Selection of Biomarkers from Differentially Expressed Genes in Leukocytes of Buffalos Treated with Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin: The Importance of Sample Size for Reliable Discriminating Systems
Pages 1-13
Lorenzo Castigliego, Filippo Jodi Carrieri, Andrea Armani, Marco Mazzi, Carlo Boselli, Goffredo Grifoni, Daniela Gianfaldoni and Alessandra Guidi

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2016.05.01.1

Published: 06 April 2016

Abstract: The research on biomarkers to detect livestock treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is still an open issue. In fact, beyond undertaking confirmation methods, there is the need to develop simple and inexpensive screening tests. In this direction, some proposals have been forwarded, mostly involving the measurement of circulating molecules, whereas the possibility of using biomarkers related to gene expression is a field under investigation. The present study was carried out on sixteen buffalos, eight of which treated with rbST. Blood samples were collected six times during the treatment to investigate on the presence of differentially expressed genes in leukocytes. Analysis with the microarray technique was performed on two sampling moments, in order to obtain a first selection of genes. Further analysis was carried out by real time RT-PCR, in order to create a discriminating linear system. A study on the variation of the error related to the number of samples included in statistics was also performed. Results showed that, including an increasing number of samples to build the discriminating algorithm, the b-error grows and tends to stabilize on 6.5%. This study clearly shows the paramount importance of including a proper number of samples to obtain reliable algorithms..

Haematological Profiles of Lactating Nili-Ravi Buffaloes Under Heat Stress-Alleviated Conditions During Sub-tropical Summer Season
Pages 70-75
K.S. Das, J.K. Singh and V. Nayan

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2014.03.03.1

Published: 14 November 2014

Abstract: The experiment was conducted using forty two Nili-Ravi lactating buffaloes of Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Regional Station-Bir Dosanjh, Nabha, Patiala, Punjab to investigate the effect of heat stress-alleviated conditions on haematological profile in Nili-Ravi buffaloes during hot-dry (HD) and hot-humid (HH) season. All buffaloes were uniformly divided into two groups of twenty one in each group considering their lactation number, stage of lactation, body weight, dam’s milk yield and milk yield in current lactation. Out of which ten buffaloes from each group were selected for blood sampling considering those above factors. The control (T₀) group were kept in a separate shed without any extra nutrient supplementation and modification in microclimate and management. The treatment (T₁) group was supplemented with niacin@6 gm/buffalo/day, yeast@10 gm/buffalo/day and mustard oil @150gms/buffalo/day. They were provided curtains and mist fans in the shed. Feeding time, frequency and type of ration were also altered. During HD period, T₀ group exhibited higher (P<0.002, P<0.05) WBC (17.2 x 10⁹ /L), and lymphocyte (12.52 x 10⁹ /L) counts and lymphocyte per cent (69.46 %) than T₁ group (12.32 x 10 ⁹ /L, 7.32 x 10 ⁹ /L and 59.68%, respectively). Similar results were recorded during hot humid season in T₀ and T₁ group. The neutrophil per cent differed significantly between T₀ and T₁ group under HD (P<0.001) and HH (P<0.006) season. The study indicated that heat stress during sub-tropical summer months affected the haematology of lactating buffaloes and the stress could be reduced through the change (use of fans and curtains, nutritional supplementations, and feeding alterations together in the form of one package) of microclimate.

Biochemical and Fatty Acids Composition of Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Follicular Fluid
Pages 82-88
J. Vencato, T. Badon, S. Bedin, P. Cogo, M. Simonato and C. Stelletta

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2014.03.03.3

Published: 14 November 2014

Abstract: Aim of this study was to characterize the biochemical and fatty acids composition of follicular fluid collected from follicles of different sizes and in different phases of ovarian cycle in water buffalo farmed in Italy. Ovaries were collected at slaughterhouse during the breeding season; follicular fluid was aspirated dividing samples in small and large follicles (< 6 mm and > 6 mm respectively) and in luteal and follicular phase. Biochemical analysis and gas-chromatography were performed. Biochemical and fatty acids composition were greatly influenced by both follicular dimension and phase of ovarian cycle. Biochemical composition and its variations were in agreement with previously study conducted in buffalo and other species. This is the first report of the fatty acids composition of buffalo follicular fluid. Twenty-two fatty acids were identified in follicular fluid; nine were saturated fatty acids, six monounsatured fatty acids and seven polyunsatured fatty acids. The most dominant fatty acids were linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachidonic acid.All the identified fatty acids concentrations vary at least because of follicle dimension or phase, with the exception of γ-linoleic acid and arachidonic acid which concentrations remain stable in all classes.

Growth Traits of Anatolian and Anatolian x Italian Crossbred Buffalo Calves Under the Village Conditions
Pages 92-96
Özel Şekerden

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2014.03.03.5

Published: 14 November 2014

Abstract: The study was carried out to compare growth performances of Anatolian and crossbred (Anatolian x Italian) buffalo calves (53 F₁, 66 Anatolian, 26 F₁xAnatolian) raised at Ilıkpınar Village of Kırıkhan District of Hatay Province. Body measurements were determined in the period of 0-12 months of age. The effects of genotype, sex, birth year effects on each characteristic in each age were investigated using GLM variance analysis. The means of each characteristic in each age for each genotype were calculated. Duncan test was used in comparison of the averages of each characteristic SPSS program was used in the statistical procedures. Genotype created significant variation in live weight at 1 and 6 months of ages respectively and on almost every body measurement almost in every age. Genotype* birth weight, genotype*sex, and genotype*birth year* sex interactions were found statistically significant in the point of view of various characteristics in various ages. Factors had significant effects on various characteristics in various ages. It can be said that, F₁ growth was the most speedly and Anatolian buffaloes stayed behind of the other genotypes from the point of view of all the traits.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Live Cellson In Vivo Digestibility and Nitrogen Excretion in Lactating Buffaloes
Pages 18-24
Felicia Masucci, Pinar Uzun,Fernando Grasso, Giuseppe De Rosa and Antonio Di Francia

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2014.03.01.4

Published: 21 March 2014

Abstract: The effects of dietary inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultureon intake, in vivo digestibility, and fecal nitrogen excretion were examined in dairy buffalo. Forty lactating buffalo cows were equally divided into Control and Saccharomycesgroups, balanced for milk production, parity, and days in milk. Two subsequent 16-d experimental phases were carried out. For both groups during the first experimental period a TMR based on maize silage (maize-TMR) was used, whereas in the second period an alfalfa haylage (alfalfa-TMR) was administered to the animals. In each experimental period, Saccharomyces group was supplemented with 50 g/head/day of yeast (Biocell®, Limena, Padova, Italy), corresponding to 20×10⁹ CFU/head/day Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC Sc47 strain. The yeast supplement was top-dressed onto the morning feed. Dry matter intake (DMI) was assessed for 6 consecutive d on group basis, by the difference between feed offered and refused. In the last 3 days of experimental period in vivo digestibility was determined by using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as an intrinsic digestibility marker. Saccharomyces supplemented buffalo cows presented greater DMI of maize-TMR, whereas no statistical differences between the groups were observed for alfalfa-TMR. Saccharomyces supplementation significantly improved in vivo digestibility of both TMR. Fecal nitrogen excretion was significantly reduced by the use of yeast supplementation. Results suggest that the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture in the diet for lactating buffaloes can be recommended for its effects on cow’s digestive efficiency and fecal nitrogen excretion.