Relationship of temperament with oestrous behaviour,resumption of ovarian cyclicity and milk yield in post‐partum Murrah buffaloes

This study was designed to investigate the relationship of temperament with oestrus, resumption of ovarian cyclicity and milk yield in post‐partum buffaloes. For this study, 102 post‐partum Murrah buffaloes were observed for temperament in open paddock and during milking. Based on the temperament score (1–5 score), they were classified into docile, slightly restless, restless, aggressive and nervous. Oestrous behaviour was monitored twice daily in all the buffaloes along with milk yield (weekly), body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) at day 0, 30, 60 and 90 post‐partum. Based on the temperament score, the number of buffaloes classified as docile, slightly restless, restless and aggressive was 37 (36.27%), 28 (27.45%), 30 (29.41%) and 7 (6.86%), respectively, but none under nervous category. Number of buffaloes resuming cyclicity in various temperaments groups were as follows: docile (n = 35; 94.59%), slightly restless (n = 22; 78.57%), restless (n = 20; 66.67%) and aggressive (n = 7; 85.71%). Temperament was not correlated (p = .128; r=?.152) with oestrous behaviour. But, temperament was correlated (p < .0001; r = .384) with the resumption of cyclicity as docile and slightly restless buffaloes resumed cyclicity (p < .0016) earlier. Temperament of buffaloes was weakly correlated (p = .0017; r=?.306) with milk production with higher (p < .0358) total milk yield in docile (1022 ± 23.75 kg) and slightly restless buffaloes (948 ± 35.86 kg) as compared to other temperament groups. In summary, temperament of post‐partum buffaloes was related with resumption of ovarian cyclicity and milk yield, but not oestrous behaviour.     

Genetic associations of teat cup attachment failures,incomplete milkings,and handling time in automatic milking systems with milkability,temperament, and udder conformation

Automatic milking systems (AMS) allow recording of alternative milkability measures. Our objectives were to estimate genetic parameters for teat cup attachment failures (AtF), incomplete milkings (IM), and handling time (HT), and their genetic correlations with box time (BT), udder traits and temperament. Teat coordinates were to measure udder conformation and teat placement. Genetic correlations were estimated between these traits and linear classification traits. Data on Swedish Holstein and Swedish Red cows in 19 AMS herds and 74 herds with conventional milking parlors were analyzed. HT and IM had low heritabilities, but that of AtF was 0.21–0.31. Genetic correlations between AtF and temperament were 0.44–0.71 (calm cows having low AtF). Short BT was weakly genetically associated with shallow udders with short and thin teats. High genetic correlations (0.91–0.98) were found between teat coordinate traits and linear classification traits. Thus, AMS records can be effectively used to select for improved milkability and temperament.     

The influence of iodine teat dipping and an external teat sealant in heifers on bacterial isolation from quarter milk culture obtained post-calving

A longitudinal observational 2 year field study including 178 dairy herds was conducted in Norway. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of iodine post milking teat dipping (PMTD) and an external teat sealant (ETS) in first calvers (heifers) on bacterial isolation from milk culture post-calving. Every heifer was either sampled in connection with a clinical mastitis (CM) event at calving or otherwise approximately 6 days post-calving. Milk culture results were available from 3218 individual heifers and 12,872 quarter milk samples. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were used for each bacterium. Neither use of PMTD nor ETS did decrease the risk of bacterial isolation post-calving. However, if iodine PMTD had been used, there was an increased risk of clinical mastitis (Odd ratio (OR) = 1.6 (0.9–2.7)) and an increased risk of isolation of coagulase negative staphylococci OR = 1.5 (1.0–2.1). If ETS had been used, there was an increased risk of isolation of coliform bacteria (coliform and Escherichia coli) (OR = 2.9 (1.2–7.3)). There was significantly less Streptococcus dysgalactiae during the summer and autumn compared to the winter and spring. There was a significant herd effect for Streptococcus uberis and for coliforms with an OR = 5.1 (2.1–12) and 4.5 (2.7–7.6) respectively.     

