Nutritional evaluation of organically grown fodders in lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

A study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional response of organically grown diets in buffaloes on nutrients utilization and nutrient efficiency for milk production. For this, ten milch Murrah buffaloes of average body weight (490.72?±?6.65 kg), milk yield (8.13?±?0.33 kg), and lactation stage (85?±?5.28 days) were distributed in inorganic (InDg₎ and organic dietary groups (OrDg) with five animals in each. Buffaloes of InDg and OgDg were fed sorghum hay–berseem fodder-concentrate mixture-based diets grown inorganically and organically, respectively. After 60 days of feeding, a digestion cum metabolism trial was conducted to assess feed intake, nutrient utilization, and N balance, while milk yield and composition were recorded fortnightly. DM, CP, digestible crude protein (DCP), and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (g/Kg w^0.75) were similar in animals of InDg and OrDg. NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose digestibility were (P?<?0.05) higher in animals on OrDg (59.20, 51.55, and 62.67) than InDg diet (54.57, 43.72, and 56.61 %), respectively. Urinary n loss (g/day) was (P?<?0.05) lower in OrDg (67.23) than in InDg (83.55); however, milk N was comparable in animals of both dietary groups (47.36 vs 45.82 g/day). Nitrogen balance was higher in animals of OrDg (39.72) than in InDg (28.08). DCP, TDN, and ME values of both diets were similar. No effect of diet was observed on milk yield and its composition; however, increased lactation length decreased milk yield. Buffaloes on both diets had similar efficiency and conversion ratio of nutrients for milk production. Results revealed that diets (organically vs. inorganically grown) have no effect on milk yield and its composition; however, buffaloes on organic diet have higher fiber digestibility and low urinary N loss which did not affect the dietary nutrients efficiency and conversion ratio for milk production.     

Prevalence,biology, and distribution pattern of Sarcocystis infection in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Iran

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, distribution pattern, and the Sarcocystis species involved in slaughtered water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Khuzestan, Iran by macroscopic and histological examination. The esophagus, heart, diaphragm, tongue, masseter, and thigh muscles were investigated. Esophagus and thigh muscles of only 3 of the 100 examined water buffaloes (3%) were infected with macroscopic Sarcocystis, whereas at microscopic level Sarcocystis were found in 83 of the 100 examined animals (83%). The highest prevalence rate of microscopic cysts was found in masseter muscle (57.1%) and then followed by tongue, diaphragm, esophagus, heart, and finally, thigh muscles (30.0%). There was no significant difference between males (83.6%) and females (82.0%) or between two investigated age groups (≤2 years old, 78% versus >2 years old, 88%). Based on the size of the sarcocysts, thickness of the walls and location of the cysts, Sarcocystis buffalonis as a macroscopic form and Sarcocystis levinei and Sarcocystis dubeyi as the microscopic forms were diagnosed in the examined muscles of the buffaloes of this area. Sarcocystis fusiformis was not seen in the examined organs of these buffaloes. The high prevalence rate of microscopic Sarcocystis in this region indicates that dogs have a more significant role than cats in transmission of these protozoa.     

The value of Leucaena leucocephala bark in leucaena—grass hay diets for Thai goats

The study assessed the value of Leucaena leucocephala bark in leucaena—grass hay diets fed to Thai goats. Thai goats in metabolism pens were fed diets containing leucaena leaf (55%) + pangola grass hay (hay, 45%); leucaena leaf (48%) + leucaena bark (9%) + hay (43%); leucaena bark (57%) + hay (43%); and hay only. Feed percentages are expressed on a dry weight basis. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were measured for the four diets. Leucaena bark had lower CP concentration than the leaf (11.7 vs. 25.9), and the leucaena bark + hay diet had lower DM and CP digestibility than the other diets. The calculated bark digestibilities of DM and CP of 44.1% and 38.2%, respectively, were much lower than the values for the leucaena leaf of 62.9% and 89.1%, respectively. The lower than expected CP digestibility was attributed to higher tannin levels in the bark compared to the leaves. Despite this, the bark was well accepted by the goats and was often preferred to the hay. Stripping of the bark by goats also results in stems that dry quicker and have higher calorific value as fuel. However, if leucaena branches are fed as a sole diet, the goats may consume up to 30% of bark on a DM basis and this would reduce nutritive value and animal productivity.     

