Role of buffalo in the socioeconomic development of rural Asia: Current status and future prospectus

Buffalo has been an integral part of livestock agriculture in Asia for over 5000 years producing draft power, milk, meat and hides. Even today, 153 million buffalo provide 76 734 759 t of milk and 3 089 875 t of meat, and in several countries, up to 30% of the draft power for agricultural operations. Unfortunately, however, the species did not receive the attention of the policy makers and the researchers in accordance with its merits, which resulted in buffalo population decline in several eastern Asian countries. The present review highlights the importance of buffalo to the economic and social fabric, especially of the small and landless rural poor, of several countries in Asia. Some major national and international efforts being made to improve buffalo production have also been cited.     

水牛繁殖性状相关基因研究进展

在畜牧生产中,繁殖性状是一个非常重要的经济性状,繁殖性能的高低与动物生产效益密切相关。水牛是我国南方重要的物种资源,它具有耐粗饲、适应性强和易饲养等特点。而且水牛肉肉质鲜美,易于消化;水牛奶更是营养丰富全面,是制作高档奶制品的优质原料,一直以来,深受广大消费者青睐。然而,尽管我国水牛存栏量多,但水牛繁殖力低,一直是制约水牛产业发展的重要因素。如何提高水牛繁殖性能已成为当下研究的重点。为此,本文主要从分子水平上对近年来水牛繁殖性状相关基因的研究进展做一概述,并展望其应用前景。     

A review on breeding and genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>)

The aim of current study was to review breeding progress and update information on genetic strategies in Iranian buffaloes. Iranian buffalo is one of the vital domestic animals throughout north, north-west, south and south-west of Iran with measurable characteristics both in milk and meat production. The species plays an important role in rural economy of the country due to its unique characteristics such as resistance to diseases and parasites, having long productive lifespan and showing higher capability of consuming low-quality forage. In Iran, total production of milk and meat devoted to buffaloes are 293,000 and 24,700 tons, respectively. Selection activities and milk yield recording are carrying out by the central government through the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran. The main breeding activities of Iranian buffaloes included the estimation of genetic parameters and genetic trends for performance traits using different models and methods, estimation of economic values and selection criteria and analysis of population structure. Incorporating different aspects of dairy buffalo management together with improved housing, nutrition, breeding and milking, is known to produce significant improvements in buffalo production. Therefore, identifying genetic potential of Iranian buffaloes, selection of superior breeds, improving nutritional management and reproduction and developing the education and increasing the skills of practical breeders can be useful in order to enhance the performance and profitability of Iranian buffaloes.     

Productivity in different cattle production systems in Kenya

Cattle are kept as an important source of livelihood in many Kenyan farming households whilst also having cultural and social value. A review was undertaken to estimate productivity in the three main Kenyan cattle production systems: small-scale dairy and meat; small-scale dairy; and large-scale dairy and meat. Data on production parameters were collected through a systematic literature search of electronic databases for peer reviewed and grey literature. The parameters included were reproductive rates, mortality rates and yields. Prices for livestock and livestock products were estimated from markets. The data were used to estimate net output from cattle using the Livestock Productivity Efficiency Calculator (LPEC), a deterministic steady state model which measures productivity as net output per megajoule (MJ) of metabolisable energy (ME). The estimated net outputs per livestock unit year^?1 were USD 146.6, USD 215.1 and USD 84.8 in the large-scale dairy and meat, small-scale dairy and meat and small-scale dairy systems, respectively. Milk production contributed significantly to net output in all systems and was 91.8 % of total output in small-scale dairy. Cattle sales had the highest contribution to net output in large-scale dairy and meat system (45.1 %). Sensitivity analysis indicated that output was most affected by milk yield, age and weight at maturity and parturition rate. The productivity differences between the production systems call for more detailed research on the constraints to the production systems such as diseases, and to describe the benefits that farmers and society would obtain from disease control and improved management.     