The evaluation of secretion volume and immunoglobulin A and G concentrations in sow colostrum from anterior to posterior teats

Among domestic animals, teat order is only observed in the pig. In order to achieve the healthy growth and weaning of piglets, it is important to elucidate if volume of colostrum secretion and immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG concentrations differ among the teats of a sow. Nine sows were used to evaluate the difference in colostrum secretion volume (CSV) and four of these sows were assessed for IgA and IgG concentrations from each teat. Samples were collected five times during 21 h following parturition. Teats were assigned anatomical locations of teat (1 to 7) from anterior to posterior. The CSV of anterior (locations 1 and 2) and middle teats (locations 3–5) was significantly higher than those of posterior teats (locations 6 and 7) throughout the experiment except for 18 h post‐parturition (P < 0.05). The CSV of the teats at location 1 was significantly higher at most collection times than those at locations 6 and 7. A positive correlation of CSV was observed with IgA and IgG concentrations from 12 h and 6 h post‐parturition, respectively (P < 0.05). The results suggest that anterior teats secrete greater volumes of colostrum and that these tend to contain higher IgA and IgG than posteriors teats.     

Progesterone supplementation during multiple ovulation treatment in buffalo species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous progesterone supplementation on superovulatory response in buffaloes that has undergone a multiple ovulation program. Fourteen Mediterranean buffaloes were divided into two groups and received a 4-day decreasing dosage of an equal mixture of 500 IU of FSH and LH starting on day 8 of the cycle. In group A (n = 7) a progesterone-releasing intravaginal device was removed on day 8, whereas in group B (n = 7) it was left till day 10, when PGF_2a {\hbox{PG}}{{\hbox{F}}_{{2}\alpha }} was administered. Eighty hours later, buffaloes were artificially inseminated and after 6 days they undergone uterine flushing. A higher (P < 0.05) number of corpora lutea (8.3 vs. 5.7) and embryo/flushing/buffalo (2.3 vs. 1.3) were recorded in group B vs. group A if responsive buffaloes are considered (n = 12) and the number of corpora lutea was highly correlated with the number of embryos (r = 0.65; P < 0.05). In conclusion, progesterone supplementation during the first 2 days of the superovulation treatment seems to enhance the recovery rate in buffalo species. A high ovulation rate, associated with a high number of corpora lutea, can represent a parameter for estimating embryo recovery.     

Biochemical analysis of uterine fluid for identification of indicators for subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Alterations in biochemical constituents of uterine fluid have been suggested for diagnosis of subclinical uterine infection in the bovine. This study was undertaken to investigate whether uterine fluid biomolecules could act as tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the buffalo. Uterine fluid samples from normal (n = 22) and subclinical endometritis (n = 18; diagnosed based on uterine cytology)‐affected buffaloes were subjected to biochemical analysis. Among the different biochemical constituents estimated, urea, urea N, cholesterol, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in uterine fluid obtained from subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes. The extent of difference between normal and subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes was highest in ALP (69%) followed by cholesterol (55%), bilirubin (48%), urea (30%) and urea N (30%) concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the likelihood ratio (LR) was 3.63 for urea, indicating that buffaloes having less than the threshold concentration (47.5 mg/dl) of urea in their uterine fluid were at 3.6 times more risk to be affected with SE. The LRs for urea N, cholesterol, ALP and bilirubin were 2.33, 2.54, 2.12 and 1.65, respectively. It was concluded that ALP, urea, urea N and cholesterol concentrations in uterine fluid may serve as an aid for diagnosing subclinical endometritis in the buffalo.     