Genetic relationship and diversity analysis of Indian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an important dairy animal on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asian countries. The diversity and differentiation among 12 populations or breeds of buffalo were studied. Data were generated and analyzed from 527 animals belonging to 10 recognized breeds and 2 additional populations of Indian buffalo by using 22 microsatellite loci. Relationships among buffalo breeds and populations were estimated based on genetic distances. The Bayesian analysis grouped 12 populations into 8 distinctive clusters. Geographically close breeds clustered together, except for the Jaffarabadi and Murrah, which were not in geographic contiguity. The Mantel test revealed nonsignificant correlations between genetic and geographic distances. This supports the hypothesis that buffaloes have been domesticated at different places for specific purposes. The phylogenetic relationship based on microsatellite loci supported the breed classification based on body size. The Toda breed, which is considered to be endangered, had genotypes similar to those of the surrounding buffalo populations.     

Endometritis impairs luteal development, function, and nitric oxide and ascorbic acid concentrations in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

A vast majority of the world buffalo resource is concentrated in tropical and subtropical countries. Apart from heat stress and poor nutritional availability, endometritis is one of the most commonly encountered reproductive problems limiting fertility and consequently productive potential of the species. As demonstrated recently, endometritis impairs growth and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle in buffalo. In the present study, the effect of endometritis on luteal development, function, nitric oxide (NO), and ascorbic acid was investigated. Reproductive tracts were collected from 90 cyclic buffaloes at an abattoir and grouped into endometritic (n?=?36) or non-endometritic (n?=?54) buffaloes based on physical examination of uterine mucus, white side test, and uterine cytology. Samples with pus-containing mucus, positive reaction on white side test, and/or >5 % neutrophils were considered to be positive for endometritis. Corpora lutea were enucleated, weighed, classified into stages I to IV, and assayed for progesterone (P₄), NO, and ascorbic acid concentrations. Endometritic buffaloes had lesser (P?<?0.0001) luteal weight and P₄, NO, and ascorbic acid concentrations than non-endometritic buffaloes. The findings indicated that endometritis impairs corpus luteum development and function in buffalo. Reduced luteal NO and ascorbic acid concentrations during endometritis are novel findings.     

PCR-SSCP analysis of leptin gene and its association with milk production traits in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Leptin gene has been found to be associated with various economic traits including milk production and fat quality in dairy animals. In the present study, we investigated genetic variations in intron 1 region of leptin gene in riverine buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and sequencing methods and associated them with milk traits. The study revealed three SSCP variants A, B and C among a total of 301 buffaloes from nine breeds. The frequency of variant C was found invariably high among all the breeds except in Marathwada buffalo. Variant A was found to be absent in Chilika, Nili-Ravi, Nagpuri and Pandharpuri breeds and also had the lowest frequencies in Mehsana, Jaffarabadi, Murrah and Toda breeds. Sequencing of SSCP variants revealed a total of five polymorphic sites, with three haplotypes. Statistical analysis revealed significantly high fat percentage at 150?days in SSCP variant B in Mehsana buffaloes. However, the associations of SSCP variants of leptin gene with total milk yield, 305?days milk yield and total fat yield were found to be non-significant. The present study is the first report on association analysis of leptin gene polymorphisms with milk production and milk quality traits in river buffalo.     