水牛营养研究新进展

水牛在中国南方农业产业结构中占有非常重要的地位,大部分水牛都属于沼泽型水牛,长期以来作为役用家畜在广大农村分散饲养。随着中国农业机械化程度的提高,水牛在农村扮演劳役的角色逐渐发生了改变,水牛将由单一的役用向乳用和乳肉兼用方向发展。文章从水牛营养需要、饲料资源开发与利用、水牛瘤胃微生物与瘤胃发酵、水牛营养与繁殖,以及水牛乳、肉品质的营养调控等方面对近20年来水牛营养方面的研究进展进行了综述。     

中国奶水牛生产性能测定(DHI)推广现状及面临的问题与对策分析

中国水牛乳产业发展遇到高产群体小、优质种源不足的瓶颈,有必要适时开展奶水牛生产性能测定(DHI)以提高奶水牛群体生产性能。作者综述了中国奶水牛DHI开展现状和面临的问题,并进行了针对性分析,提出了奶水牛开展DHI的意见和建议。     

Trends in the quality and hygiene parameters of bulk Italian Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk: A three year study

Buffalo milk represents an indispensable source of nourishment in many parts of the world and it is the second most consumed milk worldwide. Buffalo milk is actually used for the production of many dairy products such as pasteurized or concentrated milk, butter, yogurt, ice‐cream, dehydrated milk products and cheeses. Due to its high nutritional value and the presence of natural bioactive substances, buffalo milk can also provide health benefits to consumers. In Italy, buffalo milk is used mainly for cheese making, mozzarella PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), which is a highly valued dairy product. This 3‐year study, carried out between 2011 and 2013, was aimed at evaluating the quality of bulk Italian Mediterranean buffalo milk by monitoring physico‐chemical parameters, somatic cell and total bacterial counts. A total of 51 samples of bulk milk were collected from one herd throughout the monitored period. Analysis of variance, carried out to test month, season and year main effects, highlighted remarkable seasonal effects for fat, protein and lactose content, as well as for predicted mozzarella cheese yield, and somatic cell counts. The calculation of simple correlations allowed the identification of positive correlations between estimated cheese yield and fat and protein content.     

The efficacy of diazinon impregnated ear tags against buffalo fly and resulting weight gains and diazinon residues in meat and milk

Ear tags impregnated with 20% diazinon were evaluated for their efficacy against the buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) on beef cattle in southern Queensland. Buffalo fly numbers and weight changes were recorded and diazinon residues in tissues of beef cattle and milk from lactating dairy cattle were assayed at different time intervals after tagging. In 2 efficacy trials conducted over 19 and 20 weeks, the mean numbers of buffalo fly on cattle each fitted with ear tags were 1 to 9 and 0 to 16, respectively, in trials 1 and 2, compared with 44 to 345 and 26 to 306 per head on untreated herds, respectively, despite regular spraying of the untreated herd in trial 1 with cyper-methrin to reduce fly burdens. Percentage buffalo fly control was 96.7 to 99.5% and 89.3 to 100% in the 2 trials. Cattle fitted with ear tags gained an average of 94 kg body weight after 5 months compared with 61 kg in the untreated herd, a net increase of 60% in treated animals compared with 28% in the untreated herd. Mean diazinon residue concentrations in the fat of perianal tissue biopsies were 0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg 1 to 8 weeks after tagging. Mean diazinon residue concentrations in the butterfat of milk from lactating dairy cattle were 0.01 to 0.04 mg/kg after tagging.     

槟榔江水牛保种及选育利用策略

槟榔江水牛是近年在云南西部发现的我国第一个本土河流型水牛群体,具有较高的产奶性能,是发展我国水牛奶业宝贵的遗传资源。本文基于近几年对槟榔江水牛遗传资源调查和种质特性及遗传背景分析的结果,就其遗传资源的保护和选育利用方略进行了探讨。     

广西水牛乳研究与开发现状概述

水牛乳营养丰富,与一般的牛乳相比,不仅蛋白质含量高,其乳脂肪、干物质及矿物质含量均较一般牛乳高,对其进行加工具有很高的经济价值,因此市场上有许多相关的水牛乳制品.广西气候环境十分适宜水牛的生长与繁殖,本文综述广西地区的水牛引进历史、水牛杂交改良乳品品质及水牛乳的成分特性,对比普通牛乳与水牛乳营养成分差异,并对水牛乳相关...     