Effect of vacuum level on milking efficiency, somatic cell counts (SCC) and teat end wall thickness in ewes of Greek mountain Boutsiko breed

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of vacuum level of machine milking on milk yield, milk composition, milking efficiency, somatic cells counts (SCC), and teat end thickness of the Greek mountain breed Boutsiko ewes. Seventy two ewes after a suckling period of 45 ± 5 days were divided into three equal groups of 24 animals for level of milk production, prolificacy and lactation number. The overall experiment lasted 14 weeks. All groups were milked with a pulsation rate of 120/min, pulsator ratio of 50/50, and three vacuum levels of 38, 44 and 50 kPa, respectively, were applied for the three groups. Every two weeks, in a.m. and p.m. milking, measurements were taken for machine milk (MM) and machine stripped milk (MSM), milk composition, SCC, milk emission characteristics (only in a.m. milking) and teat end wall thickness (TEWT) before and after milking. The results have shown that the lower vacuum level of 38 kPa increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of machine milk (82.9%). There were no significant differences among the groups for milk composition, milk flow rate and SCC, but there was a difference in log SCC (P < 0.05) between 38 and 50 kPa. The teat end wall thickness was lower at the lower vacuum level (38 kPa) after milking, and increased (P < 0.001) as the vacuum level was raised to 50 kPa. The findings of this study suggest that with a lower vacuum level of 38 kPa, the ewes are milked better than those with 44 or 50 kPa. Also, the irritation of teats is considerably reduced, while no differences were seen regarding the health of the udder.     

Genetic diversity in Trypanosoma theileri from Sri Lankan cattle and water buffaloes

Trypanosoma theileri is a hemoprotozoan parasite that infects various ruminant species. We investigated the epidemiology of this parasite among cattle and water buffalo populations bred in Sri Lanka, using a diagnostic PCR assay based on the cathepsin L-like protein (CATL) gene. Blood DNA samples sourced from cattle (n = 316) and water buffaloes (n = 320) bred in different geographical areas of Sri Lanka were PCR screened for T. theileri. Parasite DNA was detected in cattle and water buffaloes alike in all the sampling locations. The overall T. theileri-positive rate was higher in water buffaloes (15.9%) than in cattle (7.6%). Subsequently, PCR amplicons were sequenced and the partial CATL sequences were phylogenetically analyzed. The identity values for the CATL gene were 89.6–99.7% among the cattle-derived sequences, compared with values of 90.7–100% for the buffalo-derived sequences. However, the cattle-derived sequences shared 88.2–100% identity values with those from buffaloes. In the phylogenetic tree, the Sri Lankan CATL gene sequences fell into two major clades (TthI and TthII), both of which contain CATL sequences from several other countries. Although most of the CATL sequences from Sri Lankan cattle and buffaloes clustered independently, two buffalo-derived sequences were observed to be closely related to those of the Sri Lankan cattle. Furthermore, a Sri Lankan buffalo sequence clustered with CATL gene sequences from Brazilian buffalo and Thai cattle. In addition to reporting the first PCR-based survey of T. theileri among Sri Lankan-bred cattle and water buffaloes, the present study found that some of the CATL gene fragments sourced from water buffaloes shared similarity with those determined from cattle in this country.     

Effect of liner design,pulsator setting,and vacuum level on bovine teat tissue changes and milking characteristics as measured by ultrasonography

: Friesian-type dairy cows were milked with different machine settings to determine the effect of these settings on teat tissue reaction and on milking characteristics. Three teat-cup liner designs were used with varying upper barrel dimensions (wide-bore WB = 31.6 mm; narrow-bore NB = 21.0 mm; narrow-bore NB1 = 25.0 mm). These liners were tested with alternate and simultaneous pulsation patterns, pulsator ratios (60:40 and 67:33) and three system vacuum levels (40, 44 and 50 kPa). Teat tissue was measured using ultrasonography, before milking and directly after milking. The measurements recorded were teat canal length (TCL), teat diameter (TD), cistern diameter (CD) and teat wall thickness (TWT).Teat tissue changes were similar with a system vacuum level of either 50 kPa (mid-level) or 40 kPa (low-level). Widening the liner upper barrel bore dimension from 21.0 mm (P < 0.01) or 25.0 mm (P < 0.001) to 31.6 mm increased the magnitude of changes in TD and TWT after machine milking. Milk yield per cow was significantly (P < 0.05) higher and cluster-on time was reduced (P < 0.01) with the WB cluster as compared to the NB1 cluster. Minimum changes in teat tissue parameters were achieved with system vacuum level of 40 kPa and 50 kPa using NB and WB clusters, respectively. Similar changes in teat tissue and milk yield per cow were observed with alternate and simultaneous pulsation patterns. Widening pulsator ratio from 60:40 to 67:33 did not have negative effects on changes in teat tissue and had a positive effect on milk yield and milking time. Milk liner design had a bigger effect on teat tissue changes and milking characteristics than pulsation settings.     