Cross comparison of seminal plasma proteins from cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of this study was to evaluate seminal plasma proteins from cattle and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), to identify differences between related species. Sixteen buffaloes and 16 cattle between 30 and 60 months of age were used. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation, followed by macroscopic and microscopic subjective analyses. After analysis, the samples were centrifuged at 800 g for 10 min, and the supernatant (seminal plasma) was recentrifuged at 10,000 g for 30 min at 4°C. The total protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method, and the proteins were digested in solution for mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS). Multivariate statistical analysis was used to evaluate the proteomics results by non-hierarchical clustering the considering exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were used for clustering. Proteomics identified 78 proteins, and multivariate analysis showed 4 that were over-expressed in buffaloes (cystatin C, prosaposin, peptide YY and keratin type II cytoskeletal 5) and 9 in cattle (spermadhesin-1, seminal plasma protein PDC-109, ribonuclease 4, metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, acrosin inhibitor 1, seminal ribonuclease, C-type natriuretic peptide, angiogenin-1 and osteopontin). Among the proteins identified in seminal plasma, the C-type natriuretic peptide and metalloproteinase inhibitors were described for the first time in buffaloes. Some protease inhibitors were found over-expressed in buffaloes, and important proteins in seminal plasma of cattle were not identified or were found at lower expression levels in buffaloes, which can contribute to reproductive performance in this species.     

Influence of varying dietary cation anion difference on serum minerals, mineral balance and hypocalcemia in Nili Ravi buffaloes

The study was conducted to examine the influence of diets containing − 110, + 110, + 220 and + 330 mEq/kg dry matter (DM) of dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) on serum minerals, minerals balance (Na, K, Cl, S, Ca, Mg and P) and hypocalcemia in prepartum Nili Ravi buffaloes in a randomized complete block design during summer. Four DCAD diets were randomly allotted to four groups, five buffaloes in each group. A linear increase in nutrients intake was recorded with increasing the DCAD level. Buffaloes fed − 110 DCAD diet had higher nutrients digestibilities than those fed + 110, + 220 and + 330 DCAD. Blood pH and serum HCO₃ also increased linearly with increasing DCAD level. Serum Cl was high in buffaloes fed the − 110 DCAD diet, while serum cation anion difference increased linearly with increasing the DCAD level. Serum Ca increased with decreasing the DCAD level while serum Mg, P and S remained unaffected. Urine pH increased with increasing DCAD level. A constant increase in urinary excretion of Ca, Mg, P and Cl was observed with decreasing the DCAD level. Buffaloes fed − 110 DCAD diet had increased Ca and Cl balance while Mg, P and S balance remained unaltered due to DCAD alteration. Not a single case of hypocalcemia was observed in buffaloes fed − 110 and + 110 DCAD diets. However, one buffalo from each group fed + 220 and + 330 DCAD diets had hypocalcemia. This study indicated that − 110 and + 110 DCAD diets not only increased calcium balance but also prevented hypocalcemia in Nili ravi buffaloes.     

The use of tropical protein-rich leaves as supplements to Thai swamp buffalo receiving a basal diet of rice straw and treated leucaena (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leucaena leucocephala</Emphasis>)

Two experiments were conducted to determine (i) the effects of protein-rich trees (PRTs) and (ii) the effects of leucaena treated with NaOH solution and leucaena plus polyethylene glycol (PEG) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, urinary purine derivatives excretion and blood metabolites in Thai swamp buffaloes. In Experiment 1, animals were fed with rice straw as a basal diet and one of the four PRT supplements: (i) oven-dried rain tree pods (RTPP, control); (ii) sun-dried leucaena leaves; (iii) sun-dried cassia leaves and (iv) sun-dried mulberry leaves. Fibre digestibility and N balance were lower (P < 0.05), but microbial N in the rumen was higher (P < 0.05) in animals supplemented with RTPP than in those fed with the other supplements. In Experiment 2, animals were fed with rice straw as a basal diet and leucaena were treated in one of three ways: (i) untreated (control), (ii) leucaena treated with NaOH solution and (iii) leucaena + PEG. Fibre digestibility and N balance in the rumen improved (P < 0.05) in animals supplemented with leucaena + PEG, but microbial N was not increased. The study demonstrated a way of using local PRTs for a suitable and worthwhile method to improve the quality of buffalo feeding systems in the tropics.     

