ANNEXURE –XA BUFFALO 1 Anatomy and Histology 2 Animal Nutrition - Rumen 3 Biochemistry 4 Animal By-products 5 Biotechnology 6 Breeding 7 Economics 8 Epidemiology 9 10 Extension Genetics, cytogenetics, molecular biology 11 Gynecology- obstetrics 12 13 Immunology Management 14 Meat and meat products 15 Medicine 16 17 Microbiology Milk and milk products 18 Animal Nutrition 19 Parasitology 20 Pathology 21 Pharmacology 22 Physiology 23 Reproduction 24 Reproduction- Embryo technology 25 Reproduction Male 26 Skin 27 28 29 Surgery Toxity Bio-products 657 1. ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: A study on the Scanning Electron Microscopy of the buffalo mammary gland. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 14(1): 101103 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dang,A.K; Ludri,R.S Institution: Organization: Content : Scanning electron microscopy of twelve lactating buffalo mammary glands was done. The lactating mammary glands showed alveolus, arrangement of blood vessels and myoepithelial cells on the alveoli, and the formation of lobules and interlobular connective tissue. From the exposed alveolar lumen, fat globule formation can be seen which is still attached to the alveolar surface by microvilli. This technique should further be extended to study the alveolar structure in detail during different stages of mammary gland development in buffaloes. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Effect of freezing and thawing on the histology and ultrastructure of buffalo muscle. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 17(9): 1291-1295 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sen,A.R; Sharma,N Institution: Organization: Content : Histology and transmission electron microscopy studies were carried out on buffalo muscles that were subjected to repeated freeze-thaw cycles at -10 and 18 degrees C. In the first freeze-thaw cycle (-10 degrees C), structures of muscle showed slight changes and closely resembled normal muscle. There were frequent gaps halfway across the muscle fibres and some cracks in individual fibres were also noticed in the second freeze-thaw cycle. In muscle frozen at -18 degrees C, more pronounced shrinkage with extensive damage of muscle fibres with tearing was observed. The interfibrillar gaps were wider, and shrinkage and tearing of the fibres were more distinct after the second freeze-thaw cycle. After the second cycle, the interior portion showed large scale degradation of the ultrastructure. Our studies of buffalo muscle show that under the proper conditions, little structural damage takes place in the meat histology and ultrastructure under repeated freeze-thaw conditions. This study adds continued weight to the evidence that limited freeze-thaw cycles will not deteriorate the quality of buffalo meat. 658 Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: The endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa of Indian buffalo: I. Histomorphological character and histochemical behaviour Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 1999; 15(3): 313-320 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mishra,U.K; Das, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : The histomorphology and histochemistry of the gut endocrine cells were studied in 5 Indian buffaloes. Depending on the arrangement of secretion granules within the cell and degree of argent-affinity, 9 cell-types were identified: basally granulated cells (type-I), peripherally granulated cells (typeII), densely granulated cells (type-III), diffusely granulated cells (type-IV), small dense elongated cells (type-V), pyramidal cells (type-VI), light stained granular cells (type-VII), large oblong argent-affinity cells (type-VIII) and oval non-argent-affine-chromaffine cells (type-IX). Histomorphologically each cell-type was different from the rest and appeared to share certain histochemical properties with other types. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Age correlated histomorphological changes in tunica mucosa of small intestine in buffalo. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(3): 341-347 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Neelam Bansal; Khatra,G.S; Saigal,R.P Institution: Organization: Content : The histomorphological studies on small intestine of buffalo revealed longer and narrower villi in the duodenum and jejunum of day old calves, which became short and broad with advancing age. The crypts were much extensive and compactly arranged in duodenum, and their number and size decreased towards ileum. The main cell types seen at different locations of intestine were Paneth and enterochromaffin cells in crypts, goblet cells in ileum and the clear cells in duodenum. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: The endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal mucosa of Indian buffalo : II. Frequency and distribution. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(3): 323-330 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mishra,U.K; Das,R.K Institution: Organization: Content : Twenty selective regions of the gastrointestinal tract of adult Indian buffalo were screened histochemically to document the distribution and relative 659 frequency of occurrence of unicellular endocrine glands in the surface epithelium, glands, ducts and lamina propria of the gut wall. The cells were numerous in duodenum, stomach and colo-rectum, moderate in jejunum and ileum, and were few in bile duct, pancreatic duct, gall bladder and caecum. Histomorphologically 9 different cell kinds viz., cell-types I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX were distributed characteristically throughout the gut wall with regional variations. Cells of type III were highest in frequency followed by cells of type V while the type IX cells were distributed sparsely in the buffalo gut. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Age-related changes in the cortical bone characteristics of Surti buffalo and Kankrej ox. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(2): 175-179 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dubal,S.C; Vyas, K.N; Vyas, Y.L Institution: Organization: Content : The material properties of cortical bones of forelimbs and hindlimbs of six male, young and adult, Surti buffalo and Kankrej oxen were each determined and compared at the Gujarat Agricultural University, Gujarat, India [date not given]. The mean +or- S.E. of the elastic modulus of calves and adults were 11.60+or-0.10 and 16.30+or-0.10 GN/m2, respectively. Values for strength economy were 33.88+or-0.010 and 54.89+or-0.03 km2/second2, for calves and adults, respectively. Stiffness economy mean values for the calves and adults were at 4.90+or-0.05 and 6.22+or-0.01 Mm2/second2, respectively. The adult animals had significantly (P<0.01) higher mean values with both biometrical and biomechanical characteristics of cortical bones, than the young animals in both species studied. However, the effect of species or limbs on cortical bone characteristics was not significant (P>0.05). It was concluded that cortical bone behaves as a pseudo-ductile material during loading. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Distribution pattern of differently sized secretory granules in pars distalis adenohypophyseal cells of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(2): 181-191 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Massarat Khan; Saigal,R.P; Sethi,R.S Institution: Organization: Content : Various types of pars distalis adenohypophyseal cells of buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, were classified based on the size and distribution pattern of secretory granules. Hypophyses cerebri of one male buffalo, 2 adult female cyclic buffaloes and one adult buffalo in early pregnancy were collected and subjected to electron microscopy. Semi-thin sections and electron photomicographs of the pars distalis adenohypophysis of all buffaloes showed that parenchyma of the lobe appeared mostly in form of groups of cells 660 separated by connective tissue and was more prominent in adults. Most of the cells observed were of various shapes and sizes and granulated. Cells were tentatively categorized as shown in a table, based on the mean diameter of the granules and distribution pattern of different-sized granules. Seven different types of cells were described in the adenohypophysis pars distalis of male buffalo calf and 6 each for the adult cyclic buffalo and pregnant buffalo. The secretory granules of the male buffalo were the largest, followed by the cyclic buffaloes and the pregnant buffalo. Data obtained in buffalo were compared with that in bovine. The buffalo cell types C1, A1 and P1 were comparable to bovine GH cells, C2, A2 and P2 with PRL cells, C3, A3 and P3 with ACTH cells, C4, A4 and P4 with LH cells, C5, A5 and P5 with FSH cells and C6, A6 and P6 with TSH cells. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Gross anatomical studies of the Superior Sesamoidean Ligament in relation to biomechanics in buffalo in comparison with cattle. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 371-382 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gaikwad,S.A; Dhande,P.L; Shankhapal,V.D Institution: Organization: Content : Gross anatomical studies of the Superior Sesamoidean Ligament (SSL) of all 4 limbs from 6 adult males each of Murrah buffalo and cattle (Khillar breed) were conducted. Fine dissection of SSL was carried out immediately after slaughter. The origin, insertion, gross anatomical structure, and biometrical observations of various divisions were recorded. The various divisions of the SSL were designated as main, postero-medial and lateral, antero-medial axial and abaxial, antero-lateral axial and abaxial and central strand. The average length of main, postero-medial and lateral and central strands was significantly higher in cattle and significantly higher in hindlimb. The average width of various divisions of SSL was significantly higher in buffalo. The length-width ratios of various divisions of SSL showed significant difference between the species, as well as between the limbs. The average length of all divisions of SSL was greater in cattle compared to buffalo. However, the width of various divisions of SSL was greater in buffalo compared to cattle. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: AH-hist Age correlated histomorphological and histoenzymic studies on the distribution of neuronal elements in the pancreas of Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 383-389 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anu Prashar; Roy,K.S; Malhi,P.S Institution: Organization: Content : Histomorphological and histoenzymic studies on the neuronal elements in the pancreas of neonatal (n=6), prepubertal (n=6), and pubertal (n=6) Murrah 661 buffaloes, were conducted. Neuronal elements were comprised of ganglion cells, and myelinated and amyelinated nerve fibres which were present in all age groups. However, their frequency was less in pubertal animals compared in prepubertal and neonatal calves. Pacinian corpuscles were only seen in the stromal tissue of prepubertal and pubertal buffaloes. In semithin sections, the nerve terminals were seen close to the base of acinar cells. The activities of phosphatases were not observed in neuronal elements except a weak adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in pubertal animals. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchEase) was uniformly strong in neuronal elements in all age groups, indicating the existence of cholinergic neurotransmission. Activities of non-specific esterases (NSE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and cytochrome-c oxidase (CYO) progressively increased with the progression of age. The levels of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) were consistently low in all age groups, whereas those of NADH and NADPH were relatively high. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic distribution of oxidoreductases in the adrenal gland of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 391-395 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Malhi, P.S; Opinder Singh; Jaswant Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The distribution of oxidoreductases in the cortex and medulla of 8 male buffalo calves was studied. Activities of succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 17- beta -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase, and cytochrome oxidase [cytochrome-c oxidase] were observed in all cortical zones. Activities of these enzymes were stronger in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata compared to zona reticularis. The adrenal medulla showed a weak activity for most of these dehydrogenases. The results are suggestive that zona glomerulosa is the most metabolically active layer. Furthermore, the differences in enzymatic activities might also be reflective of different requirements for production of different metabolic products. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Assessment of hoof volume of surti buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 127-131 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dubal,S.C; Vyas,K.N; Vyas,Y.L Institution: Organization: Content : The limbs of six male Surti buffaloes were collected, and the hoof volume was determined using 3 different methods: in the first method, the hoof volume (Vw) was obtained by water displacement; in the second method, the limbs 662 were macerated and from the separated hoof corium, the hoof volume (Vc) was obtained; and in the third method, hoof volume (Vf) was calculated based on measurements of hoof length, hoof width and width of the interdigital space. The hoof volume of the foreleg foot, obtained by the 3 methods, was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the hindleg foot. The ratio of hoof volume of the fore:hind foot was 58:42. The hoof volume measured by hoof corium (Vc) and by calculation (Vf) were significantly (P<0.05) lower than that obtained by water displacement (Vw) in both feet. Vc did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from Vf in both feet (R2=0.92). The measured volume of the IDS (Vsm) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the calculated volume (Vsf) in both feet. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Prenatal development of mammary gland in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 19-25 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Narinder Singh; Roy,K.S Institution: Organization: Content : A histological study of the mammary gland of 12 Murrah buffalo fetuses ranging in age from 90 to 254 days was undertaken. The age was estimated by measuring CR length. The fetuses were divided into 4 age groups viz. 90-109 (group 1), 120-146 (group 2), 152-182 (group 3) and 251-254 (group 4) days. The group 1 buffalo fetuses showed 4 mammary anlage on the ventral abdominal wall, caudal to the umbilicus between the hind limbs which comprised a centrally located primary sprout embedded into mesenchymal tissue covered externally by the epidermis. The underlying mesenchymal tissue differentiated into connective tissue whorls in close vicinity of the primary sprout. At 120-146 days of age, the primary sprout formed canals and gave rise to secondary sprouts. The mammary anlage at 152-182 days showed primary and secondary sprouts with canals, differentiating into the streak canal, teat sinus and primitive gland sinus. The ectodermal covering of the adjoining area showed differentiation of skin adnexa. The group 4 fetuses showed fully differentiated and 'canalized' streak canal lined by cuboidal epithelium and gland sinus differentiating into a duct system of mammary gland. The adjoining skin showed fully differentiated skin adnexa. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histometric study on different fibre types in muscles of forelimb of the buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 41-48 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dubal, S.C; Vyas,K.N; Vyas,Y.L Institution: Organization: Content : The distribution of fibre types and their diameters, and fibre density were 663 determined through the succinic dehydrogenase [succinate dehydrogenase] activity in forelimb muscles of apparently healthy male Surti buffalo (n=6). The percent population of red, intermediate and white fibres did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between the age groups. The fibre diameter was significantly (P<0.05) more in adults than in calves. Furthermore, fibre density was significantly (P<0.01) lower in adults than in calves. Within the muscle, the white fibres were significantly (P<0.05) wider than the intermediate and red fibres. The muscles of the proximal part of the limb had significantly more red fibres and higher fibre density than the distal part. It was concluded that the muscle profile of the forelimbs is more closely dependent upon the workload than the age of the animal and the buffalo was more suitable for heavy load bearing at a slow speed. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological study on postnatal development of the mammary gland in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 61-70 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Narinder Singh; Roy, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : An age-correlated histomorphological study was done on the mammary gland of neonates (day one to 1 month), prepubertal (2 to 3 years) and adult (lactating and non-lactating) buffaloes. Each group comprised six animals. At birth, the mammary gland consisted of a small teat with a streak canal, Furstenberg's rosette, teat cistern, gland cistern and extensive duct system. During the prepubertal period, it showed an extensive duct system with clumps of glandular tissue at the terminal ends of the duct system. The stromal tissue was more organized and mature. Adipose connective tissue was highly developed around the glandular tissue. The percentage of glandular and nonglandular tissue in the lactating mammary gland was 64.1+or-3.6 and 35.90+or-3.6, whereas it was 21.11+or-4.41 and 78.90+or-4.41 in the nonlactating mammary gland. In the lactating mammary gland, alveoli were highly developed and lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. In the non-lactating mammary gland, the alveoli were shrunken and their epithelium became simple low cuboidal. The corpora amylacea was frequently encountered in the alveoli of the non-lactating mammary gland. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histopathological and histochemical studies of experimental chronic selenosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 209-218 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gill,G.P.S; Roy,K.S; Varinder Uppal Institution: Organization: Content : Histopathological and histochemical studies of experimentally induced 664 chronic selenosis were conducted using nine male buffalo calves. The toxicity was produced by oral administration of selenourea (0.23 mg/kg body weight) for 75 days. The study revealed venous congestion, haemorrhage and necrotic changes in the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, duodenum, skin and cerebrum. Subscapular lymph node appeared normal. The distribution pattern of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides, basic proteins, sudanophilic lipids, phospholipids, ferric ions and calcium ions observed in different organs are discussed. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histochemistry of extraocular muscles in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2005; 21(1): 67-74 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shree,K.Y.L; Prasad, R.V; Jamuna,K.V; Krishna Kakade; Dhoolappa, M Institution: Organization: Content : The histochemical findings and the morphological features were important for characterizing the extraocular muscles (EOMs) of buffalo as slow and fast muscles. The existence of three types of muscle fibres in highly organized striated muscles was clearly distinguished by the difference in their histochemical activity. Histochemical studies on buffalo EOMs was carried out on lipids, glycogen, myoglobin content and enzymes like succinic dehydrogenase and phosphorylase. Lipid content showed strong reactions in narrow fibres, moderate in intermediate and weak reaction in broad fibres. Glycogen was moderate in broad fibres and almost negative in narrow fibres. Myoglobin concentration was more in narrow fibres compared to broad fibres. Succinic dehydrogenase activity (SDH) was higher in narrow fibres, lower in broad fibres and showed intermediate reaction in intermediate fibres where as phosphorylase activity was very strong in broad fibres, strong in intermediate and moderate in narrow fibres. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Scanning electron microscopic studies of the tracheobronchial tree & lung parenchyma of buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Haryana-Veterinarian. 2002; 41: 28-30 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Attar Singh; Gurdial Singh; Nagpal,S.K Institution: Organization: Content : Scanning electron microscopy showed that the cilia formed a ciliary carpet in the trachea of buffalo calves. The height and the number of cilia reduced gradually towards the distal bronchi, however, few ciliated cells were also seen in the bronchioles, which were mainly lined with secretary cells. The parenchyma of the lung had large number of alveoli lined with two types of cells; type I cells were flat while the type II cells were dome shaped. 665 Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Vascularization of the teat in pregnant and non pregnant buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Haryana-Veterinarian. 2002; 41: 31-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jain, R.K; Gupta,A.N; Goyal,R.L Institution: Organization: Content : The arterial blood supply to the udder in buffalo was mainly derived from the external pudendal artery. The external pudendal artery divided in to two primary branches, viz. cranial and caudal mammary arteries. The cranial mammary artery gave off about 5-7 secondary branches, viz. cranial lateral sinus arteries. These arteries again divided into numerous fine branches as tertiary branches to supply the parenchyma of fore quarter. One or two of these tertiary branches coursed to the cranial teat as papillary artery. The caudal mammary artery gave off about 4-8 secondary branches, viz. caudal lateral sinus arteries. These arteries also divided in a similar manner to supply the mammary parenchyma of hind quarter and caudal teat. The arterio-arterial anastomoses between the vessels of the same side were evident but the arterial anastomoses between the two halves were not observed. The mammary arteries of the left side were slightly thicker than the right side. The histological study revealed that the teats of early pregnant buffalo resembled to that of the non-pregnant (heifer). The number of blood vessels and the network of veins were almost the same in the intermediate layer. During mid pregnancy there was increase in the number of blood capillaries and proliferation of the endothelial cells. The teat vascularity was maximum during the third stage (last stage) of pregnancy. A few arterio-venous anastomoses have been demonstrated which might be responsible for venous return. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histological and bio-metrical study on epidermis of nondescriptive buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian-Journal-of-Animal-Health. 2003; 42(2): 151-155 2003 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhattacharjya, M.K; Banerjee,R; Singh,K.S; Guha,R.K; Ghosh,R.K Institution: Organization: Content : Ten buffaloes of different breeds, ages, sexes and body weights were subjected to skin analysis. 1" x 1" sections of skin samples from the head, neck and leg regions were used for preparation of slides and stained by haematoxylin and eosine. It was shown that the epidermis consisted of stratified squamous epithelium and was found to be deep, black and dense in appearance in stained slides. The total thickness of epidermis ranged from 187-244 micro units. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer, consisted of 666 dead cells without having any cellular architecture, had a thickness of 20-33 micro units and was thicker in the neck region. The stratum granulosum containing several layers of flattened cells was present only in the neck region and was 6.37+or-15 micro units thick. The stratum lucidum was absent in all the regions but a faint line was detected in the skin of the neck region. The stratum basale consisted of tall and columnar cells. In the stratum spinosum, irregular polyhedral and hexagonal cells were found. The average thickness of the stratum germinativum was 166-203 micro units and was thicker in the neck region. Club shaped, dark coloured papillary processes measuring 87-156 micro units were also found to be thicker in the neck region. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic studies on phosphatases and esterases in the corpus luteum of Indian buffalo. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(2): 100-102 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Opinder Singh; Roy, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : The localization of phosphatases and acetylcholinesterase in corpora lutea of 22 cyclic and 10 pregnant buffaloes was investigated. The capsule and stroma were negative. Luteal cells were positive for alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase and acetylcholinesterase. The activities were better demonstrable in developed corpora lutea and that of pregnancy, an indication of a better secretory activity at these stages. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: The relative distribution (percentage) proportions of various hormone producing cells in different regions of pars distalis adenohypophysis from buffalo of different phases of reproductive cycle. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(5): 298-300 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Massarat Khan; Saigal, R.P; Sethi, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : The distribution of different hormone producing cells were studied in the paraffin sections of pars distalis adenohypophysis cerebri of 52 male and female buffaloes aged 1 week to adult. The sections were stained to demonstrate GH, PRL, TSH, FSH and LH/ICSH cells with differential staining of the chromophils which comprised 40.32+or-2.29%, 22.20+or1.61%, 17.09%+or-0.82%, 12.02+or-1.19% and 8.36%+or-0.64% of population, respectively. Whereas distribution of GH cells was maximum in zona tuberalis and rostral region, the PRL and LH were maximum in the ventral region, TSH in the caudal region and FSH cells in the central region of pars distalis. In adults, males had higher proportions of GH (45.38%) and LH (12.76%) cells and lower proportions (14.08%) of PRL cells than than females 667 in the follicular phase (38.31%, 8.03% and 24.97%, respectively). The LH cell proportions were higher (10.88%) during the luteal phase. During pregnancy the GH cell proportions were maximum (48.25%) in early stages and PRL and FSH cells were maximum (27.60% and 18.41%, respectively) after 3 months of pregnancy. The proportions of TSH and LH cells were maximum (23.32% and 28.06%, respectively) at 3 months of pregnancy and then decreased. With the advancement of pregnancy, the proportions of FSH and LH cells continued to decrease and increase, respectively, up to 3 months of pregnancy but thereafter FSH cells increased and LH cells decreased. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Age correlated histomorphological changes in the cervix of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Aug 2000). v. 70(8) p. 801-803. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Uppal,V.; Roy K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Age correlated histomorphological changes in the cervix of buffalo revealed that the lamina epithelialis was simple cuboidal in neonatal calves which transformed into mucinogenic simple columnar in adult buffaloes. The epithelial height was more at the base of cervical folds than at its apex in all age groups. Tunica muscularis was made up of inner circular and outer longitudinally oriented smooth muscle fibres, which became 3 layered in prepubertal and adult animals. Collagen, reticular and elastic fibres were few and fine in neonates becames coarser and denser with progression of age. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histochemical alterations in Lantana toxicity. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Aug 2000). v. 70(8) p. 847-849. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mandial, R.K.; Randhawa,S.N.S.; Roy,K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Cryostat section of liver, kidneys, rumen, jejunum, spleen, heart, cerebrum, lungs and gall bladder of buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) experimentally intoxicated by oral administration of dried leaf powder of Lantana camara variety aculeata - red flower @ 6g/kg body weight were studied for histochemical/histoenzymatic changes. Most of the tissues revealed loss of alkaline phosphatase, succinic dehydrogenase, lactic dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase, cytochrome oxidase and xanthine oxidase activity associated with increased acid phosphatase activity and lipid contents. Pakistan Veterinary Journal Specialization: Anatomy and histology 668 Subject: Muzzle measurements and characteristics of Surti and Jaffarabadi buffalo and its applicability in predicting the age and production performance. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(11): 1062-1065 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh,N.P; Patel,A.M Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to determine the age and prediction of production performance of buffaloes by a new modified muzzle print technique. Buffaloes (n=199) of different age groups and lactating buffaloes (n=65) belonging to Surti and Jafarabadi breeds were employed. Two types of studies on muzzle, i.e. various muzzle measurements and various muzzle characteristics in a 2x2 cm area of the muzzle were carried out. In Surti buffaloes, the average basal length, upper length, central length and distance between nostrils were 4.29+or-0.06, 4.01+or-0.10, 4.18+or-0.15 and 2.25+or0.05 cm in the 0.0- to 2.9-month age group, whereas in the >60-month age groups, the respective values were 8.12+or-0.13, 7.65+or-0.16, 8.31+or-0.12 and 4.73+or-0.06 cm. Similarly in Jafarabadi, these values were 5.19+or-0.15, 4.78+or-0.20, 4.74+or-0.33 and 2.39+or-0.10 cm in the 0.0- to 5.9-month age group and 9.59+or-0.14, 9.12+or-0.29, 9.21+or-0.16 and 5.33+or-0.13 cm in the >60-month age group. The average number of beads varied from 27.11+or-1.63 to 59.33+or-1.66 in the age groups of 60 months and above and 6.0 to 11.9 months in Surti, and 22.21+or-2.53 to 63.38+or-2.86 in the >60month and 0.0- to 5.9-month age group in Jafarabadi. The total converted beads ranged from a minimum of 45.69+or-1.38 to a maximum of 100.63+or3.95 in Surti, whereas it was 25.07+or-3.22 to 96.50+or-6.60 in Jafarabadi buffaloes. Calves in both breeds had a higher number of total converted beads than older animals. The correlation of age with various muzzle measurements was significantly positive (P<0.01), which indicated the parallel increase of the various muzzle measurements with the age of buffaloes. Correlations were negative and significant for muzzle characteristics (P>0.01), indicative of a declining trend with the advancement of age. The regression equation showed the significant value of R2 to predict the age by various muzzle measurements and various muzzle characteristics, i.e. 75.6% in Surti and 77.6% in Jafarabadi. The association of muzzle measurements and characteristics with production traits varied between breeds. The regression equations that had more than 60% R2 values were Y1=(-172.48)+35.66 X and Y2 = (318.22)+68.36 X, where Y1=total milk yield in the second month of first lactation Surti buffaloes, Y2=total milk yield in second and third months of first lactation Surti buffaloes, and X=central length of muzzle of Surti buffaloes. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Radiological investigations of intrahepatic arterial supply of liver in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(12): 1108-1109 AB: Country of Origin: India 669 Author’s name: Anuradha; Roy,K.S; Neelam Bansal; Varinder Uppal Institution: Organization: Content : Six healthy male buffalo calves were embalmed with 10% formalin. The liver along with its blood vessels was separated from the carcass and examined. The hepatic artery enters the liver at the hilus and bifurcates into the dorsal and ventral interlobar arteries. The dorsal interlobar artery was the main arterial supply to the gall bladder and dorsal lobe of the liver. The ventral interlobar artery bifurcates into the middle and ventral interlobular arteries. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic and biochemical alterations in rabid buffalo calves - an experimental study. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(9): 739-742 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, H; Singh,C.K Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo calves (n=9) were divided into 3 groups of 3 buffalo calves each to study the histoenzymic and biochemical alterations after experimental infection with street rabies virus (SRV). In group 1, buffalo calves (2) were inoculated with 656865 MICLD50 of SRV via oral route. Normal mice brain (5 ml) (NMB) suspension was inoculated via similar route to third buffalo calf serving as control of this group. Group 2 buffalo calves (2) were inoculated with 394119 MICLD50 of SRV via inter-thecal route. NMB suspension (3 ml) was inoculated via similar route to third buffalo calf serving as control of this group. Lastly, group 3 buffalo calves (2) were inoculated with SRV by instilling 131373 MICLD50 SRV in both eyes. The third buffalo calf was instilled with NMB suspension (0.5 ml) into each eye. Enzymic activities of succinic dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase, adenosine triphosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and lactic dehydrogenase were determined in cryostat sections of nervous tissues. It was observed that the enzymatic activities were affected by neuronal degeneration and necrosis tissues during the progression of the disease. Biochemical studies revealed that there was progressive decrease in the level of acetylcholinesterase during the course of the disease, however, there was no significant change in the level of blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Marginal cell layer in the buffalo hypophysis cerebri: a histological and immunohistochemical study. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(11): 951-953 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Massarat Khan; Saigal, R.P; Sethi, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : 670 The histomorphochemical study on adenohypophyses of 66 buffaloes of either sex aged from one week to adult revealed that the marginal cell layer lining of the hypophyseal cleft comprised simple squamous, cuboidal or columnar type epithelium, which sometimes appeared pseudostratified. It was inconsistently ciliated. In general, the marginal epithelium stained pale but contained variably distributed PAS and alcian blue reactive cells. The cells positive to phloxin-B and aldehyde fuchsin, and those immunohistochemically reactive to FSH, LH, thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH [thyrotropin], prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH) [somatotropin] also occurred within the marginal cell layer. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Ultrasonographic anatomy of the palmar metacarpus and fetlock in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jun 2003). v. 73(6) p. 591-593. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, N.; Hoque,M.; Maiti, S.K.; Sharma, A.K.; Kumar, N.; Gangwar,A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : The ultrasonographic anatomy of the palmar metacarpus and fetlock in buffalo calves in presented. The SDFT and DDFT had an hour-glass shape from proximal to distal on the limb. The thickest palmo-dorsal measurement of SDFT and DDFT located int he mid metacarpal region 12 and 14 cm below the ACB respectively. The left and right SDFT and DDFT tendon did not have significant differences (P>0.05) in palmo-dorsal measurements. Longitudinal ultrasonograph at the midmetacarpal showed similar echogenicity of SDFT and DDFT. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Ultrasonographic anatomy of the palmar metacarpus and fetlock in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(6): 591-593 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naveen Kumar; Hoque, M; Maiti,-S.K; Sharma, A.K; Kumar, N; Gangwar,A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : The anatomy of the palmar metacarpus and the fetlock of buffalo calves was investigated using ultrasonography. Details and measurements of the accessory carpal bone (ACB), superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and suspensory ligament are presented. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphology and histochemistry of corpora lutea and corpora albicantia of Gaddi goats. 671 Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(11): 1241-1242 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shalini; Sharma, D.N Institution: Organization: Content : Ovaries from 15 healthy cyclic non-pregnant Gaddi goats (2-4 years of age) bearing corpus lutea were collected and fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde, Lavdowsky and Bouin's fixatives. Paraffin sections were taken at 5 micro thickness, stained by haematoxylin and eosin for routine histomorphological examination. Bound and free glycogen radicals, bound lipids and silver reactive granules were demonstrated in the luteal cells. This latter feature was considered to be a possible cause of a neuro receptive mechanism. Species characteristic differences in histochemistry of the luteal cells of the Gaddi goats with allied species such as sheep and buffalo were recorded. Transformation of the corpora albicantia and the subsequent changes in the histochemistry were also observed. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic studies on the mammary gland of Indian buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(6): 594-597 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Narinder Singh; Roy, K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the various enzymes in the buffalo mammary gland. The distribution and activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKPase), acid phosphatase (ACPase), glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase), adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLD), reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-diaphorase), nonspecific esterase (NSE) and acetylcholinesterase are presented. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histological and immunohistochemical study of luteinizing hormone producing cells in the adenohypophysis cerebri of buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(1): 9-11 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Massarat Khan; Saigal, R.P; Sethi, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The hypophysis cerebri of 56 buffalo of either sex, of different age groups and in different phases of reproduction cycle were used for the study. The paraffin sections of 5- micro m thickness were stained with differential staining and immunohistochemical techniques. The luteinizing hormone-producing (LH) 672 cells were round, oval and stellate shaped with processes. The estimated average diameter of cells was 8.2+or-0.16 micro m with insignificant regional differences. Group-wise, the LH cells diameter was minimum (5.6 micro m) in 1-week-old male calf and maximum (8.0 micro m) in adult males. In females, the cell diameter varied from 8.6 micro m (during follicular phase) to 10.8 micro m (in pregnancy over 3 months). Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic studies on the mammary gland of Indian buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jun 2003). v. 73(6) p. 594-597. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, N.; Roy, K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Histoenzymic studies on mammary gland of buffalo revealed that the epithelium of streak canal, teak sinus, alveoli and ducts were positive for AKPase, ACPase, ATPase and G-6-Pase. The stroma was negative for all these phosphatases except ATPase, where it showed doubtful activity. The alveolar, ductular, teat epithelia and blood vessels were positive for SDH, LDH, GLD, NADPH-diaphorase and G-6-PD. The stroma was also positive for all above oxidoreductases except LDH and GLD. Non-specific esterases (NSE)were localized in parenchyma and nerve fibre,but negative in the stromal tissue. Acetylcholinesterase was only seen in neuronal elements of mammary gland. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Age correlated histoenzymic distribution of acetyl cholinesterase and non-specific esterase in the ovary of Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2003). v. 73(4) p. 357-359. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj, R.L.; Roy,K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted on the ovaries of 46(13 neonatal, 22 cyclic, and 8 pregnant) healthy Murrah female buffaloes. The fresh unfixed ovarian tissues were collected in the liquid nitrogen and cryostal sections of 10aem thickness were obtained and incubated for acetylcholinesterase (AChEase) and nonspecific esterases (NSE). AChEase positive nerve fibres and its terminal and ganglion were seen in the buffalo ovary. Fine nerve terminal seen reaching up to basement membrance of ovarian follicles. Strong NSE activity was seen in the ovarian follicles, luteal cells, nerve fibres and interstitial glands. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Age correlated histoenzymic distribution of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase and reduced nicotinamide adenine 673 dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase in the ovary of Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2003). v. 73(4) p. 360-363. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj, R.L.; Roy,K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted on the ovaries of 46 (neonatal 13, prepubertal 3, cyclic 22, and pregnant 8) normal healthy Murrah buffaloes. The fresh ovarian tissues were collected in the liquid nitrogen for the histoenzymic demonstration of enzymes. The unfixed frozen tissues were put to cryostat microtome at-20oC to obtain sections at 10aem on clean glass slides and incubated for reduced nicoltinamide adenine dinuleotide diaphorase (NADHdiaphorase) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinulectide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-diaphorase)activity. The enzymes showed varied activity of NADH and NADPH-diaphorase in the different components of the buffalo ovaries and in the graafian follicles. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histological and histochemical studies on the oviduct of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at different reproductive stages. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (May 2003). v. 73(5) p. 484-487. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Natarajan,T.; Prasad, R.V.; Kakade, K.; Jamuna, K.V. Institution: Organization: Content : The tunica mucosa of infundibulum of the buffalo was highly branched with primary, secondary and tertiary folds occupying greater part of lumen in follicular phase. During luteral phase, cytoplasmic protrusion and nuclear extrusion were distinct in ampulla. The lymphocytic infiltration was more in ampulla during tuteal phase. In pregnancy the mucosal folds were less prominent. The muscle lalyer gradually increased in size towards uterotubal junction. No cyclic variation was oberved in epithelial cells of isthmus. The histological features of pregnant oviduct resembled features observed during luteal phase. The PAS-positive material revealed metachromasia and protein, suggesting carbohydrate-protein complex nature of secretion from epithelial cells of the oviduct. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histological and immunohistochemical study of luteinizing hormone producing cells in the adenohypophysis cerebri of buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jan 2003). v. 73(1) p. 9-11. AB: Country of Origin: India 674 Author’s name: Khan, M.; Saigal, R.P.; Sethi, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The hypophysis cerebri of 56 buffalo of either sex, of different age groups and in different phases of reproduction cycle were used for the study. The paraffin sections of 5aem thickness were stained with differential staining and immunohistochemical techniques. The luteinizing hormone-producing (LH) cells were round, oval and stellate shaped with processes. The estimated average diameter of cells were 8.2n0.16aem with insignificant regional differences. Groupwise the LH cells diameter was minimum (5.6aem) in 1week-old male calf and maximum (8.0aem) in adult males. In females, the diameter varied from 8.6aem (during follicular phase) to 10.8aem (in pregnancy over 3 months). Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological studies on prenatal development of reticulum in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (May 2004). v. 74(5) p. 489-491. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, O.; Roy, K.S.; Bawa,B.S.; Malhotra, V. Institution: Organization: Content : Histomorphological studies wee made on the reticulum of buffalo foetii with crown rump length ranging from 5.0 cm to 62.0 cm. The lamina epithelialis was divisible into dark basal and light superficial zones. The cells varied from cuboidal to columnar in basal zone and were polyhedral in superficial zone. The papillae of lamina propria were initially observed at 14.7 cm CRL. The mucosal surface showed compartments characteristic of reticulum at 19.6 cm CRL. The reticular papillae exhibited muscle bundles in apical portion at 60.1 cm CRL and were comparable to adult. The tunica muscularis was comprised of inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle cells although reverse orientation of muscle fibres was also observed. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histochemical study of postnatal changes in the vesicular glands of buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2004). v. 74(4) p. 354-356. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anurag; Saigal, R.P.; Sethi, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The postnatal changes were studied in the vesicular glands in 17 buffaloes aged 6 months, 1 to 1.5 years,2 to 2.5 years and >5,4,4 and 4 animals in each group respectively. The histochemical investigations revealed that glycogen 675 was found in the glandular cells only in 6 month-old buffalo calves. The glandular cells in older animals were positive for periodic acid Schiff's and alcian blue reactions. The cytoplasm of glandular epithelia and secretory material in the lumina showed stronger mercuric bromophenol blue reactions for proteins in adults. Sudanophilic lipids increased with age. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymatic studies on the tongue of adult Indian buffalo ( Bubalus bulalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2004). v. 74(4) p. 348-350. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, K.; Roy, K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : A histoenzymatic study was conducted on the tongue of 8 adult Indian buffaloes for the demonstration of phosphatases, oxidoreductase and esterases. The lingual epithelium, taste buds, muscles and seromucous glands were positive for AKPase, ACPase, SDH, LDH, G-6-PD,NADH and 17-bitaHSD. AchEase was only seen in nerve terminals, fibres and motor end plates. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological observations on buffalo oesophagus during prenatal development. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (May 2004). v. 74(5) p. 486-488. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bawa,B.S.; Roy,K.S.; Singh,O.; Uppal,V.; Malhotra,V. Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted on prenatal development of buffalo oesophagus in 20 foetuses ranging from 5.5 cm-60.1 cm crown rump length (CRL). Up to 7.5 cm CRL late lamina epithelialis was 2 layered, having basal layer of cuboidal cells and superficial layer of columnar cells. Superficial cells became polygonal and polyhedral at 11.2 cm CRL. Transformation to squamous cells was observed at 38 cm CRL. The lamina muscularis mucosae had mesenchymal cells up to 11.2 CRL which differentiated into collagen and retucular fibres at 14.7 cm CRL stage. At 5.5 cm CRL stage tunica muscularis had single layer of circularly oriented smooth muscle cells. The outer layer appeared at 11.2 cm CRL stage. Instead of usual pattern of inner circular and outer longitudinal orientation, the reverse pattern of muscles fibres viz. inner longitudinal and outer circular was observed. Skeletal muscle was observed at 11.2 cm CRL at cranial end and at 20 cm CRL stage in the caudal end. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological study of bulbourethral gland of buffalo. 676 postnatal changes in the Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2004). v. 74(4) p. 351-353. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anurag; Saigal, R.P.; Sethi, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The postnatal changes in the bulbouretheral gland in buffaloes (17) aged 6 months,1-15years,2-2.5 years and >3.5 years with 5,4,4 and 4 animals in each group,respectively, were studied. The histological investigations revealed that the bulbourethral gland in buffalo was compound tubulo-acinar type. At 6 months of age the lobulation was not distinct and the parenchyman comprised of ducts, tubular invaginations and non-luminated solid cell masses. The lobulation became distinct at prepubertal age. Mucous aacini appeared at puberty. Characteristic glands with predominant mucous acini developed in adults. Epithelium of intralobular ducts varied from cuboidal to columnar type while main secretory ducts had transitional type epithelium even at 6 months of age. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological study on the ovary of neonatal indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Feb 2004). v. 74(2) p. 156-159. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj, R.L.; Roy, K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Histomorphological study was conducted on the ovary of 13 neonatal buffaloes calves. The surface epithelium of the ovaries was simple cuboidal to simple columnar which was thrown into folds at locations. It was invaginated into ovarian cortex. The average height of epithelium was 8.07n0.46 aem and thickness of tunica albuginea was 67.47n5.13 aem. The per cent distribution of cortex and medulla were 77.16n1.14 and 22.84n1.14 respectively. Ovarian stroma was fibrocellular structure. It comprised mesenchymal cells differnetiating into fibroblasts with collagen fibres and reticular fibers. No elastic fibres could be seen except at perivascular area. Smooth muscle cells were also observed. The ovarian follicles at different stages of development and atresia were observed in the ovary. Polynuclear ova were observed. The interstital gland cells were seen at locations. The mast cells were seen in perivascular area. The rete ovarii and mesonephric tubules were also present. They were lined with cuboidal to low columnar epithelium. Blood vessels of different caliber were seen in medulla. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Venography of intrahepatic portal veins of the liver in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 677 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(10): 1024-1026 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anuradha; Opinder Singh Institution: Organization: Content : A radiological examination of the intrahepatic portal vein was conducted in livers obtained from fixed carcasses of 6 apparently healthy buffalo calves. The venograms and dissection revealed that the portal vein divided into the right and left interlobar veins. The right vein was smaller and the left vein was longer. The right interlobar vein branched into the dorsal, intermediate and ventral interlobular veins. The dorsal vein supplied blood to the dorsal part of the right lobe of the liver, whereas the ventral vein supplied the ventral part. The intermediate vein supplied blood to the quadrate and caudate lobes. The left interlobar vein had transverse and umbilical parts. The transverse part supplied blood to the caudate lobe. The umbilical interlobar vein branched into the dorsal, intermediate and ventral interlobular veins which supplied blood to the dorsal and ventral part of left and quadrate lobes. Each interlobular vein branched into 3-5 intralobular veins in the liver parenchyma. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological study of the ovary of neonatal Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(2): 156-159 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj,R-L; Roy,K-S Institution: Organization: Content : Histomorphological study was conducted on the ovary of 13 neonatal buffaloes calves. The surface epithelium of the ovaries was simple cuboidal to simple columnar which was thrown into folds at locations. It was invaginated into the ovarian cortex. The average height of epithelium was 8.07+or-0.46 micro m and thickness of tunica albuginea was 67.47+or-5.13 micro m. The distribution of cortex and medulla were 77.16+or-1.14 and 22.84+or-1.14%, respectively. Ovarian stroma was fibrocellular in structure. It was comprised of mesenchymal cells differentiating into fibroblasts with collagen fibres and reticular fibres. No elastic fibres could be seen except at the perivascular area. Smooth muscle cells were also observed. The ovarian follicles at different stages of development and atresia were observed in the ovary. Polynuclear ova were observed. The interstitial gland cells were seen at locations. The mast cells were seen in perivascular area. The rete ovarii and mesonephric tubules were also present and were lined with cuboidal to low columnar epithelium. Blood vessels of different caliber were seen in medulla. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphology and histochemistry of adenomeres of middle buccal gland in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(6): 635-636 AB: 678 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gupta, M.K; Gupta, A.N; Jain, R,. Institution: Organization: Content : The following article describes ultrastructural and histochemical features of the middle buccal gland based on results obtained from samples collected from ten healthy buffalo calves (1-1.5 years of age) of either sex (India). Photomicrographs of the structures are provided. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Biometrical study on oesophagus of buffalo fetus. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(8): 858-859 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bawa,B.; Roy,K.S; Varinder Uppal; Opinder Singh; Vaneet Malhotra Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was conducted on oesophagus of 20 buffalo fetuses from Group I (5.5-20.0 cm CRL), Group II (22.4-38.5 cm CRL) and Group III (44.2-62.0 cm CRL). The length and diameter of the oesophagus was directly proportional to the CRL. The correlation coefficient between size of oesophagus and CRL was highly significant at 1% level of significance. The micrometrical observations revealed that the thickness of epithelium was 135.25 micro m in 44.2 cm CRL fetus and then decreased slightly to 102.95 micro m at 60.1 cm CRL. The coefficient of variation showed more consistency in thickness of various oesophageal tunics in Group II as compared to Groups III and I. The correlation coefficient showed positive relation between thickness of various oesophageal tunics and CRL of fetus, which was highly significant at 1% level of significance. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histochemical study of postnatal changes in the vesicular glands of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(4): 354-356 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anurag; Saigal, R.P; Sethi, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Postnatal changes the vesicular glands were studied in 17 male Murrah buffaloes aged 6 months, 1 to 1.5 years, 2 to 2.5 years and >3.5 years with 5, 4, 4 and 4 animals in each group, respectively. It was shown that glycogen was present in the glandular cells only in 6-month-old buffalo calves. The glandular cells in older animals were positive for periodic acid Schiff's and alcian blue reactions. The cytoplasm of glandular epithelia and secretory material in the lumina showed stronger mercuric bromophenol blue reactions for proteins in adults. Sudanophilic lipids also increased with age. 679 Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological observations on buffalo oesophagus during prenatal development. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(5): 486-488 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bawa, B.S; Roy, K.S.; Opinder Singh; Varinder Uppal; Vaneet-Malhotra Institution: Organization: Content : Prenatal development of the oesophagus of 20 buffalo fetuses, ranging from 5.5 cm-60.1 cm in crown rump length (CRL), was studied. The lamina epithelialis was double-layered, with a basal layer of cuboidal cells and superficial layer of columnar cells, until the CRL of 7.5 cm. Superficial cells became polygonal and polyhedral at 11.2 cm CRL. Transformation to squamous cells was observed at 38 cm CRL. The lamina muscularis mucosae was sheet form at 11.2 cm CRL stage. Bundle formation occurred at 28 cm CRL. The tunica submucosa had mesenchymal cells up to 11.2 CRL which differentiated into collagen and reticular fibres at 14.7 cm CRL stage. At 5.5 cm CRL stage, the tunica muscularis had a single layer of circularly oriented smooth muscle cells. The outer layer appeared at 11.2 cm CRL stage. Instead of the usual pattern of inner circular and outer longitudinal orientation, the reverse pattern of muscles fibres viz. inner longitudinal and outer circular was observed. Skeletal muscle was observed at 11.2 cm CRL at cranial end and at 20 cm CRL stage in the caudal end. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological studies on prenatal development of reticulum in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(5): 489-491 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Opinder Singh; Roy, K.S.; Bawa, B.S.; Vaneet Malhotra Institution: Organization: Content : Histomorphological studies were made on the reticulum of buffalo fetuses with crown rump length ranging from 5.0 cm to 62.0 cm. The lamina epithelialis was composed of dark basal and light superficial zones. The cells varied from cuboidal to columnar in the basal zone and were polyhedral in the superficial zone. The papillae of the lamina propria were initially observed at 14.7 cm CRL. The mucosal surface showed compartments characteristic of the reticulum at 19.6 cm CRL. The typical honeycomb appearance was observed at 38 cm CRL. The reticular papillae exhibited muscle bundles in the apical portion at 60.1 cm CRL and were comparable to that of the adult. The tunica muscularis was comprised of inner circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle cells, although a reverse orientation of the muscle fibres was observed. Specialization: Anatomy and histology 680 Subject: Histomorphological study of postnatal changes in the bulbourethral gland of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(4): 351-353 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anurag; Saigal, R.P; Sethi, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The postnatal changes in the bulbo-uretheral gland in 17 male Murrah buffaloes aged 6 months, 1-1.5 years, 2-2.5 years and >3.5 years with 5, 4, 4 and 4 animals in each group, respectively, were studied. It was shown that the bulbo-urethral gland was a compound, tubulo-acinar type. At 6 months of age, the lobulation was not distinct and the parenchyma was comprised of ducts, tubular invaginations and non-luminated solid cell masses. The lobulation became distinct at prepuberty. Mucous acini appeared at puberty. Characteristic glands with predominant mucous acini developed in adults. Epithelium of intralobular ducts varied from cuboidal to columnar types, while the main secretory ducts had transitional type epithelium even at 6 months of age. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic distribution of phosphatases in liver due to experimental lead toxicosis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(7): 782-784 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anuradha; Neelam Bansal; Varinder Uppal Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the histoenzymic distribution of phosphatases in the liver of buffaloes subjected to experimental lead toxicosis. Six crossbred buffalo calves were administered lead acetate at 25 mg/kg body weight per os for 7 days. All the calves showed symptoms of lead toxicity and died within 6-8 days of the experiment. The tissue samples from the liver were collected and stored in liquid nitrogen. Cryostate sections of 10 micro m thickness were obtained and incubated for phosphatases. The study revealed moderate acid phosphatase (ACPase) and adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) and total loss of glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) activities in hepatocytes, whereas strong ACPase and alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activities were observed in Von Kupffer cells. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Blood and nerve supply to hip joint in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Anatomy. 1999; 11(1): 51 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rao, T.S.C.S; Makkena Sreenu; Naidu, K.S. Institution: Organization: 681 Content : 20 buffalo calves of between 1 and 2 years of age were dissected. The hip joint was supplied by anterior femoral, deep femoral and posterior gluteal arteries while femoral, oburator and sciatic nerves provided the nerve supply. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histogenesis of skin and its adenexa of Surti buffalo. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Anatomy. 1999; 11(2): 158-160 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Panchal, K.M.; Vyas, K.N.; Vyas,Y.L. Institution: Organization: Content : The pre-natal histological development of the skin and its adenexa (hair follicle, sweat gland, sebaceous gland and pilomotor muscle) of the mammary gland was studied in 55 female and 22 male Surti buffalo fetuses. The number of cell layers of the epidermis increased with age of fetus. The hair follicle, sweat gland, pilomotor muscle and sebaceous gland developed at 102, 139, 142 and 158 days of age, respectively, in the mammary gland of the female fetus. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histomorphological observations on the medulla of prenatal thymus of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Anatomy. 1999; 11(1): 19-23 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ajay Prakash; Chandra, G Institution: Organization: Content : Thymus glands were collected from 10 buffalo fetuses of between 23.2 and 58.0 cm crown-to-rump length (CRL). At 23.2 cm CRL the parenchyma of thymus was not divisible into cortex and medulla. At 31.5 cm CRL foetal stage some lobules of the thymus showed the formation of medulla while in others the parenchyma was well differentiated into cortex and medulla. A well developed medullary zone was observed in most lobules by 44.5 cm CRL which appeared lighter than the cortex. Numerous epithelial reticular cells with relatively less number of thymocytes were observed in the parenchyma of medulla. Up to 44.5 cm CRL, the reticular fibres were confined to the peripheral zone of the medulla while these were observed in the entire medullary zone in the later stages. The width of the medulla showed wide variation and was maximum at 52.0 cm CRL. At 23.2 cm CRL, the thymus was generally devoid of Hassall's corpuscles. At 31.5 cm CRL, some corpuscles were in the developing stage whereas others were fully formed. The number of reticular cells increased with the development of corpuscles. Corpuscles were highly developed at 36.1 cm CRL foetus where the number as well as the size of the corpuscles was maximum. Specialization: Anatomy and histology 682 Subject: Some observations on coronary arterial pattern in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Anatomy. 1999; 11(1): 52-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rao,T.S.C.S.; Prasad, R.V.; Vijayaragavan, C. Institution: Organization: Content : An additional branch from the right coronary artery was observed in dissected hearts from 20 buffalo calves aged between one and two years. Immediately after its origin, the right coronary artery gave a large septal branch from its ventral surface. This branch passed down through the crista supraventricularis and divided into three branches. One branch passed through the papillary muscle, then through the right moderator band to reach the right ventricular wall. Of the other two branches, one ended in interventricular septum, the third branch passed upward and divided into two branches and passed to right and left divisions of the atrioventricular bundle. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoarchitectural and certain histochemical observations on the connective tissue framework of prenatal thymus of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Anatomy. 1999; 11(1): 15-18 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ajay Prakash; Chandra, G. Institution: Organization: Content : 10 buffalo fetuses were examined ranging from between 23.2 and 58.0 cm crown-to-rump length (CRL). Distinct trabeculae and septae were not found at 23.2 cm CRL stage but extensions from the capsule dipped in the gyrations of the undulated parenchymal surface of the thymus which represented early trabecular formation. In later stages trabeculae septa became pronounced and divided the parenchyma of thymus into lobes and lobules of different sizes. These were composed of fine collagenous and reticular fibres which gradually became coarser, elastic fibres were not present. Lymphocytes, mesenchymal cells, epithelial reticular cells, occasionally fibroblasts, and erythrocytes were seen in the trabecular area. Perivascular cellular infiltration of lymphocytes and some mononuclear cells, which, it is suggested, may be a stage in the migration and sensitization of lymphocytes by the thymus were often present. Capsule trabeculae and septae showed positive reaction for PAS and acid mucopolysaccharides. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Coccygeal artery of buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(4): 346 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gadre, K.M Institution: 683 Organization: Content : The medial coccygeal artery was dissected out of 7 embalmed buffalo calves, aged 1 to 1.5 years. The artery originated as the continuation of the medial sacral artery at the level of the first coccygeal vertebra, where it was 0.12-0.21 cm in diameter. It ran through the arches of the vertebrae, first at the ventral surface, then cranioventrally, and then, from the fifth or sixth vertebra onwards, at the cranial surface for the entire length of the tail. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Comparative gross anatomical and biometrical study of the abomasum of cattle and buffalo. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(3): 231-233 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shankhapal,V.D; Dhande,P.L; Gaikwad, S.A. Institution: Organization: Content : Normal abomasum were collected immediately after slaughter from 24 adult cattle and buffaloes. In both species, the abomasum was an elongated sac situated on the abdominal floor, and had 12 spiral grooves extending from the sides of the abomasal groove towards the pyloric part. Biometrical measurements of the greater and lesser curvature, volume and weight of the abomasum from buffaloes were significantly greater than those for cattle. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Craniometrical studies on the skull of a wild swamp buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. (India). (Feb 2003). v. 80(2) p.156-157. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sarma, K.; Zama, M.M.S.; Devi, J. Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was conducted on the skull of one adult swamp wild buffalo. The cranial cavity was capacious with its height (31.5 cm) more than both length (22.7 cm) and width (20.2 cm). The foramen magnum was round. The orbital depth was recorded more than that of its domestic cattle and buffaloes. The orbital rim was rounded with its index of 95.58 per cent. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Muzzle dermatoglyphics pattern of Surti and Jaffarabadi buffalo and its applicability in predicting the age and production performance. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: JNKVV Research Journal. 2003; 37(2): 64-67 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, N.P; Patel,A.M Institution: Organization: 684 Content : This study was conducted to determine the age and predict the production performance of buffaloes using an new modified muzzle print technique. Buffaloes (n=199) of different age groups and lactating buffaloes (n=65) belonging to the Surti and Jaffarabadi breeds were used in the study. The dermatoglyphics pattern (muzzle characteristic) in 20% area of the total muzzle area were studied, while the total converted beads were calculated. The average number of beads varied from 29.67+or-2.79 to 62.33+or-4.28 in the age group 0.0-2.9 months and 18.0-23.9 months in Surti and 46.38+or-6.15 to 55.67+or-3.49 in the age group of 24.0-35.9 and 12.0-23.9 months in Jaffarabadi calves. The total converted beads ranged from a minimum of 59.88+or-3.30 to a maximum of 95.77+or-3.82 in Surti, while it was 68.00+or-8.70 to 92.58+or-2.38 in Jaffarabadi buffaloes. Calves had lesser number of total converted beads than older ones in both breeds. The correlation of age with muzzle characteristics which indicated an increasing trend of the total converted beads with advancement of age. The association of muzzle characteristics with production traits varied from breed to breed. The regression equations which had >80% R2 values were prepared. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Ultrastructural aspects of buffalo submandibular glands. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Research (India). (Jun 2001). v. 19(2) p. 225-232. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mansouri, S.H.; Mehrabi,J. Institution: Organization: Content : Ultrastructural aspects of buffalo submandibular glands. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 19: 225-232. Submandibular glands of five adult male buffaloes were examined by conventional electron microscopic technique. The glands were compound tubulo-acinar in nature and consisted of serous, mucous and seromucous secretory units. Mucous secretory cells were predominant. Few microvilli were seen at the luminal surface of the secretory units of the gland. The mucous cells contained scattered mitochondria, parallel and nondilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, non-developed Golgi apparatus and a large number of the secretory granules, mostly fused. The secretory serous cells and demilunes consisted of a large number of electron-lucent secretory granules and a few secretory granules with electron dense matrix. In addition, the cells contained rough endoplasmic reticulum and free ribosomes. Other organelles were sparse. Basal striations were the main characteristics of the submandibular striated duct cells. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Anatomical study of the median and ulnar nerves (sub-carpal region) in Indian cow (Bos indicus) and Indian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2001; 5(3): 372-375 AB: Country of Origin: India 685 Author’s name: Chatterjee,A; Roy, M.M; Ghosh, R.K; Das, P Institution: Organization: Content : The distribution pattern of the median and ulnar nerves below the carpal joint are recorded and compared on the basis of 10 forelimbs each from zebu cattle and buffaloes (5 left and 5 right limbs). Differences in the branching patterns of the nerves between these two species is presented. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histoenzymic distribution of succinic and lactic dehydrogenase in the ovary of Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) at different ages. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Journal of Research, Punjab Agricultural University. 2003; 40(1): 82-86 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj, R.L; Roy, K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the distribution of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the buffalo ovary of various age groups: neonatal (n=13), prepubertal (n=3), cyclic (n=22) and pregnant (n=8). The SDH activity was negligible to weak in surface epithelium, tunica albuginea and the ovarian stroma in the buffalo ovary of all age groups studied. The primordial and primary follicles showed moderate activity in neonatal ovary and weak in prepubertal onward. The activity in the thecal cells was moderate to strong in neonatal group, negligible to weak in prepubertal and weak to moderate in adult age group of animals in all types of follicles. The SDH activity was weak to moderate in the interstitial gland cells of the buffalo ovary in all age groups except in the pregnant group where a strong activity was noted. There was negligible to moderate SDH activity in the capillaries, neuronal elements and rete ovarii of the buffalo ovary. There was a strong to intense SDH activity in the luteal cells of buffalo ovary. The surface epithelium, tunica albuginea and ovarian stroma showed weak to moderate LDH activity in the buffalo ovary. The primordial and primary follicles showed weak to moderate activity. The theca and membrana granulosa cells showed generally weak to moderate in the developing and developed follicles, whereas in the atretic follicles the activity was much reduced. The LDH activity in the interstitial gland cells was moderate. It was highest in the cyclic and lowest in prepubertal animals. The LDH activity in the rete ovarri was also weak to moderate in all age groups except negligible in the prepubertal group. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Atlas of the buffalo anatomy. Year of publication: 1997 Journal: Atlas of the buffalo anatomy. 1997; v + 148 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh,H.P; Roy, K.S Institution: 686 Organization: Content : This book provides the veterinary students and practicing veterinarians with colour photographs of the anatomy of the buffalo. The photographs were taken of 2 buffalo bulls and 5 buffalo calves embalmed by routine methods. The photographs and radiographs are labeled using both anglicized terms and nomenclature from the Nomena Anatomica Veterinaria. Specialization: Anatomy and histology Subject: Histochemical observations on corpus luteum of Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Pakistan Veterinary Journal (Pakistan). (Jan 1998). v. 18(1) p. 2124. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh,O.; Roy, K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Histochemical observations were made on corpora lutea of 20 cyclic and 10 pregnant buffaloes. The luteal cells from fully developed corpus luteum of cycle and that of pregnancy, were strongly positive for neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides (NMPS; AMPS); lipids phospholipids and basic proteins, reflecting a better physiological secretory activity. The NMPS and AMPS and basic proteins were comparatively low in the developing and regressing corpus luteum. Calcium deposits were absent in the luteal cells. 687 2. ANIMAL NUTRITION – RUMEN Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Studies on blood biochemical constituents and rumen fermentation in growing buffalo calves fed ammoniated straw-based rations supplemented with different protein sources. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Animal Feed Science and Technology. 2001; 89(1/2): 119-130 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tiwari, C.M; Chandramoni, A.S; Jadhao, S.B; Gowda, S.K; Khan, M.Y Institution: Organization: Content : 18 buffalo calves (140 kg) were divided into 3 groups of 6 calves each and were fed on urea-ammoniated wheat straw (UAS) supplemented with a concentrate mixture (roughage:concentrate ratio 58:42) containing 8% (or 3.5% of total ration) untreated groundnut cake (GNC) (group I), 8% formaldehyde treated GNC (group II) and 8% fish meal (group III), respectively, for 19 weeks. Rumen fermentation study was done on 3 fistulated growing buffalo calves using a 3 x 3 Latin square switch over design. Blood glucose and ammonia-N did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, blood urea-N of calves in group III was higher (P<0.05) than in groups I and II, but the latter 2 did not differ from each other in this respect. Total protein in group I was comparable to groups II and III which were significantly different from each other. The rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N and total protozoal count were similar, however, total N and TCA insoluble N in groups II and III were higher (P<0.01) than in group I. Fish meal containing diet favoured holotrichs, whereas, protected GNC containing diet favoured spirotrichs as indicated by significantly higher count. It is concluded that the beneficial effects of supplementing formaldehyde protected GNC at 8% in the concentrate mixture to the UAS-based diets were greater than supplementation of unprotected GNC or low quality fish meal in ration of buffalo calves growing at 400 g because of improved rumen fermentation, absorption and metabolism of nutrients as observed in blood biochemistry. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of mathionone and lysine supplementation on dry matter intake, nutrition utilization and growth in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology (India). (Jan 2002). v.2(1) p.39-47. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mandal, G.P.; Kurar, C.K.; Kewalramani, Neela. Institution: Organization: Content : Ten Murrah Buffalo calves above 6 month of age were divided into two groups of 5 each. All the animals were fed on a concentrate mixture (CP=22.19%), green oats (2 kg) and wheat straw ad lib. The animals under 688 group II (G-II) received supplemental methionine (10 g/d/head) and lysine (20 g/d/head) while other group (G-I) not receiving methionine and lysine served as control. The feeding trial continued for 100 days and a methionine trial of 7 days collection period was conducted at the mid-period of the trial. During the experimental period the growth rate was significantly (p<0.05) digestibility of NDF while that of DM, OM, CP, CF, ADF were similar to the corresponding control values. The daily DM intake per 100 kg body weight (2.83 in G-II vs 2.13 in G-I) was higher (P<0.01) in G-II. The calves of G-II also consumed (p<0.01) more protein than G-I. Feed grain and TDN: grain ratio did not differ statistically. It was conducted that methionine and lysine supplementation had a sinificant and positive effect on dry matter intake and body weight gain. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of feeding sugarcane tops on milk yield and milk fat content of Pandharpuri buffaloes. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p.279-282. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, S.S.; Mali,S.L.; Markhede, H.Y. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p.279-282. AB: A feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of feeding sugarcane tops alone and in combination with chaffed jowar straw on milk yield and milk fat content of Pandharpuri buffaloes. Twelve Pandharpuri buffaloes were divided into three homogenous groups in respect of age, lactation number, body weight, stage of lactation and milk yield. Group 1 was fed ad libitum with sugarcane tops (SCT) only while the group 2 was fed SCT and chaffed jowar straw in 50:50 proportion on DM basis. Group 3 was given similar ration like group 2, but the concentrate mixture of this group was supplemented with simple mineral mixture (dicalcium phosphate + common salt). The production ration (concentrate mixture) was given on the basis of milk yield. The feeding trial was continued up to 90 days. It was observed that the dry matter intake of Groups 1 and 3 was almost similar (3.03; and 3.04 kg, respectively/100 kg body weight). The dry matter intake was slightly less in Group 2 (2.90 kg). There was almost no exchange in the body weight of the experimental animals at the end of the trial. Slight decline in milk yield was observed in group 1 while in the case of the other two groups, it remained almost constant. As regards milk fat content, slight decline (-0.14 percent) was observed in Group 1, while improvement in fat content was observed in Gr 2 and 3. Further investigations 689 are necessary to find out the long term effects of sugarcane top feeding on milk yield and milk fat content of Pandharpuri buffaloes. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of diet on enzyme profile, biochemical changes and In sacco degradability of feeds in the rumen of buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 16(3): 374379 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kamra, D.N; Sudipto Saha; Neeru Bhatt; Chaudhary, L.C; Neeta Agarwal Institution: Organization: Content : Four rumen fistulated Murrah buffaloes were used to study the effect of four diets differing in roughage to concentrate ratio on rumen biochemical changes, microbial enzyme profile and in sacco degradability of feed in a 4x4 Latin Square design. The animals were fed four diets consisting of 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 ratios of wheat straw and concentrate mixtures, respectively. Wheat straw and concentrate mixture were mixed with water (0.6 litre/kg feed) and complete feed mixture was offered to the animals at 08.00 and 16.00 h in two equal parts. The variation in pH of rumen liquor (difference of maximum and minimum during 0-8 h post feeding) increased with increasing level of concentrate mixture in the diet. There was no effect of diet composition on volatile fatty acids, total nitrogen and trichloro-acetic acid precipitable nitrogen in the rumen liquor, but ammonia nitrogen increased with increasing level of concentrate mixture in the ration. Major portions of all fibre degrading enzymes were present in the particulate material (PM) of the rumen contents, but protease was absent in PM fraction. The activities of micro-crystalline cellulase, acetyl esterase and protease increased with increase in the level of concentrate mixture, but the activities of other enzymes (carboxymethylcellulase, filter paper degrading activity, xylanase, beta glucosidase and beta -xylosidase) were not affected. The in sacco degradability and effective degradability of feeds increased with increasing level of concentrate mixture in the ration. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Rumen microbial ecosystem of buffalo - a review. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2001; 7(3): 70-82 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sahu, N.P; Kamra, D.N. Institution: Organization: Content : The rumen microbial ecosystem of buffalo is discussed. The paper emphasize the interrelationship of rumen microbes and their impact on ruminal productivity. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen 690 Subject: Ruminal pH as regulator of rumen metabolism in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(4): 92-95 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ramesh Kumari; Akbar, M.A; Singh, N. Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pH changes on rumen metabolism and production in lactating Murrah buffaloes. The rumen liquor and strained rumen liquor (SLR) from 144 buffaloes suffering from primary indigestion and 120 normal buffaloes were determined using pH strip and meter, respectively. Total protozoal and bacterial counts and total and individual volatile fatty acids were also analysed. The mean pH value of SLR ranged from 6.99 to 7.3 in healthy animals and 5.5 to 8.9 in animals with digestive disorders. Upon microscopic examination of SLR, the predominant protozoal species were Entodenia followed by Isotricha and Dasytricha at pH 5.5 to 8.9 in healthy and anorexic animals. Entodinium bursa, Diplodinium dentatum, Polyplastron multivesiculatum, Oscillospira guillermondii, Entodenia simplex, Entodenia bicarinatum, Entodenia triacum and Entodenia elongatum were also frequently seen in the healthy buffaloes but rarely in anorexic animals. Gram negative short rod bacteria were found both in healthy and diseased animals. Total protozoal and bacterial counts were 4.35 to 7.26x104/ml at pH 6.99 to 7.3 and 2.35 to 4.12x104/ml at pH 5.5 to 8.9; and 6.00 to 7.80x109/ml and 3.14 to 4.94x109/ml for healthy and diseased buffaloes, respectively. Mean total volatile fatty acids were 50.58 to 75.25 m.eq/litre and 60.00 to 130 m.eq/litre for the diseased and healthy buffaloes, respectively. It is concluded that ruminal pH is a very important factor and any deviation in ruminal pH causes different kinds of primary indigestion which disrupt rumen environment resulting in reduced metabolic activities and ultimately inhibit milk production. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Dry matter requirement of growing Indian buffaloes. Year of publication: 1990 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin International Buffalo Information Center (Thailand). (Sep 1990). v. 9(3) p. 53-58. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Baruah, K.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Dry matter requirement was estimated on 24 growing Indian buffalo calves fed concentrate and wheat straw to supply two levels (75 and 100 %) of protein and three levels (90, 100 and 110 %) of energy as per NRC (1976) for 500 g daily gain in a 2x3 factorial design. The dry matter intake (DMI) recorded at about 100 kg and 250 kg mean body weight was used for deriving multiple regression using DMI (Y) an independent variable and body weight or metabolic body weight (X1) and average daily gain (X2) as dependent variables. 691 Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Growth production and nutrient utilization by buffalo calves offered ammoniated wheat straw and green berseem ad lib. supplemented with available cereal energy sources. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 1999; 15(3): 261-268 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chauhan, T.R; Gupta,R; Sikka, P; Dahiya, S.S; Punia, B.S; Lall, D. Institution: Organization: Content : Twenty growing buffalo calves, about 1 year of age, were divided into four groups. All the calves were offered ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea and 65% moisture) and green berseem ad lib. In addition to this the nutrient requirements were met by feeding a conventional concentrate mixture in control group, whereas in groups T1, T2 and T3, the concentrate mixture was replaced with 1.5 kg of maize, wheat and barley grains, respectively. Animals were given the diets for 120 days with a metabolism/digestibility trial carried out over the last 10 days. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, total CHO were similar in all groups, while the NFE digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the control than treated groups. The DM intake/100 kg body weight in control, T1, T2 and T3 groups was 2.74, 2.86, 2.98 and 2.87. The highest gain in weight (585 g/day) was in T1 group but the differences among groups were not significant. More than 60% of the absorbed nitrogen was retained in these animals. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of feeding bentonite on rumen fermentation, enzyme activity and protozoal population in adult buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(1): 73-79 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chaudhary, L.C; Kamra, D.N; Singh, R; Agarwal, N; Pathak, N.N. Institution: Organization: Content : Four adult fistulated buffaloes, 328 kg body weight, were given a ration of wheat straw ad libitum and restricted quantity of concentrate with 0 or 5% bentonite for 21 days. The pH, different N fractions and total volatile fatty acids were similar in both treatment groups. Activities of carboxymethylcellulase, alpha -amylase, urease and protease were also similar in both groups. Bentonite supplementation led to a 25% reduction in total protozoal count. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Rumen fermentation pattern and microbial population in cattle and buffaloes fed two different diets. Year of publication: 692 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 317-329 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sohane, R.K; Mahendra Singh Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to compare the rumen fermentation pattern and microbial counts in rumen fistulated cattle and buffaloes fed with 2 different diets. Six rumen fistulated adult males, 3 cattle and 3 buffaloes were fed with oat hay and green sorghum fodder at maintenance level. The animals were kept on each diet for 15 days for microbial adaptation. The rumen liquor samples were collected for 3 consecutive days at 0 (before), 2, 4, 6, and 8 h post-feeding. Rumen pH was significantly (P<0.01) higher in animals fed with oat hay than in animals fed with green sorghum. The other rumen parameters such as total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), and N metabolites were significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed with green sorghum than with oat hay. The protozoal counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed with oat hay, whereas total bacterial counts were significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals fed with green sorghum diet. The peak of all parameters except pH and microbial count was observed at 4 h post feeding. Buffalo showed significantly (P<0.05%) higher concentrations of TVFA, N-metabolites, and microbial counts compared to cattle when fed oat hay and green sorghum fodder. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Comparative efficacy of niacin vs nicotinamide on rumen fermentation in buffaloes fed straw based diets. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(3): 249-259 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ghosh, N.R; Neelam Kewalramani; Harjit Kaur Institution: Organization: Content : In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to find out the effect of niacin and nicotinamide on rumen fermentation. To test the best level of niacin and nicotinamide on rumen fermentation, the various levels of niacin tested were 0, 50, 100 and 200 ppm whereas nicotinamide levels were 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 ppm of the substrate which comprised of concentrate mixture and wheat straw (40:60). Results revealed that 50 ppm of niacin and 100 ppm of the nicotinamide were the best and enhanced TCA-ppt N and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (P<0.01). In vivo studies were conducted on nine fistulated male Murrah buffaloes divided into three groups of 3 animals each. Group I served as control whereas group II and group III were supplemented with 100 ppm of nicotinamide and 50 ppm of niacin mixed daily in the concentrate mixture. Wheat straw formed the basal roughage. After an adaptation period of 21 days, rumen liquor samples were collected and analysed for various rumen fermentation parameters and rumen cellulolytic enzymes. It was found that protozoal number, TCA-ppt N, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration and propionic acid proportion in volatile fatty acids (VFA) were enhanced by the supplementation of niacin and 693 nicotinamide. Further, it was observed that nicotinamide at 100 ppm level and niacin at 50 ppm level were more effective in stimulating the microbial activity which was also observed by the enhanced rumen cellulolytic enzymes viz. CMcase, beta -glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase as compared to niacin group. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Rumen fermentation pattern and some enzymatic profile in growing male buffalo calves fed urea-ammoniated and hydrochloric acidtreated urea-ammoniated wheat straw. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(2): 125-138 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naik, P.K; Sahu,D.S; Mehra, U.R; Dass, R.S; Verma, A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : An experiment was conducted to study the impact of feeding ureaammoniated wheat straw treated with HCl on rumen fermentation pattern and some enzymatic profile in growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Three rumen fistulated growing male buffalo calves (one year of age, 97.67+or-2.33 kg body weight) were assigned in a 3x3 Latin square design with a feeding interval of 30 days and were fed on concentrate mixture along with wheat straw (Group I), urea-ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea at 50% moisture level) (Group II) and HCl-treated urea-ammoniated wheat straw (4% urea at 50% moisture level and HCl added to trap 30% of the ammonia evolved) (Group III), as per Kearl (1982) for body weight gain of 500 g/day. All three diets were iso-nitrogenous and concentrate:roughage ratio was fixed at 50:50. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h postfeeding for three consecutive days to estimate the pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), total nitrogen (TN), TCA-solublenitrogen or non protein nitrogen (NPN) and TCA-precipitable nitrogen or microbial nitrogen. Samples of rumen digesta were collected at 0, 2 and 4 h post feeding for three consecutive days to estimate the activities of carboxy methyl cellulase (CMC), protease and urease enzymes. The CP content of wheat straw increased from 2.90 to 6.96% due to urea ammoniation and addition of HCl along with the urea further increased the CP content to 10.09%. The cumulative period mean pH value in group III (6.22) was significantly (P<0.001) lower than group I (6.29) and II (6.76), which might be due to the addition of HCl. The cumulative period mean TVFA concentration (mg/dl SRL) in groups II (11.44) and III (10.97) was similar and significantly (P<0.001) higher than group I (9.75), which might be due to the impact of AWS and HCl-AWS leading to an easy breakdown of structural carbohydrate (cellulose) by rumen microbes. The cumulative period mean NH3-N (mg/dl SRL) value in group III (17.13) was significantly (P<0.001) lower than group II (18.47) but higher than group I (15.67), which might be due to the effect of HCl in trapping free ammonia of AWS leading to slow proteolysis and deamination of protein inside the rumen, thus causing less wastage of proteins. The cumulative period mean values of total nitrogen (mg/dl SRL) in groups II (71.47) and III (67.40) were significantly (P<0.001) higher than group I (62.55). The cumulative period mean NPN (mg/dl SRL) in 694 groups I (24.89) and III (25.43) were similar and were significantly (P<0.001) lower than group II (29.78), which might be due to the impact of HCl leading to the slow release of nitrogen in the rumen from HCl treated AWS. The cumulative period mean TCA-ppt-N values (mg/dl SRL) in groups II (41.69) and III (41.96) were similar and were significantly (P<0.001) higher than group I (37.70), indicating similar proliferation of rumen microbes in groups II and III, which were better than group I. Among the treated groups, animals in group III (23.50) showed significantly (P<0.001) lower cumulative period mean CMC activity (units/min/100 g digesta) compared to group II (24.96), however, both were higher than group I (19.70). The cumulative period mean protease activity (units/min/100 g digesta) in groups II (3.77) and III (3.94) was comparable and were significantly (P<0.001) lower than group I (4.55). The cumulative period mean urease activity (units/min/100 g digesta) in group III (12.31) was significantly (P<0.001) lower than group II (12.90) and both were higher than group I (9.12). From the above study, it can be concluded that feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with hydrochloric acid had no adverse impact on rumen fermentation pattern and various rumen enzyme activities in growing male buffalo calves. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of ammonia concentration on cellulase and transaminases activity in the rumen of buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Haryana Veterinarian. 1998; 37: 15-19 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meenakshi Gupta; Nangia, O.P. Institution: Organization: Content : Three healthy fistulated male buffalo calves, 1.5 to 2 years of age, were employed to determine the effect of varying rumen ammonia concentrations on the activity of cellulase and transaminases (alanine aminotransferase, GPT; and aspartate aminotransferase, GOT) by intraruminal infusion of 50, 100 and 150 g ammonium bicarbonate, respectively. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen [ammonium nitrogen] concentration was found to reflect infusion levels of ammonium bicarbonate, being 5.64, 6.24, 14.40 and 18.84 mg/100 ml in control and treatment I, II and III calves, respectively. The corresponding overall cellulase activity levels were 1.59, 1.66, 2.05 and 2.53. A concomitant increase in cellulase activity in treatment groups was observed as ammonium bicarbonate infusion levels increased, but the increase was only significant in calves that received 100 and 150 g ammonium bicarbonate. Ruminal GOT and GPT enzyme activity increased with increasing concentrations of ruminal ammonia nitrogen and peak activity for both transaminases were recorded with infusion of 150 g ammonium bicarbonate. Peak values for GPT and GOT were observed 6 h after feeding. The findings demonstrate the existence of a transaminase reaction for ammonia nitrogen utilization. High ammonia concentration coupled with higher microbial transaminase activity may suggest a higher rate of ammonia nitrogen usage by rumen microbes. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of defaunation on rumen fermentative pattern in buffaloes 695 maintained on high concentrate diet. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Haryana Veterinarian. 1998; 37: 53-54 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sonia Sindhu; Garg, S.L. Institution: Organization: Content : Three healthy fistulated male buffalo calves (~2 years of age) were fed twice a day a ration of concentrate mixture and chopped wheat straw at a ratio of 60:40 and had free access to clean drinking water. The animals were defaunated by intraruminal infusion of sodium dioctyl-sulphosuccinate [docusate sodium]. Total volatile fatty acids in the rumen at various postfeeding intervals ranged from 71.65+or-2.54 to 129.42+or-2.93 and from 62.72+or-2.10 to 130.74+or-3.40 mEq/litre in ciliated and defaunated buffalo calves, respectively. There was no significant difference between the ciliated and defaunated groups in terms of rumen TVFA concentration. However, postprandial trend in rumen TVFA concentration indicated that peak levels were attained earlier at 2 h postfeeding in defaunated animals, compared with peak concentrations observed at 4 h postfeeding in normal ciliated animals. The mean rumen concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate were 69.30+or-8.75, 21.29+or-0.91 and 4.92+or-0.35, and 71.14+or-8.40, 23.75+or0.85 and 3.06+or-0.48 mEq/litre, in ciliated and defaunated buffalo calves, respectively. As a consequence of removal of rumen protozoa, it was observed that concentrations of propionate increased significantly, that of butyrate decreased significantly, and that of acetate was not affected. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of readily fermentable carbohydrate sources on rumen protozoal population and in-sacco dry matter disappearance. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Haryana Veterinarian. 1999; 38: 35-38 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meenakshi Gupta; Nangia, O.P; Sindhu, S; Garg, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : Three healthy fistulated male buffalo calves (1.5-2 years old) were fed a basal ration composed of 35 concentrate:65 wheat straw for 3 weeks. Rumen fluid was collected before (0 h) and at 2, 4 and 6 h post-feeding for 2 days. The animals were then fed rations consisting of basal diet+300 g starch (T1), basal diet+300 g gur (T2) and basal diet+300 g sucrose (T3) for 3 weeks. Rumen samples were collected for determination of protozoal numbers. Results showed that rumen pH did not differ significantly among the treatments and remained within normal ranges. Total protozoal populations in the rumen fluid was marginally lower in animals fed the sugar-based diet but was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the starch-fed animals (T1). The proportions of Entodinium and Holotrichia (Protozoa) did not differ significantly between controls and T1 whereas Entodinium decreased and Holotrichia increased significantly in T2 and T3, respectively. In sacco dry matter disappearance of chopped wheat straw did not differ between control and starch-fed (T1) groups 696 but was significantly higher (P<0.05) in animals fed sucrose (T2, 38.06%) or gur (T3, 40,08%). It is suggested that diet composition influences the total protozoa counts as well as the type of protozoal population in the buffalo rumen and that this affects dry matter digestibility. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Characterization of anaerobic fungi in the rumen of riverine buffalo. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 1999; 16(4): 275-278 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Samanta, A.K; Walli, T.K; Batish, V.K; Grover, S; Rajput,Y.S; Mohanty, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : Total anaerobic fungal population in the rumen of riverine buffalo was determined by roll tube technique. Three riverine rumen fistulated male buffaloes were maintained on three dietary regimes which were wheat straw:concentrate 50:50 (T1), oat fodder:concentrate 50:50 (T2) and wheat straw:oat fodder 50:50 (T3). Average fungal population was a maximum (3.17 x 10superscript 3/ml) on completely roughage diet (T3), followed by T2 (1.60 x 10superscript 3/ml) and T1 (1.47 x 10superscript 3/ml) diets. The peak concentration of fungal population was noticed at 1 h after feeding on all the diets. Out of the nine isolates, six were mono-centric and three were polycentric in nature. These fungal isolates did not produce propionate but acetate was detected in their growth media. Among these only B5 and B9 isolates secreted relatively higher level (15.509 mIU/ml) of endoglucanase. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of dietary levels of butyric acid on ruminal volatile fatty acids concentration in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 2000; 17(4): 328-332 2000 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vidyarthi, V.K.; Kurar, C.K. Institution: Organization: Content : 18 buffalo calves divided into 3 groups of 6 were used to augment the different dietary levels of butyric acid in preruminant buffalo on VFA level. Group 1 was fed whole milk, skim milk, calf starter and green fodder while groups 2 and 3 were fed similarly along with butyric acid at 24 and 12 ml/calf/day, respectively. Ruminal TVFA concentration was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 2 followed by group 3 and least in group 1, and which increased significantly (P<0.05) in all 3 groups at monthly intervals upto 120 days. The proportion of acetate (C2) decreased (P<0.05) with increasing age in all the 3 groups, however, the proportion of propionate (C3) remained constant in group 1, and increased (P<0.05) from day 90 onwards in group 2 and from day 60 onwards in group 3. The proportion of butyrate (C4) 697 was constant in group 2 but increased significantly with age in groups 1 and 3. It was observed that increasing age caused significantly higher values of propionate and butyrate and lower acetate in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Rumen papillae histology as influenced by dietary supplementation of mixed volatile fatty acids in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 2001; 18(1): 49-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vidyarthi, V.K.; Kurar, C.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Male buffalo calves (18) were distributed (Experiment 1) in 3 groups. All groups were fed on whole milk, skim milk, calf starter and green fodder as per schedule. However, groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with 24 ml each of propionic acid and butyric acid per day, respectively. In the experiment 2, 18 male buffalo calves were distributed in 3 groups and fed as in experiment I. The calves of group 2 and 3 were supplemented with 24 ml of mixture of butyric and propionic acids and 24 ml of mixture of acetic, butyric and propionic acid/calf/day, respectively. Three calves from each group (Exp. 1 and 2) were sacrificed at the age of 60 days and rumen tissues (2 cm2) were sliced for measuring the papillary length and numbers and examined for histologically. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the rumen papillae aws well-developed in butyric acid supplemented group than in other groups. The length and width of papillae, thickness of epithelium keratinization of epithelium and connected tissues of papillae were thinner in control group (1) than in other groups; however, these qualitative characteristics of mucosal cells were more advanced in butyric acid group followed by groups supplemented with mixture of butyric and propionic, propionic only and a mixture of all the fatty acids. Basal layer, stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum were also well developed in butyric acid group and least in control group. The length and numbers of papillae/cm2 were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in the same group. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Microbial and biochemical changes in the rumen of cattle and buffalo fed oat hay-concentrate diet. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 2002; 19(1): 78-80 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shiv Kumar; Sadhana Singh; Bhatia, S.K; Sangwan, D.C Institution: Organization: Content : Rumen ecosystem and intraruminal metabolism in ruminant species fed an oat hay-concentrate diet revealed that ammonium-N levels were higher (P<0.05) in buffaloes (21.31) than in cattle (20.21 mg%), which, evolved higher (P<0.05) synthesis of protein-N (65.48 mg%) compared with buffaloes (61.93 mg%). This may ostensibly pinpoint induced microbial deaminases of 698 buffaloes. Postprandial influence of the test diet was maximum (P<0.05) 2 h after feeding. Two ruminants did not differ for cellulolytic bacteria and anaerobic fungi population; however, total protozoal (9x105) and viable bacterial (37.5x108/ml) density was significantly higher in buffaloes than in cattle (6.00x105, 26.50x108 g/ml). Inspite of a different rumen ambience coupled with better (P<0.05) cellulase profile, buffaloes did not display better digestion of fibrous components of the test diet. It may be deduced that rumen physiological factor(s) other than microbiota prevalence influence rumen function and metabolism. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: In vitro ruminal metabolites of cattle and buffalo as affected by fungal degradation of cellulosics. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 2002; 19(1): 73-77 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shiv Kumar; Sangwan, D.C; Bhatia, S.K; Sadhana Singh Institution: Organization: Content : In vitro metabolic profile of cattle and buffalo fungi degrading four nutritionally variable cellulosics was studied using 0.5 g substrate. Higher (P<0.05) rumen protein N and TVFA contents were assayed due to fermentative activity of cattle than buffaloes, although substrates differed (P<0.05) for nitrogenous metabolites, TVFA and cellulase activity. Buffaloes compared with cattle fungi evolved more ammonium nitrogen due to wheat straw degradability and also exhibited higher cellulase activity (P<0.05) due to all feedstuffs barring pearl millet stover, on which cattle (P<0.05) excelled buffalo for TVFA concentration. Protein contents in the rumen, irrespective of cellulosics, was higher (P<0.05) in cattle than in buffaloes. Rumen metabolic profile, irrespective of habitat of fungi, may be discerned with 0.5 g substrate size. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: The effect of chemical defaunation on rumen bacterial, protozoal population and enzyme activities in the cattle and buffalo rumen. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(10): 1074-1076 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sahu, D.S; Krishna Prasad; Agrawal, I.S; Verma, M.L. Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of sodium lauryl sulfate on rumen microbial population and enzyme activities were examined in 4 fistulated bullocks. Rumen liquor samples were collected for counting number of bacteria and protozoa and for estimating enzyme activities 10 and 20 days after administration of sodium lauryl sulpfate. The enzyme activity was determined in the rumen liquor samples collected 4 h after feeding, whereas protozoal and bacterial population was counted in samples collected 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after feeding from defaunated and faunated animals. The bacterial population was 699 significantly higher in defaunated animals and protozoa started re-appearing on day 20 of defaunation. The bacterial and protozoal count did not differ significantly in cattle and buffalo bullocks. Carboxymethyl cellulase activity was higher in faunated animals, whereas, protease activity was significantly higher in defaunated animals and amylase, xylanase and urease activity did not differ between faunated and defaunated animals. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: The effect of chemical defaunation on rumen bacterial, protozoal population and exzyme activities in the cattle and buffalo rumen. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Oct 2000). v. 70(10) p. 1074-1076. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sahu, D.S.; Prasad, Krishna; Agrawal, I.S.; Veram, M.L. Institution: Organization: Content : The experiment was designed to study the duration of effectiveness of sodium lauryl sulphate on rumen microbial population and enzyme activities in a 4factor RBD using 4 fistulatted bullocks, rumen liquor samples were collected for counting number of bacteria and protozoa and for estimation of enzyme activities on first 10th and 20th day of administration of sodium lauryl sulphate. The enzyme activity was determined in the rumen liquor samples collected at 4 hr post feeding, whereas the protozoal and bacterial population was counted in sample collected at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hr post feeding from defaunated and faunated animals. The bacterial population was significantly higher in defaunated animals and protozoa started reappearing on 20th day of defaunation. The bacterial and protozoal count did not differ significantly in cattle and buffalo bullocks. The carboxymethyl cellulase activity was higher in faunated animals, Whereas, protease activity was significantly (P<0.05) higher in defaunated animal and amylase, xylanase and urease activity did not differ between faunated and defaunated animals. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Methane production and energy balance in murrah buffalo heifers fed on complete diets of different composition. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2001). v. 71(4) p. 363-366. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Saraswat, M.L.; Tomar, S.K.; Haque, S.S.; Sengar, S.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Murrah buffalo heifers (12) weighing 350 kg, about 2 year old, divided into 3 groups of 4 animals each, were fed on isonitrogenous complete feeds (mash) having similar roughage: concentrate ratio with various sources of nitrogen (oil cakes), group 1 (wheat straw 40%, molasses 10%, rice bran 27%, deoiled mustard-cake 20%, mineral mixture 2% and common salt 1%), and group 2 (wheat straw 40%, molasses 10%, rice bran 23%, deoiled mustard-cake 12%, 700 deoiled sunflower-cake 12%, mineral mixture 2% and common salt 1%), and group 3 wheat straw 40%, molasses 8%, rice bran 39%, deoiled soybean-cake 10%, mineral mixture 2% and common salt 1%). Animals in all the groups were also offered 2 kg green sorghum separately. Dry matter intake was not statistically different in 3 groups. The digestibility of dry matter and other nutrients was similar in all the 3 groups. The GE, DE and ME intakes were similar in all groups. Methane energy loss as percentage of GE, DE and ME in all the 3 groups were also similar. Methane production per kg digestible OM was not significantly different in three groups. The energy balance was 49.7n5.93, 46.7n5.40 and 40.5n10.86 kcal/kg W0.75/d in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, showing no significant difference among the groups. The animals in all groups were in positive nitrogen balance. It is concluded that sources of nitrogen (oilcakes) have no effect on methane production and energy balance in buffalo in isonitrogenous diets. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Requirement and availability of feed and fodder resources for bovine population in Himachal Pradesh. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2001). v. 71(4) p. 367-374. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vashist, G.D.; Pathania, M.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Bovine population in the state recoded an increase at 12% between 19721992. The maximum increase was observed in buffaloes (25%). Between males and females both in cattle and buffaloes, female over 3 years of age showed positive growth rates. Percentage growth rate in the bovine population during different inter-census periods varied from -4.17 to 3.35. Among female cattle and buffaloes over 3 years of age the growth rate ranged from -3.17 to 5.91 and -4.74 to 8.66% respectively. A similar inter-district variation was observed in other categories of bovine population too. The findings of the study has amply demonstrated that there existed an overall shortage of al types of feed resources and the existing resources were not sufficient to meet even the half of the requirements of bovine stock in certain districts. There is an inter-district variation in the requirement and availability of feed resources in the state. There was a shortage of as much as of 50% of dry fodder, 21% of green fodder and 94% concentrate in Himachal Pradesh in 1972, whereas corresponding estimated shortage for these feed stuffs by 2002 AD would be to the tune of 59, 37 and 93% respectively. The gap between availability and requirement of feed resources for bovine will continue to exist and this would adversely affect the genetic potential particularly of crossbred cattle. In the past too, due to the shortage of feeds and fodder the crossbred cattle and upgrade buffalo have failed to portray their full genetic potential for higher production when fed at low levels. Therefore, timely steps ought to be taken on better feeding and management aspects to increase the production efficiency of the future population. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen 701 Subject: Effect of protein in complete diets on rumen metabolism in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(2): 159-161 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tomar, S.K; Sengar, S.S Institution: Organization: Content : Two diets (D1 and D2) were fed ad libitum to 3 permanently fistulated buffalo calves in a latin square design. D1 consisted of paddy straw (37), green fodder (3), molasses (10), deoiled rice bran (41), deoiled mustard-cake (DMC) (6), mineral mixture (2) and common salt (1 kg/100kg) and D2 has deoiled rice bran (39.8), deoiled undecorticated cottonseed-cake (DUCSC) (7) and urea (0.2 kg/100 kg) and the remaining ingredients were similar to D1. The concentration of various ruminal nitrogen fractions were comparable for both the diets except the non-protein nitrogen which was higher on D1 than that on D2. Rumen liquor pH was higher in D2 diet compared to D1. TVFA and all nitrogen fractions peaked at 4 h post-feeding. DM disappearance was higher for D2 compared to D1, indicating the increased solubility and degradability of diet D2. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of varying levels of rumen ammonia concentration on certain blood constituents. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(7): 696-697 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meenakshi Gupta; Nangia, O.P; Sonia Sindhu; Garg, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : Three healthy fistulated 1-2 year old buffalo calves were fed a ration comprising of concentrate and wheat straw in 35:65 ratio once daily for 3 weeks. After this adaptation period, blood samples were collected before feeding (0 h) and at 2, 4 and 6 h post feeding for 2 days (control treatment). The same animals were then given 50, 100 and 150 g intraruminal treatments of ammonium bicarbonate respectively at the rate of 350 ml/h set for 6 h for 10 days. Blood samples were collected at the same intervals as in the control treatment. The mean concentrations of blood sugar were 64.23 mg/dl (control) and 58.91, 56.76 and 42.72 mg/dl for treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The mean concentrations for blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 10.37 mg.dl (control) and 12.59, 16.87 and 18.45 mg/dl (treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Total blood protein values were 9.64 g/dl (control) and 7.08, 8.22 and 8.61 g/dl (treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (aspartate aminotransferase) concentrations were 117.53 U/Litre (control) and 175.70, 175.66 and 209.5 U/Litre (treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (alanine aminotransferase) were at 28.52 U/Litre (control) and 32.47, 35.61 and 40.83 U/Litre (treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively). These results show a gradual decrease in blood sugar concentration with increasing levels of ammonium bicarbonate. BUN 702 concentrations fall within safe limits and showed a linear increase with increasing levels of ammonium bicarbonate infusion. Blood protein levels were lower in the treatments compared to the control but were in agreement with previous studies. The enzyme concentrations were significantly higher in the treatments compared to the control. Ammonium bicarbonate infusion affected the concentration of both enzymes, which seem to be positively related to ruminal ammonium nitrogen concentration. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Role of different groups of microbes on fibre utilization. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(5): 497-498 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Samanta, A.K; Walli, T.K; Singh, K.K Institution: Organization: Content : The role of different groups of microbes on wheat straw utilization was determined under in vitro systems through selective antibiotics. In vitro gas production using rumen liquor (T1), rumen liquor containing fungi only (T2) and rumen liquor containing bacteria alone (T3) were significantly different in both buffalo and cattle. No difference was noticed between T1 and T4. Addition of antibiotics against either bacteria or fungi caused significant reduction in IVDMD and IVOMD in buffalo and cattle. Significant variation was noticed in TVFA production among the treatments. Molar proportion of acetate was significantly higher in T2 as compared to T1, T3 and T4 and no propionate production was recorded in T2 where wheat straw was allowed to degrade only by fungus. Use of fungal probiotic could not produce significant effect under in vitro system. It might be due to non-establishment of probiotic fungus under in vitro condition during the short period. Rumen fungi alone are less active in plant biomass degradation. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of osmotic agent supplementation in the diet of buffalo on some rumen functions and blood electrolytes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(10): 927-931 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Puri, J.P.; Garg,S.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Osmotic active agents like sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride increase the dilution rate/outflow rate, which improves animal performance. Keeping this in view, the present studies were conducted on four rumen-fistulated buffaloes (2 to 2.5 years). They were fed wheat straw + concentrate mixture as per requirements, group A. Sodium chloride was added daily for one month at a rate of 50 and 100 g/head for groups B and C, respectively. Feed intake was not affected in group B but reduced significantly in group C. Animals consumed more water in both treatment groups, possibly to maintain the water electrolyte balance. Rumen water kinetics studies also showed an increase in 703 the outflow rate and rumen volume in group C only, where sodium chloride was supplemented at 100 g/head daily. Total population of bacteria and protozoa were not affected in group B, but their number reduced significantly in group C, which might be due to an increase in flow rate in this group. Holotrichs protozoa were affected more than the entodeniomorphs. These results indicate that 50 g sodium chloride/head daily is an optimum level to promote better feed utilization in buffaloes. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Applicability of in vitro gas monitoring technique for tropical feeds degraded in batch and continuous cultured fungi from cattle and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(2): 185-187 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shiv Kumar; Sangwan, D.C; Bhatia, S.K; Sadhana Singh Institution: Organization: Content : In vitro simulated rumen studies were conducted using 0.5 and 1.0 g wheat straw (crude protein 3.6%, neutral detergent fibre 76.9%) as a substrate. The substrates were placed in glass bottles with 50 ml of anaerobic fungal media and incubated overnight at 39 degrees C. The processed inocula from cattle and buffaloes were then subjected to 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h fungi culture. The contents in the bottles were vacuum filtered for determination of dry matter (DM) loss for DM digestion for paddy straw, sorghum stover, pearl millet stover and berseem hay. Results showed that DM digestibility and gas volume and pressure increased (P<0.01) concomitantly with prolonged fermentation by batch cultured fungi. DM digestion at 12 h by cattle (25.9%) and buffalo (24.7%) fungi incubated with 0.5 g substrate increased twofold (52.1, 50.7%) at 96 h and substantiated with increased gas volume. The increased substrate also markedly slowed digestion in both cattle and buffaloes. Dry matter degradation of wheat starch was higher (P<0.01) in cattle (52.8 vs. 50.3%) and buffaloes (54.1 vs. 51.3%) for 0.5 and 1.0 g substrate, respectively, in continuous than batch culture. Rumen gas volume per unit of substrate fermented by fungi from cattle (214.4 ml) and buffaloes (247.2 ml) was also much higher (P<0.01) in continuous than batch cultured trials. The resultant (96 h) gas profile revealed maximum volume of carbon dioxide (117.9 and 150.0 ml on wheat straw) followed by methane (54.5 and 78.0 ml on sorghum stover) and hydrogen (3.9 and 1.8 ml/0.5 g berseem hay) in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: In vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of different cellulosic feeds by Ruminococcus albus pure culture. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(12): 1145-1150 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sadhana Singh; Shiv Kumar; Bhatia, S.K; Sangwan, D.C. Institution: Organization: 704 Content : Extensive studies on in vitro rumen degradation of dry matter (DM) and fibrous components from 9 nutritively different substrates (CP 2.1 to 20.3%, NDF 50.3 to 77.7%) by Ruminococcus albus pure culture were discerned. The gases generated in the rumen by bacterial fermentation and mixed anaerobic fungi were also profiled. Highest (P<0.05) disappearance of DM (55.5%), NDF (40.1%), ADF (35.7%), and cellulose (36.5%) was from oat hay followed by sorghum stover (50.4, 37.3, 31.9, and 34.7%). Ruminal degradations, irrespective of test substrates concomitantly increased (P<0.05) with prolonging the incubation of feedstuffs, with bacterium from 12 to 96 h. Highly lignified feedstuffs exhibited very low (P<0.05) disappearances of DM, which ranged from 34.0% (sugarcane bagasse) to 39.4% (wheat straw), whereas the corresponding values for NDF, ADF, and cellulose varied from 22.7, 20.6, and 21.7% (sugarcane bagasse) to 29.2, 27.1, and 27.6% (wheat straw), respectively. Least (P<0.05) degradation of DM and cell wall components in sugarcane bagasse pinpointed its high cellulose crystallinity to impair ruminal cellulolysis. The DM degradation by R. albus pure culture, which was correlated with hemicellulose to cellulose ratio in feedstuffs, was not substantiated with rumen gas pool size. Of the fractionated ruminal gases, CO2 (35.5 ml) and CH4 (28.1 ml/0.5 g) were maximally produced by the fermentation of sorghum stover, whereas the volume of such gases were least (14.1, 8.2 ml/0.5 g) due to paddy straw. Rumen CO2 and CH4 production was in 60:40 ratio. Dry matter degradations by R. albus exceeded (P<0.05) than those due to anaerobic fungi either from cattle or buffalo. However, the profile on generated ruminal gases was better due to fungal than bacterial activity. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Comparative in vitro rumen fungal degradation and gas production of cellulosic feeds in cattle and buffalo. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(2): 174-179 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sangwan, D.C; Shiv Kumar; Bhatia, S.K; Sadhana Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Ruminal degradations (in vitro) of DM and fibrous components in 9 substrates, besides gas production profile by anaerobic fungi which were compared in cattle and buffalo were influenced (P<0.01) by cell wall structural carbohydrates and varied between cattle and buffalo. Cattle fungi was better (P<0.01) than buffalo fungi in fermenting DM of substrates, which corroborated the pattern on ruminal gas production volume. The overall neutral detergent fibre (NDF) disappearances among feedstuffs differed (P<0.01) but remained alike owing to the source of rumen fungi. Least NDF and acid detergent fibre (ADF) degradations from paddy straw, pearlmillet stover and sugarcane bagasse corresponded to rumen gas production volumes. However, fibrous moieties of hays were maximally degraded by both ruminant fungi, though, magnitude of ADF disappearances (96 h relative to 12 h) exceeded (P<0.01) in the buffalo, as compared with cattle, for berseem and oat hay. The selective ruminant species (superiority of cattle than buffalo) response in degrading (P<0.01) cellulose from only 4 substrates was evidently 705 discerned. These differential rumen fungi degradations may sequentially pinpoint and reflect in feed dry matter consumption and rumen fill. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Diet influences the profile of rumen liquor metabolites in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(8): 945-947 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gill, S.S; Shashi Nayyar; Rajvir Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The 4 rumen fistulated calves were sequentially kept on 4 different diets for 21 days, diet A: green fodder+wheat straw+commercial concentrate+mineral mixture; diet B: green fodder+wheat straw+Leuceana leacocephala+concentrate; diet C: wheat straw treated with urea and molasses; and diet D: exclusively wheat straw. Diets A and B produced higher ruminal concentrations of volatile fatty acids and total nitrogen as compared to the diets C and D. Ammonia nitrogen in rumen liquor was the lowest in diet D. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: In vitro growth pattern of rumen microbes on cellulosic feeds using buffalo and cattle rumen liquor. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. (India). (Jun 2004). v. 74(6) p. 658-661. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sangwan, D.C.; Kumar, S.; Singh, S.; Bhatia, S.K.; Dular,R.K. Institution: Organization: Content : The growth pattern of anaerobes was studied by using rumen mixed culture from the cattle and buffalo under in vitro rumen fermentation up to 431 hr of 9 cellulosic feeds (CP 2.1 to 20.3 %, NDF 50.3 to 77.7%, ADF 38.9 to 52.3%, cellulose 26.5 to 39.%). The competitive seprobic ability (CSA) OF rumen microbes on such feed revealed relatively higher (P < 0.05) cellular growth, in descending order, on sorgham stover, oat hay, wheat straw and berseem hay than that on paddy straw, chickpea straw, lucerne hay and pearlmillet stover in buffallo and cattle. Sorghum stover wheat straw, sugercane bagasse and hays (oat, lucerne, berseem) proliferated more (P < 0.05) microbial growth in buffalo than cattle. The growth of microbes in cattle surpassed than that in buffalo due to paddy straw and perlmillet stover. A continuous lag phase of cellular multiplication between 27 hr (wheat straw, paddy straw, sorghum stover) to 91 hr (berseem hay) was followed by stationary and declined in microbial growth. The rumen gas pool size which did not differ between ruminant species was least due to the fermentation of chickpea straw ( 8.6, 9.5 ml / 0.5g ) and was recorded to be the highest ( 16.2, 16.5 ml / 0.5g for buffalo and cattle respectively) on oat hay. Significant correlations between rumen microbial growth and gas pool size were established. 706 Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of yeast culture and yeast culture plus sodium bicarbonate supplements on ruminal microbial populations and metabolism in buffalo calves. Year of publication: Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(6): 630-632 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Balwinder Kaur; Umesh Kumar; Sareen, V.K; Sudarshan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The complementary effect of NaHCO3 to yeast culture (YC) dietary supplement on various rumen variables was examined in buffalo calves. Part of the YC can be replaced by NaHCO3 to make YC supplement more cost effective. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: In vitro growth pattern of rumen microbes on cellulosic feeds using buffalo and cattle rumen liquor. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(6): 658-661 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sangwan, D.C.; Shiv Kumar; Sadhana Singh; Bhatia, S.K; Dular, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : The growth pattern of anaerobes was studied using rumen mixed culture from cattle and buffalo under in vitro rumen fermentation up to 431 h of 9 cellulosic feeds (CP 2.1-20.3%, NDF 50.3-77.7%, ADF 38.9-52.3%, cellulose 26.539.7%). The competitive seprobic ability (CSA) of rumen microbes on such feed revealed relatively higher (P<0.05) cellular growth, in descending order, on sorghum stover, oat hay, wheat straw and berseem hay than that on paddy straw, chickpea straw, lucerne hay and pearl millet stover in buffalo and cattle. Sorghum stover, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse and hays (oat, lucerne, berseem) proliferated more (P<0.05) microbial growth in buffalo than cattle. The growth of microbes in cattle surpassed that in buffalo due to paddy straw and pearl millet stover. A continuous lag phase of cellular multiplication between 27 h (wheat straw, paddy straw, sorghum stover) to 91 h (berseem hay) was followed by a stationary phase and decline in microbial growth. The rumen gas pool size, which did not differ between ruminant species, was least due to the fermentation of chickpea straw (8.6, 9.5 ml/0.5 g) and was recorded to be highest (16.2, 16.5 ml/0.5 g for buffalo and cattle, respectively) on oat hay. Significant correlations between rumen microbial growth and gas pool size were established. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: In vitro degradation and metabolism of sulfur supplemented oat hay by anaerobic fungi from buffalo and cattle. 707 Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(10): 1066-1070 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dular, R.K; Sangwan, D.C. Institution: Organization: Content : An in vitro rumen simulated study was conducted by fermenting oat hay with anaerobic fungi from buffalo and cattle under dietary sulfur levels of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% (on dry matter (DM) basis) for various time intervals. Ruminal disappearances of dry matter, gas production, rumen metabolites and cellulase activity were influenced (P<0.05) by sulfur supplementation as compared to control in both ruminant species and varied between cattle and buffalo. Buffaloes (60.8%) excelled (P<0.05) cattle (59.6%) fungi in fermenting DM of oat hay. Maximum (P<0.05) DM degradability was observed at 0.3% level of sulfur in cattle (62.7%) and buffalo (63.0%), which corroborated the pattern on ruminal gas production profile. Rumen nitrogen constituents (total nitrogen and protein nitrogen), total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and cellulase activity were maximum (P<0.05) at 0.3% level of sulfur in cattle (115.3, 18.9 mg %, 136.4 meq/litre and 475.2 micro g sugar/mg protein, respectively) and buffalo (118.8, 19.2 mg %, 139.0 meq/l and 465.3 micro g sugar/mg protein, respectively) barring ammonium nitrogen, which decreased due to sulfur supplementation and minimum (P<0.05) at 0.3% level in cattle (39.4%) and buffalo (38.0 mg %). Of the graded levels of sulfur, 0.3% helped in maximizing in vitro DM digestion and nitrogen metabolism by anaerobic fungi. Rumen fungi from buffalo enhanced DM degradation and rumen protein nitrogen constituent than cattle fungi. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Rumen fermentation pattern on complete diets with different sources of nitrogen in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science (India). (Sep 1999). v. LII(5) p. 330-332. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tomar, S.K.; Sengar,S.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Two complete diets containing 6% deoiled mustard cake (DMC, D1) or 7% deoiled undecorticated cotton seed cake (DUCSC, D2) plus 0.2% urea were fed to 4 permanently rumen fistulated buffalo calves ad lib, in a switch-over design. Rumen concentrations of all the N-fractions were comparable for both the diets except non-protein nitrogen which was higher (P<0.01) for D1 than D2. Peak concentrations of all N-fractions and TVFA were ob served at 4 h post-feeding. The fermentation pattern was found comparable for both the diets. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Calcium and magnesium ions activity in milk as influenced by 708 processing treatments. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science (India). (Sep 1999). v. LII(5) p. 315-319. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma,V.; Sindhu,J.S Institution: Organization: Content : Composite milk samples of buffalo, Zebu and crossbred cattle were analysed to determine the magnesium ions activity (Free Ca++ and Mg++ ions). The influence of different processing treatments (heating, coolageing,concentration and homogenization) on the calcium and magnesium ions activity in buffalo milk was also determined. The concentration of ionic calcium in mM/litre was 4.19, 4.69 and 4.67 in buffalo, Zebu and crossbred cattle milk, respectively. The ionic magnesium was higher in buffalo milk (2.16 mM/litre) compared in Zebu (1.29) and crossbred cows (1.09). The pasteurization and forewarming of buffalo milk caused a considerable decrease in the ionic calcium and magnesium, while cool-ageing at 4-6 C for 24 and 48 h, concentration (2:1) and homogenization caused a considerable increase in the activity of these ions. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of supplementation on live-weight changes in ruminants. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science (India). (Sep 1999). v. LII(5) p.289-293. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Murdia,P.C.; Sharma, V.V.; Taparia, A.L Institution: Organization: Content : Sole feeding of dry grass (Apluda mutica, Themeda quadrivalvis and heteropogan contortus) failed to maintain live-weight in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat. Supplementation with 7.5 g CP/Kg W0.75 through GNC resulted in moderate weight gains in bovines and ovine on feeding long as well as chopped grass. However, loss in body weight was noted in caprine fed either long or chopped grass alongwith protein source. Supplementation with concentrate mixture @ 40 or 60 g containing 7.5 of CP/kg W0.75 resulted in moderately high weight gains in all the species. The rate of gain was lower when animals were fed long grass as compared to chopped grass. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of protein supplementation on rumen passage rate of basal roughage in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(5): 334-335 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sanjita Sharma; Vishnu Sharma; Purohit, G.R. Institution: 709 Organization: Content : Two feeding trials were conducted on four male buffalo calves to investigate the effect of supplementation of tumba (Citrullus colocynthis) cake on passage rate of basal roughage wheat straw (India). The stained feed technique was employed and dye excretion was measured through a spectrophotometer. Results showed that though tumba cake supplementation reduced the passage rate of wheat straw, it did not exert any significant effect on 50% excretion and mean retention time. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Some biochemical changes in cerebrospinal fluid, blood and rumen fluid in experimental ruminal acidosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(11): 957-960 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nikolov,Y Institution: Organization: Content : A study was performed on 10 buffalo calves Buballus bubalis L. They were grouped into two: experimental (n=6) and control (n=4). Acute rumen acidosis was induced through a single oral administration of 20 ml/kg BW beetroot molasses. The samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood and rumen fluid (RF) were studied before the treatment (-24 and 0 h) and at 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 n past treatment. A significant increase in the level of glucose, total protein and leukocyte count in the CSF. A significant decrease in the levels of Ph in CSF blood and RF was observed during the experimental ruminal acidosis. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Influence of supplementation of different carbohydrate sources on rumen fermentation pattern in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(1): 18-22 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meenakshi Gupta; Nangia, O.P. Institution: Organization: Content : Three healthy fistulated male buffalo calves of 1 1/2 to 2 years of age were fed ration comprising of concentrate and wheat straw in 35:65 ratio, once daily for a period of three weeks. After the adaptation period, rumen liquor samples were collected from each individual animal before feeding (0h) and 2, 4 and 6h post feeding for two consecutive days. The same animals were then maintained on the following experimental diet under 3 separate trials; Basal diet + 300g arrowroot starch (Treatment I); Basal diet + 300g gur (Treatment II); Basal diet + 300g sucrose (Treatment III). The data showed an increase in total volatile fatty acid concentration in all animals fed supplemented diet as compared to those maintained on basal diet alone. Total protozoa numbers increased with starch supplemented diet and decreased with gur and sucrose supplementation. Microbial protein synthesis in rumen decreased in animals 710 fed with carbohydrate supplements. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Studies on the dynamics of ovine rumen liquor in buffalo calves, (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(5): 457-459 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rao, G.M; Choudhuri, P.C; Sundar, N.S. Institution: Organization: Content : This investigations was conducted to compare the utility and suitability of sheep rumen liquor transplantation in experimentally defaunated buffalo calves (n=4). Evaluation of rumen liquor was carried out based on physical and microbial analysis. The average time required for the total revival of rumen protozoal activity in untreated buffalo calves was observed to be 10.50+or-0.60 days. Following homologous (buffalo) and heterologous (ovine) rumen liquor transplantation of defaunated buffalo calves, the normal protozoal activity could be established on an average of 4.16+or-0.36 days (homologous) in the former while it took an average of 5.33+or-0.45 days (heterologous) in the later. Based on these findings, it is postulated that sheep rumen liquor can be used for the treatment of rumen dysfunctions in buffaloes. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Diurnal variations in the activities of hydrolytic enzymes in different fractions of rumen contents of Murrah buffalo. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Research. 2000; 18(1): 73-80 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Neeta Agarwal; Indu Agarwal; Kamra, D.N; Chaudhary, L.C Institution: Organization: Content : Carboxymethylcellulase, alpha -amylase, xylanase, microcrystalline cellulase and filter paper degrading activities were estimated in various fractions of rumen contents of 2 Murrah buffaloes(18 months old, 248 kg). 80-92% of the enzyme activities were associated with the particulate material, while only a negligible portion (1-4%) was present in the extracellular fraction of the liquid portion. The remaining 8-15% was associated with freely suspended microbial cells in the liquid portion of the rumen contents. Maximum activities of carboxymethylcellulase, alpha -amylase, xylanase and micro-crystalline cellulase were observed at 2 h post feeding; in the case of filter paper degrading activity, there was no difference in the activities in the first 4 h of offering feed to the animals. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Purification and characterization of a bacteriocin-like compound (Lichenin) produced anaerobically by Bacillus licheniformis isolated from water buffalo. Year of publication: 2001 711 Journal: Journal of Applied Microbiology. 2001; 91(4): 636-645 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pattnaik, P; Kaushik, J.K; Grover, S; Batish, V.K. Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to characterize a bacteriocin-like factor from Bacillus licheniformis 26 L-10/3RA isolated from buffalo rumen. The culture supernatant exhibited the antibacterial activity against a number of indicator organisms in a cut-well agar assay under anaerobic conditions. The inhibitory component was purified by following ammonium sulphate precipitation, gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography and confirmed to be a single peptide. A single band on tricine-sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed that the peptide was purified to homogeneity and having an estimated molecular mass of approximately 1400 dalton. Complete amino acid sequence of the peptide yielded 12 amino acids from the Nterminal end (ISLEICXIFHDN). No homology with previously reported bacteriocins was observed and has been designated as Lichenin. Lichenin was found to be hydrophobic, sensitive to atmospheric oxygen, retained biological activity even after boiling for 10 min and was active over a pH range of 4.09.0. The Lichenin represents the first anaerobiosis specific expression of bacteriocin-like compound isolated from Bacillus licheniformis 26 L-10/3RA of buffalo rumen origin. Lichenin could be a potential candidate for manipulating the rumen function at molecular level intended for improving the productivity of the ruminant. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of adding an anaerobic fungal culture isolated from a wild blue bull (Boselophus tragocamelus) to rumen fluid from buffaloes on in vitro fibrolytic enzyme activity, fermentation and degradation of tannins and tannin-containing Kachnar tree (Bauhinia variegata) leaves and wheat straw. Year of publication: 2006 Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2006; 86(2): 258270 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Paul, S.S.; Kamra, D.N.; Sastry, V.R.B.; Sahu,N.P. Institution: Organization: Content : The study investigated the effects of adding an anaerobic fungus (Piromyces sp. FNG5; isolated from the faeces of a wild blue bull) to the rumen fluid of buffaloes consuming a basal diet of wheat straw and concentrates on in vitro enzyme activities, fermentation and degradation of tannins and tannin-rich tree leaves and wheat straw. In experiment 1, strained rumen fluid was incubated for 24 and 48 h, in quadruplicate, with or without fungal culture using condensed tannin-rich Bauhinia variegata leaves as substrates. In experiment 2, in vitro incubation medium containing wheat straw and different concentrations of added tannic acid (0-1.2 mg mL-1) were incubated for 48 h, in quadruplicate, with strained buffalo rumen fluid with or without fungal culture. In experiment 3, tolerance of the fungal isolate to tannic acid was 712 tested by estimating fungal growth in pure culture medium containing different concentrations (0-50 g L-1) of tannic acid. In in vitro studies with Bauhinia variegata tree leaves, addition of the fungal isolate to buffalo strained rumen liquor resulted in significant (P<0.01) increase in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility and activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (P<0.05) and xylanase (P<0.05) at 24 h fermentation. There was 12.35% increase (P<0.01) in condensed tannin (CT) degradation on addition of the fungal isolate at 48 h fermentation. In in vitro studies with wheat straw, addition of the fungus caused an increase in apparent digestibility (P<0.01), true digestibility (P<0.05), NDF digestibility (P<0.05), activities of carboxymethyl cellulase (P<0.001), beta -glucosidase (P<0.001), xylanase (P<0.001), acetyl esterase (P<0.001) and degradation of tannic acid (P<0.05). Rumen liquor from buffaloes which had never been exposed to tannin-containing diet had been found to have substantial inherent tannic acid-degrading ability (degraded 55.3% of added tannic acid within 24 h of fermentation). The fungus could tolerate tannic acid concentration up to 20 g L-1 in growth medium. The results of this study suggest that introduction of an anaerobic fungal isolate with superior lignocellulolytic activity isolated from the faeces of a wild herbivore may improve fibre digestion from tannin-containing feeds and degradation of tannins in the rumen of buffaloes. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of environmental factors on production of lichenin, a chromosomally encoded bacteriocin-like compound produced by Bacillus licheniformis 26L-10/3RA. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Microbiological Research. 2005; 160(2): 213-218 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Priyabrata Pattnaik; Sunita Grover; Batish, V.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Effect of environmental factors on production of lichenin, a bacteriocin-like compound produced by Bacillus licheniformis 26L-10/3RA isolated from buffalo rumen was studied. Lichenin represents the first anaerobiosis-specific expression of broad-spectrum antibacterial compound effective only under anaerobic conditions. Production of lichenin by B. licheniformis 26L-10/3RA was found to be very high at 39 degrees C in L-10 medium supplemented with 0.5% glucose and 20% (w/v) inert thermocol beads. Lichenin production was highest at pH 6.8 after 72-96 h of incubation. Our study also indicated that lichenin is not a plasmid-linked characteristic and is encoded by chromosomal DNA. Results obtained can be used in large-scale production of lichenin for potential application in manipulating rumen function intended for improving productivity of the ruminants. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Fractionation and partial purification of endoglucanase and xylanase from Piromyces sp. isolated from rumen of buffalo. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Microbiologie, Aliments, Nutrition. 1999; 17(2): 81-91 AB: Country of Origin: India 713 Author’s name: Samanta, A.K.; Walli, T.K.; Rajput, Y.S.; Batish, V.K.; Grover, S.; Mohanty, A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Various isoenzymes of endoglucanase and xylanase were identified in an isolate of Piromyces sp. from the rumen of a riverine buffalo, following chromatographic and electrophoretic analyses. On SDS-PAGE, endoglucanase gave 4 activity bands having molecular weights of 100, 66, 40 and 33 kDa. Xylanase also gave 4 activity bands with molecular weights of 168, 80, 61 and 50 kDa. Endoglucanase activity yield was very low on hydroxyapatite and Superose-12 column chromatography. Separation of endoglucanase on mono Q column resulted in resolution of enzyme activity into 4 peaks with relative abundance of 18.2, 17.1, 21.8 and 43.3% for peaks C1, C2, C3 and C4, respectively. Purification fold was in the range 1.90-4.87. Xylanase activity could be resolved into 2 peaks on the mono Q column. Xylanase in peaks X1 and X2 were purified to 34.4- and 4.5-fold and their relative abundance was 36.3 and 63.7%, respectively. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Pancreatic juice lipase in buffalo calves from birth to early ruminant stage Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Christi, K.S.; Vadodaria, V.P.; Mehta, V.M. Institution: Organization: Content : The present research work was performed in 12 Surti buffalo calves with reference to pancreatic juice lipase from birth to early ruminant stage. The pancreatic juice was collected by cannulating the pancreatic duct. The samples were collected 30 min before feeding (BF) and 30 min after feeding (AF) both during morning and evening hours. The results revealed non significant age effect for early neonatal period (first 10 d) but it was found to be significant AF during weekly comparison. Overall lipase activity was found to decline with age but the activity was found to increase with age when expressed for the volume (flow rate) of pancreatic juice secreted during 30 min of time. Diurnal variations, excepting significant higher activity at evening hours at 12 wk, revealed non significant higher lipase level during evening hours (4.53 percent) as compared to morning samplings. Overall, lipase level increased due to feeding was found to the extent of 42.73 percent (3.41 U/ml) as compared to its basal level. Postprandial lipase level at different stages (colostrum feeding, MRP feeding, inclusion of concentrate and hay and inclusion of fodder) revealed significant increase except a decrease recorded on 11 wk. The findings suggested that lipase activity is present at birth and the ontogenic pattern may be modified at birth by the colostrum and milk substitute intake and upon weaning due to modified at birth by the colostrum and milk substitute intake and upon weaning due to development of 714 forestomachs and also due to increase amount of solid food intake. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Effect of anaerobic fungi on in vitro feed digestion by mixed rumen microflora of buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Reproduction, Nutrition, Development. 2004; 44(4): 313-319 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Paul,S.S; Kamra, D.N; Sastry, V.R.B; Sahu, N.P; Neeta Agarwal Institution: Organization: Content : Five strains of anaerobic fungi isolated from the faeces of wild (hog deer, Cervus porcinus; blackbuck, Antelope cervicapra; spotted deer, Axis axis; nilgai, Baselophus tragocamelus) and rumen liquor of domestic (sheep, Ovies aries) ruminants showing high fibrolytic enzyme producing ability were added to mixed rumen microflora of buffalo to study their effect on the digestibility of lignocellulosic feed (wheat straw and wheat bran in the ratio of 80:20), enzyme production and fermentation end products in in vitro conditions. Among the 5 isolates studied, FNG5 (isolated from nilgai) showed the highest stimulating effect on apparent digestibility (35.31+or-1.61% vs. 28.61+or1.55%; P<0.05), true digestibility (43.64+or-1.73% vs. 35.37+or-1.65%; P<0.01), neutral detergent fibre digestibility (29.30+or-2.58% vs. 18.47+or2.12; P<0.01) of feed 24 h after inoculation compared to the control group. The production of carboxymethyl cellulase, xylanase, acetylesterase and beta glucosidase was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the FNG5 inoculated incubation medium. There was no improvement in the digestibility and enzyme production on the addition of the other 4 isolates. Total volatile fatty acid levels as well as the concentration of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate and valerate were significantly higher in the FNG5 added group as compared to the control group. The fungal isolate FNG5 from nilgai, a wild ruminant, was found to be superior to the other isolates tested and appears to have a potential to be used as a feed additive for improving fibre degradation in domestic ruminants. Specialization: Animal Nutrition - Rumen Subject: Influence of addition of yeast culture (YEA-SACC228) to the diet of buffalo calves on ruminal fermentation and in sacco digestibility of some roughages. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: SARAS Journal of Livestock and Poultry Production. 2003; 19(1/2): 38-46 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Baljit Kaur; Umesh Kumar; Sareen, V.K; Sudarshan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The influence of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) culture (YC, YEASACC228) supplement to the normal diet of buffalo calves on ruminal fermentation and microbial populations and in sacco dry matter (DM), neutral 715 detergent fibre (NDF) and cellulose (CE) disappearance from roughages was investigated in 6 rumen-fistulated buffalo calves divided into 2 groups (C and YC). The animals in both groups were fed on a normal diet consisting of wheat straw, berseem and concentrate mixture as per requirements. Each animal in group YC was given 10 g yeast culture per day. The pH increased and lactate concentration decreased in the rumen fluid (RF) up to 8 h postfeeding in YC compared to C. The number of total bacteria, total viable bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria increased by 39.1 (P<0.05), 33.0 (P<0.05) and 47.0%, respectively, with YC supplement. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (FA) and protein were increased by 6.04 (P<0.05) and 2.30%, respectively, in YC compared to C. However, the concentration of NH3-N decreased by 7.54% (P<0.05). The in sacco disappearance of DM, NDF and CE from wheat straw, rice straw, bajra straw, maize stalks and berseem hay was more in YC compared to C, particularly during the early hours of incubation. 716 3 Biochemistry Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Validation of a sensitive enzymeimmunoassay for 13,14-dihydro15-keto-PGF2 alpha in buffalo plasma and its application for reproductive health status monitoring. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Animal Reproduction Science. 2003; 78(1/2): 33-46 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mishra, D.P.; Meyer,H.H.D; Prakash, B.S. Institution: Organization: Content : A simple, sensitive and direct enzyme immunoassay (EIA) procedure on microtitre plates using the second antibody coating technique was standardized and validated for the determination of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF2 alpha (PGFM) in unextracted buffalo plasma. The assay was carried out directly in 20 micro l of buffalo plasma. PGFM standards prepared in charcoal stripped hormone-free plasma were used. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.4 pg/well, which corresponded to 20 pg/ml plasma. Plasma volumes for the assay ranging from 10 to 50 micro l did not influence the PGFM standard curve; however, a slight drop in the OD450 was observed with higher plasma volumes. Biological validation of the assay was carried out in buffalo plasma samples obtained during physiological states of cyclicity, peri-estrus, postinsemination, reproductive tract infection and persistent corpus luteum conditions. A pulsatile pattern of plasma PGFM release was observed prior to oestrus when PGFM was determined in blood samples collected at hourly intervals of time. The PGFM pulsatility was not observed when blood sampling frequency of either 4 or 12 h was considered. The PGFM levels stayed high in peripheral circulation of buffaloes with reproductive tractinfections and remained low throughout the sampling period in buffaloes having persistent corpus luteum. After an initial increase post-insemination, the plasma PGFM levels showed minor fluctuations. The assay was found to be sufficiently reliable and specific for estimation of PGFM levels in buffaloes. The standardization and validation of PGFM assay in buffalo opens the prospects of using PGFM levels as an indicator for reproductive health status monitoring in this species. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Studies on milk allantoin and uric acid in relation to feeding regimens and production performance in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 14(11): 1634-1637 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sikka, P.; Saxena, N.K.; Gupta, R.; Sethi, R.K.; Lall, D. Institution: Organization: Content : Allantoin and uric acid were estimated in milk to study the association between the levels of these purine derivatives and milk production per day 717 under given feeding regimens. Keeping the stage of lactation, parity and initial milk yield in view thirty lactating buffaloes were randomly selected from early lactating group. All the animals were fed 30 kg green feed, 2 kg straw and 5 kg concentrate mixture on a per animal/day basis at basal level up to 8 litres production. One kg concentrate mixture, soaked cotton seed and boiled cotton seed was fed for every 2 litres milk, respectively in Group I (control), Group II and Group III animals. Average milk allantoin and uric acid levels were 120+or-11.7 g/ml and 4.03+or-0.63 g/ml, respectively in milk. Cotton seed feeding enhanced the milk production significantly (P<0.01) in comparison to concentrate mixture fed control group animals. A significant difference (P<0.01) in milk allantoin levels was found over the different feeding managements in higher level of production group animals. The study also revealed a significant negative correlation between the milk allantoin and production per day r=-0.43 (P<0.05). Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: AP-Biochem Effect of oxytocin administration on certain minerals in the milk of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 14(11): 1523-1526 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mahendra Singh; Anjuli Aggarwal Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of oxytocin on copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in milk of buffaloes was determined. To study the secretion of trace elements during early lactation, 12 lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected from the herd of the institute. The buffaloes were divided into 2 groups of 6 each. Buffaloes of group I were not injected and served as control. Buffaloes of group II received oxytocin injection (2.5 I.U.) intramuscularly for a period of 5 days for let down of milk. Milk samples were collected from both groups of buffaloes 5 days before, during and after the administration of oxytocin. Aliquots of milk samples from each buffalo were composited in proportion to their milk yield and used for analysis of trace elements in milk. In both the groups of buffaloes Cu, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn contents did not vary significantly between animals. However, Ca levels varied significantly (P<0.01) between the animals. Administration of oxytocin influenced (P<0.01) Cu, Mg, Zn, Fe and Mn secretion in milk. However, Ca secretion was not affected by oxytocin administration. Secretion of these elements also varied significantly during different days of the study. Zinc content of milk in the control group also varied significantly (P<0.01) during different days and periods of study indicating that oxytocin had no effect on zinc concentration. The study indicated that administration of oxytocin increases Cu and Mn content and decreases Mg, Fe and Zn content without altering the Ca concentration of milk. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Effect of dexamethasone stress on concentrations of zinc in blood 718 plasma and in sub-cellular fractions of various tissues of neonatal buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(7): 10221025 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Charanbir Singh; Singha, S.P.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Effect of chemical stress, daily administration of glucocorticoid (dexamethasone at 0.125 mg per calf per day) injections, on plasma zinc levels, Zn status of body tissues and its distribution in subcellular fractions, were studied in neonatal buffalo calves (n=10). Daily i.m. injections of dexamethasone, starting at one week of age until 8 weeks of age, led to a significant decline in plasma Zn concentration from the 3rd week onwards; this persisted throughout the rest of the experimental period. In the control group, the liver had the highest concentration of zinc, followed by the heart, muscle, spleen, kidney and testis. In all these tissues, the cytosolic fractions had the highest (>60%) zinc levels followed by the nuclear, mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. In dexamethasone treated calves, there was a significant increase in the Zn uptake by the liver and muscle tissues. This increase in zinc concentration was observed in all the subcellular fractions of the liver and muscle; however, about 80% of this increase was in the cytosolic fraction. It was concluded that the glucocorticoid-induced stress caused the increase in Zn levels in the liver and muscles, and the decrease in blood plasma zinc, indicating a redistribution of Zn in the body. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Therapeutic efficacy of minerals supplement in macro-minerals deficient buffaloes and its effect on haematobiochemical profile and production. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(9): 12781287 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, M.C.; Chinmay Joshi; Sarkar, T.K. Institution: Organization: Content : To record the prevalence of macro-minerals deficiency in buffaloes, a survey was conducted in certain parts of Northern India. The prevalence of soil Ca, P, Mg, Na, P and K deficiency was 21.35%, 23.30%, 28.64%, 3.61% and 6.84%, respectively while that of fodder Ca, P, Mg, Na and K deficiency was 13.88%, 16.55%, 19.72%, 3.54% and 4.86%, respectively. The overall prevalence of serum (buffalo) Ca, P, Mg, Na and K deficiency in certain parts of northern India was 25.48%, 24.66%, 24.36%, 4.42% and 3.28%, respectively. The correlation coefficient of Ca, P, Mg, Na and K in soil, fodder and serum was significant and in most of the cases the values were above 0.6. The highest deficiency of macro-minerals i.e. Ca, P, Mg, Na and K was found in plain regions, followed by Tarai (foot hill of Himalayas) region and finally the hilly 719 region. For therapeutic studies, three types of mineral mixture were prepared according to deficiency obtained and fed to three groups of deficient animals. Observations were recorded on 0, 30, 60 and 75 day. In group A animals normal mineral mixture was provided, where as in group C and D 10% and 25% more of Ca, P, Mg were provided, respectively. There was an increase in body weight, milk yield, haemoglobin concentration, and total erythrocyte count. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase in group D animals. There was a decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate and alkaline phosphatase in group D animal after mineral supplement. Thus showing the efficacy when supplements 3 provided to group D animals. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Plasma protein profile of neonatal buffalo calves in relation to the protein profile of colostrum/milk during first week following parturition. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 16(3): 348352 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Lone, A.G.; Charanbir Singh; Singha, S.P.S. Institution: Organization: Content : An investigation was made into the protein profile of colostrum/milk of ten Murrah buffaloes and of their ten buffalo calves during their first week of neonatal life to study the materno-neonatal transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig). Calves were pail fed 3.5 litres of colostrum and/or milk per calf/day exclusively from their dam. First blood sample from newborn calves was collected before colostrum feeding on the day of birth (day zero) and the sampling continued daily for seven days after colostrum/milk feeding. Colostrum/milk Ig and IgG values were 4.82+or-2.60, 2.19+or-1.90, 1.12+or0.82, 0.69+or-0.44, 0.59+or-0.31, 0.47+or-0.20, 0.40+or-0.22, 0.40+or-0.25 and 3.58+or-1.90, 1.08+or-0.92, 0.52+or-0.40, 0.31+or-0.20, 0.27+or-0.14, 0.22+or-0.08, 0.18+or-0.09, 0.14+or-0.08, respectively, during 0-7 days post partum. The concentration of total colostrum/milk proteins, Ig, IgG and albumin were highest within 12 h post-partum. Thereafter, the concentrations followed a declining trend which may be attributed to the reduced transfer of proteins from the maternal blood, declining synthesis by the mammary glands and/or depletion of stored proteins. The concentrations of plasma Ig and IgG before colostrum feeding on day zero were 0.42+or-0.09 and 0.08+or-0.03 respectively. The levels of plasma Ig were 1.90+or-0.37, 1.80+or-0.31, 1.80+or-0.26, 1.81+or-0.28, 1.78+or-0.31, 1.79+or-0.21, 1.80+or-0.32 and of IgG were 1.57+or-0.41, 1.30+or-0.29, 1.31+or-0.21, 1.27+or-0.18, 1.23+or0.21, 1.23+or-0.16, 1.26+or-0.21 on days 1-7 after birth after colostrum/milk feeding. The concentrations of total plasma proteins, Ig, IgG were lowest before colostrum feeding and increased significantly (p<0.05) after colostrum feeding in buffalo neonates. The results suggest that the highest amounts of colostral Ig and IgG were available on the day of parturition and thus the calves should receive colostrum as early as possible postpartum. Colostrum Ig and IgG concentrations were not correlated to plasma Ig and IgG concentrations in the post-suckle buffalo calves and therefore, colostrum Ig and IgG concentrations were probably not the principle determinants of calf 720 post-suckle plasma Ig and IgG concentrations. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Effect of vacuum and pulsation rate on some milking characteristics in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2000; 6(4): 78-82 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dogra, P.K.; Parmar, O.S.; Gupta, S.C. Institution: Organization: Content : Ten lactating Murrah buffaloes were milked with a milking machine using 2.8 kg weight of the cluster and 23 mm teatcup liner diameter. The effect of three levels of vacuum (400, 420 and 450 mm Hg) and two levels of pulsation rates (55 and 65 cycles/min) were studied on certain milking characteristics. A highly significant (P<0.01) effect of animal and vacuum on all the milking characteristics (except for vacuum on milk let-down time) was observed. The milk flow rates increased with the corresponding increase in the vacuum and pulsation rate. The overall least-squares means for let-down time, machine milking time, stripping time, machine milk yield, stripping yield, total milk yield and milk flow rate were 63.13+or-0.30 s, 4.05+or-0.04 min, 37.89+or0.45 s, 3.608+or-0.030 kg, 0.148+or-0.004 kg, 3.756+or-0.033 kg and 0.925+or-0.006 kg/min, respectively. The results showed that 420-mm Hg vacuum and 65-cycles/min pulsation rate was optimum for efficient machine milking of buffaloes. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: A comparative distribution pattern of major enzymes in buffalo and cross-bred cows' milk during different lactation stages. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(3): 67-69 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, K.C; Sachdeva, V.K; Sudarshan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : This study presents the distribution pattern of major enzymes in buffalo and cross-bred cow's milk during the different stages of lactation. Results showed that lipase activity was maximum in both cow and buffalo during early lactation (45 days after calving). However, the activity was lower in cow's milk than in buffalo milk during mid and late lactation. The catalase activity of cows and buffalo milk increased with advancing stage of lactation and was observed to be maximum during late lactation (280 days after calving). The alkaline phosphatase activity was almost invariable both in cow and buffalo milk during the whole lactation period. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: A comparison of liver glycogen, blood and rumen fluid organic components of buffaloes with cattle. Year of publication: 2000 721 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2000; 19(2): 39-42 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Malviya, S.K; Rakeshkumar; Sharma, I.J Institution: Organization: Content : The liver pieces, blood and rumen fluid of 26 animals, including buffaloes, buffalo bulls and bulls were collected from the local slaughter house for estimation of liver glycogen, blood and rumen fluid content for glucose, oxaloacetate, pyruvate, lactate, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), free fatty acids, ketone bodies and protein (only in plasma). It was observed that the liver glycogen and blood glucose were higher in the buffaloes, more particularly, liver glycogen in male buffaloes. The gluconeogenic substrate (Oxaloacetate), lactate and TVFA were higher in buffalo bulls than buffaloes and bulls. However, blood glucose was higher in the buffaloes in comparison to their male counterpart as well as bulls. The normoglycaemia with low liver glycogen content was recorded in almost all the types of the animals used which may be the effect of catecholamines on glycogenolysis and utilization of ketone bodies by various tissues. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Validation of an oxytocin enzyme immunoassay in buffalo plasma. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 343-350 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumud, N.K; Prakash, B.S Institution: Organization: Content : A sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) procedure on microtitreplates using the second antibody coating technique and the biotin-streptavidin amplification system for oxytocin determination in bovine plasma was validated for estimating the hormone in buffalo plasma. Blood was collected from a pregnant buffalo during evening milking. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.2 pg/well oxytocin, which corresponded to 1 pg/ml plasma. Biological validation of the assay was carried out in buffalo plasma samples obtained around milking and after treatment with lutalyse (25 mg; i.m) - a prostaglandin analogue. Plasma oxytocin levels increased during milking from basal concentrations of 1 pg/ml to around 20 pg/ml within 8 min of milking, falling sharply thereafter to 3.5 pg/ml at the end of milking. Following lutalyse administration in a buffalo, a steep increase in plasma oxytocin concentration was recorded from low basal values (<2 pg/ml) to 150 pg/ml within 10 min of lutalyse treatment, declining thereafter. The validation of oxytocin assay in buffalo opens the prospects of exploring the role of this hormone in various processes associated with reproduction and lactation which will provide an insight into the possible causes limiting the productivity of this species. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Characterization of cationic proteins and peptides from buffalo tongue epithelium. 722 Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(2): 211-216 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anbu, K.A; More, T; Ashok Kumar Institution: Organization: Content : Endogenous antibacterial cationic proteins and peptides play a prominent role in the protection of epithelial surface against hostile environment. Isolation and characterization of such antibacterial proteins and peptides from the buffalo tongue epithelium were carried out, since no such information is available in this species. Buffalo tongue epithelial extract resolved into 3 peaks by Sephacryl S-100 HR column chromatography. The tongue epithelial cationic peptides were also isolated using Centrisart membrane filters. The AU-PAGE pattern of the proteins and peptides isolated from the buffalo tongue epithelium showed that the most cationic protein band corresponded to the reference lysozyme run simultaneously. The molecular weight of cationic proteins and peptides based on SDS-PAGE were in the range of 11 to 66 kDa in 15% gel. The cationic peptides were resolved into distinct bands below 20 kDa in 10-35% SDS-PAGE with increased buffer concentration. The peptides were having absorbance maxima at 240 nm and lacked gelatinase activity. The lower-than-5-kDa fraction isolated using Centrisart membrane filters was found to contain antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Further studies are warranted to elucidate their in vivo antibacterial efficacy in terms of mucosal immunity. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: In vitro study on biomechanical characteristics of tendons of limbs of the buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 49-59 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dubal, S.C; Vyas, K.N; Vyas, Y.L Institution: Organization: Content : The biomechanical characteristics of tendons of the distal part of the fore- and hindlimbs of six young (6 to 10 months old) and adult (5 to 10 years old) male Surti buffaloes were utilized to understand quantitatively the susceptibility of the tendons for strain injuries. There were significant (P<0.01) age-related differences among the tendons studied. The mean value of the Young's modulus of elasticity, factor of safety and fracture toughness did not differ (P>0.01) among the tendons studied, and hence these properties appeared to be material properties. All other mechanical properties appeared to be specimen properties. Tendons which act as prime movers and are subjected to high physical stresses had higher values of tensile strength, but had lower values of critical length of micro-damage and number of fatigue cycles, compared to those that did not. Also, these tendons were more susceptible to injuries. Specialization: Biochemistry 723 Subject: Isolation and characterization of a 26 kDa glycosylated prolactin from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2005; 21(1): 53-65 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ramanandam, L.K; Venkatesh, S.G; Vijay Deshpande Institution: Organization: Content : Prolactin (PRL) has been isolated from buffalo pituitaries by acid acetone extraction. Sephadex G-75 gel filtration, DEAE-cellulose chromatography and reversed phase HPLC. The yield of the purified material, as determined by non-competitive ELISA, ranged from 0.96-1.15 mg/g of whole pituitary for different batches of pituitaries. The purified protein exhibited immunological cross-reactivity against antibodies to ovine prolactin but not to anti-ovine growth hormone. SDS-PAGE revealed a single protein band of 26 kDa. However, immunoblotting indicated the presence of higher molecular variants of 41 and 82 kDa. Native gel-electrophoresis of the 26 kDa protein followed by coomassie brilliant blue and thymol sulphuric acid staining revealed multiple bands indicating the presence of charged and glycosylated variants. Buffalo prolactin as a glycoprotein has 5.1 and 0.27% neutral carbohydrate and sialic acid contents respectively. N-terminal analysis of buffalo PRL revealed threonine as the N-terminal amino acid. The amino acid composition of buffalo prolactin was similar to that of other mammalian species. Tryptic peptide map of buffalo PRL was similar to that of standard ovine PRL, indicating close structural homology. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Urea content of milk of Murrah breed of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Newsletter. 2001; (16): 10-12 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kavitha, P; Bector, B.S; Vivek Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the normal values of urea in the milk and milk yield of Murrah buffaloes which were maintained under standard feeding and management practices. Results revealed that individual Murrah buffaloes produced 0.5-9.0 kg (3.88+or-0.18 kg average) of milk while urea content ranged from 21.06 to 56.58 mg/100 ml (35.10+or-0.55 mg average). The urea content of pooled buffalo milk varied from 16.83 to 33.70 mg/100 mg (28.22+or-1.11 mg average). Colostrum of buffaloes had 13.97 to 19.58 mg of urea/100 ml (16.01+or-0.80 mg average). Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Energy yielding blood metabolites in growing female buffalo calves during their first year of age. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Haryana Veterinarian. 1999; 38: 29-32 1999 AB: Country of Origin: India 724 Author’s name: Rose, M.K; Garg, S.L; Saini, M.S; Singh, N; Agarwal, V.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Blood samples were taken from 11 female buffalo calves at 24 h after birth, on the 15th day and at 1 month of age. Samples were also taken at monthly intervals until 6 months of age and thereafter every 3 months until 1 year of age. Blood glucose [blood sugar], total plasma proteins [blood proteins], ketone bodies and total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were determined. Results showed high blood glucose concentrations in newborn calves followed by a gradual decrease as age increased and attained the lowest levels at 5 months of age which were subsequently maintained. The concentrations of plasma proteins was lowest (P<0.01) in newborn animals and increased with age. Ketone bodies increased significantly with age up to 4 months of age after which no significant difference was observed. Total VFA concentrations increased gradually with age until 6 months and thereafter the values were stabilized. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Quality and yield of buffalo blood and its fractions. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(1): 23-25 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mandal, P.K; Rao, V.K; Kowale, B.N; Pal, U.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Blood collected by the open method from 90 adult buffaloes was defibrinated and serum was separated. The average yield of whole blood, serum and red blood cell (r.b.c.) concentrate was 9.44+or-0.05 litres, 62.00+or-47% and 38.00+or-0.47% of total blood yield, respectively. The total viable count in whole blood, serum and r.b.c. concentrate were 4.55+or-0.07, 2.82+or-0.05 and 3.72+or-0.06 log/ml whereas, the coliform count was 1.32+or-0.05, 1.05+or-0.05 and 1.73+or-0.06 log/ml, respectively. The Enterobacteriaceae and yeast and mould count in all the samples ranged between 0.84+or-0.05 to 1.25+or-0.04 and 0.80+or-0.06 to 2.34+or-0.03 log/ml, respectively. None of the samples had Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus aureus. Moisture, protein, lipid and ash contents of whole blood, serum and r.b.c. concentrate were 81.36+or-0.40, 90.67+or-0.25 and 63.31+or-0.27; 17.21+or-0.10, 7.63+or0.11 and 34.60+or-0.08; 0.16+or-0.01, 0.17+or-0.01 and 0.19+or-0.01, and 0.89+or-0.03, 1.15+or-0.03 and 1.45+or-0.02%, respectively. The pH of the whole blood, serum and r.b.c. concentrate samples were 7.27+or-0.02, 7.34+or-0.03 and 7.38+or-0.01, respectively. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Characterization of alkaline phosphatase from post granular fraction of buffalo and cattle polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 1999; 33(1): 63-66 AB: Country of Origin: India 725 Author’s name: Meena Kataria Institution: Organization: Content : Alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the post granular fraction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes of buffaloes and cattle was characterized. AP of cattle was more stable than AP of buffaloes. On the basis of heat stability at 56 and 65 degrees C, AP isoenzymes were classified in 3 types (liver, bone and kidney types). Inhibition studies with L-phenyl alanine revealed isoenzymes of non-placental type (liver, bone and kidney type) and studies with urea revealed renal type isoenzymes. AP was relatively insensitive to urea inhibition. It is concluded that alkaline phosphatase of post-granular fraction of leukocytes is of heterogeneous type. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Cellular interaction in the generation of suppressor cells and mitogen induced proliferation of intestinal mucosal leukocytes of buffalo. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(5): 281-283 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Subodh Kishore; Sinha, R.K; Das, S.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Nonspecific suppressor cell and lymphoproliferative activity was induced in gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT): intestinal intraepithelial leukocytes (IELs), lamina propria leukocytes (LPL) and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL). Depletion and reconstitution of adherent cells (macrophage/monocyte) revealed that these cells were indispensable in both the activities. Autologous as well as allogenic were equally potent. Addition of 2 mercaptoethanol (2 ME) to non-adherent cells could not substitute the macrophage requirement though 2 ME potentiated these responses in the presence of adherent cells. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Electrophoretic characterization of cationic proteins and peptides of buffalo granulocytes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(3): 153-156 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sarmah, S; More,T Institution: Organization: Content : Cationic proteins were extracted from buffalo peripheral granulocytes and characterized by acid urea PAGE (AUPAGE). Three of 11 bands with Rm values of 0.64, 0.71 and 0.83 were peptides just preceding the lysozyme. The band with Rm of 0.87 corresponded with reference lysozyme, that is maximum cationicity. The remaining bands with relatively poor cationicity represented myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin and elastase. After heat treatment the peptides lost their definition on AUPAGE. There was no significant effect of obtaining granules at 14, 18, 22 and 27x1000 g on AUPAGE protein pattern. 726 Age of animals had little effect. The peptides on treating with trypsin lost their band pattern and indicated the presence of either arginine or lysine in the peptides. The glycoprotein staining of AUPAGE of acid extracted granular proteins detected only 2 bands of glycoprotein type. The peptides isolated by preparative AUPAGE also contained no free-SH; carbohydrate groups and proteinase inhibitor activity. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Amino-transferases profile in female buffalo calves from birth to puberty. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(5): 393-394 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rathee, S.S; Garg, S.L; Rose, M.K; Agarwal, V.K Institution: Organization: Content : Female buffalo calves (n=42) of various age groups were used to study for correlating peripheral concentrations of aminotransferases with various developmental stages from birth to puberty. The calves were evenly distributed in 7 groups (6 in each) depending upon their age, viz. day 1-3 (neonatal calves), day 4-30 (perinatal calves), months 3-6 (young calves), months 7-12 (growing calves), months 18-24 (prepubertal heifers), months 2530 (peripubertal heifers) and months 31-36 (pubertal heifers). The results revealed that the various developmental stages had no effect on peripheral concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The peripheral concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) exhibited a gradual rising trend with advancement of age in female buffalo calves to attain peak concentration at the age corresponding to puberty. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Biochemical studies on suckling vs. nonsuckling buffalo calves in relation to performance of dams. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(6): 492-494 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sikka, P; Sethi, R.K; Tomer, A.K.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Twenty buffalo calves were divided into 2 groups (n=10 per group) where Group 1 was weaned at birth and fed colostrum in a pan while Group 2 was allowed to suckle their dams. The calves were bled at birth and on days 1, 4, 15, 60 and 90 to determine total blood immunoglobulins (Ig), proteins, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Their body weights were recorded fortnightly and the data on the performance traits (calving interval, lactation length, dry period and service period) of their dams were also obtained. Results showed that the average serum Ig levels at 24 h after birth were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Birth weight was highly correlated with the basal Ig levels (n=0.68). Lower Ig levels at 24 h after birth was well associated with lower liveweight gain at 90 days of age (27.4+or-0.9 727 and 28.1+or-1.2 kg for the suckled and nonsuckled groups, respectively). Average blood serum proteins were higher in the suckled calves 1-15 days of age; however, they were at low levels in the nonsuckled group for 4 days. T3 and T4 levels were slightly lower than in previous studies. Diarrhoea occurred significantly more often in the nonsuckled (first 7 days) compared to the suckled (25-60 days after birth) calves. The service period was reduced by 72 days in the dams of the nonsuckled calves, while calving interval was higher in the dams of the suckled calves. The dry period was reduced in the dams of the nonsuckled calves. There were insignificant differences in lactation yield and length between both groups. In conclusion, the early weaning of calves does not adversely affect their health and seems to be beneficial to their dams' performance. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid biochemical alterations in experimental hypomagnesemia in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(8): 907-908 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rana, Y.S; Kitab Singh Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the biochemical alterations in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of buffalo calves with induced hypomagnesaemia. Experimental hypomagnesaemia was induced in 4 buffalo calves by intraruminal administration of potassium chloride and citric acid at 1.3 and 1.1 g/kg body weight, respectively, as 15% solutions daily until the development of clinical signs. Serum biochemical studies showed a significant decrease in sodium, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, and glucose, and a significant increase in potassium total protein, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels of serum after induction of hypomagnesaemia. There was a significant decrease in the level of magnesium, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and glucose in the CSF of hypomagnesaemic calves. On the other hand, a significant increase in total protein value was observed. The magnesium level did not decrease in CSF as rapidly as in blood. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Renal clearance of inulin, para-aminohippuric acid, endogenous creatinine and urea in male and female buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(9): 1002-1005 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rastogi, S.K; Mohsin, M; Sharma, V.K; Sharma, L.D; Pandey, H Institution: Organization: Content : Female buffalo calves (n=4, 18- to 24-month-old) and male buffalo calves (n=4, 12- to 18-month-old) were compared for renal function parameters. 728 Urine collection was achieved through Foley's catheters in both sexes (surgically, in the males by para-anal ischiotomy). Significant differences were recorded in urine flow rate of female (4.61+or-0.79 ml/min) and male (1.31+or-0.29 ml/min) calves. Means of inulin and paramino hippuric acid (PAH) clearances were 1.83+or-0.28 and 8.89+or-1.01 ml/min/kg, respectively, in female and 0.85+or-0.11 and 3.86+or-0.64 ml/min/kg, respectively, in males. These differences also amounted to higher renal blood flow in the female calves. Clearances of creatinine and urea, however, did not differ significantly for both sexes. Fractional urea clearance stood significantly (P>0.01) higher in male calves (0.96+or-0.09) compared to the female ones (0.46+or-0.06). The data suggested marked physiological difference in the renal handling of water and osmotically active substances. Comparison of inulin and creatinine clearance values suggested a net reabsorption of creatinine by the renal tubules, in both the sexes of buffalo species. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Status of microminerals, hormone and vitamin profile in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Agra region of Uttar Pradesh. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(8): 909-914 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pankaj Kumar; Sharma, M.C; Chinmay Joshi Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted in Agra, Aligarh, Hathras and Mathura districts of Agra region of Uttar Pradesh, India [date not given]. Marked deficiency of zinc; marginal deficiency of copper and cobalt was found in soil that reflected in fodder and buffaloes of this region. The average concentration (ppm) of copper was 1.66+or-0.20 (soil) and 11.94+or-1.05 (fodder) and that of cobalt was 0.40+or-0.02 (soil) and 0.27+or-0.05 (fodder). The average concentration of zinc was 1.14+or-0.05 (soil) and 28.68+or-1.73 (fodder). The average concentration of iron was adequate in both soil and fodder, viz., 45.02+or-4.71 and 301.33+or-16.50, respectively. The buffaloes of Agra region were marginally deficient in copper, cobalt; highly deficient in zinc and adequate in iron. The mean values (ppm) of serum copper in pregnant, non-pregnant, heifer and calf of Agra region were 0.667+or-0.023, 0.718+or-0.037, 0.723+or-0.022 and 0.650+or-0.028, respectively. The mean concentration (ppm) of serum zinc in pregnant buffaloes (1.272+or-0.091) was lower than non-pregnant (1.598+or-0.197), heifer (1.591+or-0.185) and calf (1.817+or0.174). The average concentration of serum iron (ppm) in pregnant (1.502+or0.03), non-pregnant (1.77+or-0.066), heifer (1.745+or-0.080) and calf (2.66+or-0.144) was above the normal value. The average concentration of serum cobalt (ppm) in Agra region was 0.031+or-0.002 (pregnant), 0.047+or0.004 (non-pregnant), 0.045+or-0.006 (heifer) and 0.020+or-0.003 (calf). Lower concentration of serum microminerals was associated with lower concentration of serum retinol (0.333+or-0.06 mg/ml) and alpha -tocopherol (2.075+or-0.392 mg/ml), which may also contribute to lower fertility associated with microminerals deficiency. The mean (+or-S.E) concentration of serum progesterone (ng/ml) in buffaloes of Agra region was 2.85+or-0.18 (pregnant), 0.65+or-0.05 (non-pregnant), 0.32+or-0.05 (heifer) and 0.03+or729 0.02 (calf). The mean (+or-S.E) serum oestrogen levels (pg/ml) in buffaloes of Agra region were 27.84+or-2.87 (pregnant), 12.04+or-0.85 (non-pregnant), 13.17+or-2.01 (heifer) and below 6.02 (calf). Lower values in the present finding may be attributed to lowered steroidogenesis associated with altered enzymatic activity due to lower serum microminerals concentration in the buffaloes of Agra region. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Purification and characterization of protein(s) from placental extracts in buffalo. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(7): 769-772 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S.K; Agarwal, S.K; Shankar, U; Gupta, L.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Pregnancy associated proteins in buffalo placental extracts were isolated, purified using affinity chromatography and characterized by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. The purified fractions had lower OD values than the non-pregnant tissue extract (NPTE), placental extract (PE) and elute fractions, indicating presence of some specific proteins in the purified fractions which might be associated with pregnancy. SDS-PAGE analysis of the purified fractions showed the presence of 6 polypeptide bands of different molecular weights (78, 67, 53, 42, 33 and 26 kDa). Out of the 6 polypeptides, only 2 were immunoreactive in the western blot analysis (67 and 53 kDa). Results indicated the presence of certain proteins associated with pregnancy in placental extracts. In the future, its further purification and specific hyper immune serum would be useful in developing specific and sensitive methods for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in buffaloes. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Physico-chemical changes in colostrum. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2001; 12: 69-72 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Amrita Kadain; Dabur, R.S; Kapoor, C.M. Institution: Organization: Content : There were significant changes in the physical properties, composition and mineral contents of colostrum samples from crossbred cows and murrah buffalo cows during successive milkings. Fat content was irregular from the 1st to the 8th milking in colostrum from both cows and buffalo cows. Solids not fat content declined sharply after the 3rd milking and continued to be relatively constant until the 8th milking. Total solids, protein, ash and specific gravity of the samples continued to decrease steadily in both species after the 4th milking, while lactose showed the opposite trend. pH increased from the 1st milking, while acidity decreased. Nonprotein nitrogen levels decreased steadily during successive milkings and became constant after the 4th milking. Calcium, phosphorus and iron concentrations were higher in colostrum than in 730 milk samples. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: A comparative profile of blood and rumen fluid organic components of buffaloes and cattle. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(6): 441-443 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, I.J; Rakeshkumar; Malviya, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : Glucose, oxaloacetate, pyruvate, lactate, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), free fatty acids and ketone bodies were estimated in the blood and rumen fluid of buffaloes (8), buffalo bull (9) and cow bulls (9). It was observed that the blood glucose was higher in the buffaloes than the cows. The gluconeogenic substrates viz., oxaloacetate, lactate and TVFA were higher in buffalo bulls than female buffaloes and cow bulls. However, blood glucose was higher in the buffaloes in comparison to their male counterparts as well as cow bulls. The normoglycemia was recorded in almost all the types of the animals used, which may be the effect of catecholamines on glycogenolysis, as the samples were collected at the time of slaughter. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Effect of lipase on the lipids of fat globule membrane isolated from heat treated and chilled recombined milk. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(5): 381-383 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Janbandhu, T.J; Wasnik, P.G; Ajit Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of lipase on the lipids of fat globule membrane isolated from recombined milk, prepared from buffalo skim milk powder, anhydrous milk fat and water, that had been heat-treated and chilled is discussed. Although lipase activity was not significantly altered by chilling, pasteurization and sterilization reduced the effects of lipase on fat globule membrane lipids. This suggests that pasteurization and sterilization may retard the rate of lipolysis and consequently delay milk spoilage. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Lipid composition of fat globule membranes isolated from the buttermilk of buffaloes during different lactation stages. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(4): 213-217 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, K.C; Sona Bangia; Sudarshan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : 731 The lipid composition of fat globule membranes (FGM) isolated from buttermilk of buffaloes during different lactation stages was investigated. The yield of FGM from buttermilk during the different lactation stages varied from 0.20 to 0.32 g/100 g fat, from first to fifth lactation stages and total protein content varied from 53.89 to 56.35%. The total lipid content varied from 39.41 to 42.76%. The total lipids were constituted of neutral lipids and phospholipids. Among neutral lipids, the TG constituted the major fraction, followed by diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, monoacylglycerols, cholesterol and cholesterol esters, respectively. The proportion of HMWTG was comparatively higher than LMWTG throughout the lactation period. Among the distribution of phospholipids, the PE, PC, SPH constituted the major phospholipids, followed by PS, and PI. The concentration of PE varied from 4.01 to 6.00%. The contents of PC were maximum during the fourth lactation stage. Amongst the fatty acids of total lipids, C16:0 and C18:1 were the major fatty acids found followed by the other fatty acids, C14:0, C18:0, C12:0, C18.2, C18:3, C20:4, C14:1 and C16:1. The proportion of C16:0 varied from 43.12 to 54.55% and that of C18:1 from 18.98 to 32.09%. The total concentration of saturated fatty acids was also comparatively higher than unsaturated fatty acids throughout the lactation period. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Protein and mineral contents of buffalo colostrum as influenced by days post calving. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(3): 219-220 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Lal, D; Sikka, P; Saini, A.K; Chauhan, T.R Institution: Organization: Content : Protein and minerals were estimated in the colostrum samples of 6 buffaloes collected for 6 consecutive days and compared to that of normal milk. The calcium content in the colostrum samples was fairly maintained (1.66-1.88 g/kg) on all days of sampling. Phosphorus (1.69 g/kg) and magnesium (164 mg/kg) were 1.5 times more in the first day samples and reached normal levels at 3 days after calving. Similarly, the iron content was 3 times more (18 mg/kg) on the first day and decreased gradually to a stable value of 7.8 mg/kg on the fifth day. Zinc content was 7 times more (37 mg/kg) on the first day and decreased to a stable value of 6.7 mg/kg on 5th day. However, copper content (0.78 mg/kg) in the colostrum samples was fairly maintained on all days of sampling. Protein content was also very high (18.63%) on the first day of sampling, but decreased to about 4% on the fifth day. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Immunoglobulin G in buffalo amniotic fluid - a pilot study. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 1999; 76(10): 875-877 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arosh, A.J; Mohan, C.M; Balasubramanian, S; Lalitha, P.S; Ramadass, P. Institution: 732 Organization: Content : Samples of amniotic fluid were collected at slaughter from 18 buffaloes at different stages of gestation, and examined by SDS-PAGE. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) that was thought to have originated from the fetus, was detected in all of the samples collected from animals at 55-60 days of gestation onwards. The IgG concentration was not affected by the sex of the fetus, and increased throughout pregnancy. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Simplified buffalo lymphocyte culture method. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 1999; 76(8): 707-708 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shrikant Joshi; Gondiah, M.G. Institution: Organization: Content : Consistently good growth of lymphocytes was obtained in RPMI medium (6 ml/culture bottle) enriched with methionine and tryptose phosphate broth; 1 ml whole blood was added to the medium. The pH of the medium was adjusted with sodium hydroxide. Pokeweed mitogen or phytohaemagglutinin was used as the mitogen. These modifications yielded cultures from 24 buffaloes with a mitotic drive of 48.20\+-\1.85% and a mitotic index of 9.7\+\0.64%. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Comparative study on lectin binding and stimulatory activity of buffalo (bubalus bubalis arni) gut mucosal and peripheral blood leukocytes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Jun 2000). v. 78(6) p. 477-479. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sinha, R.K.; Kishore, S. Institution: Organization: Content : The peanut agglutinin (PNA) binding cells in peripheral blood leukocytes, intraepithelial, lamina propria and Peyer's patch did not differ significantly (P > 0.01) though there were significant difference (p<0.01) in percentage of CC42+T cells population among lymphocytes from these location. The lymphoproliferative ability of PNA varied significantly among various T cell population (P<0.001 - P <0.01). The PNA binding ability and the mitogenic activity on these cell population was not proportional; involvement of certain other factors seemed crucial. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Comparative appraisal of blood and biochemistry of Gir and Jafarabadi breeding bulls. Year of publication: 2002 733 seminal plasma Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(4): 349-353 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shelke, V.B; Dhami, A.J. Institution: Organization: Content : A comparative analysis of blood and seminal biochemical, enzymatic and macro and micromineral profiles in Gir cattle and Jafarabadi buffaloes was conducted. Eleven sexually mature Gir (n=6) and Jafarabadi (n=5) bulls from the Government Regional Semen Station in Rajkot (Gujarat), India, were used in the study. Results showed species difference in blood and seminal biochemistry. Buffalo semen had significantly lower proteins, cholesterol, SGPT and higher SGOT, phosphatase, phosphorus, zinc, iron and copper levels as compared to Gir semen, although their blood status for most components was nearly the same. These findings explain the unique secretory activity of the accessory sex glands and the overall poor quality and freezability of buffalo semen. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Assessment of serum immunoglobulin (IG) level in calves by sodium sulfite precipitation test. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(4): 391-392 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar,O.R.M; Prasuna, K; Rao, T.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Serum immunoglobulin concentrations were determined in 52 calves (4-60 days of age) using the sodium sulfite precipitation test. The results were found to correspond with serum Ig levels measured using the direct serum electrophoresis method. This indicates that the sodium sulfite precipitation test is simple, fast, reliable and accurate, making it a satisfactory aide for veterinarians under field conditions. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Haemoglobin monomorphism in Marathwadi buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(7): 702-703 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Deshpande, M.R; Deshpande, A.D.; Deshpande, S.D; Gujar, B.V Institution: Organization: Content : Heparinised blood samples were collected aseptically from 100 Marathwadi buffaloes in Maharashtra, India. Based on electrophoretic mobilities of haemoglobin, only one band of haemoglobin was observed in the blood samples. The gene frequency of HbA allele was 1.0 in all blood samples. It is suggested that Marathwadi buffaloes possess monomorphic haemoglobin. 734 Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Serum mineral profile of swamp buffalo calves of Assam. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(11): 1277-1278 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arpana Das; Das, D; Goswami, R.N; Chakravarty, P; Bhuyan, O; Kalita, D.J. Institution: Organization: Content : Information on the serum mineral profile of swamp buffalo calves of Assam is not available. The present investigation is an attempt to generate such information. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Purification of an antigenic glycopeptide from buffalo colostrum Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2001; 38(5): 450452 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Aparna, H.S; Salimath, P.V. Institution: Organization: Content : A sialoglycopeptide was fractionated and purified on Sephadex G-25 and QAE-Sephadex A-25. Its homogeneity was confirmed by reverse phase-HPLC and electrophoresis. It consisted of NeuNAc, Fuc, Gal, Man, GlcNAc in the ratio 1:1:2:1:1 and Asp, Glu, Ser, Thr, Pro as major amino acids. Lysine was found to be the N-terminal amino acid residue. Antibodies raised to the glycopeptide were immunogenic and were similar to blood group-A substance as determined by immunodouble diffusion and haemagglutination techniques. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Development and validation of a simple, sensitive, second antibody format enzyme immunoassay for LH determination in plasma. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Immunological Methods. 2002; 270(2): 281-290 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prakash, B.S; Paul, V; Anandlaxmi, N. Institution: Organization: Content : The objective of this study was to develop and validate a direct simple and highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for LH determination in buffalo plasma on microtitre plates using the biotin-streptavidin amplification system and the second antibody coating. Biotin was coupled to LH and used to bridge between streptavidin-peroxidase and immobilized antiserum in competitive assay. The EIA was carried out directly in 20 micro l buffalo plasma. The LH standards ranging from 6.25 to 200 pg per well per 20 micro l were prepared in hormone-free plasma collected from a buffalo on day 4 post-calving. The sensitivity of EIA procedure was 6.25 pg per well LH, which corresponds to 735 0.31 ng/ml plasma; the 50% relative binding sensitivity was seen at 50 pg per well per 20 micro l. Plasma volumes for the EIA, viz. 10 and 20 micro l, did not influence the shape of standard curve even though a slight drop in the OD450 was seen with higher plasma volumes. A parallelism was carried out to compare the endogenous buffalo plasma LH with bovine LH standards. For the biological validation of assay, 10 Murrah buffaloes were used. These were administered (10 micro g im) with a synthetic analogue of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) and blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals using indwelling jugular catheter, beginning just prior to GnRH injection until 6 h, and thereafter at 2-h intervals for another 18 h. In all animals, sharp increases in LH concentrations were recorded post-GnRH administration, which confirms the biological validation of the EIA. To record the LH peak during peri-oestrus in a cycling buffalo, the blood samples were collected at 2-h intervals from onset of behavioural oestrus signs until ovulation. The LH peak was observed after the initial behavioural oestrus signs followed by the gradual decline in the levels towards the ovulation. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: A differential study of serum proteins' profile in camel (Camelus dromedarius) vis-a-vis some other species. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Journal of Immunology and Immunopathology. 2000; 2(1/2): 52-55 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kataria, A.K.; Kataria, N.; Sharma, K.N. Institution: Organization: Content : The electrophoretic fractionation of principal serum proteins in camel, cow, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, rabbit and man revealed that various protein fractions and subfractions differed in per cent concentrations. Among different globulins r-2 subfraction was highest in camel serum. The comparison of various species revealed a major difference indicating conspicuous absence of prealbumin proteins in camel serum. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Studies on polymorphism of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) enzyme in Indian buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2001; 5(4): 500-503 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Manoranjan Roy; Duttagupta, R.; Senapati, P.K. Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 95 blood samples were collected from buffaloes (5 adult male, 84 adult female and 6 heifers) belonging to the Haringhata Farm and some local farmers in West Bengal, India, and were analysed for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) phenotypes. The overall gene frequencies of normal and deficient G-6-PD alleles were 0.742+or-0.032 and 0.258+or-0.032, respectively. The overall frequencies for normal, heterozygous and deficient 736 phenovariants were 51, 47 and 2%, respectively. Test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium revealed a significant (P<0.05) deviation from the expected values. The high number of heterozygous buffaloes in the study implies the adaptation of this type of buffalo to the local conditions. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Blood glucose vis-a-vis to rumen development in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: SARAS Journal of Livestock and Poultry Production.2002; 18 (1/2): 49-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Balwant Singh; Chaudhary, K.C. Institution: Organization: Content : Two experiments were conducted on a total of 40 Murrah buffalo calves (20 calves of either sex) to examine the effect of level and methods of milk feeding (pails, nipples and suckling system) on their blood glucose profiles. Blood samples were collected fortnightly from calves beginning at 15 d to 4 months of age. The concentration of blood glucose increased irrespective of level and method of milk feeding from day 15 (86.37-91.87 mg%) to day 45 (96.50-100.62 mg%). This later declined sharply and reached a plateau (60.3061.83 mg%) at the end of 4 months of age; the difference was not significant (P<0.05) among the groups. This trend was related to the gradual development of rumen function due to the shift from milk to concentrate and roughage feeding with advancement in age. The milk quota was reduced but the consumption of solid feeds increased, thus leading to increased dry matter intake that favoured rumen development in terms of its capacity and fresh tissue weight. Papillary development was also found to be positively correlated (r=0.59) with dry matter intake. The results are consistent with the view that feeding good quality concentrate and roughage together with milk is required by as early as 2 weeks of age and onwards in order to stimulate early rumen development. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Relationship between microscopically measured radius and radius calculated from volume in buffalo erythrocytes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Veterinarski Arhiv. 2005; 75(2): 159-164 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mohan, N.H.; Dubey, L.K.; Singh, D.S. Institution: Organization: Content : In the present study the relationship between microscopically measured radius, Rm, and radius calculated from the volume (assuming that the cell is spherical), Rc, is described. Mean Rc value was greater than the Rm value. Application of chi-square test showed that there is no variation between these two. The t-statistic was higher than the tabulated value. The correlation coefficient between Rm and Rc was 0.7057. The regression equations for Rc upon Rm and Rm upon Rc was Rc=0.849Rm+0.594 and 737 Rm=0.5866Rc+0.79865, respectively. Specialization: Biochemistry Subject: Demonstration of alternative and classical complement pathway activity in colostrum from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Veterinary Research Communications. 