Effects of different teat inserts on wound healing of experimentally incised streak canal in non-lactating cattle

The recurrence of reduced milk flow is a common sequela after placement of teat inserts in the streak canal as a treatment for teat injury. We evaluated the effects of three types of commercial teat inserts on wound healing. Thirty-two normal streak canals of eight cows were incised longitudinally using a teat knife. Then, a wax-bougie, silicone self-retaining cannula, and catgut teat dilator were placed in each cow for 7 days. No insert was placed on the remaining teat as a control. Histopathological examination revealed that granulation polyps with squamous metaplasia developed in the area around the rosette of Furstenberg in most teats in which silicone cannulas and catgut teat dilators were placed, whereas the controls and the teats with wax-bougies healed with less tissue reaction. This study suggests that the placement of irritating inserts, such as a silicone cannula and catgut teat dilator, interfere with wound healing.     

Clinical efficacy of intrauterine cephapirin benzathine administration on clearance of uterine bacteria and subclinical endometritis in postpartum buffaloes

This study examined the effect of single IU administration of cephapirin on clinical recovery, clearance of uterine bacteria and reproductive performance of postpartum buffaloes with subclinical endometritis (SCE). Buffaloes (n = 86) at 35 days postpartum (DPP) with >10% polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells in endometrial cytosmears were designated as positive (SCEP, n = 29), and buffaloes with ≤10% PMN cell were designated as negative (SCEN, n = 57) for SCE. Out of 29 positive buffaloes, 15 were administered a single intrauterine dose of cephapirin benzathine on 40 DPP (SCEP‐CB), while the remaining 14 animals were kept as untreated control (SCEP‐C). All animals were observed regularly for oestrous signs and were again subjected to cytobrush sampling on the first postpartum (FPP) oestrus. Buffaloes positive for SCE at 35 DPP were later considered “recovered” if their PMN cells dropped to ≤5% on the FPP oestrus. Presence of Escherichia coli, Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum in uterus was detected based upon PCR amplification of genes related to bacteria‐specific virulence factors. A total of 66.7% of SCEP‐CB group buffaloes recovered as compared to 28.6% in SCEP‐C (χ² = 4.21; p < 0.05). Rate of bacterial clearance did not differ between treated (38.5%) and untreated buffaloes (8.3%) (χ² = 1.67; p > 0.05). The median days to first service did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the three groups, whereas cephapirin administration reduced (p < 0.05) the days open by 14 days in SCEP‐CB compared to SCEP‐C buffaloes. SCEP‐CB buffaloes were as likely to conceive as SCEN, whereas SCEP‐C had 0.28 hazard ratio for pregnancy. In conclusion, a single treatment with cephapirin benzathine at 40 DPP improved the reproductive performance of buffaloes with subclinical endometritis.     

Immunoexpression of cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α suggesting its role in formation and regression of corpus luteum in Indian buffalo