云南发展奶水牛业有潜力

奶水牛业是我国奶业的第二大支柱产业,在南方地区发展奶水牛养殖,对于促进南方畜牧业发展,提高农民经济收入具有重要的战略意义。本文深入分析了云南奶业现状,从机遇、条件和优势等方面阐明了云南发展奶水牛业的潜力。     

福安水牛生理生化指标的测定

选择福安水牛品种资源保护区临床健康的福安水牛公、母牛各10头进行福安水牛生理生化指标的测定。结果表明：福安水牛的呼吸频率、心率、体温都比滨湖水牛的都低;福安水牛的白细胞计数、血红蛋白比滨湖水牛略高,但在《奶牛疾病学》和《家畜生理学》的正常值范围内;福安水牛母水牛的红细胞数平均值比滨湖、摩拉、尼里、三元杂种、广西本地五种母水牛都低;福安水牛白细胞总数比湖南滨湖母水牛、摩拉水牛高,比尼里母水牛、广西灵山当地母水牛低;而福安母水牛的白细胞总数仅比广西灵山当地水牛低。福安水牛的生理生化指标在性别上没有显著性差异。     

Bioinformatics analysis of candidate genes for milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an important livestock species in developing countries due to its contribution to meat, milk production, and a certain...     

Status and prospects for livestock production in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Some 16 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product of the Lao PDR arises from the livestock sector. Almost all output - live animals and products - is from traditional small scale production and about 90 per cent of all households in the country keep one or more species of livestock. Industrial or large scale production is of very minor importance even for pigs and poultry. Considerable international assistance has been provided for livestock development, initially from the Socialist states that were of the same political persuasion as Lao PDR and more recently from multilateral and bilateral development assistance agencies. In general this assistance has not conferred lasting benefits on the sector in part due to the failure of the Lao Government to provide continuing support commensurate with the sector’s contribution to the national economy. Buffalo (1.1 million head in 2004) and cattle (1.3 million head) are the main ruminant species with goats and sheep (140 000 head) occupying a very minor position. Both pigs (1.7 million) and poultry (19.6 million) are major contributors to the household and national economies. Buffalo are now mainly meat producers, their former draught and transport roles having been taken over by mechanical equipment. Cattle, also once used for draught, are almost exclusively producers of beef. Pigs and poultry produce meat and poultry provide eggs. Lao indigenous livestock are mainly kept in low input systems, thus output is also low. Nothing is known of the genetic potential of the indigenous stock which are the victims of poor management, inadequate nutrition and minimal health care. There is strong and rising demand for products of animal origin within the country and in the greater Southeast Asia and East Asia regions. Given suitable and appropriate support the Lao livestock sector would be in a strong position to contribute to supplying this demand.     

Cattle industry and zoonotic risk

The intensive farming of dairy and beef cattle has elicited a decrease in the herds and an increase in the number of animals per herd. The high concentration of cattle and the movement of the animals among herds has led to an increase in the health risks. In this context we have to consider the role of microbial agents of zoonoses, such as bacteria, parasites, and in some cases viruses. Notably, foodstuffs, such as meat, milk and dairy products, are the main sources of zoonoses of bovine origin. In particular, raw milk must be considered at high risk for trasmission of pathogens from cattle to humans. The European Regulation concerning food safety provides specific requirements for animal products and in bovine health management. Given the direct responsibility of the producer, the adoption of a self-regulation regimen on animal health, dairy and meat products must be planned by farmers.     