The comparative study digestion and metabolism of nitrogen and purine derivatives in male, Thai, Swamp buffalo and Thai, Brahman cattle

Studies on in vivo digestion, rates of passages, metabolism of nitrogen, urinary purine derivative excretion and blood metabolites were carried out in Thai Brahman cattle and Thai swamp buffaloes (16 months old). The animals were fed mixed diets based on pineapple (Ananas comusus) waste silage containing urea‐N (NPN) and true protein from a concentrate (TP). The Brahman cattle (310 ± 15 kg) were heavier than the swamp buffaloes (195 ± 9.4 kg) and had higher dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intakes when compared on the basis of their metabolic body weight (BW^0.75), but these intakes did not differ significantly when the diets of each animal species were compared. The total tract, apparent digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) were not significantly different between the animal species when comparing the two types of diets. The NDF digestibility was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in both animal species when fed the TP diet, but was significantly (P < 0.01) greater in cattle than in swamp buffaloes. The passage rate digesta k₁ (P < 0.01) and the passage rate digesta k₂ (through the caecum and proximal colon) (P < 0.03) were significantly slower, and the total mean retention time (TMRT) (P < 0.01) was significantly longer in swamp buffaloes when compared to Brahman cattle, but the transit time (TT) showed no difference (P = 0.07) between the animal species or the diets. The N intakes were not different in both animal species and diets, but urine‐N was greater (P < 0.05) in Brahman cattle than that in swamp buffaloes. Urine N and digestibility of N were significantly (P < 0.04) higher in animals fed the NPN diet than those fed the TP diet. Urinary purine derivatives (PD) and the creatinine (Cr) excretion of swamp buffaloes were significantly (P < 0.01) lower than those in Brahman cattle. Plasma urea‐N (BUN) concentration was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in swamp buffaloes than that in Brahman cattle, but plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in Brahman cattle than in swamp buffaloes. The concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were not significantly (P > 0.05) different in animals fed different diets. The present study demonstrated that Brahman cattle were better in fiber digestibility than swamp buffaloes at utilizing pineapple waste silage with both N sources.     

Sequence and topological characterization of Toll-like receptor 8 gene of Indian riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

In this study, buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) gene has been characterized by sequence analysis and detecting polymorphism. Complete ORF of buffalo TLR8 gene was amplified using the RNA isolated from spleen tissue, which was found to be 3,102 nucleotides long encoding a 1,033 amino acid protein. Buffalo TLR8 had 10 nucleotide changes as compared to other livestock species resulting in six unique amino acid changes, four of them lying within leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. As compared to cattle (Bos indicus and Bos taurus), out of fifteen cysteine residues, fourteen were conserved and Cys at position 521 was replaced by Arg. Nine of the LRR domains had no amino acid change as compared to cattle, whereas LRR-C-terminus had maximum, five amino acid changes. Sequence characterization of 12 riverine and swamp buffaloes revealed presence of four polymorphic nucleotides, two of them were non-synonymous, one synonymous and one site in 3′UTR. PCR-RFLP genotyping of non-synonymous SNP 2758A>G (ILeu920Val) in Toll–interleukin-1 receptor domain of 463 swamp and riverine buffaloes showed a higher frequency of allele A in swamp (95 %) as compared to riverine (9.84 %) buffaloes.     

Ameliorative effects of boron on serum profile in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fed high fluoride ration

An experiment was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of boron on the serum profile of buffalo calves fed a high fluoride ration. Twelve male Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves of 6–8 months age, divided into three groups of four calves in each, were fed basal diets and supplemented with sodium fluoride (NaF, 60 ppm) alone or in combination with borax (Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O, 140 ppm) for 90 days. Boron (B) was added in the ration as borax to make @140 ppm boron (elemental B) on DM basis in treatment II. Dietary F caused a significant (p < 0.05) depressing effect on serum Ca and Zn on day 90 which was improved with B supplementation. However, serum Fe and Cu did not show any significant change on F or F+B supplementation. The serum ALP and phosphorus level were increased significantly (p < 0.05) on F feeding but declined significantly (p < 0.05) when B was fed. The findings suggested beneficial effect of boron on serum minerals and ALP in buffalo calves fed high fluoride ration.     