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a cytokine that plays multiple important roles in corpus luteum (CL). Immunolocalization of expression of TNF-α in CL of buffalo was studied in different stages of its development and regression. Corpus luteum of healthy buffaloes (24) was collected from local slaughterhouses and categorized into early (stage I, 1–5 days, n = 6), mid (stage II, 6–11 days, n = 6), late luteal (stage III, 12–16 days, n = 6) and regressing phase (stage IV, 17–20 days, n = 6). In earliest phase of cyclic CL, per cent immunoexpression of TNF-α was significantly (p < .05) lower as compared to all phases with its expression being restricted to few developing luteal cells, usually in neutrophils. A significantly (p < .05) higher number of neutrophils with TNF-α immunoexpression were observed as compared to mid-luteal phase that indicated its role in initiation of angiogenesis at this stage. TNF-α immunoexpression almost doubled in mid-luteal phase, but the number of neutrophils exhibiting TNF-α was significantly (p < .05) lower with respect to all phases of CL. Immunoexpression percentage in late luteal phase increased sharply being significantly (p < .05) higher than earlier two phases of CL. In regressing phase, per cent immunostaining was maximum with highly significant (p < .05) difference as compared to all other stages, observed in all degrading luteal cells, abundant immune cells, that is neutrophils and macrophages which finally led to apoptosis and phagocytosis. Immunoexpression of TNF-α in early luteal phases served its role in initiation of angiogenesis, and its intense expression in regressing phase of CL suggested a shift in its role to apoptosis and structural luteal regression signifying both luteotropic and luteolytic roles in buffalo. This is probably the first study of its kind in buffaloes.     

Uterine blood flow,fetal heart rate,gestational length,and fetal birth weight variability in response to maternal temperament in the goat

This prospective study was designed to investigate the effects of maternal temperament on uterine blood flow, fetal heart rate, gestational length, and fetal birth weight in a goat experimental model. Based on the arena test, behavioral testing related to fear-eliciting stimulus, goats were divided into nervous (n = 13) and calm (n = 11) groups. After mating, the perfusion of maternal uterine arteries (UTAs) and its related Doppler parameters, blood flow volume (BFV), time-averaged mean velocity (TAMEANV), acceleration (Acce), and resistance impedance (S/D), were evaluated biweekly from week two until the end of pregnancy. Fetal heart rate (FHR) was investigated during the pregnancy in addition to the gestation length (GL) and fetal birth weight (FBW). The UTA-BFV and TAMEANV, as well as Acce and S/D, were influenced by maternal temperament (p < .05). The FHR showed no significant changes between experimental animals of different temperaments (p = .81). Both GL and FBW were increased in calm rather than nervous goats (p < .05). These results indicated that the maternal nervous (temperament) have negative impacts on uterine artery Doppler indices, fetal growth, and gestational length in a goat experimental model.     

Clinical and ultrasonographic findings in the mammary gland of sheep

AIM: To compare clinical and ultrasonographic findings and assess the value of ultrasonography for evaluating the structure and condition of the teat and teat canal of sheep.

METHODS: The mammary glands of 30 lactating ewes were examined clinically and using ultrasonography. The distance from the teat tip to the ground was measured and diagnostic images of the body of the gland, gland cistern and teat cistern were obtained using an 8.5 MHz frequency ultrasonic transducer. A California mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological culture were performed on milk samples collected from each half of each udder.

RESULTS: Udder parenchyma and teats were palpably normal in 27/30 (90%) ewes. Milk clots or abnormalities were evident in 4/30 (13%) udders, lesions in the glandular parenchyma and/or teats were evident by palpation in 3/30 (10%), and pathogenic bacteria were cultured from 2/30 (7%). In both of the latter cases, mastitis was diagnosed based on clotted and discoloured appearance of milk and highly positive CMT reactions. Ultrasonographic examination in these udders revealed non-homogenous regions in the glandular tissue and alternating areas of hyperechogenic and hypoechogenic tissue. Overall, highly positive CMT reactions were evident in milk from 14/30 (47%) left halves and 9/30 (30%) right halves (p=0.02). No relationship between teat-to-ground distances and CMT results was evident (p>0.05). Teat canal lengths ranged from 5.7–10.3 mm (mean=8.6; SD=1.3 mm) and the widths from 1.8–3.1 mm (mean=2.3; SD=0.4 mm). Milk sampled from ewes that had long (≥9 mm) or wide (≥2 mm) teat canals was highly positive to the CMT in 75% and 83% of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurements of the length and width of the teat canal appeared to correlate with CMT results. The use of ultrasonography in evaluating the health of the udder of small ruminants holds promise for the future.     