Supporting small-scale dairy farmers in increasing milk production: evidence from Morocco

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of technical support provided to five small-scale cattle farms in the Tadla irrigation scheme (Morocco) on their milk yield. The first stage consisted of assessing the initial management of dairy herds, especially feeding strategies, and their effects on milk output. This diagnosis revealed major gaps between the existing and the potential milk yield, due to insufficient and imbalanced dietary rations. Based on this diagnosis, technical support was adapted to the reality of each farm by regularly adjusting the dietary rations to the production potential of lactating cows using available feed resources. The production potential of either pure Holstein or crossbred cows was based on the herd’s physiological status and its genetic merit. Results showed that milk production could be rapidly improved by balanced dietary rations that enabled the average milk yield of lactating cows to be reached, while optimising feed costs and reducing the cost of milk production. Providing technical support to dairy farms should have a significant impact on overall milk production at different scales (irrigation scheme, plant supply area, national production) while alleviating the poverty of small-scale farmers. It would require the involvement of farmers’ organisations such as milk collection co-operatives to replace services provided by the State, which is currently withdrawing from extension activities.     

Cattle industry and zoonotic risk

The intensive farming of dairy and beef cattle has elicited a decrease in the herds and an increase in the number of animals per herd. The high concentration of cattle and the movement of the animals among herds has led to an increase in the health risks. In this context we have to consider the role of microbial agents of zoonoses, such as bacteria, parasites, and in some cases viruses. Notably, foodstuffs, such as meat, milk and dairy products, are the main sources of zoonoses of bovine origin. In particular, raw milk must be considered at high risk for trasmission of pathogens from cattle to humans. The European Regulation concerning food safety provides specific requirements for animal products and in bovine health management. Given the direct responsibility of the producer, the adoption of a self-regulation regimen on animal health, dairy and meat products must be planned by farmers.     

Modelling the dynamics of the health-production complex in livestock herds: a review

This paper reviews how the dynamics of the health-production complex in livestock herds is mimicked by livestock herd simulation models. Twelve models simulating the dynamics of dairy, beef, sheep and sow herds were examined. All models basically included options to alter input and output of reproductive animals in a manner which could be related to health problems. Direct effects of diseases on growth or milk production were, however, addressed in only a few models and were confined to a few basic relations if modelled.

The lack of effects on individual animal production in the models may relate to difficulties in obtaining valid parameters for these effects. We recommend: (1) that disease-production relations be based on mechanistic, reasonable hypotheses at the animal level; or (2) that groups of animals be specified that have different disease-production relations. These relations and their interactions could be studied by applying the same standards of analysis to simulated data as to real herd data.     

Association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection with milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins

There are inconsistent results for the association of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection with production and reproduction in dairy cows. Determination of these associations in each region is essential to encourage participation of dairy cattle producers in disease control programs. This study was conducted in Shiraz, southern Iran, to quantify the association of subclinical MAP infection with 305-day milk production and calving interval in Iranian Holsteins. A total of 21 dairy herds were selected for the study and in each herd, quarter milk samples were collected from ten to 12 dairy cows for PCR analysis. Data about parity, calving interval, length of lactation period, total milk production and 305-day milk production were also provided for each animal. Overall, 252 individual milk samples were collected. Herd- and individual-level prevalence of MAP infection were 23.8% (95% CI, 6.2–41.4%) and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.3–5.1%), respectively based on IS900 nested PCR. The results for 305-day milk production revealed a 248 kg reduction in positive cows compared with negative ones (P = 0.009). When cows from positive herds were compared with cows from negative herds, a 335-kg reduction in 305-day milk production (P = 0.005) and a 30-day increase in calving interval (P = 0.057) were observed in the former group. These findings support the previous results that paratuberculosis infection is negatively associated with the performance of the animals.     

福安水牛研究利用的现状与展望

 福安水牛是我国优良的水牛品种之一,是福建省唯一的水牛地方良种。论文分析了福安水牛在品种资源调查、役用性能、肉用性能、乳用性能、血液生理生化、血液蛋白多态性、线粒体DNA D loop区遗传多样性分析、DGAT基因多态性分析、分子遗传多样性研究等领域的研究现状,提出要开展品种资源保护和开发利用,认为福安水牛应该由以前“役用为主,乳肉为辅”向“乳用为主,肉役为辅”方向转变。