation window. This study provides potential clues and a metabolic framework for understanding the underlying mechanisms of buffalo embryonic implantation. Full article

Splicing regulatory sequences are cornerstones for exon recognition. Mutations that modify them can severely compromise mRNA maturation and protein production. A wide range of mutations, including SNPs and InDels, can influence splicing regulatory signals either directly (e.g., altering canonical donor and acceptor dinucleotides) or indirectly (e.g., creating cryptic splice sites). CSN1S1 and CSN1S2 genes encode for the two main milk proteins, αs1 and αs2 caseins, respectively. They represent a remarkable and unique example of the possibilities for alternative splicing of individual genes, both due to the high number of alternative splices identified to date and for recognized allele-specific splicing events. To date, at least 13 alleles of CSN1S1 originating from mutations that affect canonical splice sites have been described in Bos taurus (CSN1S1 A, A1, and H), Ovis aries (E, H, and I), Capra hircus (D and G), Bubalus bubalis (E, F) and Camelidae (A, C, and D). Similarly, allele-specific splicing events have been described at the CSN1S2 locus in B. taurus. (CSN1S2 D), C. hircus (CSN1S2 D), B. bubalis (CSN1S2 B, B1, and B2), Equus asinus (CSN1S2 I B), and Camelidae. This review highlights that mutations affecting canonical splice sites, particularly donor sites, are significant sources of genetic variation impacting the casein production of the main dairy livestock species. Currently, a key limitation on this topic is the lack of detailed functional and proteomic studies. Future research should leverage advanced omics technologies like long-read transcriptomics and allele-resolved RNA sequencing to characterize these splicing mechanisms, guiding precision breeding strategies. Full article

Bubaline alphaherpesvirus 1 (BuHV-1) is a virus that belongs to the Varicellovirus genus within the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. While BuHV-1 infections in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are often subclinical, clinical manifestations have been reported. This study provides complete genome sequences of five BuHV-1 strains isolated in Argentina, marking the first genomic characterization of BuHV-1 from the Americas. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on whole-genome and coding sequences, along with analyses of glycoproteins C, D, and E, identified a distinct clade and divergent strains. Comparative genomic analyses with publicly available BuHV-1 and Bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) sequences showed nucleotide divergence of up to 1.3% among BuHV-1 strains, indicating significant intraspecific genetic diversity. Cross-neutralization assays revealed variable relationships between BuHV-1 and BoHV-5 strains. Some Argentinian BuHV-1 strains exhibited significant antigenic subtype differences compared to Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1). Recombination analyses uncovered events between BuHV-1 and bovine herpesviruses, suggesting a complex evolutionary history within mixed farming systems. The findings indicate that the monophyletic BuHV-1 clade, including the reference BuHV-1 isolate, is representative of the BuHV-1 species. The remaining strains, provisionally classified as BuHV-1 indeterminate (BuHV-1i), can be categorized based on specific clinical and antigenic properties. The identified heterogeneity has significant implications for diagnostic accuracy, vaccine development, and disease management strategies in buffalo populations worldwide. Full article

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are a primary source of milk in Pakistan, where bovine mastitis is a significant health issue among cattle, leading to substantial economic losses. Staphylococcus aureus is a predominant pathogen associated with mastitis; however, a detailed molecular characterization of the strains in the country remains limited. We previously characterized mastitis strains from the Hazara division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In this study, we investigated mastitis cases in the Peshawar division, including samples from both animals and human farm workers for comparison. Higher rates of mastitis (67.27% of animals) and sub-clinical mastitis (91.03% of positive animals) were identified in Peshawar than for those (34.55% and 75.31%, respectively) previously observed in Hazara. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) belonging to clonal complex 9 (ST2454) were predominant. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) belonging to ST22 and ST8 were also detected in the Nowshera district. While no S. aureus colonization was observed among animal handlers, evidence of hand contamination suggests a potential route for pathogen spread. Low levels of antibiotic resistance were noted amongst isolates, but higher rates were seen in MRSA. This study presents only the second comprehensive molecular investigation of S. aureus isolated from buffalo mastitis in Pakistan and indicates a concerning rise in mastitis within the province. Full article

The experiment was designed to evaluate the consequence of a blend of garlic oil and cinnamon bark powder administration on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, immunity, antioxidant status and methane emission in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Sixteen buffalo calves were divided into two groups in a completely randomised design. The first group (CONT) was fed a basal diet of wheat straw, green oats and concentrate mixture, whereas the second group (GOCB) received feeds as per the CONT along with a blend of garlic oil and cinnamon bark powder (0.5 mL + 1.0 g/head/day) by mixing it with the concentrate mixture for a period of 170 days. The growth rate and feed efficiency in GOCB group buffalo calves were improved (20%) with better (p < 0.05) digestibility of organic matter and crude proteins. Buffaloes of the GOCB group revealed enhanced (p < 0.05) immunity and antioxidant enzymes with reduced (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation (26% less MDA production). The methane concentration in the eructed gas of the GOCB buffaloes was reduced (33.88%) in comparison with the CONT (p < 0.01). Thus, feed formulated with a blend of garlic oil-cinnamon bark powder demonstrates improvements in the health and production performances of buffalo calves. Full article