Effects of Machine‐milking on the Bacterial Flora of Teat Duct and Mammary Gland of Ewes

In total, 308 paired‐samples of teat duct material and milk, were collected before and 50–70 min after machine‐milking, from 30 ewes. Samples were processed bacteriologically. For analysis of results, we compared changes in bacterial isolation following milking, for duct and milk samples; statistical significance was assessed by the Sign Test. Bacteria were isolated from 18 (6%) duct and 19 (6%) milk samples collected before the milking procedure; respective figures after it, were 81 (26%) and 33 (11%). In 77 (25%) cases, bacteriological findings in the two duct samples of each pair were different; in seven cases bacteria were isolated only before, whilst in 70 cases bacteria were isolated only after milking (P < 0.005); respective results for milk samples were 26 (8%): 6 and 20 cases (P = 0.693). The majority of bacterial isolates were staphylococci, accounting for 63% of 99 isolates. The milking procedure predisposes to entrance of bacteria into the teat duct; however, increased bacterial isolation from the teat did not result to increased mammary infections, likely as a consequence of defence mechanisms present in healthy teats.     

Accuracy of transrectal palpation for early pregnancy diagnosis in Egyptian buffaloes

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of transrectal palpation (TRP) for diagnosing early pregnancy in buffaloes and the false diagnoses of the TRP test by using the pregnancy-associated glycoprotein radioimmunoassay (PAG-RIA) test. Pregnancy was diagnosed in 168 buffalo–cows once by TRP and PAG-RIA test between days 31 and 55 after breeding. The sensitivity of TRP for detecting pregnant buffalo–cows was 37.5% at days 31–35, increased to 93.8% at days 46–50 and reached 100% at days 51–55 (P < 0.01). All cases of false negative diagnoses (n = 10) had PAG concentration higher than the threshold (≥1.8 ng/mL) for diagnosing pregnancy. The specificity of TRP for detecting non-pregnant buffalo cows ranged between 90.9%, and 100% between days 31 and 55. All cases of false positive diagnoses (n = 5) made by TRP had PAG concentrations lower than the threshold for diagnosing pregnancy. It could be concluded that TRP is an accurate method for diagnosing pregnant and non-pregnant buffalo cows from day 46 after breeding.     

Predictors of beef calf temperament at weaning and its impact on temperament at breeding and reproductive performance

Two experiments were conducted to determine (i) factors influencing calf temperament at weaning, (ii) association between heifer–calf temperament at weaning and temperament at breeding and (iii) effect of heifer–calf temperament on pregnancy rate per artificial insemination (P/AI). In experiment 1, beef cows and their calves (n = 285) from three farms were used. Sire docility estimated progeny difference (EPD) score, birth type (normal or assisted), calf gender, calf behaviour (during 1st 4 weeks) and calf health status (until weaning) were recorded. Cows and calves were assigned a temperament score (0—calm; 1—excitable), and all cows were given a body condition score (BCS, 1–9; 1—emaciated; 9—obese) at weaning. Calf's illness (p < .05), low sire docility EPD score (p < .05), altered gait (p < .05), altered resting behaviour (p < .01), reduced/no play behaviour (p < .05) and cow excitable temperament (p < .001) increased calf excitable temperament at weaning. In experiment 2, replacement heifer–calves (n = 758) from 12 farms were assigned a temperament score at weaning and later at breeding. Blood from 40 calves at weaning and 31 heifers at initiation of synchronization (same animals) was collected by coccygeal venipuncture for determination of circulating cortisol and substance P concentrations. Heifers were assigned a BCS and reproductive tract score (RTS, 1–5; 1—immature, acyclic; 5—mature, cyclic), synchronized for fixed time AI, observed for oestrus and were artificially inseminated. Cortisol concentrations were increased in excitable heifer–calves compared to calm heifer–calves at weaning (p < .05), and substance P was increased in excitable compared to calm females both at weaning and breeding (p < .05). Low sire EPD docility score (p < .01), heifer–calf excitable temperament at weaning increased excitable temperament at breeding (p < .01). Controlling for BCS categories (p < .01), oestrous expression (p < .0001) and temperament at breeding by oestrous expression (p < .05), the calf's excitable temperament at weaning (p < .001) reduced P/AI (Calm, 62.7 (244/389) vs. Excitable, 53.4% (197/369); p < .01). In conclusion, selection of docile cows and sires with greater docility EPD score should be given consideration to reduce calf excitement. Temperament in beef female can be detected earlier in their life and could be used as a tool in the selection process and to improve their performances.     

