Search Results (208)

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian parasite in humans and a recognized cause of diarrheal disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Its broad host range, which includes livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, highlights its zoonotic potential and warrants careful epidemiological assessment. This narrative review synthesizes available data on the occurrence and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in European domestic ungulates (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and water buffaloes) and pets (dogs and cats), aiming to provide an integrated perspective on animal reservoirs and their relevance for public health. Publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database were systematically screened, and country-specific results were extracted, emphasizing prevalence rates, genotype distributions, and zoonotic implications. Across Europe, cattle and pigs emerged as the most studied hosts, frequently harboring zoonotic group 1 genotypes such as I, J, BEB4, BEB6, and EbpA, while small ruminants, horses, and buffaloes remain comparatively undocumented. In pets, the dog-adapted genotype PtEb IX was predominant, but several zoonotic genotypes were also identified. Overall, the current evidence confirms the wide host range of E. bieneusi in Europe but also reveals significant data gaps compared to regions such as China, underlining the need for broader surveillance and harmonized molecular approaches within a One Health framework. Full article

Collagen is well-known as an essential and structural protein in the body and is classified into many types, with different roles. Type I collagen is the most abundant, offering firmness, elasticity, and resistance to the skin. Starting from natural resources such as calf, American buffalo hide, turkey, and perch skin, this research aims to develop a comparative study between the porous matrices obtained from collagen, extracted in the form of gel, with potential medical use. The extracted collagen gels were analyzed for their proximate analysis. The structural conformation of the gels was confirmed using circular dichroism measurements. The extracted collagen gels were dried using a freeze dryer in the form of porous matrices, and structural analyses were performed using FT-IR. Further, the collagen scaffolds were assessed for biocompatibility using an XTT assay. The water swelling behavior, the morphology, and the thermal stability of the collagen matrices were determined. The collagen porous matrices presented good antimicrobial activity, especially COLL_P, which presented the highest inhibition zone, making them suitable for biomedical uses. Overall, this study provides a method for producing collagen matrices from various sources for biomedical applications. Full article

Genome sequencing has possibly been the greatest step in the development of advanced tools for animal genetic improvement: knowledge of gene sequences and use of haplotype markers for productivity traits can provide important improvements in yield production and optimisation of reproductive program. Next-generation and, more recently, third-generation sequencing techniques enormously increased the ability to produce sequences from single individuals and increased the interest in exome or whole-genome sequencing as an alternative to SNP chips in breeding programs as these techniques allowed for the capture of a wider range of variations, including characterisation of rare variants, structural variations, and copy number changes. Here, we present a procedure, based on fast de novo assembly and a scaffolding step, to quickly build an almost complete genome starting from long reads obtained in a single sequencing run. The procedure, applied to sequences from five water buffaloes, was able to independently build, for each individual, an almost complete high-quality genome with highly continuous chromosome sequences; in most cases, over 90% of the length of the reference chromosome was covered by less than ten long contigs. Unlike other pipelines based on slower assemblers or which require many sequencing data, in 1–2 days, the proposed procedure can go from a single run to continuous genome assembly, supporting fast analysis of large chromosome structures, potentially useful for improving animal breeding and productivity. Full article

Adult black flies were collected from diverse habitats in five provinces of Laos. In total, 4659 adults (4570 females and 89 males) were collected. Morphological identification, supplemented with the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene, revealed 12 species. The most abundant taxa were Simulium khelangense/S. chumpornense and S. asakoae/S. myanmarense with 58% (2628 of 4476) and 38% (1720 of 4476) of the total specimens, respectively. Simulium asakoae/S. myanmarense was the most geographically widespread taxon (65% of sites) from 174 to 1219 m above sea level. The remaining species were far less abundant (<2%) and found in only one or a few locations. Molecular identifications of vertebrate blood meals indicated that most hosts (57 of 66) were chickens. Five taxa, S. asakoae, S. khelangense, S. myanmarense, S. aureohirtum, and S. striatum group, fed on chickens, representing the first hosts records for the latter three taxa. Simulium daoense fed on water buffalo, marking the first record of this species in Laos and the first report of its blood hosts. The abundance and frequent use of domestic chickens as hosts suggests that S. khelangense and S. asakoae could be significant pests and might serve as vectors of avian blood parasites in Laos. Full article