Cytokine and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) profiling were performed in prepubertal Murrah buffalo heifers’ post-progesterone supplementation and Co-synchronization (Co-synch) protocol. Cytokine (IFNγ, IL6, IL1, IL13, TNFα, and TGFβ), AMH, progesterone, and estrogen hormone estimations were conducted. The ovarian follicular pattern and fertility outcome were recorded. Eighteen prepubertal heifers, 15–17 months of age, 250–300 kg body weight (BWt) were randomly divided into three groups, Group 1: n = 6, supplemented with altrenogest 0.044 mg/kg BWt/day/heifer orally for 14 days along with Co-synch program; Group 2: n = 6, implanted Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) for 14 days and co-synch program, Group 3: n = 6, received Co-synch program. Ultrasonography was performed to determine ovarian follicle status on respective days of sampling. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed around 45 and 60 days post artificial insemination (AI). The Estradiol 17-β level remained constant in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 during the progesterone treatment and Co-synch treatment. Estradiol levels during Co-synch were significantly less (p = 0.024) on day 9 of Co-synch (14.41 ± 1.97 pg/mL) than on day 0 (20.11 ± 0.36 pg/mL) and on day 7 (19.77 ± 0.34 pg/mL) in prepubertal buffalo heifers in Group 1. However, no significance was observed in other groups. Progesterone levels in buffalo heifers subjected to synchronization protocols varied significantly (p < 0.05) on day 7 of progesterone (P4) treatment between Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. Supplementation of altrenogest showed a significant (p = 0.043) increase in progesterone levels by day 14 of altrenogest treatment. Progesterone varied significantly in all groups on day 9 of Co-synch protocol [Group 1 (p = 0.020), Group 2 (p = 0.041), and Group 3 (p = 0.007)]. Cytokine IFNγ showed high correlation with progesterone, indicating the role of IFNγ in puberty in buffalo heifers (r = 0.626, p < 0.01). Anti-Müllerian Hormone had a significant positive correlation when supplemented with altrenogest with IFNγ (r = 0.673, p < 0.01) and TGFβ (r = 0.463, p < 0.01), whereas it was a negatively correlated with TNFα (r = −0.34, p < 0.05). Based on Karl Pearson correlation coefficients, IL13 and TGFβ could be considered as markers for puberty in buffalo heifers. Full article

The buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis) is crucial for the global economy, supplying high-nutritional-value animal proteins vital for children’s growth. These animals efficiently convert fiber into energy and thrive in various harsh environments, from frigid climates to hot, humid areas, including wetlands. They produce milk and meat while supporting the sustainability of ecosystems that other ruminants cannot inhabit. Buffalo offers a unique opportunity to supply resources for both rural communities and larger farms located in specific regions, such as marshlands and humid savannahs. They also thrive on extensive pastures and family farms, thus preserving biodiversity, habitats, and cultural practices. Intensive farming brings distinct challenges and is often criticized for its negative effects on climate change. To counter these impacts, multiple strategies have been researched and implemented. These include enhancing livestock genetics, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, optimizing local feed resources (including by-products), managing manure (with an emphasis on renewable energy), and improving animal health and welfare. This review explores various buffalo farming system applications in different global contexts. It is based on the hypothesis that the adaptable traits of buffalo, as well as the environmental and economic challenges that must be addressed for sustainability, are the key factors in determining the viability of such enterprises. Full article

The application of organic amendments in agriculture has gained increasing attention as a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study assessed the effects of vermicompost derived from water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) manure on the yield and biochemical quality of cauliflower cultivated in soil types typical of the Campania region: loam and clay. Three fertilization treatments were tested, an unfertilized control, vermicompost (140 kg N ha⁻¹), and mineral fertilizer (MIN), at the same nitrogen rate. The results showed that vermicompost more significantly improved plant growth compared to the unfertilized control, particularly in loam soil, where the biomass and the leaf number increased by 160% and 335%, respectively. In clay soil, vermicompost enhanced nutrient availability, leading to a 159% biomass increase relative to the control. While mineral fertilization resulted in the highest yields, vermicompost improved the antioxidant capacity and influenced the amino acid composition, particularly in clay soil, where it enhanced the total amino acid content by 35% over that of the control. Additionally, vermicompost increased the quantity of soil organic matter and moderated the oxidative stress responses, suggesting long-term benefits for soil health. These findings highlight the potential of vermicompost as an effective and sustainable soil amendment, particularly in regions with intensive livestock farming and nitrate-sensitive environments. Further research is needed to optimize its integration with conventional fertilization strategies to maximize the agronomic and environmental benefits. Full article