Evaluation of genetic architecture and mutation drift equilibrium of Marathwada buffalo population in Central India

In the present study, microsatellite data on 24 loci were generated and utilized to evaluate the genetic architecture and mutation drift equilibrium of Marathwada buffaloes, a Central Indian population maintained under low input system. Sufficient allelic diversity was observed with a total of 109 alleles across different loci. The genetic diversity analysis of Marathwada buffaloes displayed moderate level of within breed variability in terms of mean number of alleles per locus (4.48) and heterozygosity values (Ho = 0.532, He = 0.624). The studied Indian buffalo population showed considerable heterozygote deficiency (F_IS = 0.138) and deviation from HWE at many investigated loci. Three quantitative tests viz. sign test, standardized difference test and Wilcoxon sign rank test and a qualitative test for mode shift distortion of allelic frequencies were employed to evaluate mutation drift equilibrium under three different models of microsatellite evolution. The population was found to deviate significantly under IAM and TPM, while it was reverse under SMM. The qualitative test for mode shift supported the results under SMM indicating the absence of genetic bottleneck in the recent past in Marathwada buffaloes.     

Nasal immunization with inhibin DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis for improving ovarian responses and fertility in cross‐bred buffaloes

This study was conducted to determine the effect of immunization with inhibin DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella choleraesuis on ovarian responses and fertility in cross‐bred buffaloes. A total of 134 cross‐bred buffaloes were divided into four groups: groups T1 (n = 34), T2 (n = 35) and T3 (n = 31) were nasal immunized twice a day with 10 ml of 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/ml of the C501 (pVAX‐asd‐IS) vaccine for 5, 3 and 1 day, respectively. Group C (n = 34) was nasal immunized with 10 ml PBS for 5 days. All animals were immunized twice with an interval of 14 days and administered with 200 μg of a GnRH analogue on day 28, 0.5 mg PGF_2α on day 35 and 200 μg of the same GnRH analogue on day 37. TAI was performed at 18 and 24 hr after the second GnRH treatment. Fourteen days after primary immunization, C501 (pVAX‐asd‐IS) elicited significant immune responses, and anti‐inhibin IgG antibody titres in group T1 were significantly higher (p < .01) than groups T3 and C. After the second GnRH treatment, the growth speed of the dominant follicles in group T1 was significantly faster (p < .05) than groups T3 and C. The number and diameter of large follicles (≥10 mm) as well as ovulatory follicles in group T1 were the greatest in all groups, resulting in a greater conception rate in buffaloes with positive anti‐inhibin antibodies. These results demonstrate that immunization with the C501 (pVAX‐asd‐IS) vaccine, coupled with the Ovsynch protocol, could be used as an alternative approach to improve reproductive performance in cross‐bred buffaloes.     

Invasive Teat Surgery in Dairy Cattle: II - Long-term Follow-up and complications

A prospective study was performed on 52 teats that were operated upon at the Ontario Veterinary College over a three year period for various problems. Long-term postsurgical follow-ups were obtained to assess milking ability. Sixty-three percent of all the cows that had surgery were classified by the Canadian Holstein Association as "good" or better. The implantation of a prosthesis was required in 32 teats and was found to be associated with: a higher prevalence of chronic mastitis, a lower long-term milking success rate, and an increased prevalence of abnormal milking times. Of the five types of teat lesions encountered, Type I (<30% of teat cistern involved) and Type V (lacerations, webbed teats, fistulae) had the best short and long-term prognosis for lactation. Overall, 60% of the operated teats were milking one month after surgery, and 41% at the end of the lactation.