(1) Background: Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are important for dairy and meat production. Up to now, genomic analysis has focused on female subjects, leaving the Y chromosome essentially unknown. Advances in third-generation sequencing (TGS) made it possible to improve the study of complex genome sequences, such as buffalo and other mammalian species including humans. (2) Methods: In this study, we applied TGS-based long-read sequencing to generate, in one step, high-quality whole-genome sequences, which can take full advantage of a rapid bioinformatic pipeline, such as that described in the companion paper. (3) Results: Five male buffalo genomes have been fully sequenced at relatively high depth (20–40×) which, combined with the read length typical of TGS, provide the basis for important insights into male-specific genetic traits, including those linked to meat and milk production. (4) Conclusions: With the use of TGS technologies, we offer a complete strategy for fast, one-step genome sequencing which can also be applied to other farm animals with a comparably large genome. This approach can help in revealing genetic features characteristic of an animal individual beyond the simple assessment of a number of SNPs or other known sequence variations, thus supporting improved genetic selection for dairy productivity and future research on genetic variability in buffalo breeds. Full article

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

Buffaloes are a vital genetic resource for dairy production, yet advancements in improving milk production have been somewhat limited. In this study, we performed an integrated analysis of genomic sequencing data from 78 water buffaloes and their milk production traits, with a focus on 305-day milk yield (MY). Leveraging advancements in sequencing technology alongside genome-wide association study (GWAS) methods such as cBLUP, GMATs, and BayesR, we aimed to identify genetic factors that could facilitate the breeding of high-quality buffaloes. Our analysis revealed two significant SNPs associated with milk production traits. Based on these markers, four candidate genes were identified within the surrounding genomic regions. These genes showed significant enrichment in lactation-related pathways, including the prolactin signaling pathway (mitogen-activated protein kinase 10, MAPK10), IL-17 signaling pathway (MAPK10), MAPK signaling pathway (MAPK10), and adipocytokine signaling pathway (MAPK10). The identification of these candidate genes, particularly MAPK10, provides a robust theoretical basis for molecular breeding strategies aimed at enhancing milk production in buffaloes. This work paves the way for more targeted and effective breeding programs in the future. Full article

Reproductive failure in cattle production is a global concern and is influenced by various factors, including genetic alterations. This study explored the relationship between an X-linked single-nucleotide variant (NC_037357.1: g.87298881A>G, rs135720414) in the upstream of the bovine forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene and infertility. To this end, we examined the genotypes of the variant in old Asian cattle breeds, including 48 Bali and 5 Jaliteng cattle, and 20 water buffaloes, which have recently shown subclinical signs of infertility and repeated breeding problems among populations in Indonesia. We also examined the genotypes in 69 parous and 39 non-parous Holstein Friesian (HF) cows and investigated the relationship between the genotypes and serum concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The G allele frequency was markedly high in Bali (0.944) and Jaliteng cattle (0.714), and water buffaloes (1), suggesting that the G allele may be originally a wild-type variant in old Asian cattle and buffaloes. In HF cows, the G allele frequency was moderately high, and the AMH concentration was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in parous cows carrying the G allele (A/G and G/G genotypes) than in parous cows with the A/A genotype. In contrast, there were no significant differences in AMH concentrations among the three genotypes of non-parous HF cows. This suggests that both G allele and aging are associated with infertility in HF cows. In conclusion, the G allele of the FOXP3 gene variant may potentially be associated with infertility in different bovine breeds and species. Therefore, special attention should be paid to this variant, and infertility in bovine herds may be improved by selection and/or introduction of the A allele. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of rumen-protected chromium-nicotinic acid (RPCNA) supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant in lactating water buffaloes under conditions of a critical thermal comfort index (TCI). Healthy lactating water buffaloes (milk yield = 5.96 ± 0.21 kg; parity = 2.96 ± 0.15, mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to four groups, which were the control (without RPCNA), and three treatment groups designated as RPCNA2, RPCNA4, and RPCNA6, with 0, 2, 4, and 6 mg/(d·head) of RPCNA, respectively. During a 56-day experimental period, the average temperature was 29 °C with an average TCI of 40.60, indicating a critical state of environmental stress. The results showed that the addition of RPCNA to the diet had no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, lactation performance, and dry matter intake in lactating water buffaloes. However, RPCNA supplementation positively influenced rumen fermentation, reducing ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) concentrations and promoting microbial protein synthesis. Supplementation with RPCNA4 and RPCNA6 decreased rumen NH₃-N levels by 48.3% and 36.4%, respectively, while RPCNA4 increased isobutyrate concentrations. This demonstrates that the coating technology does not provide 100% rumen protection. Serum analysis revealed that RPCNA significantly increases total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Additionally, the supplementation of 4 mg/(d·head) of RPCNA, improved serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These findings suggest that moderate doses of RPCNA supplementation can improve antioxidant status and rumen nitrogen metabolism in lactating water buffaloes under critical state, without significantly altering milk production or composition. 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