The growing demand for healthier meat products has driven the reformulation of processed meats to reduce saturated fat while preserving sensory and technological attributes. Buffalo meat (Bubalus bubalis), with its high protein content, low intramuscular fat, and favorable fatty acid profile, offers a promising base for healthier formulations. However, its fat content may compromise texture, juiciness, and flavor, necessitating strategies to optimize product quality. This study investigated the effects of replacing pork fat with inulin and pumpkin seed oil in a cooked buffalo meat product, focusing on compositional, oxidative, microbiological, and sensory parameters. Two plant-based ingredients were selected: inulin from chicory, used as a fat mimic due to its gel-forming ability, and pumpkin seed oil, a structural analog with antimicrobial activity. Preliminary trials identified optimal concentrations for balancing technological and functional performance. A 2% inclusion of pumpkin seed oil, exceeding its in vitro MIC (0.4–1.5%), ensured effectiveness in the food matrix. Reformulated products exhibited significantly reduced fat (p < 0.05), enhanced fiber, and a lipid profile rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (>45%), qualifying for European Union health claims. Oxidative stability improved (p < 0.01), and sensory analysis revealed enhanced aroma complexity, with nutty and roasted notes. Microbiological assessments confirmed a protective effect against spoilage bacteria. These results support the development of a nutritionally improved, microbiologically safer cooked product, such as mortadella-style sausage, while also offering strategies for broader innovation in reformulating functional meat products. Full article

A symptom of reduced feed intake, conception and progressive emaciation was noticed in the Murrah buffalo farm of the institute with tail gangrene in some buffaloes and the sudden death of many animals. Thus, the objective of the study was for the systemic investigation to find out the causative agents and necessary ameliorative measures. The tail lesion includes alopecia, scales, necrosis, oedematous and a painful area. After thorough examination of the signs and symptoms of the disease, it was speculated that the case may be due to the presence of mycotoxins in the feeds offered to the animals. The severely affected buffaloes that died subjected to post-mortem examination demonstrated liver damage, nephritis and haemorrhages in all the vital organs. The analyses of offered feed revealed a high concentration of aflatoxin B1 content in maize, groundnut cake, cottonseed cake and compound feed mixtures. The case was typically diagnosed as the aflatoxicosis in water buffalo and ameliorative measures viz. the withdrawal of contaminated feeds, supplementation of toxin binder and penta-sulphate mixture in the feed taken sustained animal health and production performances. Severely affected animals with tail gangrene were treated with local disinfectants and antibiotics as well as systemic injection with broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive vitamins and minerals to recover to their previous stage. Therefore, routine check-ups of feeds are of utmost importance to prevent feeding of aflatoxin-contaminated feeds. Systemic efforts viz. therapeutic management with topical medicines, broad-spectrum antibiotics, supportive therapies with vitamins and antioxidants along with replacement of contaminated feeds and inclusion of peta-sulphate mixture, and a toxin binder are effective in the prevention and control of aflatoxicosis in buffaloes. Full article

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoAHV1) is prevalent in cattle throughout the world, whereas bovine alphaherpesvirus 5 (BoAHV5) prevalence seems restricted to some countries in South America, Australia, and other regions, mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. BoAHV5 infections occur where water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) farming is practiced, often close to cattle (Bos taurus) farms. Bubaline alphaherpesvirus 1 (BuAHV1), a virus whose natural host is believed to be the water buffaloes, usually causes asymptomatic infections in that species. Here, evidence is provided confirming the close relationship between BuAHV1 and BoAHV5. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were used to reveal the evolutionary relationship between all whole-genome sequences of BoAHV1 (n = 52), BoAHV5 (n = 7), and BuAHV1 (n = 6) available to date. It is proposed here that BoAHV5 most likely resulted from multiple recombination events between a BuAHV1-like ancestor and BoAHV1-like viruses. The BoAHV5 whole unique short (US) region and most of the unique long (UL) genomic regions seem to have been derived from a BuAHV1-like parental genome, whereas at least six small segments of the UL (corresponding to nucleotides 8287 to 8624; 10,658 to 14,496; 48,013 to 48,269; 71,379 to 71,927; 81,426 to 85,003; and 94,012 to 96,841 of the BoAHV5 genome) and two small segments of the US (corresponding to nucleotides 107,039 to 107,581 and 131,267 to 131,810) have been derived from a BoAHV1-like parental genome. The hypothesis that the BoAHV5 species may have originated following a series of recombination events between BuAHV1 and BoAHV1 variants is consistent with the geographical distribution of BoAHV5, which seems to be prevalent in the regions where cattle and water buffalo farming overlap. Full article