Uterine Infection Influences Size and Follicular Fluid Composition of the Largest Follicle in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The effect of uterine infection on size and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle was studied in buffalo. Reproductive tracts were collected from 102 graded Murrah buffaloes at an abattoir. Uterine infection was diagnosed by physical examination of uterine mucus, white side test and uterine cytology. Samples with pus‐containing mucus, positive reaction on white side test and/or >5% neutrophils were considered to be positive for uterine infection. Diameter of the largest follicle was measured, and follicular fluid was aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), cholesterol, oestradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄). Infected buffaloes had smaller‐sized (p < 0.0001) largest follicles than non‐infected buffaloes. Follicular fluid collected from the largest follicle in infected buffaloes had greater (p < 0.0001) NO and P₄ concentrations coincident with lesser AA (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.0001) and E₂ (p < 0.0001) concentrations. Results indicated that uterine infection has an inhibitory effect on growth of the largest follicle in buffalo. The changes in follicular fluid composition in infected buffaloes suggest that the direct effect of uterine infection on ovarian function may be mediated through an alteration in the follicular microenvironment. Greater NO and lesser AA concentrations in the follicular fluid of infected animals are novel findings.     

Seven novel single nucleotide polymorphisms identified within river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) lactoferrin gene

The present study aimed at identifying single-nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) sites in different coding and non-coding regions of lactoferrin gene in Indian riverine buffaloes. A total of 102 animals from six different river buffalo breeds were screened at six bubaline lactoferrin gene loci. Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis revealed monomorphic patterns at three loci LtfE2, LtfE11, and LtfE14 while a total of eight distinct patterns were observed in the other three loci viz. LtfE5, LtfE10, and LtfE16 which correspond to respective exons and their flanking regions. Sequence analysis of different SSCP variants revealed the presence of two SNP sites within the coding (exon 16) region and five SNP sites in flanking non-coding regions (intron 4 and intron 9). Both SNPs within exon 16 were found to be synonymous. The SNPs and haplotypes identified in the present study could serve as potential markers for association with susceptibility/resistance to mastitis in buffaloes.     

Comparison of fattening performance in Brahman grade cattle (Bos indicus) and crossbred water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fed on high roughage diet

The objective of this study was to compare the fattening performance in Brahman grade cattle (crossbred cattle) and crossbred water buffalo at the same young age and fed with high roughage based fattening rations in the Philippines. Ten crossbred cattle and 10 crossbred water buffalo, aged between 18 and 24 months old were used in this experiment. The animals were fed diets consisting of 85% Napier or Para grass and 15% concentrate mixture (CM) on a dry matter (DM) basis. The grass, total DM intake and bodyweight gain were significantly (P < 0.01) higher for the crossbred water buffalo than for the cattle. There was no species significant difference in the digestion coefficient and feed conversion rate between the crossbred cattle and water buffalo. The return over feed cost for fattening was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the crossbred water buffalo than in the cattle. These results clearly indicate that under high roughage‐based fattening rations, young crossbred water buffalo are better able to utilize the roughage and they perform better in terms of feed intake and live weight gains than the crossbred cattle in the Philippines.     

Efficiency of uterine fluid cytology in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

This study compared endometrial cytology vis‐a‐vis uterine fluid cytology for assessment of uterine health in clinically normal and subclinical endometritis (SE)‐affected buffaloes. Uterine fluid samples and endometrial samples were collected from the buffaloes (n = 38) at oestrus using blue sheath and cytobrush, respectively. The smears were stained with Field stain for 3 minutes, and a minimum of 400 cells were counted in each smear for determination of the percentage of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocyte. The incidence of subclinical endometritis, based on the cytobrush cytology, was 23.08%. The correlation between cytobrush cytology with uterine fluid cytology was positive and significant (r = .37; p = .02). The ratio of PMN leucocyte in cytobrush cytology to uterine fluid cytology was 1:2.4. ROC analysis revealed that the threshold value of 6.16% PMN leucocyte in uterine fluid cytology showed a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100% in differentiating normal from SE‐affected buffaloes. In conclusion, collection of uterine fluid was easier compared to collection of endometrial samples using cytobrush and the percentage of PMN leucocyte in uterine fluid cytology can be used as a tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in buffaloes.     