Pastırma is a traditional dry-cured meat product made from whole pieces of cattle or water buffalo carcasses. Sixteen or more types of pastırma can be produced from different parts of the carcass. This study investigated the effect of low salt processing (3% NaCl) on the lipolytic enzyme activity, volatile profile, color, lipid oxidation, and microbiological properties of commonly produced types of pastırma (kuşgömü, sırt, bohça, and şekerpare). In the study, 5% NaCl level was used as the control group. For all pastırma types, the pH changed between 5.5 and 6.0. The a_w value was less than 0.90 for the pastırma types. The L* value increased when the salt level decreased from 5% to 3% (p < 0.05); however, the salt level did not affect the a* and b* values (p > 0.05). Reducing the salt level increased the neutral lipase activity and decreased the TBARS. As the salt level increased, the acid lipase activity increased in the bohça pastırma, and the phospholipase activity increased in the kuşgömü and sırt pastırma (p < 0.05). Furthermore, while Micrococcus/Staphylococcus constituted the dominant microbiota in pastırma types, a 5% salt level led to a decrease in the number of lactic acid bacteria. The volatile compounds were more affected by salt level than by pastırma type. The correlation analysis showed that there are some differences between 3% and 5% salt levels and the use of a 3% salt level increases the abundance of the compounds. The correlation analysis also revealed that there are differences between the pastırma types in terms of the volatile compounds and that kuşgömü pastırma differs from other pastırma types. 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

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is major transboundary disease affecting cattle and water buffaloes, indirectly causing huge socio-economic losses. Following its first outbreak in India in 2019, the heterologous Goatpox (Uttarkashi strain) vaccine mitigated LSD. Objective: Due to limited data on the spatiotemporal distribution of the disease, this study investigates its dynamics and presents findings from a field study conducted in Maharashtra, India. This study evaluates the safety, immunogenicity, and duration of immunity provided by a heterologous vaccine. Additionally, it examines post-vaccination responses in relation to factors such as age, gender, and breed. Methods: This study employed spatiotemporal analysis of lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks from 2020 to 2024 using GeoDa (v1.22), incorporating Moran’s I and Getis-Ord Gi* statistics to identify spatial clustering patterns. A randomized field trial was conducted to evaluate vaccine safety and immunogenicity in 657 cattle across seven districts. Humoral immune responses were assessed using the serum neutralization test (SNT) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while cell-mediated immunity was evaluated via Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) ELISA. For sero-monitoring, a total of 1925 serum samples from 22 districts were analyzed. Additionally, statistical analyses (n = 1925), including the Kappa Index, ANOVA, and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS v27 to investigate the influence of factors such as age, sex, and breed (significance level: p < 0.05). Results: LSD exhibited significant spatial clustering across Maharashtra. The Goatpox vaccine was 100% safe, with no adverse reactions. Protective antibody titers (≥1:8) were observed in 96.9% of vaccinated cattle by 14–21 days post-vaccination (dpv), peaking at 60 dpv before declining at 150 dpv. The cell-mediated immune response peaked at 28 dpv. Clinical monitoring for one year showed that only 2% of vaccinated cattle developed mild LSD symptoms after nine months, with no mortality. At six months post-vaccination, seroconversion was 69.7%, with breed significantly influencing seropositivity. Conclusions: This study confirms the Goatpox vaccine’s safety and strong immunogenicity in cattle, marking its first large-scale evaluation in the Indian subcontinent. Further research is needed to assess long-term immunity and protection against virulent LSD strains. 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

Bovine anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma marginale, is a major tick-borne disease in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, leading to significant production losses. Prolonged convalescence periods are common and surviving animals often become subclinical carriers. This study aimed to detect and characterise A. marginale in bovines in smallholder dairy farms across diverse climatic zones of Pakistan using molecular methods. In total, 321 blood DNA samples from apparently healthy cattle (n = 174) and buffaloes (n = 147) from six districts in Pakistan were tested for A. marginale using a nested PCR assay, targeting part of the major surface protein B gene (msp1β) as a genetic marker, followed by agarose gel electrophoresis and selective sequencing of amplicons from test-positive samples. Of the 321 DNA samples tested, 135 (42.1%) were test-positive for A. marginale. Prevalence was significantly higher in cattle (64.4%; 112/174) than in buffaloes (15.6%; 23/147), and female bovines (43.5%; 108/248) were more frequently infected than males (37%; 27/73). Phylogenetic analysis of the msp1β sequence data (n = 42) revealed that A. marginale from Pakistan clustered with those from Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, and the USA. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of A. marginale from bovines from diverse agroecological zones of Pakistan and will further stimulate population genetic studies of A. marginale and investigations into the economic impact of subclinical infections in bovines in smallholder farming systems. Full article