The specific expression profile and function of circular RNA (circRNA) in follicular atresia remain largely unknown. Here, the circRNA expression profiles of granulosa cells derived from healthy follicles (HFs) and antral follicles (AFs) in buffalo were analyzed by RNA-seq, and the mechanism of a differentially expressed circRNA (DEcircRNA) circTEC regulating the granulosa cell function that affects follicular atresia was further explored. RNA-seq results showed that a total of 112 DEcircRNAs were identified. Among them, circTEC was highly expressed in HF, and its circular structure was confirmed by RNase R digestion assay, reversed PCR and Sanger sequencing. Functional experiments demonstrated that circTEC promotes the proliferation and steroid hormone synthesis of buffalo granulosa cells (bGCs), and it also inhibits their apoptosis. In-depth mechanism analysis showed that the expression level of circTEC in bGCs from AFs was adversely related to miR-144-5p and consistent with FZD3. CircTEC acts as an endogenous sponge of miR-144-5p to regulate the expression of the target gene FZD3 in AFs, which promotes the proliferation of bGCs and inhibits bGCs apoptosis, thereby inhibiting follicular atresia in buffalo. In summary, our study revealed the regulatory role of the circTEC/miR-144-5p/FZD3 axis during follicular atresia in buffalo. These results provided new insights into the biological mechanism underlying follicular atresia. Full article

Hyperammonia-producing bacteria (HAB) are a class of microbes present in the stomach of ruminants, responsible for the rapid rate of ammonia production from protein degradation beyond the capacity of these animals for their utilization. Thus, ruminant nutritionists are interested in decreasing ruminal protein degradation and ammonia genesis by focusing on controlling the activity of HAB. The investigations of the present study were carried out to determine predominant hyperammonia-producing bacteria in the rumen of buffaloes, their isolation and characterization, as well as the inhibition of these isolates with various sources of plant secondary compounds (tannins, saponins, and essential oils). Studies employing high-throughput sequencing of amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene from genomic DNA recovered from enrichment culture of HAB of buffalo rumina indicated that, at the phylum level, Proteobacteria (61.1 to 68.2%) was the most predominant HAB. Acidaminococcus was most predominant among the identified genera. In vitro experiments were conducted with enrichment culture of buffalo rumen contents incubated with different types of feed additives such as essential oils (eucalyptus oil, lemon grass oil, and clove oil) and extracts of plants (Sapindus mukorossi fruits and Ficus bengalensis leaves), each at graded dose levels. The reduction in ammonia production by clove and lemon grass oils was evident due to the presence of major bioactive compounds, especially eugenol and limonene, which have strong antimicrobial activity. However, clove oil and Indian soapberry/reetha (Sapindus mukorossi) fruit were found to be promising and effective in reducing the growth, protease production, and ammonia production of HAB culture. Full article

The cow–calf bonding is a process that must be developed within the first six hours after calving. Both the buffalo dam and the newborn calf receive a series of sensory cues during calving, including olfactory, tactile, auditory, and visual stimuli. These inputs are processed in the brain to develop an exclusive bond where the dam provides selective care to the filial newborn. The limbic system, sensory cortices, and maternal-related hormones such as oxytocin mediate this process. Due to the complex integration of the maternal response towards the newborn, this paper aims to review the development of the cow–calf bonding process in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) via the olfactory, tactile, auditory, and visual stimuli. It will also discuss the neuroendocrine factors motivating buffalo cows to care for the calf using examples in other ruminant species where dam–newborn bonding has been extensively studied. Full article

Degnala is one of the primary mycotoxicoses affecting buffaloes, with Fusarium spp. as the main causative agent. This disease is strongly associated with the feeding of rice straw to buffaloes and is considered endemic to regions where rice is cultivated. Cases are concentrated in winter when conditions favor fungal growth in inadequately stored straw. Degnala is characterized by necrosis and gangrene of the extremities, including the tail, lower limbs, ears, tongue, muzzle, and teats. The pelvic limbs are more affected than the thoracic limbs. A tortuous appearance of the tail is very common, and cracks or corneal loss of the hooves may occur, exposing the blades and even the bones. There is no diagnostic method for identifying the disease in animals other than clinical and epidemiological criteria, combined with fungal culture samples. There is no treatment that neutralizes the effects of the toxins; the current treatment is palliative and supportive, consisting of pentasulfate solution, anti-Degnala liquid, 2% nitroglycerin ointment, and broad-spectrum antibiotics for secondary infections. Additionally, the management of drying and proper storage of straw is essential for controlling this disease. Full article