Follicular characteristics and intrafollicular concentrations of nitric oxide and ascorbic acid during ovarian acyclicity in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective of this study was to examine the follicular characteristics and intrafollicular concentrations of nitric oxide and ascorbic acid during ovarian acyclicity in buffaloes. Ovaries were collected from 56 acyclic and 95 cyclic buffaloes at slaughter, surface follicle number was counted and follicles were classified into small (5.0–6.9 mm), medium (7.0–9.9 mm), and large (≥10.0 mm) size categories based on their diameter. Follicular fluid was aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide, ascorbic acid, estradiol, and progesterone. Acyclic buffaloes had a higher (P < 0.05) number of medium-sized follicles and a lower (P < 0.001) number of large follicles than the cyclic ones. In acyclic animals, the number of large follicles was lower (P < 0.01) than in medium size category which in turn was lower (P < 0.001) than the number of small follicles. In contrast, the number of medium and large follicles was not different (P > 0.05) in the cyclic control. However, the number of small-sized follicles was higher (P < 0.001) compared to the other two categories. The incidence of large-sized follicles was lower (P < 0.05) in acyclic buffalo population compared to the cyclic control. Evaluation of estrogenic status demonstrated that all the follicles of acyclic buffaloes are estrogen-inactive (E ₂/P ₄ ratio < 1). Small- and medium-sized follicles of acyclic buffaloes had higher concentrations of nitric oxide (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) and lower concentrations of ascorbic acid (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) than the corresponding size estrogen-active follicles of their cyclic counterparts. In conclusion, this study indicates that follicular development continues during acyclicity in buffaloes. Although follicles in some acyclic buffaloes attain a size corresponding to morphological dominance, they are unable to achieve functional dominance, perhaps due to an altered balance of intrafollicular nitric oxide and ascorbic acid and, as a result, these follicles instead of progressing to ovulation undergo atresia.     

Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productive performance and blood biochemical profile in lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes

The study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of bypass fat on productive performance and blood biochemical profile of lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Fifteen multiparous buffaloes (2-4 lactation) of early to mid lactation were divided in three homogenous groups T(1) (control), T(2), and T(3) of five each. The animals in T(1) were fed with a basal diet consisting of a concentrate mixture, green sorghum, and wheat straw as per requirements, while the animals in group T(2) and T(3) were fed with same ration supplemented with 0.7 % (100?g/day) and 1.4 % (200?g/day) bypass fat (on dry matter intake (DMI) basis), respectively. The feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition were not influenced by supplemental bypass fat. However, fat-corrected milk (6.5 %) yield was higher (P?相似文献   

Soya-lecithin in extender improves the freezability and fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa

Egg yolk is routinely used as a cryoprotectant in semen extenders. However, it may contain cryoprotective antagonists, and there are hygienic risks associated with its use. Proteins of plant origin, like soya-lecithin, lack these hazards. The aim of this study was to use soya-lecithin as a cryoprotectant in extender and to investigate its effects on in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of buffalo semen. Semen from three buffalo bulls was frozen in tris-citric extender containing 5.0%, 10% or 15% soya-lecithin or 20% egg yolk. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were assessed post-dilution, pre-freezing and post-thaw. In Post-dilution and pre-freezing, the values for motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability remained higher (p ≤ 0.05) in extenders containing 10% soya-lecithin and control compared with extender containing 5% and 15% soya-lecithin. However, motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were higher (p < 0.05) in extender containing 10% soya-lecithin compared with control and extenders containing 5% and 15% soya-lecithin. Semen from two buffalo bulls was frozen in tris-citric extender containing either 10% soya-lecithin or 20% egg yolk. Higher (p < 0.05) fertility rate was recorded in buffaloes inseminated with semen containing 10% soya-lecithin (56%) compared with 20% egg yolk (41.5%). The results suggest that 10% soya-lecithin in extender improves the freezability and fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa and can be used as an alternate to egg yolk in cryopreservation of buffalo semen.