2003; 27(6): 445-452 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Matheswaran, K; Raj, G.D.; Nachimuthu, K. Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo colostrum caused lysis of unsensitized red blood cells (RBC) from sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens. RBC from cattle and buffalo were resistant to lysis. That lysis was due to the presence of natural antibodies to these RBC was ruled out since there was no reduction in haemolytic titres even after adsorption with the respective RBC. The addition of EGTA to the diluent had no effect on the haemolytic activity. These findings indicate the presence of alternative complement pathway (ACP) activity in buffalo colostrum. The haemolytic activity of buffalo complement for unsensitized rabbit RBC was reduced to very low levels by heating at 50 degrees C for 45 min. Treatment with zymosan also inhibited the haemolytic activity, while inulin had no effect. The maximum activity of ACP occurred in the presence of 4 mmol/L Mg2+ in the diluent. The range of ACP activities in colostrum from buffaloes varied from 4.06 to 8.48 CH50 units/ml. Using a standard system for titrating the classical complement pathway and rabbit red blood cells sensitized with goat haemolysin, the range of complement activity in buffalo colostrum was 4.81-6.77 CH50/ml. 738 4. BY-PRODUCTS Specialization: By-Products Subject: Follicular growth and ovulation pattern in guinea pigs following administration of buffalo follicular fluid. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 1999; 15(3): 321-331 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Harendra Kumar; Yadav, M.C; Meur, S.K; Parihar, N.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Eighteen guineapigs in three groups were given 0.2 ml charcoal-treated buffalo follicular fluid (buFF, i.p.) at 12 h intervals for 3 days starting on day 9 of the oestrous cycle. A further 12 guineapigs in two control groups received an equal volume of saline. Oestrus was monitored every morning and evening by inspection of the opening of vaginal membrane and its cytology. One experimental group was sacrificed 24 h after the onset of oestrus while another group was sacrificed along with a control group when oestrus occurred normally in controls. The third experimental group and a control group were sacrificed at the 2nd metoestrus. Ovaries were dissected out, weighed and the number of ovulation points recorded. One ovary from each animal was processed for microscopical examination. The onset of oestrus was delayed for a day in buFF-treated animals compared with controls. However, ovarian weight at oestrus, metoestrus and 2nd metoestrus did not differ significantly among the groups. Total follicle population remained unaffected but the number of non-atretic follicles decreased following treatment. The rate of atresia was higher in size class III (600 to <800 micro m diameter) and IV (800 to <1000 micro m diameter) follicles following treatment. The ovulation rate was not affected by treatment in the ensuing cycle or in the subsequent cycle. Specialization: By-Products Subject: Biomethanation of plant materials and agricultural residues using dung samples as wild population of microbes and also with isolated methanogens. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Environmentalist . 2002; 22(2): 173-182 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nilanjan Chakraborty; Sarkar, G.M; Lahiri, S.C. Institution: Organization: Content : Recycling of plant materials and agricultural residues for biomethanation was attempted in vials. The methanogenic activities of certain sewage samples have also been tested. Both sterilized and non-sterilized biomasses were used. Biomethanation was carried out with dung samples (cow, goat, buffalo, piggery wastes and poultry wash) as wild populations of microbes and in combination with other microbial isolates (isolated in the laboratory). Biomethanation had been observed to be good in most cases and particularly with the sterilized biomass. Mixed inoculum (dung samples and poultry wash) 739 was found to be best for biomethanation. Of the microbe isolates, isolates from buffalo, pig and paper mill wastes appear to be most effective. Pretreated sawdust and rice straw were found to be good substrates for biomethanation. Of the different plant biomass used Spirogyra (algae), Ipomea and water hyacinth were most effective whereas Jatropa gossypifolia and Parthenium sp. were the least effective. Biomethanation of Spirogyra was carried out both in anoxic and oxic conditions. Though methane production decreased enormously under oxic conditions, definite methane production continued indicating that the biomethanation process is not exclusively anoxic. Similarly, biomethanation of sewage samples from different sewage treatment plants were carried out with and without isolated methanogens and methane production was found to be moderate. Specialization: By-Products Subject: Yield and potency of follitropin extracted from pituitary glands of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(2): 139-141 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mehmood, A; Anwar, M Institution: Organization: Content : Two methods were compared for follitropin (FSH) extraction from the frozenthawed pituitary glands of zebu cattle and water buffalo. The initial extraction was made by a gradual increase in the concentration of ammonium sulfate at different levels of pH, followed by precipitation of follitropin activity either by ethanol or by acetone. Follitropin yield (g/kg of tissue) differed nonsignificantly (cattle: 2.6 and 3.1; buffalo: 2.4 and 2.5) between species and between methods of extraction. Biological potency of the follitropin-extract also differed non-significantly and ranged at 88.2%-91.7% of standard FSH.P. Specialization: By-Products Subject: AP-Bioprod Effect of buffalo follicular fluid treatment on follicle population and ovulation rate in guinea pigs. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 1999; 37(12): 1182-1186 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Harendra Kumar; Yadav, M.C; Meur, S.K; Parihar, N.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of charcoal-treated buffalo follicular fluid on follicular growth and ovulation rate in guinea pigs were studied. 18 guinea pigs in 3 groups of 6 were given 0.2 ml buffalo follicular fluid at 12-h intervals for 3 days at different stages of the oestrous cycle (early-luteal, mid-luteal or follicular phase). A control group received equal volumes of saline. Oestrus was monitored every morning and evening by inspection of the opening of vaginal membrane and its cytology. All animals were killed 24 h after the onset of oestrus. Both ovaries were removed and weighed and the number of ovulation 740 points was recorded. One ovary from each animal was processed for histological examination to determine the population of healthy and atretic follicles. In early luteal- and follicular phase-treated animals the onset of oestrus was delayed (P<0.01) but ovulation rate was not affected. Oestrus occurred as normal when treatment was initiated during the midluteal stage and 50% of animals failed to ovulate in this group. The total follicle population at metoestrus increased significantly in all treated animals because of an increase in number of follicles of size class II (400 to <600 micro m diameter). Atresia was also reduced by this treatment. Specialization: By-Products Subject: AP-Bioprod Effect of buffalo follicular fluid treatment on follicle population and ovulation rate in guinea pigs. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 1999; 37(12): 1182-1186 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Harendra Kumar; Yadav, M.C; Meur, S.K; Parihar, N.S Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of charcoal-treated buffalo follicular fluid on follicular growth and ovulation rate in guinea pigs were studied. 18 guinea pigs in 3 groups of 6 were given 0.2 ml buffalo follicular fluid at 12-h intervals for 3 days at different stages of the oestrous cycle (early-luteal, mid-luteal or follicular phase). A control group received equal volumes of saline. Oestrus was monitored every morning and evening by inspection of the opening of vaginal membrane and its cytology. All animals were killed 24 h after the onset of oestrus. Both ovaries were removed and weighed and the number of ovulation points was recorded. One ovary from each animal was processed for histological examination to determine the population of healthy and atretic follicles. In early luteal- and follicular phase-treated animals the onset of oestrus was delayed (P<0.01) but ovulation rate was not affected. Oestrus occurred as normal when treatment was initiated during the midluteal stage and 50% of animals failed to ovulate in this group. The total follicle population at metoestrus increased significantly in all treated animals because of an increase in number of follicles of size class II (400 to <600 micro m diameter). Atresia was also reduced by this treatment. Specialization: By-Products Subject: Effect of 30 kDa and above buffalo follicular fluid protein treatment and immunization on ovarian functions in goats (Capra hircus). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Theriogenology . 2005; 63(1): 179-189 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jyotirmoy Ghosh; Yadav, M.C; Maity, S.K; Meur, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : Information on the use of buffalo follicular fluid (buFF) in modulation of 741 ovarian functions in farm animals is scanty compared to other species. This is an attempt to investigate the effect of direct administration and active immunization of 30 kDa and above buFF proteins on ovarian functions in goats. Treatment of goats (n=6) with steroid free 30 kDa and above buFF protein fraction during late-luteal phase for 4 days (days 12 or 13 to days 15 or 16) of the natural cycle, delayed the onset of oestrus by 24 h compared to control although the mean duration of oestrus was unaffected. A 71% increase (P=0.06) in mean ovulation number was also observed following treatment. However, the population of large (>=5 mm diameter) follicle was not affected. The ovarian activity calculated as total of ovulation and large follicles increased (1.6 times) significantly (P=0.02) in treated animals. Active immunization of goats (n=5) against these proteins did not affect the onset and duration of oestrus. Similarly, the ovulation rate, number of large follicles and the ovarian activity did not differ significantly between immunized and control groups. The study revealed that 30 kDa and above buffalo follicular fluid contains some factor(s) that cause delay in the onset of oestrus in goats and increase the ovulation rate. Active immunization against these proteins in goat did not show any effect either on onset, duration of oestrus or ovulation rate and large follicle population. Detailed study on these buffalo follicular fluid proteins may help to use them further for modulation of ovarian function in farm animals. 5. BIOTECH Specialization: Biotech Subject: Structure of buffalo lactoferrin at 2.5 A resolution using crystals grown at 303 K shows different orientations of the N and C lobes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Acta Crystallographica Section D, Biological Crystallography. 1999; 55(11): 1805-1813 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Subramanian Karthikeyan; Murugan Paramasivam; Savita Yadav; Alagiri Srinivasan; Singh, T.P Institution: Organization: Content : The structure of buffalo milk lactoferrin was determined at 303 K. The crystals belong to orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a=77.5, b=91.0, c=131.5 A and Z=4. The structure has been refined to an R factor of 0.187. The overall structure of the protein is similar to its structure determined at 277 K in a different crystal form. However, the lobe orientations in the 2 structures differ by 9.0 degrees , suggesting significant inter-lobe flexibility in this family of proteins. The inter-lobe interactions are predominantly hydrophobic and could act as a cushion for a change in orientation under the influence of external conditions. On the other hand, the domain arrangements are similar in 277 and 303 K crystal structures, with orientations differing by 1.5 and 1.0 degrees in the N and C lobes, respectively. The results of these investigations suggest that the increase in temperature helps in the production of better quality crystals. Specialization: Biotech 742 Subject: Cloning, characterization, and expression studies in Escherichia coli of growth hormone cDNAs from indian zebu cattle, reverine buffalo, and beetal goat. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Animal Biotechnology. 2002; 13(2): 179-193 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mukhopadhyay,-U-K; Sahni,-G Institution: Organization: Content : The growth hormone complementary DNAs from three different economically important animal species of Indian origin viz., Indian zebu cattle (Bos indicus), Indian riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Beetal goat (Capra hircus) were isolated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). The amplified product was then cloned into phagemid pBluescriptIIKSand the nucleotide sequence of the entire 573 base coding region for each product was determined. The genetic sequences as well as the translated protein sequence of these ruminant species were compared to that of closely related species like taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and sheep (Ovis aries). A very high degree of nucleotide sequence homology, ranging between 97-98%, was observed. Subsequently, the buffalo and goat cDNAs were used for expression studies in Escherichia coli. Very low levels of expression resulted when the growth hormone cDNAs were directly placed under the strong E. coli (trc) or phage (T7) promoters with the approximate level being less than 0.1% and 1% of the intracellular E. coli proteins, respectively. The nearly 10-fold enhancement of the level of expression as observed was attributable to the nature of the untranslated leader sequence donated by the individual expression element. High level (about 20% of soluble E. coli protein) expression of buffalo/goat growth hormone was achieved as a fusion protein with glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in pGEX-KT. Furthermore, although attempts at converting the GST-GH fusion protein system to a two-cistronic gene expression system were unsuccessful, the utilization of a short synthetic first cistron in the two-cistronic mode of expression resulted in high levels (approximately 30% of soluble protein cell fraction) of GH polypeptide with a native N-terminus in E. coli for all three cDNAs. Sequence data for the GH cDNAs of the Indian cattle, buffalo and goat have been deposited with the EMBL/GenBank Data Libraries under Accession Numbers AF177289, AF177288 and AF177287, respectively. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Application of biotechnologies to buffalo breeding in India. Year of publication: 1997 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 1997; (4 Suppl.(Vol. 1)): 141-166 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Misra, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : A discussion on the biotechnologies for breeding buffaloes in India, such as superovulation, embryo transfer, oestrus synchonization, in vitro fertilization and cloning is presented. The factors affecting these procedures, as well as, 743 their advantages are also discussed. Specialization: Biotech Subject: cDNA cloning and sequence analysis of bubaline growth hormone. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: DNA Sequence. 1999; 10(2): 101-103 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sulekha Verma; Anuja Ghorpade; Gunjan Tiwari; Das,P; Garg, L.C. Institution: Organization: Content : The cDNA for buffalo Bubalus bubalis growth hormone (GH) was cloned and sequenced using a reverse transcription-PCR approach. The nucleotide sequence of buffalo GH cDNA was in a single reading frame coding for a protein of 191 residues containing a putative signal sequence of 27 amino acids. Homology comparison of the sequence with other mammalian GH cDNAs showed a very high degree of evolutionary conservation. The buffalo GH sequence shared a homology of 99.5%, 99.5%, 98.6%, 87.6% and 61.9% with that of its homologues from sheep, goat, cattle, pig and man respectively at the amino acid level. The nucleotide sequence reported has been deposited with the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank databases with the accession number X72947. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding beta-lactoglobulin in Bubalus bubalis. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: DNA Sequence. 1999; 10(2): 105-108 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Paramananda Das; Sudhir Jain; Sumitra Nayak; Apparao, K.B.C; Totey, S.M; Garg, L.C. Institution: Organization: Content : The cDNA for bubaline beta-lactoglobulin ( beta lg) has been cloned through RT-PCR approach and sequenced. Sequence data showed a single open reading frame coding for a protein of 180 amino acids with a signal sequence of 18 amino acid residues. Comparison with other ruminant beta lg sequences revealed a high homology indicating the protein to be conserved through evolution. The degree of homology, at amino acid level, was 96.1, 95.6, 93.9 and 63.7% with goat, sheep, cow and pig respectively. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Molecular cloning and characterization of beta -defensin cDNA expressed in distal ileum of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: DNA Sequence. 2005; 16(1): 16-20 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das, D.K; Bhaskar Sharma; Abhijit Mitra; Ashok Kumar 744 Institution: Organization: Content : Defensins play a prominent role in protection of various epithelial surfaces. In this study, we have cloned and characterized the mRNA from the distal ileum of Bubalus bubalis. Total RNA after isolation from ileal epithelium was reverse transcribed to synthesize cDNA using primers designed by taking conserved region of cattle enteric beta -defensin (EBD) mRNA, goat beta defensin 2 (BD 2) and cattle lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) mRNA sequences. The PCR amplified cDNA of 254 bp was ligated to pDrive cloning vector and transformed into XL-blue strain of E. coli. The sequence analysis indicated 29 nucleotide substitutions with reported cattle EBD mRNA sequence sharing 86.2% homology, 92.1% with cattle LAP, 81.6% with cattle tracheal antimicrobial peptide and 84.6% with goat BD 2. The deduced amino acid sequence encodes for a 64 amino acid precursor peptide. Both nucleotide and amino acid sequence homology shows that the cloned sequence is closer to cattle LAP. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Cloning strategy of repetitive DNA elements from farm animals. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 2000; 39(1): 30-32 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ghosh, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : The genomic DNA of local (Indian) strains of livestock species, cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep and pig were digested with different restriction endonucleases (PstI, EcoRI, Sau3A, TaqI, etc.) to visualize the repetitive bands on agarose gels. Species-specific and enzyme specific band(s) were found to be 500 bp for cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep DNA digested with PstI, 820 bp for goat DNA with EcoRI, 200 bp for cattle and buffalo DNA with TaqI and 150 bp for pig DNA with Sau3A. These repetitive DNA fragments were eluted, purified and cloned in the respective enzyme site of M 13 mp 18/mp 19, screened with a probe prepared from an aliquot of the DNA fraction used in this cloning strategy. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Somatic cell hybridization between buffalo leucocyte and mouse cell line. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(10): 1136-1140 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumarasamy,P; Thangaraju, P; Kanakaraj, P; Thiagarajan, V; Kumanan, K Institution: Organization: Content : Gene mapping studies in animals will help to localize the genes on their chromosomes. Among various approaches for gene mapping, somatic cell 745 hybridization is comparatively simpler and easily adoptable approach. Somatic cell hybridization between buffalo leucocytes and mouse cell line, LM(TK-) was achieved, by suspension fusion technique using polyethylene glycol as fusogen (India). Effect of duration of PEG exposure, concentration and grade of PEG and parent cell density were evaluated to maximize the hybridization frequency. Hybrid cell colony output was also influenced by density of PEGtreated cells during fusion. The optimum cell ratio was found to be 1:3 (mouse cell line LM(TK-) and buffalo leucocytes). Buffalo-mouse hybrids were selected in HAT medium and subsequently maintained in growth medium. Both parental cells as well as hybrids colonies were analysed karyotypically to confirm hybridization between buffalo leucocytes and mouse cell line. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Karyotypic characterisation of buffalo-mouse somatic cell hybrids. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(12): 1054-1058 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rank, D.N; Joshi, C.G; Kanakaraj, P; Nainar, A.M; Krishnan,A.R. Institution: Organization: Content : Somatic cell hybrid clones of buffalo - mice were evaluated for their chromosome composition. The hybrid clones differed among themselves very widely in their chromosomal content, with mean chromosome number ranging from 66 to 164. All the clones segregated chromosomes from their hybrid complement on propagation. Chromosomes of both the species were segregated and only few buffalo chromosome were retained. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Studies on multiple arbitrary amplicon profiling in cattle using a single, virus-specific, 22-mer oligonucleotide primer. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(11): 941-943 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mukhopadhyaya, P.N; Mehta, H.H; Rathod,R.N Institution: Organization: Content : A 22-mer oligonucleotide primer, specific for a promoter region of the bacteriophage T7, belonging to the family Podoviridae, was used for PCR to generate multiple amplicons in cattle. No sequence information of the template DNA was required to demonstrate the phenomenon. The methodology involved a primary amplification at low stringency followed by a final amplification at a higher stringency of annealing temperature. The generality of the technique was tested by application to non descript breeds of buffalo, sheep and goat. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Development of somatic cell hybrids using buffalo leucocytes and 746 mouse cell line. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(2): 156-159 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rank, D.N; Joshi, C.G; Thiagarajan, V; Kanakaraj, P; Krishnan, A.R Institution: Organization: Content : Various factors affecting hybridization between buffalo leukocytes and mouse cell line, RAG, were studied in an attempt to maximize the hybridization frequency in the suspension fusion using polyethylene glycol (PEG). Exposure of 90 seconds to 45% PEG 10% dimethyl sulfoxide to parent cells seeded at 1x105 cell/well was observed to be the optimum and yielded maximum hybridization frequency. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Nucleotide sequence of the river buffalo beta -casein cDNA. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Journal of Animal Science. 2000; 78(5): 1390 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das, P; Tiwari, G; Jain, S; Garg, L.C. Institution: Organization: Content : A brief report is given of work carried out into the cloning and sequencing of buffalo beta -casein. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Nucleotide sequence of the river buffalo kappa -casein cDNA. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Journal of Animal Science. 2000; 78(5): 1389 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das,P; Jain, S; Tiwari, G; Garg, L.C Institution: Organization: Content : A brief report is given of work carried out into the cloning and sequencing of buffalo kappa -casein. Specialization: Biotech Subject: Cloning and biological characterization of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) interferon- gamma. Year of publication: 2006 Journal: Molecular Immunology. 2006; 43(6): 717-724 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Avinash Premraj; Sreekumar, E; Rasool,T.J Institution: Organization: Content : Interferon- gamma, a major immunomodulatory cytokine, of Indian water 747 buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was characterized at molecular level. Complementary DNA and essential promoter region were cloned and sequenced, and functional recombinant protein was expressed in bacterial system. The cDNA has 97.8% nucleotide identity with 11-nucleotide and fouramino acid variations, and the essential promoter region has 98.4% identity with five-nucleotide variations and a four-nucleotide deletion in comparison with the corresponding bovine sequences. All the major promoter elements such as NF IL-2 like motif, cyclosporin sensitive binding element and GATA motif are strictly conserved. Recombinant buffalo-IFN- gamma expressed in bacterial system reacted with an anti-bovine-IFN- gamma monoclonal antibody in Western blot and showed antiviral activity against buffalo pox virus in cultured Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells by inhibiting virus induced cytopathic effect. The study shows high level sequence similarity of IFN- gamma among ruminants. In view of the immunomodulatory and antiviral activities of IFN- gamma , this molecule will be useful in better understanding of the immune system of water buffaloes. 6. Breeding Specialization: Breeding Subject: Genotype profiles for the quantitative trait related to milk composition in bulls used for artificial insemination in India. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(3): 326329 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mukhopadhyaya, P.N; Mehta,H.H Institution: Organization: Content : A population of exotic Holstein Friesian, Jersey, their crossbreds and the indigenous Murrah breed of buffalo bulls (n=486), used in an artificial insemination breeding programme were screened for the allelic distribution of the kappa -casein and beta -lactoglobulin genotypes. The preferred "B" allele frequency was highest in Murrah buffalo bulls followed by Jersey and Holstein Friesian. The increase in this particular allele frequency in the Holstein Friesian crossbred bulls was more when compared to their Jersey counterparts. Hardy-Weinberg's equilibrium was maintained albeit with some deviations, which was higher in crossbreds than in purebreds. The feasibility of using such large-scale molecular diagnostic tools in the field and their significance with regards to the dairy economy is discussed. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Robustness of selection indices in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 17(2): 159163 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gandhi, R.S; Joshi, B.K Institution: 748 Organization: Content : Data pertaining to first lactation records of 316 Murrah buffaloes, progeny of 47 sires, maintained at NDRI Farm for a period of 18 years were analysed to construct selection indices and to examine their robustness by changing the relative economic values of different economic traits. A total of 120 selection indices were constructed for three sets of relative economic values (40 for each set) considering different combinations of seven first lactation traits viz. age at first calving (AFC), first lactation 305 day or less milk yield (FLMY), first lactation length (FLL), first calving interval (FCI), milk yield per day of first lactation length (MY/FLL), milk yield per day of first calving interval (MY/FCI) and milk yield per day age at second calving (MY/ASC). The three sets of relative economic values were based on economic values of different traits, 1% standard deviation of different traits and regression of different traits on FLMY. The optimum indices for the first two sets had five traits each namely AFC, FLMY, FLL, FCI and MY/ASC giving improvement in aggregate genotype of Rupees 269.11 and Rs. 174.88, respectively. The accuracy of selection from both indices was 70.79 and 69.39%, respectively. The best selection index from the third set of data again had five traits (AFC, FLMY, FLL, FCI and MY/FLL) giving genetic gain of Rs.124.16 and accuracy of selection of 71.81%. The critical levels or break-even points for FLMY for varying levels of AFC and FCI estimated from the optimum index suggested the need of enhancement of present production level of the herd or reduction of AFC or FCI. It is concluded that economic values of various first lactation traits are the most appropriate to construct selection indices as compared to other criteria of assigning relative economic weights in Murrah buffaloes. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Importance of secondary trait in two trait index selection in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2001; 7(2): 78-80 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tailor, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : First lactation record of 507 Surti buffaloes sired by 41 bulls, maintained at Buffalo Project, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar (Rajasthan) were analysed for judging the usefulness of secondary traits in two trait selection indexes. Milk yield per day of first calving interval (MY/FCI) as primary trait would be most appropriate along with age at first conception (I7) and age at first calving (I16) as secondary trait for faster genetic improvement as compared to direct selection of buffaloes on the basis of MY/FCI alone. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Buffalo sacrifice and mortuary ritual in tribal cultures of Monsoon Asia. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2005; 11(1): 7-8, 10, 12-13 AB: 749 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Brighenti, F Institution: Organization: Content : The water buffalo is one of the animals of greatest economic and religious value. They are used as sacrificial victim in the Indian sub-continent, southern China and Southeast Asia. In these monsoon regions of Asia, the buffaloes are offered as sacrifice to divinities or divine spirits by the people believing Hinduism or Buddhism (the two great religions having originated in ancient India), and by tribal groups adhering to shamanic religions. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of month, season, year of birth and lactation number on sex ratio in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(2): 37-40 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jogi, S; Lakhani, G.P; Kahlon, B.S Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 587 calvings were recorded over a period of 25 years at the Livestock Farm in Jabalpur (M.P.) India. The mean sex ratio was 1:1 and was not affected by month, season, year of calving or lactation number. However, some sires produced higher numbers of female calves. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Pandharpuri buffaloes for better persistency. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(3): 65-66 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, S.S; Kale, A.M; Awati, A.A Institution: Organization: Content : This article reports on the achievements of a research project on Pandharpuri buffalo which began in 1991 at Zonal agricultural Research station, NARP, Kolhapur, with an objective of conducting research on management aspects of Pandharpuri buffalo. The information on productive and reproductive performance of Pandharpuri buffaloes was also presented. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Murrah buffaloes - I. Birth weight. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2001; 20(2): 29-31 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, B.S; Yadav, M.C; Ashok Singh; Khan, F.H Institution: Organization: Content : 750 Birth weight records pertaining to 1003 Murrah buffaloes Bubalus bubalis maintained at six military farms were analysed by the method of least squares to study the genetic and nongenetic factors affecting birth weight. Data cover a period of 42 years, nine periods and two seasons. The overall mean (+or-S.E.) was 29.62+or-0.20 kg. Period of calving significantly (P<0.01) influenced the birth weight. Farm, season and sex had no significant effect on this trait. The heritability estimate of birth weight was 0.46+or-0.12. The genetic correlation of birth weight with age at first calving was negative and highly significant. The phenotypic and genetic correlations of birth weight with calving interval were negative and significant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Murrah buffaloes - II. First lactation yield and first lactation period. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2002; 21(3): 51-54 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, B.S; Yadav, M.C; Khan, F.H; Ashok Singh Institution: Organization: Content : First lactation yield and lactation period records of 1003 Murrah buffaloes maintained at six Military Farms in India were analysed by the method of least squares to study the genetic and nongenetic factors on birth weight. Data cover a period of 42 years, 9 periods and 2 seasons. The least square mean for first lactation yield (+or-S.E.) was 1646.09+or-36.62 kg. Period of calving significantly (P<0.01) influenced the first lactation milk yield. Farm and season had no significant effect on this trait. The least square mean for first lactation period (+or-S.E.) was 303.74+or-5.92 days. Farm and period of calving significantly (P<0.01) influenced the first lactation period. Season had no significant effect on this trait. The heritability estimate of first lactation yield and lactation period were 0.40+or-0.11 and 0.94+or-0.15, respectively. The phenotypic and genetic correlation of first lactation yield with lactation period and dry period was highly significant and positive. The phenotypic and genetic correlation between lactation period and persistency were positive and significant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of age at first calving and subsequent period of breeding on the performance of buffaloes from the College of Agriculture Pune (MS), India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2003; 22(1): 7-11 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rakshe, P.T Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the effect of age at first calving and subsequent period of breeding on the performance of buffaloes. This data would be useful to the private buffalo keepers, cooperative milk producer 751 societies and private organizations engaged in production on large-scale basis. 81 Surti, 62 Murrah and 37 crossbred heifers were grouped according to age at first calving, and the effect of this age was studied on subsequent performance by critically investigating the records of 489, 222 and 188 calvings, respectively. Murrah buffaloes had greater average age at first calving compared to Surti and crossbred heifers. More than 48% of the Surti buffaloes calved between the ages of 33 and 47 months. In the case of Murrah and crossbred buffaloes, the percentages were 29 and 43%, respectively. Most of the Surti buffaloes did not give maximum milk yield in the first lactation irrespective of the age at first calving. The milk yield gradually increased from 2nd to 8th lactations. Murrah buffaloes calving at an early age (4 years) produced more milk than those that calved after 57 months of age. Similar observations were found in crossbred buffaloes. No effect of age at first calving was observed on milk days, dry days and calving interval. Serving the buffaloes in 3rd or 4th oestrus periods was better in Surti and Murrah breeds, whereas in the case of crossbreds, no specific statement could be made. Serving buffaloes in 2 oestrus periods after calving resulted to good performance. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Murrah: III. Factors affecting cumulative part lactation yields in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2003; 22(3): 51-55, 66 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, B.P; Yadav, M.C; Ashok Singh; Khan, F.H Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the cumulative part lactation yields in Murrah buffaloes. Data pertaining to 1003 Murrah buffaloes from 6 military farms covering a period of 43 years from 1940-82 were collected. The first lactation yield of each buffalo was divided into 9 parts (first 60, 1-90, 1-120, 1-150, 1-180, 1-210, 1-240, 1-270 and 1-300 days) and estimated from partial milk yields of the first lactation. The data were analysed by least square analysis of variance techniques. Least squares means of cumulative part lactation of first lactation were 407.21+or-7.85, 614.56+or11.53, 806.44+or-14.91, 948.17+or-18.16, 1146.11+or-21.15, 1349.93+or30.36, 1403.15+or-27.25, 1524.05+or-31.41 and 1628.80+or-38.93 kg, respectively. The coefficient of variation ranged from 23.20 to 30.10%. The farm and period effects were highly significant on all cumulative part lactation milk yield. The heritability estimates ranged from 0.106+or-0.093 to 0.714+or0.141. The phenotypic and genetic correlations among the cumulative partial yields were positive and highly significant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Estimation of breeding value of murrah bulls. Year of publication: 1988 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin International Buffalo Information (Thailand). (Jun 1988). v. 7(2) p. 28. AB: Country of Origin: India 752 Center Author’s name: Tripathi,V.N; Reddy,K.M.; Chauhan, R.S. Institution: Organization: Content : Six Murrah bulls of N.D.R.I. progeny testing program set V were ranked on the basis of first lactation performance of their daughters. Bull No. 1039 ranked first while animal No.393 ranked second. The index value of the top ranking bull was 15.3 % above the herd average and this bull was recommated in the herd for a period of two producing the future young sires. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Kalahandi buffalo breed of orissa. Year of publication: 1988 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin International Buffalo Information Center (Thailand) . (Jun 1988). v. 7(2) p. 35-38. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kornel,D.; Patro, N.B. Institution: Organization: Content : Kalahandi buffalo breed, a distinct breed found in South Orissa State in India, has been studied. This paper describes the habitat, husbandry practices, physical conformation and performance of the breed. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Albinoid paralakhemundi buffaloes. Year of publication: 1989 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin International Buffalo Information Center (Thailand). (Dec 1989). v. 8(4) p. 83, 90-91. 1 ill. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kornel,D. Institution: Organization: Content : The swamp buffalo is sometimes completely white, i.e., with white hair and pink skin. This condition is rarely reported in river buffalo. This is not true albinism since the pigment is still present in iris, horns, hoofs and bucal mucosa. They are widely referred to as albinoid' (Kaleff, 1932). In the present study two cases of albinoid buffaloes of the Paralakhemundi buffalo breed in India are reported (Fig.1). The occurrence of pink skin is not uncommon but occurrence of albinoids is very rare in the Paralakhemundi buffalo breed. The incidence of albinoids varies in different countries. Rifle (1962) reported 10 percent albinoid buffaloes in Thailand, Singletan and Santos (1964) showed less than 1 percent incidence in the Philippines, in Indonesia albinoidism is common in Bali and incidence may be up to 70 percent. (Fischer, 1958). Albinoids unknown in Egypt, Italy, Sri Lanka and Turkey. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Production and reproduction potential of Bhadawari buffalo. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(2): 163-173 AB: 753 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, R.V; Nivasarkar, A.E Institution: Organization: Content : Bhadawari buffaloes are medium-sized animals and are famous for the unique characteristics of high milk fat percentage. the present investigation was undertaken to study the production and reproduction potential of these animals and the factors (farm, parity, calving problem, sex of calf, season and period) influencing various traits. Least squares analysis was carried out on 491 lactation records of 108 Bhadawari buffaloes, spread out over a period of 15 years (1976 to 1990). Animals were maintained at Chandra Shekher Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur and Dalitnagar farms. The Least square means of birth weight (BW), age at first calving (AFC), first lactation total milk yield (FLTMY), first lactation milk yield 300 days (FLMY 300 days), pool lactation milk yield 300 days (PLMY 300 days), pool lactation total milk yield (PLTMY), lactation length (LL), milk yield per day of lactation length (MY/LL), milk yield per day of calving interval (MY/CI), dry period (DP), gestation period (GP), service period (SP), and calving interval (CI) were 25.5+or-0.4 kg, 1540.7+or- 46.6 days, 693.2+or-63.1 kg, 678.2+or53.9 kg, 650.4+or-449 kg, 657.9+or-48.6 kg, 284.8+or-10.7 days, 2.45+or0.12 kg, 1.52+or-0.10 kg, 213.1+or-22.7 days, 308.9+or-1.8 days, 213.3+or26.7 days and 524.7+or-25.9 days, respectively. There was a significant difference in the level of production between the two farms particularly for PLMY 300 days, PLTMY, MY/LL and MY/CI. Parity significantly influenced BW, LL, DP, SP and CI. Season of calving significantly influenced PLMY 300 days, PLTMY and LL, while period of calving significantly influenced all traits under study. It was also found that AFC was neither influenced by season nor period of birth. The sex of calf also did not influence birth weight. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Characteristics and performance of Toda buffaloes of the Nilgiris, India: I. Habitat, morphology and morphometry. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 303-313 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Karthikeyan, M.K; Iyue, M; Kandasamy,N; Panneerselvam, S Institution: Organization: Content : The Toda buffalo, a unique breed confined to the Nilgiris in India, was studied to assess the distribution and breed characteristics. It was shown that the distribution of Toda buffalo herds was uneven throughout the plateaux of the Nilgiri hills, with a total population of around 3300 and an average herd size of 22 buffaloes. The colour of the calf at birth was generally fawn which changed to ash grey with age. Adults were ash grey and some were light cream-coloured. Horns were typically crescent shaped. They had two chevron markings in the neck region. The overall means for height at withers, body length and chest girth in 6-month-old calves were 80.2+or-0.68, 77.6+or-0.94 and 92.6+or-1.22 cm, respectively. These measurements in young stock of 2 754 1/2 to 3 years of age were 113.4+or-1.03, 122.9+or-1.44 and 158.8+or-2.02 cm, respectively. In this group, sex had significant (P<0.05) effects on body length and chest girth and highly significant (P<0.01) effects on height at withers. The mean height at withers, body length, chest girth and horn length in adult females were 121.8+or-0.56, 132.7+or-0.08, 180.4+or-1.14 and 61.8+or-1.31 cm, respectively. Body and horn length differed significantly (P<0.05) among parities. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Characteristics and performance of Toda buffaloes of the Nilgiris, India: II. Production and reproduction performance. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 315-320 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Karthikeyan, M.K; Iyue, M; Kandasamy, N; Panneerselvam, S Institution: Organization: Content : A study to assess the performance of the Toda buffalo was carried out in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 578 milk recordings were carried out from 143 animals twice daily at monthly intervals and 235 milk samples were collected for the estimation of milk constituents. The overall mean daily milk yield was 2.53+or-0.06 kg. The mean lactation length and estimated lactation yield were 198.25+or-5.25 (n=68) days and 603 kg, respectively. The fat, protein and total solids in milk were 8.28+or-0.12, 4.29+or-0.05 and 16.06+or0.14% respectively. The average ages at first calving and calving interval were 46.92+or-0.36 (n=169) and 14.26+or-0.36 (n=103) months respectively. There was a marked seasonality in calving with a peak in August. The distinguishing features of the Toda buffaloes are high milk fat content, regularity in reproduction and longevity of buffalo cows. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Evolving multi-trait selection criteria in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(2): 183-192 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gandhi, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 316 first lactation records were used to estimate genetic and phenotypic variances and covariances among 7 first lactation traits namely age at first calving (AFC), first lactation 305 days or less milk yield (FLMY), first lactation length (FLL), first calving interval (FCI), MY/FLL, MY/FCI and MY/ASC in Murrah buffaloes. The data were obtained from buffaloes maintained at the National Dairy Research Institute farm in Haryana, India, on December 1997. These variances and covariances were utilized to construct selection indices and to derive synthetic variates or standardized principal components scores (PCSs) by principal components analysis. Out of the 40 selection indices, the selection index having AFC, FLMY, FLL, FCI and 755 FLMY/ASC was considered to be optimum, giving aggregate genetic gain of Rs. 288.75 and accuracy of selection of 75.90%; this was used to compare its effectiveness with other criteria of selection. Four more selection indices based on variance explained by principal components of the population were constructed. The rank correlation of FLMY with optimum selection index (I5) was moderate and highly significant (0.4889). On the contrary, its coefficients of correlation with the indices derived from principal components (I1, I2 and I3) were very high (>0.9) except for I4 (0.4064). Similarly, the rank correlations of FLMY with synthetic variates derived from 1st principal component from both genetic as well as phenotypic variances and covariances were near to unity. The rank correlations of optimum selection index with indices derived from principal components ranged from 0.5404 (I1) to 0.1562 (I4). These findings indicated that principal components or indices constructed from these principal components derived from multiple traits seems to be more effective criteria of selection of Murrah buffaloes. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Future breeding strategies for buffalo populations in South East Asia: potential cooperation between Asia and Europe. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Newsletter. 2001; (16): 15-20 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: McGuirk, B.J; Revell, S.G Institution: Organization: Content : The need for cooperation and technical support especially in areas of semen processing and evaluation; karyotyping; and milk testing, collection, processing and product development from Pakistan, India and European countries to improve the population and breeding strategies of the buffaloes in South East Asian countries are discussed. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Study on species variation and influence of genetic group on calf mortality in cattle and buffalo. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Cheiron. 2001; 30(1/2): 31-32 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, C.R; Moorthy, P.R.S; Rao, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 3217 records of calves belonging to different genetic groups viz. Ongole (n=1219, O), Jersey (n=462, J), 1/2 J x 1/2 O (n=495), 3/4 J x 1/4 O (n=245) and Murrah (n=796) were examined for breed/genetic and species (cattle vs. buffalo) differences in terms of calf mortality [date not given]. The animals were maintained at different livestock farms in Andhra Pradesh, India. Among the different breeds/genetic groups, mortality rate was highest in 3/4 J x 1/4 O (8.16%) and lowest in Ongole (3.12%). Significantly (p<0.01) higher mortality in 3/4 J x 1/4 O compared to Ongole and Jersey calves was observed. The mortality rate among purebred Ongole and Jersey calves was more or less 756 the same, but it was lower than crossbreds. Buffalo calves recorded higher (p<0.01) mortality (13.82%) compared to cattle (4.13%). Specialization: Breeding Subject: Certain factors influencing the birth weight and mortality of Surti and Surti graded buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Cheiron. 2003; 32(1/2): 27-29 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Thanga Thamilvanan; Ramesh, V; Muralidharan, M.R; Sivakumar, T Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to determine the factors affecting the birth weight and mortality of Surti and Surti graded buffalo calves. Records of birth weight and mortality details on 132 Surti and 127 Surti-graded buffalo calves from an organized farm near Chennai (Tamil Nadu in India) during the period of 19901998 were collected to study the effect of sex and season on the birth weight and age-specific mortality. The birth weight means of Surti and Surti-graded buffalo calves were 23.52+or-1.64 and 21.46+or-1.95 kg, respectively. The birth weight means of Surti and Surti-graded male calves were 24.00+or-1.84 and 22.12+or-2.11 kg, respectively. Values in females were 23.04+or-1.43 and 20.80+or-1.43 kg, respectively. The differences in birth weight between sexes were 0.96 and 1.32 kg in Surti and Surti-graded calves, respectively. The heaviest Surti male and female calves were born during the Northeast monsoon, particularly in November, whereas the heaviest male and female Suti-graded calves were born during the cold season, particularly in January. The mortality percentage was higher in Surti female calves (49.09%) than in males (46.75%). Mortality percentage was higher in male Surti-graded calves (41.54%) than in females (37.09%). The mortality rate was higher in both Surti and Surti-graded calves during the cold season. Overall mortality rates in both Surti and Surti-graded calves were higher up to 4 months of age. However, it decreased with the advancement of age. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Performance of Surti buffaloes in Assam. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Cheiron. 2003; 32(5/6): 120-122 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gogoi, P.K; Das, D; Nahardeka, N; Goswami, R.N. Institution: Organization: Content : Lactation records of Surti buffaloes, maintained over a period of twelve years, were collected from the Government Livestock Farm, Silanijan, Assam. The traits studied were lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL), peak yield (PY) and days to attain peak yield (DAPY). Data were classified according to the period of calving, season of calving and order of lactation (16). The periods were 1981-84 (P1), 1985-88 (P2) and 1989-92 (P3). The seasons of calving were the peak season from August to January (S1) and the 757 least calving season from February to July (S2). In order to study the effect of various factors, like period and season of calving and the order of lactation, data were analysed by the least-squares technique of Harvey. For significant effects, pair-wise comparisons of means were made by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) as modified by Kramer. Analysis of records showed that the mean LMY, LL, PY and DAPY were 847+or-19.7 kg, 300+or-6.4 days, 4.5+or-0.1 kg and 56.8+or-1.6 days. The results of the present investigation showed that the lactation performance of Surti buffaloes in Assam was marginally better than the swamp type indigenous buffaloes. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Studies on some factors affecting birth weight in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Cheiron. 2004; 33(1/2): 51-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumaravel, N; Sivakumar, T; Nisha, P.R; Gopi, H Institution: Organization: Content : Data from Murrah, Surti and Surti x local graded buffaloes maintained at the Livestock Research Station in Kattupakkam, Tamil Nadu, India, obtained between 1993 and 2002 were analysed. It was shown that the majority of buffalo calves were born during the northeast monsoon (SeptemberNovember) followed by the cold season. There were more males in Murrah and Surti buffaloes and more females for Surti x 50 and 75% local graded buffaloes. There were significant differences in birth weight between Murrah and Surti buffalo calves, and those born during the monsoon season were heavier compared to calves born in other seasons. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Breeding plans for conservation of cattle and buffalo genetic resources Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2002; 54(9): 57-63 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Avtar Singh; Vij, P.K; Tantia, M.S; Sadana, D.K Institution: Organization: Content : This article discusses a breeding programme for the conservation of cattle and buffalo breeds from India, which involves the development of in situ and ex situ conservation models with optimum population size of breeding male and female animals. The conservation programme takes into account the genetic variability, inbreeding levels over the generations and random genetic drift in the conserved population. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Breeding strategies for improvement of cattle and buffalo productivity. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2002; 54(4): 31-34 AB: 758 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Joshi, B.K Institution: Organization: Content : This article discusses breeding strategies for improvement of cattle and buffalo productivity (India). Topics include the following: improvement of nondescript cows by grading up; improvement of non-descript zebu cows by crossbreeding; improvement of indigenous zebu cattle breeds by selective breeding; improvement of buffalo breeds by selective breeding; improvement of non-descript buffaloes by grading up; and performance evaluation and selection of animals. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Breeding strategies for improvement of cattle and buffalo productivity in Uttaranchal. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2004; 56(11): 45-46 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anil Kumar; Singh, S.K; Kumar, D Institution: Organization: Content : This paper gives an overview of the different breeding strategies employed in Uttaranchal, India, for improving cattle and buffalo production. Moreover, several considerations before designing the breeding strategies are presented. Selective breeding and crossbreeding are given emphasis in the discussion. Specialization: Breeding Subject: The Todas of the Nilgiris: an interesting dairy tribe. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2004; 56(12): 53-59 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ramesh, T; Dhaka, J.P; Smita Sirohi Institution: Organization: Content : Todas, the aboriginals of the Nilgiris, live in the higher plateau region of the Nilgiris district of the Tamil Nadu, India, for centuries. This article discusses the Todas, their buffaloes, temple dairies, cultural association of buffaloes, ceremonies associated with buffaloes and the present status of Toda dairying. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Development of performance comparison index for evaluation of crossbred dairy cows. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 2002; 41(1): 35-40 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jana, D.N; Mishra, R.R Institution: Organization: 759 Content : Evaluation indices called the performance comparison index (PCI) was developed to assess the performance of crossbred cows. A total of 3,330 lactations from 741 crossbred cows was used in this study. The indices was estimated on the basis of first lactation milk yield (FLY), first lactation period (LTP-1), and fifth or lifetime lactation period (LTP-5). Milk production from seven different crossbred cows comprising three halfbreds (Holstein Friesian (HF), Brown Swiss (BH), and Jersey (JH)) as well as their crosses with 75% traits of their purebreds. Results showed that the performance of FH and JH excelled all the other groups. Results also showed that the first performance comparison index (PCI-1) which considers all important traits along with the reproductive component was reliable in assessing performance of crossbred cows. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Factors affecting persistency index of first four lactations in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(1): 11-13 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gajbhiye, P.U; Tripathi, V.N Institution: Organization: Content : Using 790 lactation records of 367 Murrah buffaloes of 1-4 parities, lactation persistency was estimated by 9 different methods. A: Ratio of descending yield to ascending yield (week's total yield); B: Rate of increase (kg/week); C: Rate of decrease (kg/week); D: Mahadevan's (1951) method; E: Ratio of 2nd 14-week yield to 1st 14-week yield; F: Ratio of 3rd 14-week yield to 1st 14week yield; G & H: Ludwick and Peterson method; I: Ratio of rate of decrease to rate of increase. Effect of such non-genetic factors as season of calving, calving interval, parity and effect of lactation duration on persistency were studied. The estimate of persistency as a ratio of descending yield to ascending yield (A) was 4.007+or-0.184, suggesting that descending yield was four times higher than ascending yield. Average rate of increase (B) up to peak yield was 5.487+or-0.202 kg per week and average rate of decline (C) during descending phase was 0.985+or-0.039 kg per week. Season of calving had a significant effect on persistency by A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I. Variation due to calving interval was significant in estimate by B, F, G and I. Persistency by all the methods except 'I' was found to differ from estimate of first parity, differences among 2nd, 3rd and 4th being non-significant. A significant effect of lactation duration on persistency by A, D, E, F, G, and H indicated that animals producing for a longer duration are more persistent. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Repeatability estimates of some production and reproduction traits of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(2): 80-81 AB: 760 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, A.K; Tripathi, V.N Institution: Organization: Content : Data, collected between 1973 and 1988 on 441 and 282 Surti buffaloes maintained at Central Cattle Breeding Farm, Dhamrod (Gujarat, India) and Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar (Rajasthan, India) were used to estimate the repeatability of various economic traits. The repeatability estimates of lactation milk yield, 305-days lactation milk yield, peak yield, lactation length, milk yield per day of lactation, milk yield per day of calving interval, dry period, service period and calving interval were 0.281+or-0.055, 0.279+or-0.35, 0.205+or-0.043, 0.044+or-0.031, 0.289+or-0.035, 0.179+or0.042, 0.123+or-0.041, 0.131+or-0.041 and 0.118+or-0.041 respectively for Dhamrod farm; for Valabhnaggar farm, these values were 0.345+or-0.039, 0.328+or-0.039, -0.065+or-0.064, 0.270+or-0.039, 0.224+or-0.038, 0.257+or0.045, 0.107+or-0.041, 0.119+or-0.041 and 0.125+or-0.042 respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Factors affecting some economic traits in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 2000; 34(1): 43-45 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gopal Dass; Sadana, D.K Institution: Organization: Content : 1176 first three lactation records of Murrah buffaloes maintained at National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, spread over a period of 11 years were analysed to assess the influence of farm, season and period of calving and parity on peak yield, 305 days yield, complete lactation yield, lactation duration, dry period and calving interval. The least squares means were 12.04+or-0.14 kg, 1934.77+or-19.81 kg, 2067.74+or-23.86 kg, 313.19+or-2.77 days, 172.84+or-5.52 days and 492.38+or-5.82 days, respectively for the traits under study. Farm, period of calving, season of calving and parity had influence (P<0.01) on all the traits except non-significant effect of farm on peak yield and complete lactation yield and period of calving on dry period. Significant (P<0.05) effect of period of calving on complete lactation yield and dry period and season of calving on peak yield and dry period and parity on dry period was also observed. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of season and period of calving on predicted milk yields in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 2000; 34(1): 68-70 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gopal Dass; Sharma, R.C Institution: Organization: Content : 761 Daily milk yields of 404 Murrah buffaloes in their first lactation over a period of 15 years (1975-89) at the National Dairy Research Institute, India, were utilized for predicting 305-day lactation yield using 2 sampling (systematic and stratified random) methods at 3 (fortnightly, monthly and bimonthly) sampling intervals. All sampling schemes and intervals overestimated the actual 305-day yield. The effects of season (5% level of probability) and period (1% level of probability) on predicted yields in systematic and stratified random schemes of 3 samplings were significant. The regression of milk yield on age at first calving had no significant effect. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Udder characterization of milk animals in Ambajogai tahsil. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 2002; 36(1): 55-57 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sonwane, J.S; Karanjkar, P.L; Karanjkar, L.M Institution: Organization: Content : The udder characterization (shape of udder, size of fore and rear udders, shape and tip of teats) of milk cows (n=200) and buffaloes (n=200) were studied by interviewing 400 dairy farmers randomly selected from 10 villages in Maharashtra, India [date not given]. Bowl, round and pendulous shaped udders were common in Marathwadi, Nagpuri, and Jaffrabadi and Murrah buffaloes, respectively. Bowl shaped udders were mainly observed in local cows and Red Kandhari while pendulous shaped udders were common in crossbred cows. Medium sized fore udders and large sized rear udders were common in all cows and buffaloes except the Murrah buffalo. Small sized fore udder were mainly found in local cows while Red Kandhari and crossbred had medium sized fore udder. Medium sized rear udder was generally observed in all cow breeds. Cylindrical teat shapes and rounded teat tips were common in all the breeds studied. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Study in swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 2003; 37(1): 77-78 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kalita, A; Sarma, M; Talukdar, M; Saikia, M; Goswami,R.N Institution: Organization: Content : Five skulls of adult swamp buffalo was used for craniometrical study. The shape of the skull was longer. The skull width had an affect on skull length. The cranial length was significant (P<0.05) with skull length. The orbital depth was highly significant (P<0.01) with skull width and significant (P<0.05) on skull length. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Correlated response in first lactation milk yield using partial milk yields as selection criteria in Surti buffaloes. 762 Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(3): 261-262 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tailor, S.P; Banerjee, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : This article presents an alternative to progeny testing programme by selecting traits for milk production based on partial lactation yield. This method will also reduce the generation interval and accelerate the genetic gain per unit time. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of non-genetic factors on economic traits of Surti buffalo. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(6): 566-569 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, A.K; Tripathi, V.N. Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to assess the effect of non-genetic factors, such as season of calving, period of calving, and parity on the productive and reproductive performance of Surti buffaloes. The animals were maintained at the Central Cattle Breeding Farm (CCBF), Dhamrod (Gujarat), India. Analysis of 1099 lactation records of 398 Surti buffaloes showed that season of calving significantly influenced the lactation yield (LY), 305-days or less lactation yield (305-LY), lactation length (LL), dry period (DP), service period (SP) and calving interval (CI). Buffaloes commencing lactation in winter and summer (November to June) produced significantly higher LY, 305-LY and had a longer LL, whereas, buffaloes calving during rainy and autumn seasons (July to October) showed better reproductive performance (DP, SP and CI). Period of calving significantly influenced all the aforementioned traits. Higher productive and reproductive performances were obtained during the third period (1985-87). Buffaloes in different parities differed significantly with respect to LY, 305-LY, DP, SP and CI. Surti buffaloes continuously improved their production performance up to the fifth lactation and reproductive performance up to sixth lactation. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Breeding value evaluation for milk production in Murrah buffaloes: combined information on individual and its female relatives. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(2): 124-128 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mintu Nath; Sharma, R.C Institution: Organization: Content : Information on 305-day (or less) milk yield records of 832 Murrah buffaloes maintained at the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (India), during 763 1970-95, were analysed to predict the breeding value of female based on its own information in combination with its other female relatives. The prediction of breeding value based only on individuals first lactation and average of first 2 lactations had the accuracy of 0.5991 and 0.7621 respectively. The accuracy of prediction increased as first lactation of dam and average of 2 paternal halfsisters' first lactation records were combined with individuals information. The accuracy of prediction of breeding value was 0.6340 and 0.7995 for combined relatives' information along with first lactation and average of first 2 lactation records of individual respectively. It was concluded that only individuals own information was ideal for evaluation of breeding value in Murrah females. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Comparison of different methods of sire evaluation in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(12): 1067-1069 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pandey, A.K; Harpal Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The present investigation was undertaken to compare the efficiency of different sire index methods for the evaluation of Murrah bulls. Records of 481 daughter-dam pairs of Murrah buffaloes in 6 Military Dairy Farms in different parts of Uttar Pradesh (India), during 1954-73, were used to index 52 Murrah bulls. The sire index values and ranking order of the sires computed by simple daughter average index (I1), equiparent index (I2), corrected daughter average index (I3), contemporary daughter average index (I4) and corrected contemporary daughter average index (I5) differed according to the method of indexing the sire. The 5 indices according to their superiority, based on their respective variances, were ranked as I5>I4>I3>I1>I2, indicating that the breeding value of sires was over or under estimated with simple daughter average index, equiparent index and corrected daughter average index methods. The highest rank correlation between simple daughter average index (I1) and corrected daughter average index (I3) indicated that index-1 and index-3 ranked the sires in more or less the same order. The least rank correlations between corrected contemporary daughter average index (I5) and all other indices except I4, indicated the comparatively higher independence of index 5. It was concluded that the buffalo bulls can be evaluated by corrected contemporary average index (I5), with better precision than the other indices studied. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Comparison of different methods of sire evaluation. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(1): 73-74 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tailor, S.P; Banerjee, A.K; Yadav, S.B.S. Institution: Organization: Content : 764 Data, collected between 1977 and 1992, on 1st lactation 305-days milk yield of 507 Surti buffaloes, sired by 41 bulls and maintained at the Buffalo Project of the Livestock Research Station Vallabhnagar (Rajasthan, India) were used to estimate breeding values for this trait by 5 sire evaluation methods. The methods used were herd-mate comparison, contemporary comparison, ordinary least-squares, regressed least-squares and best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP). All the sires included in this study had at least 4 daughters. Each year was divided into 3 seasons, summer (March-June), rainy (JulyOctober) and winter (November-February). Sires were divided into 2 genetic groups on the basis of the yield of their dams. The least-squares and BLUP methods incorporated fixed effects of year-season of calving and sire genetic groups and random effect of sire within genetic group. The accuracy of sire evaluation was judged by the correlation between the actual progeny average for each sire and the estimates of sire breeding value and by rank correlation and coefficients of skewness and kurtosis. The 2 comparison methods had high and significant rank correlations; their correlations with the least-squares and BLUP methods were moderate. The rank correlations for the 2 leastsquares methods with true sire effects were close to 1, that for BLUP was lower but better than those for the 2 comparison methods. BLUP had a lower standard error than the other methods. The least squares and BLUP methods had near perfect normal distribution. The accuracy of ordinary least-squares, regressed least-squares, BLUP, contemporary comparison and herd-mate comparison were 0.99, 0.97, 0.63, 0.52 and 0.45 respectively. Whilst the ordinary least-squares method was the most accurate, when the computational cost and ease were taken into account it is concluded that BLUP is the recommended method. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Direct and correlated responses to selection in first lactation and lifetime traits in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(11): 1163-1164 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kuralkar, S.V; Raheja, K.L Institution: Organization: Content : Data, collected between 1961 and 1988, on age at first calving, first lactation milk yield, first lactation duration, first calving interval, first dry period, milk yield per day of first lactation, milk yield per day of first calving interval, milk yield over the first 3 lactations, lifetime milk yield, herd life, number of lactations, total days open, total days dry, and number of services per conception for 2107 Murrah buffaloes (7838 records) kept on 4 military dairy farms (Ambala, Ferozpur, Lucknow and Meerut) and 3 Uttar Pradesh state government farms (Babugarh, District Dairy Farms (Mathura) and Maduraikund (Mathura)) in India were analysed. Sire and residual covariances were estimated using Henderson method 3 with a model containing, farm, year, and season of calving as fixed effects, sire within farm as a random effect and weight at first calving as a covariate. Direct and correlated selection responses were estimated. Correlated responses were lower than direct responses for all the first-lactation traits. Selection for reduced age at first 765 calving, first calving interval and first dry period reduced first lactation duration and hence first lactation milk yield. It was estimated that selection on the basis of first lactation milk yield would give correlated responses for milk yield during the first 3 lactations, lifetime milk yield and milk yield per day of herd life of 100.62, 102.89 and 0.035 kg respectively; these responses compared favourably with those for direct selection on the traits (103.57, 80.58 and 0.017 kg respectively). It is concluded that selection of first lactation milk yield would be useful for improving lifetime production traits. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Genetic improvement through complete restricted selection indices in Surti buffalo. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(6): 613-615 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tailor, S.P; Pathodiya, O.P; Bachchu Singh Institution: Organization: Content : First lactation records (16 years of data) of 507 Surti buffaloes, sired by 41 bulls, maintained at the Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar, Rajasthan, were utilized to develop multi-trait selection indices. 10 complete restricted selection indices (RI1 to RI10) were developed by imposing single or 2 trait restrictions on age at first calving (AFC), first service period (FSP), first lactation length and first calving interval (FCI). The index coefficients (bi), expected genetic gain in each trait (Gi), correlation between index and breeding value (RIH) and aggregate genetic gain ( Delta H) were compared. The complete restriction on FCI was the most appropriate for genetic improvement. This produced a desirable genetic change in first lactation milk yield (5.5686 kg), AFC (-31.0264 days), first dry period (-0.0651 days), first lactation peak yield (0.0325 kg) and FSP (-0.2024 days). Specialization: Breeding Subject: Relationship between sires estimated breeding values for first lactation and lifetime traits in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(1): 89-90 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Triveni Dutt; Taneja, V.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Performance records of 561 female Murrah buffaloes, the progeny of 37 sires, from the Military Dairy Farm, Jabalpur (India), collected between 1943 and 1972 were analysed. The traits examined were age at first calving, lactation milk yield, lactation length, dry period, calving interval, number of lactations completed, herd life (difference between date of first calving and date of leaving the herd) and lifetime milk yield. All the sires included in the study had at least 5 daughters. Estimated breeding values were obtained by best linear unbiased prediction with season and year of calving and sire group as fixed effects and sires as a random effect. There was a large variation in 766 estimated breeding values of sires and a low correlation between sires estimated breeding values and their dams first lactation or best lactation milk yield. It is concluded that buffalo bulls should be selected for breeding on the basis of their daughters traits and not on the basis of their dams traits. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Comparison of four methods of variance components estimation for heritability of economic traits in Murrah buffalo. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(2): 146-149 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raheja, K.L; Vinayak, A.K; Sunil Kalra Institution: Organization: Content : First lactation records on 2107 Murrah buffaloes, maintained at 4 military dairy farms (Ambala, Ferozpur, Lucknow and Meerut) and 3 Uttar Pradesh State Government Farms in India (Babugarh, Mathura and Madurikund) during 1961-88 were used to compare 4 methods of variance components estimation viz., Henderson method-3 (HM-3), maximum likelihood (ML), restricted maximum likelihood (REML) and minimum variance quadratic unbiased estimation (MIVQUE). Traits included in the study were age at first calving, first lactation milk yield, first lactation length and first calving interval. Sire and residual variance components were estimated from a model containing season, and year of calving and farm as fixed effects and sires within farms as random effect. Sire variance components obtained from HM-3 and MIVQUE for all traits except first lactation milk yield were significantly (P<0.05) different from sire variance components obtained from likelihood procedures. ML estimates of sire and error variance components were smaller than obtained from other procedures. Estimates of sire components of variance for first lactation length and first calving interval obtained from HM-3 and MIVQUE were negative. Likelihood estimation (REML and ML) procedures estimates confined to the parameter space. Heritability estimate for age at first calving obtained from HM-3 and MIVQUE procedures was moderate. The heritability estimate for first lactation milk yield obtained from HM-3 was highest (0.25+or-0.08). ML estimates of heritability for first lactation milk yield was lowest (0.21+or-0.07). The estimates of heritability for first lactation length obtained from ML and REML were almost of similar magnitude. Result revealed that likelihood methods always yield positive estimates of heritability and therefore should be the methods of choice over the fitting constants procedure (HM-3) for unbalanced data in mixed models. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Influence of inbreeding and effective population size on performance traits in closed herd of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(8): 807-809 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, A.N; Ali, S.Z; Kuralkar, S.V Institution: Organization: 767 Content : Pedigree and performance records of 225 buffaloes maintained at the Livestock Breeding Farm, Akola, Maharashtra from 1981 to 1999 were analysed for intensity of inbreeding in the herd and its effect on economic traits. The average inbreeding coefficient in buffalo herd was 0.135+or-0.011. The effect of inbreeding was significant on birth weight. The regression of lactation milk yield on inbreeding was significant indicating that for an increase in inbreeding by 1% the decrease in lactation milk yield is expected to be -6.03 kg. The average effective population size was 7.515+or-0.688 (range from 3.71 to 11) during the year 1981-82 to 1997-98. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of non-genetic factors on productive herd life and longevity in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(11): 1260-1262 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meena, S.M; Mathur, M.C; Jain, L.S Institution: Organization: Content : The data on calving records of 510 Surti buffaloes spread over 25 years (197397) were collected from a farm in Rajasthan, India. Least-squares means and their standard errors of productive herd life and longevity were estimated in relation to period, season, age at first calving (AFC) and first lactation milk yield (FLMY). The overall means and their standard errors of productive herd life and longevity were estimated in relation to period, season, AFC and FLMY. The overall means for productive herd life and longevity from each buffalo were 1522.20+or-102.68 days and 3274.34+or-138.74 days, respectively. The least-squares analysis of variance indicated that season did not affect significantly the productive herd life and longevity. The effect of period, AFC and FLMY were significant on productive herd life and longevity. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of some non-genetic factors on selective value of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jun 2004). v. 74(6) p. 644-646. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meena, S.M.; Mathur, M.C.; Jain, L.S. Institution: Organization: Content : The data on calving records of 510 Sruti buffaloes spread over a period of 25 years 1973-1997 were collected from LRS Vallabhanagar, RAU, Bikaner least-squares means and their standard error of TCB and TFCRMH were estimated in relation to period, season, AFC and FLMY. The overall means and their standard error of TCB and TFCRMH were estimated in relation to period, seasons, AFC and FLMY. The overall means for TCB and TFCRMH 768 from each buffalo were 3.55 +- 0.16 and 0.68 +- 0.07 respectively. The leastsquares analysis of variance indicated that season did not effect significantly the TCB and TFCRMH. The effect of period AFC and FLMY were significant on TCB and TFCRMH. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of some non-genetic factors on selective value of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(6): 644-646 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meena, S.M; Mathur, M.C; Jain, L.S Institution: Organization: Content : The data on calving records of 510 Surti buffaloes spread over a period of 25 years 1973-97 were collected from LRS Vallabhnagar, RAU. Bikaner leastsquares means and their standard error of TCB and TFCRMH were estimated in relation to period, season, AFC and FLMY. The overall means and their standard error of TCB and TFCRMH were estimated in relation to period, seasons, AFC and FLMY. The overall means for TCB and TFCRMH from each buffalo were 3.55+or-0.16 and 0.68+or-0.07, respectively. The leastsquares analysis of variance indicated that season did not significantly affect TCB and TFCRMH. The effect of period AFC and FLMY were significant on TCB and TFCRMH. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Production and reproduction performance of light breed of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(5): 527-529 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bharat, N.K; Thapan, P.C; Gahlot, G.C Institution: Organization: Content : The performance of light breed of buffaloes (Surti and Mehsana) was evaluated in terms of production and reproduction parameters from the data collected from 2 farms located in Bangalore and Udaipur. About 2534 lactations of 898 Surti, Mehsana and crossbred buffaloes from 1965 to 1984 were studied for significant effect of breed, farm, period and season of calving and lactation order. The analysis revealed that Mehsana and Mehsana x Surti buffaloes were significantly superior to Surti breed for full lactation yield, lactation yield and lactation length, while for milk yield/lactation length, milk yield/calving interval and peak yield, Mehsana had higher yield than Surti and Surti x Mehsana. Significant differences were also observed among farms, periods, seasons and parities for most of the traits. The least-squares means were 1201.00+or-32.43 and 1350.35+or-35.39 kg for full lactation yield, 1350.35+or-35.39 and 1264.52+or-27.12 kg for lactation yield, 294.44+or6.66 and 309.57+or-7.22 days for lactation length, 4.09+or-0.06 and 4.37+or0.07 kg for MY/LL, 2.50+or-0.08 and 2.71+or-0.08 kg for MY/CI, 7.16+or769 0.11 and 7.71+or-0.12 kg for peak yield, 31.28+or-2.06 and 34.00+or-2.17 days for days to attain peak, 215.46+or-13.94 and 215.46+or-13.94 days for dry period, 517.12+or-20.44 and 521.12+or-21.20 days for calving interval for Surti and Mehsana buffaloes, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Improvement of buffalo for milk, meat and draught: a review. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(3): 327-334 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sethi, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo improvement programme undertaken through progeny testing at individual and small herds produced low response to selection in almost all the herds primarily due to large generation interval, low intensity of selection and less accuracy of the progeny test. Associated progeny testing for Murrah breed by associating all the herds, increased the population size, increased intensity of selection of candidate bulls and enabled to select the bulls on large number of progeny. Crossbreeding of nondescript and swamp buffaloes with Murrah and Nili Ravi has significantly improved the milk production potential of the local stock in all states and in the southeast asian countries. Crossbreeding also resulted into higher body weight at birth and subsequent weight at maturity in F1 and triple crossbred animals than the local stock that could produce higher quantity of meat. Riverine breeds exhibited higher draught potential as compared to nondescript and swamp buffaloes. Open nucleus breeding system with and without MOET has been initiated to enhance the rate of genetic improvement while marker assisted selection has been emphasized to facilitate early selection of individuals of desired characteristics to improve the productivity of buffaloes for desired traits. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Prediction of 305 day milk yield from test day values in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 1999; 52(6): 358-362 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gopal Dass; Sadana, D.K Institution: Organization: Content : 415 daily milk yield records of Murrah buffaloes from the National Dairy Institute, Karnal, were used to predict 1st, 2nd and 3rd lactation milk yield (305-day) from monthly stratified random samples using 3 methods (ratio method, regression method and regression with additional traits). All methods gave >85% accuracy (Rsuperscript 2 values) from 3 test day yields in the prediction. The accuracy in the prediction increased substantially only up to 3 test day yields, thereafter it increased negligibly. The accuracy in the prediction of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd lactation of 305-day yield was 85.9, 90.4 and 90.3% using the 1st method; 85.4, 86.7 and 85.3% using the 2nd method; and 770 90.4, 92.2 and 93.7% using the third method. Lactation duration along with the 2nd, 5th and 8th month test day yield for the 1st and 2nd lactation and 2nd, 4th and 7th month test day yield for the 3rd lactation gave the highest accuracy (90.8, 92.2 and 93.7%) in the prediction of 305-day lactation yield in Murrah buffaloes. It is concluded that the use of 3 test day yields together with other available information may be adequate to predict 305-day yield with >90% Rsuperscript 2 value. Specialization: Breeding Subject: First lactation weekly milk yield as an aid to selection in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 1999; 52(4): 243-245 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pathodiya, O.P; Jain, L.S; Tailor, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : First lactation records of 374 Surti buffaloes, sired by 43 bulls maintained at buffalo project, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar (Udaipur) were studied. Weekly milk yields (WY) were calculated by combining morning and evening yields for 7 consecutive days for the first 10 weeks of lactation (WY1WY10). The heritability estimates for WY1 to WY5 and first lactation milk yield (FLMY) were moderate. The relative efficiency of selection based on weekly milk yield for WY1 to WY10 over FLMY were 0.55, 0.87, 1.30, 0.67, 1.04, 0.00, 0.64, 0.47, 0.61 and 0.66 respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations of WY with FLMY were positive, high and significant. The environmental correlation ranged from 0.090 (WY3) to 0.465 (WY9). The predicted correlated responses in FLMY when indirect selection was made on the basis of WY from WY1 to WY10 were 11.61, 18.52, 27.62, 14.18, 21.98, 0.00, 13.64, 9.97, 12.99 and 14.09 kg respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Path analysis of 305-days milk yield in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2002; 55(6): 346-349 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Banik, S; Tomar, S.S Institution: Organization: Content : The path analysis for 305-days milk yield of 524 buffaloes was performed for individual lactation up to fifth lactation and for over all lactations. Result indicated that maximum variability (32%) was revealed by the variation in lactation length, followed by service period (3.9%) and birth weight of calf born of respective lactation (3.1%). However, the age at first calving had no contribution to the total variation for overall lactations. Regarding the total effect of lactation length (32.6%), the maximum (31.6%) was due to the direct effect, whereas the service period had no direct effect but it had an indirect effect on lactation length. The model explained nearly 36% of variation for all lactations. For considering the different lactations separately, it was shown 771 that maximum variability (48.2-58.3%) was explained by lactation length except for third lactation (16.0%). The service period revealed 2.9 to 5.90% and the birth weight of calf born of respective lactation revealed 4.0 to 8.5% variation in different individual lactations except the third lactation (0.6%). Maximum total effect of lactation length was due to its direct effect. The effect of age at first calving remained negligible. The model explained nearly 60% variation based on the data of different lactations except the third lactation, where it was 18% only. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Phenotypic characteristics of Pandharpuri buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2002; 55(1): 58-59 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, V.P; Ulmek, B.R. Institution: Organization: Content : Data were recorded on the orientation and length of horn, colour of switch of tail, tail length and body colour in 164 Pandharpuri buffaloes from Kolhapur city (India). During the investigation, black, brown (bhura), black with white patches (panchaguni) and brown (bhura) with white patches (panchaguni) colour patterns were observed in Pandharpuri breed of buffalo. The colour pattern of switch of tail comprised of white (75.6%) and black (24.4%). Horn length averaged 81.90+or-1.36 cm. and tail length 85.21+or-1.10 cm. Four types of orientation of horns were observed viz. upward pointing tips (Toki), lateral pointing tips (Bharkand), downward pointing tips (Meti), one upward and another downward pointing tips (Ekshingi meti) in Pandharpuri buffaloes. Specialization: Breeding Subject: A note on lifetime production of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(4): 253-254 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pathodiya, O.P Institution: Organization: Content : Lactation records of 261 Surti buffaloes sired by 35 bulls were used for the study. The effect of season on first calving was found to be significant on lifetime production (LTP) traits. The LTP was affected by period of calving while unproductive life (UPL) was affected by the sire. The heritability estimates for lifetime production up to third lactation was low, which indicated the presence of low additive genetic variability in the herd. The phenotypic correlation of LTP was positive and significant with herd life (HL) and productive life (PL), while negative and insignificant with UPL. The genetic correlation among lifetime productivity traits were inconclusive. Specialization: Breeding Subject: A note on replacement rate in a herd of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 772 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(6): 405-407 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kulkarni, V.S; Tomar, S.S Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to document the replacement rate in Surti buffaloes. The loss of replacement daughters out of 2405 total calvings due to abnormal births, male births, death and culling of female calves from birth to age at first calving averaged 4.7, 46.8, 20.4 and 9.5%, respectively. Only 18.6% of the total calves born turned into replacement stock. Thus, about 5 to 6 pregnancies were required to produce one replacement heifer. Out of the female calves born, 42.1% died, 19.5% were culled and 38% reached to the milking herd. Period and dam's generation had a significant effect on the replacement rate based on both the total pregnancies and female calf born, whereas parity of dam significantly affected only the replacement rate based on female calf born. Season of birth had no effect on the trait. The sire of the calf had a highly significant effect on both the total calves and female calf, with heritability estimates of 0.281+or-0.068 and 0.740+or-0.147, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of some non-genetic factors on selective value of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(5): 323-326 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meena, S.M; Jat, R.P Institution: Organization: Content : Calving records of 510 Surti buffaloes spread over a period of 25 years (19731997) were collected from LRS Vallabhnagar, RAU, Bikaner, India. Least squares means and their standard error of total calves born and female calves reaching milking herd were estimated in relation to period, season, age at first calving (AFC) and first lactation milk yield (FLMY). The overall means for total calves born to each buffalo and total female calves reaching milking herd from each buffalo were 3.55+or-0.16 and 0.68+or-0.07, respectively. The least squares analysis of variance indicated that the effect of period, AFC and FLMY was significant on total calves born and total female calves reaching milking herd whereas season had no effect on either trait. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Studies on first lactation ratio traits in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(6): 429-431 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pathodiya, O.P; Jain, L.S Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the effect of various genetic and non773 genetic factors on ratio traits and to estimate the genetic and phenotypic correlation of these traits with reproductive and production traits. The first lactation records of 374 Surti buffaloes sired by 43 bulls were used in this study. The effect of period of calving was highly significant on both the traits, whereas the season of calving did not affect MY/FLL (milk yield per day of first lactation length) and MY/FCI (milk yield per day of first calving interval) significantly. The estimate of heritability was low for MY/FLL and high for MY/FCI. The phenotypic correlations of AFC with MY/FLL and MY/FCI were positive and significant. The FSP and FCI had a negative and significant phenotypic association with MY/FCI, but a negative and insignificant association with MY/FLL. The genetic correlation among production traits and ratio traits were positive. The environmental correlations ranged from low to moderate. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of some non-genetic factors on selective value of Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(2): 119-122 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Meena, S.M; Jat, R.P Institution: Organization: Content : The data on calving records of 510 Surti buffaloes over a period of 25 years (1973-1997) were collected from LRS, Vallabhnagar, Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, India. Least squares means and their standard error of total calves born and female calves reaching the milking herd were estimated in relation to period, season, age at first calving (AFC) and first lactation milk yield (FLMY). The overall means for total calves born to each buffalo and total female calves reaching the milking herd from each buffalo were 3.55+or0.16 and 0.68+or-0.07, respectively. The least squares analysis of variance indicated that the effects of period, AFC and FLMY were significant on the total calves born and total female calves reaching the milking herd, whereas season had no effect on either trait. In conclusion, calving period, age at first calving and first lactation milk yield influence the selection value of Surti buffaloes. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Estimation of genetic and phenotypic trends for first dry period and milk efficiency traits in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Research. 2001; 10(1): 7-13 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kuralkar, S.V; Raheja, K.L Institution: Organization: Content : Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was used to obtain estimate of transmitting abilities of 107 sires of 2107 Murrah buffaloes from 4 military dairy farms and 3 Uttar Pradesh State Government farms collected over 28 774 years (1961-88). Genetic trends were estimated from regression of weighted averages of sires transmitting abilities of each year on the year. The genetic trends of -0.14+or-0.06 days/year and phenotypic trends of -2.57+or-0.99 days/year for first dry period (FDP) at the military dairy farm in Lucknow was desirable and significantly different from zero. The phenotypic trends in milk yield per day of first lactation length (MYFLL) and milk yield per day of first calving interval (MYFCI) at the government livestock farm in Babugarh and the district dairy demonstration farm in Mathura were significant but undesirable. The annual phenotypic trends in FDP (-1.63+or-0.65 days) was desirable and the MYFLL (-0.0210+or-0.0096 kg) was undesirable at the military dairy farm in Ferozpur. The genetic trends (-0.0073+or-0.0003 kg/year) for MYFLL was unfavourable at the military dairy farm in Meerut. Genetic trends for FDP, MYFLL and MYFCI in most of the farms were not significantly different from zero. The estimates of genetics and phenotypic trends in these traits revealed no improvement in most of the farms over time. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Productive and reproductive genetics traits of Surti buffaloes in Maharashtra state. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Research. 2005; 14(1): 25-28 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Warade, S.D; Patil, S.L; Ali, S.Z; Kularlkar, S.V Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the productive and reproductive traits of Surti buffaloes in Maharashtra, India. 287 productive and reproductive records of 90 Surti buffaloes sired by 7 bulls maintained at Buffalo Breeding Farm, Hingoli (MS) were analysed. It was observed that the overall lactation milk yield of Surti buffalo was 1273.17+15.38 kg. The heritability estimates for lactation length, dry period, peak milk yield, age at first calving, calving interval, service period and breeding efficiencies (two values) were 0.42+0.18, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0.02+0.40, and 0.033+0.04 and 0.21+0.04, respectively. On the other hand, the repeatability estimates for lactation milk yield, dry period, lactation length, peak milk yield, calving interval and service period were 0.23+0.07, 0.05+0.07, negative, negative, 0, and 0.04+0.06, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Age at first calving and its correlation with economic traits in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 1999; 76(10): 902-905 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pathodiya, O.P; Jain, L.S; Tailor, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : Data on age at first calving (AFC) were collected on 374 Surti buffaloes over an 18-year period (1977-1994) and assessed in six 3-year periods, subdivided into 3 seasons. The average AFC was 1683.48+or-34.86 days; the effects of 775 period and sire were highly significant. Correlations of AFC with first service period (FSP) and first calving interval (FCI) were negative and moderate, while correlations with first lactation milk yield, 305-day first lactation yield and first peak yield were positive and low to moderate; correlations of AFC with milk yield/FLL and /FCI were positive and low. Environmental effects of AFC were correlated moderately and negatively with FSP and FCI, and negatively with production efficiency traits. It is concluded that higher AFC would increase milk production because of greater physiological maturity. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Studies on age at first calving in Murrah and Surti buffaloes maintained in Assam. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(8): 854-855 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gogoi, P.K; Das, D; Goswami, R.N; Nahardeka, N; Das, G.C Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of non-genetic factors on the age at first calving (AFC) of Murrah and Surti buffaloes and their heritability estimates were studied. Records pertaining to 314 Murrah from 6 government farms (Napaam, Khanapara, Ghungoor, Khanikar, Barhampur and Kaliapani) and 116 Surti buffaloes from one government farm in Assam were used. The non-genetic factors analysed were farm, season of birth (most birth season: August-January, S1; and least birth season: February-July, S2) and period of birth (first period: 1981-84, Pd1; second period: 1985-88, Pd2: and third period: 1989-92, Pd3). The least square mean of AFC of Murrah buffaloes was significantly higher than Surti buffaloes (53.88+or-0.48 vs. 51.51+or-1.18 months, P<0.01). Farm had a significant effect on the AFC of Murrah buffaloes. The effect of season and period of birth on AFC was not significant for any of the breeds. AFC of Murrah buffaloes was found to be highly heritable with a heritability estimate of 0.88+or-0.44. It is concluded that the AFC of Murrah and Surti buffaloes under the agroclimatic conditions of Assam is satisfactory, although considerable farm variation exists due to the differences in the availability of feeds and fodder, health management practices and possible variation in climatic conditions among farms. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Correlation of biochemical polymorphism and sex chromatin with production and reproduction traits in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(11): 1224-1228 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Duddalwar, S.M; Ali, S.Z; Kuralkar, S.V; Ali, S.S Institution: Organization: Content : The data on production and reproduction traits of 22 Murrah and 27 Berari buffaloes maintained at LIF., Akola were used. Blood samples were collected for the estimation of sex chromatin, haemoglobin typing and transferrin 776 typing. Average sex chromatin frequency was found to be 1.45+or-0.20 and 1.74+or-0.21 for 200 neutrophils in Murrah and Berari buffaloes, respectively. The average pooled distance of migration for haemoglobin type was 4.17+or0.16 cm and for transferrin type, it was 54.32+or-2.07 mm. The buffaloes were grouped as per sex chromatin and were found to be statistically insignificant. The correlation coefficient among all the cytogenetics and biochemical traits with reproductive and productive traits for Murrah and Berari buffaloes were found to be insignificant except for distance of migration of transferrin and milk yield in Murrah. The reproductive characters, i.e. age at first calving, intercalving period, breeding efficiency and dry period were significantly correlated with each other. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Studies on some productive and reproductive traits of Marathwada buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(1): 86-87 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patange, D.D; Rajguru, D.N; Kulkarni, A.N; Kalyankar, S.D Institution: Organization: Content : The productive and reproductive traits of 210 lactating Marathwada [Nagpuri] buffaloes from 15 villages in the Parabhani, Jalna and Beed districts of Maharashtra, India were recorded based on surveys and personal observations between 1999 and 2000. It was shown that the average lactation yield, lactation length, dry period, service period, intercalving period and gestation period were 1141.710+or-9.016 kg, 317.00+or-1.885, 174.17+or-5.77, 179.281+or-6.00, 496.251+or-5.936 and 310.124+or-192 days, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Productive performance of Purnathadi buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2005; 82(1): 83-84 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Baglane, B.B; Ambulkar, D.R; Ali, S.Z; Gote, N.R Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to determine the breeding pattern of Purnathadi buffaloes in order to exploit its full production potential. Data on 410 lactation records of Purnathadi buffaloes maintained at the Livestock Instructional Farm from June 1977 to May 1996 were analysed. Performance of the buffaloes in terms of productive traits such as lactation length, milk yield and dry period was studied. The average lactation length ranged between 261 to 355 days, with an average of 299.55+or-1.03 days. The average milk yield was 930.26+or-7.25 kg. The average dry period was 189.54+or-2.09 days. The wide range of fry period suggested that the dry period and intercalving period could be minimized by improving management practices and off-season breeding. 777 Specialization: Breeding Subject: Inheritance of peak yield in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: International Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 15(2): 141-143 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Paliwal, P.C; Jain, L.S; Yadav, M.C; Tailor, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : Twelve years' (1977-88) data on 680 Surti buffaloes, sired by 38 bulls, maintained under net-work project on buffaloes, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar (Rajasthan) and Central Cattle Breeding Farm, Dhamrod (Gujarat) were utilized. The peak yield ranged between 6.89+or-0.08 kg in first lactation to 8.96+or-0.22 kg in sixth lactation with an overall average of 8.37+or-0.08 kg. The effects of parity, year of calving and farms were significant on peak yield. However, the effect of season of calving was nonsignificant. The heritability of peak yield was high at 0.784+or-0.164. The peak yield had positive and significant phenotypic and genetic associations with 305 days milk yield, total milk yield and lactation length. The coefficients of phenotypic correlations of peak yield with MPE and DMPE were positive and high at 0.553 and 0.623, respectively, but genetic correlations between these traits were positive and low. The phenotypic and genetic relationships between peak yield and dry period were low at 0.011 and 0.069+or-0.321, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Calving pattern during different months and seasons in an organised herd of crossbred cows. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2002; 6(1): 81-84 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sil,B.K; Jana, D.N; Samanta, R; Dhara, K.C; Mondal,M Institution: Organization: Content : Data on total of 2165 normal calvings occurring during 1972 to 1991 from 3 different genetic groups, 1/2 Friesian x 1/2 Hariana (FH), 1/2 Brown Swiss x 1/2 Hariana (BH,) and 1/2 Jersey x 1/2 Hariana (JH), maintained at Livestock Production Research (Cattle and Buffalo, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India) were utilized for estimating the incidence of calving during various months and seasons. Both months and seasons had significant effects on the incidence of calving. Maximum and minimum calvings occurred during December and June, respectively. The highest and lowest incidence of calving occurred during winter season and rainy season, respectively. The calving trend observed in this study may be due to better conception of cows in the spring season which leads to increased calving in winter months. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of calving pattern on standard lactational yield of crossbred cow. 778 Year of publication: Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2002; 6(2): 196-201 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sil, B K; Jana, D N; Samanta, R; Dhara, K C; Ghosh, N Institution: Organization: Content : The data between 1972 and 1991 which comprised of 2165 calving of 408 crossbred cows belonging to 3 different genetic groups, 1/2 Friesian x 1/2 Hariana (FH), 1/2 Brown Swiss x 1/2 Hariana (BH) and 1/2 Jersey x 1/2 Hariana (JH), were taken from the records of the dairy farm at the Livestock Production Research (Cattle and Buffalo), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India for determining the effect of the month of calving and season of calving on standard lactation milk yield. The maximum standard lactational milk yield (SLMY) was observed in spring calvers (2123.814+or-38.073 kg) and the minimum was in the case of rain calvers (1971.469+or-349.50 kg). The standard lactation yield (SLY) of the animal on the basis of season and month of calving were statistically significant (P<0.01). The maximum milk yield (2174.050+or-47.943 kg) was observed in animals that calved in January and minimum (1939.085+or-57.911 kg) in July which may be due to climate. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Effect of calving pattern on peak yield of crossbred cow. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2002; 6(3): 324-327 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sil, B.K; Jana, D.N; Samanta,R; Chowdhury,J Institution: Organization: Content : Data comprising 2165 calvings of 408 crossbred cows belonging to three different genetic groups (1/2 Friesian x 1/2 Hariana (FH), 1/2 Brown-swiss x 1/2 Hariana (BH) and 1/2 Jersey x 1/2 Hariana (JH)) from the dairy farm of the Livestock Production Research (cattle and buffalo), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, were analysed. The data were recorded for a period of 20 years (1972-1991). Results showed that the month and season of calving had significant effects on the peak yield. The maximum peak yield was observed in spring calvers (14.351+or-0.177 kg) and minimum in rainy calvers (12.782+or-0.162 kg). The maximum peak yield (14.562+or-0.247 kg) was observed in the cows that calved in February, followed by January, April and March. The minimum peak yield was observed in animals that calved in the month of October. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Estimation of body weight from body measurements in Pandharpuri buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Journal of Maharashtra Agricultural Universities. 2004; 29(2): 208-209 AB: Country of Origin: India 779 Author’s name: Patil, V.P; Ulmek,B.R Institution: Organization: Content : The body weight of buffaloes was estimated based on body measurements such as body length and heart girth. Data on heart girth and body length of 164 lactating Pandharpuri buffaloes in different lactations were recorded. Body weight was estimated by Shaeffer's formula: body weight (kg)= LG2/660. The overall body length was 124.03+or-0.27 cm, whereas the average heart girth was 184.64 cm. The estimated body weight was 391.20+or-1.77 kg. A progressive and increasing trend in heart girth, body length and estimated body weight were recorded until the 5th lactation. The correlation between body length and estimated body weight were positive and significant (P<0.001). Analysis of variance showed that lactation order significantly (P<0.001) influenced the estimated body weight in Pandharpuri buffalo. Specialization: Breeding Subject: A study on the milk yield per day of lactation length and calving interval in buffaloes of un-organised herds. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Journal of Research, Birsa Agricultural University. 1999; 11(2): 247-250 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shrivastava, A.K; Singh,C.S.P; Verma, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of various non-genetic factors were studied on the milk yield/day of lactation length (MY/day LL) and per day of calving interval (MY/day CI) in 161 buffaloes of unorganized herds. The least squares means for MY/day LL and MY/day CI were 5.71+or-0.01 and 3.23+or-0.01 kg, respectively. The effects of zone, holding size and lactation sequence were significant on both traits. The buffaloes belonging to urban areas had significantly higher MY/day LL and MY/day CI followed by industrial and suburban areas. The smaller holding sizes (3-5 and 6-8 buffaloes) were more suitable than the larger ones consisting of <more or =>9 buffaloes for unorganized herds. There was an increasing trend for both traits from the first to third lactation and thereafter a decreasing trend was observed. The effect of season of calving was nonsignificant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Dynamic changes in the bovine population of Andhra Pradesh during the last five decades. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Research ANGRAU. 2002; 30(3): 16-21 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Reddy, R.M Institution: Organization: Content : Secondary data based on the livestock census done by the Government of 780 Andhra Pradesh (India), from 1952 to 1999, were used. Results showed that the bovine population in the state remained constant, around 20 M during the last 4 decades (1961 to 1999). However, its structure has undergone significant changes. Male bovine population declined by 1.16 M due to the decline in male buffaloes. The population of male cattle remained more or less constant, indicating that agriculture is still dependent on animal power. The decline in the male buffalo population is compensated by the increase in the female bovine population, by about 0.9 M. However, this increase in female bovines is primarily due to buffaloes, which increased by 2.0 M. On the other hand, cow population declined by one million. Thus, there is a shift from cow to buffalo as dairy animal in the state, indicating a preference for buffalo milk. The size of work animals showed no influence on the size of dairy animals, indicating that dairying is emerging as an independent sector in the state. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Body measurements of she buffaloes at field conditions. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: PKV Research Journal. 2001 publ 2003; 25(1): 52-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Varade, P.K; Ali, S.Z Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 100 Surti buffaloes were studied (India). Coefficients of variation indicated that face length and face width measurements were more variable than other measurement traits. There is positive correlation among face length with body length and height at wither, face width with height at wither and face length. Hip width with face length is non-significant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Development strategies for genetic evaluation for beef production in developing countries. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Proceedings of an International Workshop held in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, 23-28 July 2001. Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Allen, J; Na-Chiangmai,A Institution: Organization: Content : Development strategies for genetic evaluation for beef production in developing countries Proceedings- of- an- International- Workshop- held- inKhon- Kaen-Province, -Thailand, -23-28-July-2001. 2002; 180 AB: This issue contains 37 articles. Topics covered are: international workshop on development strategies for genetic evaluation for beef production in developing countries; country report: Australia; cattle and buffalo breeding in Bangladesh; current situation and development trend of beef industry in China; beef production in India; development strategies for genetic evaluation of beef production in Indonesia; country report: Lao PDR; breeding for beef production in Malaysia; development strategies for genetic evaluation of cattle and buffalo in Pakistan; development strategies for genetic evaluation of beef 781 production in Pakistan; genetic evaluation of beef production in the Philippines; cattle and buffalo production and breeding in Sri Lanka; cattle and buffalo breeding in Sri Lanka; current situation and development trends of beef production in Thailand; cattle breeding in Vietnam; an overview of Breedplan; beef cattle and buffalo data system; buffalo development in Thailand; Thai indigenous cattle breeding improvement project; beef cattle development in Thailand; Breedplan: a further approach to cattle and buffalo on-farm trials in Thailand; design of breeding programmes; sustainable management of beef cattle and buffalo genetic resources in Asia; beef cattle genetic and breeding projects in Vietnam and the future direction; influence of Brahman genetics in the Australian cattle industry; L13 alliance - meeting the future challenges of livestock production; international livestock register (the world's leading livestock recording scheme). Specialization: Breeding Subject: Production and reproduction status of halfbred and backcross animals (Paralakhemundi x Murrah) compared to the indigenous buffaloes in the Paralakhemundi Region of Orissa. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mishra, K.P.; Patro, B.N.; Mishra, S. Institution: Organization: Content : Paralakhemundi breed of buffaloes found in Southern part of Orissa possesses potentiality for milk production and draught power. Cytogenetic studies have revealed that Paralakhemundi buffaloes have 2n=48 chromosomes whereas Murrah possesses 2n=50 chromosomes. A study of the production and reproduction traits of 88 halfbreds F1 and 78 backcross (Paralakhemundi x Murrah) animals and 180 Paralakhemundi buffaloes was made for nine important traits. The three genetic groups differed significantly (P<0.01) from each other with respect to seven economic traits except number of services per conception. There was no significant difference in lactational milk yield between halfbreds and backcross buffaloes. D square analysis was computed to study the difference among three genetic groups of buffaloes with respect to eight important traits taken together. The D square values were highly significant (P<0.01) between Paralakhemundi and F1 and Paralakhemundi and backcross. The values between F1 and backcross were found to be nonsignificant (P>0.05). Specialization: Breeding Subject: Repeatability of economic traits in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Khatkar, M.S.; Sethi, R.K.; Tripathi, V.N. 782 Institution: Organization: Content : Data on 5098 lactation records of 1200 animals from CIRB from 1965 to 1996 were utilized for estimation of repeatability of various economic traits. The repeatability estimates were: 0.338 plus or minus 0.015 for total lactation milk; 0.309 plus or minus 0.015 for 301 days or less lactation milk yield; 0.311 plus or minus 0.015 for peak yield; 0.266 plus or minus 0.014 for milk yield per day of lactation length, and 0.216 plus or minus 0.016 for milk yield per day of calving interval. The repeatability for lactation length, dry period and calving interval was 0.160 plus or minus 0.015, 0.251 plus or minus 0.015 and 0.160 plus or minus 0.015, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Some indications about the productive and reproductive performance of Pandharpuri buffaloes. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, S.S.; Mali, S.L.; Kalke, S.D. Institution: Organization: Content : The performance of Pandharpuri buffaloes which calved during 1992-95 was studied utilizing 38 lactation records of 15 animals. These buffaloes produced an average of 1551.02 plus or minus 78.02 litres of milk in an average lactation period of 335 days. The per day wet average of 5.0 litres was almost maintained up to 305 days. The average service period, dry period and intercalving period were found to be 156.0, 142.27 plus or minus 10.57 and 463.0 plus or minus 17.75 days, respectively. The average birth weight of male and female calves in this farm was 27.97 (plus or minus 0.91) and 25.58 (plus or minus 0.74) kg, respectively. The average age at first conception was found to be 945.0 plus or minus 60.33 days in case of Pandharpuri heifers. Maximum calvings were observed during winter months (October-January) of the year. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Strategies for gene preservation and multiplication for high yielding buffaloes under field conditions using infrastructure created under operation flood programme of India. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gill, R.S.; Misra, A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : 783 Water buffalo is mainly an Asian animal, constituting an integral part of the predominantly agrarian life in the region. India houses about 60 percent of the world's total buffalo population and is the home tract of some of the best breeds in the world. In a total population of some 75 million, around 35 million are breedable buffaloes, of which only around 35000 produce more than 3500 litres of milk in a lactation. It is the need of the hour to multiply this elite stock. For rapid genetic gain two techniques viz., artificial insemination (AI) from the male side and embryo transfer (ET) from female side have proved their worth. To apply these techniques on the elite stock, which is scattered in villages, it becomes essential to identify them. A total of 21 milk unions in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have been selected covering nearly 8600 villages for identification of the elite stock through milk recording. In a phased manner a total of 5000 buffaloes would be recorded. Out of the top ten percent of the identified buffaloes, initially some 50 buffaloes will be utilized as embryo donors and the rest contract mated with the best available semen. The males produced from these buffaloes would go to semen production centres/programmes for natural service. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has done extensive work in these fields including some pioneering embryo transfer work through its main ET laboratory at Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala (SAG) and Regional ET Laboratory at Buffalo. Breeding Centre (BBC). The SAG also has country's one of the most modern and well equipped semen production laboratories maintaining 44 elite murrah bulls among others. Each year, one set of ten bulls undergo progeny testing programme wherein milk yield of around 100 daughters become available for each bull. By possessing the world's best buffalo germplasm, the country and especially the NDDB has taken an initiative in identifying top quality buffaloes in their breeding tracts and at the same time making available all the necessary inputs required in the form of semen, embryos and training to upgrade this future dairy animal. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Test day yield for prediction of lactation yield in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 331-333. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sethi, R.K.; Khatkar, M.S.; Kaushik, S.N. Institution: Organization: Content : Test day milk yield on day 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and peak yield when regressed individually, yield on day 60 gave maximum accuracy (R square = 0.555) for prediction of 10 months lactation milk yield. Stepwise regression included test day yield on day 15, 60, 75 and 90 to give the highest R square value of 0.628. Prediction equation has been recommended to save the cost of recording under field conditions and the reduced generation interval for achieving maximum gain in selection programme. Specialization: Breeding 784 Subject: Age at first calving in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 392-395. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sethi, R.K.; Khatkar, M.S.; Tripathi, V.N. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philipine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Data on 615 Murrah buffaloes from 1971 to 1994 revealed least squares mean for age at first calving as 52.9 plus or minus 0.41 months. Differences due to periods were statistically significant (P<0.05) while differences due to season at birth were not significant. Heritability for age at first calving was estimated as 0.175 plus or minus 0.084. Differences due to 5 groups of age at first calving in service period, lactation milk yield, 301 day yield, lactation length, peak yield, wet average, dry period, calving interval and milk yield per day of first calving interval were nonsignificant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Production and reproduction status of halfbred and backcross animals (Paralakhemundi x Murrah) compared to the indigenous buffaloes in the Paralakhemundi Region of Orissa. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 387-391. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mishra, K.P.; Patro, B.N.; Mishra,S. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philipine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Paralakhemundi breed of buffaloes found in Southern part of Orissa possesses potentiality for milk production and draught power. Cytogenetic studies have revealed that Paralakhemundi buffaloes have 2n=48 chromosomes whereas Murrah possesses 2n=50 chromosomes. A study of the production and reproduction traits of 88 halfbreds F1 and 78 backcross (Paralakhemundi x Murrah) animals and 180 Paralakhemundi buffaloes was made for nine important traits. The three genetic groups differed significantly (P<0.01) from each other with respect to seven economic traits except number of services per conception. There was no significant difference in lactational 785 milk yield between halfbreds and backcross buffaloes. D square analysis was computed to study the difference among three genetic groups of buffaloes with respect to eight important traits taken together. The D square values were highly significant (P<0.01) between Paralakhemundi and F1 and Paralakhemundi and backcross. The values between F1 and backcross were found to be nonsignificant (P>0.05). Specialization: Breeding Subject: Management of Pandharpuri buffaloes in their breeding tract. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 417-421. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, S.S.; Patil, P.A. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philipine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). A survey work on feeding and management of Pandharpuri buffaloes was undertaken at Kolhapur and Solapur cities and at 10 adjoining villages. The primary data required for this study were collected from 100 buffalo owners randomly selected from this area. The information in respect of Pandharpuri buffalo types, body measurements, milk production, feeding, breeding, milking and housing management were recorded. On the basis of shape of horn, three types of Pandharpuri buffaloes were identified. It was also observed that the Pandharpuri buffaloes are medium sized animals and they produced an average of 1,599 litres of milk in a lactation period of 285 days. The average dry period of these animals was found to be 105 days which was comparatively less than the established buffalo breeds. In Kolhapur region, these animals were mainly fed with paddy straw, sorghum straw, dry/green grasses, sugarcane tops and sugarcane leaves, while Maldandi jowar straw (sorghum straw) was mainly used in Solapur area. The feeding of animals in urban places was concentrate-based while in rural areas, roughagebased. Breeding of Pandharpuri buffaloes was through natural service. The female calves were well cared but not the male calves. Deworming of calves and feeding of mineral supplements were not practiced. Milking of buffaloes was practiced with thumb-in method. Milk marketing at the road side (Katta Milking) was the traditional activity of groups of people called `Gavoli' in Kolhapur city. As regards housing management, the open yard housing system was observed in Solapur area while conventional sheds/barns were mainly used in Kolhapur area. Overall improvement in housing conditions is essential, particularly in Solapur region. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Breed-ABAC-1996 Repeatability of economic traits in Murrah buffaloes. 786 Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 346-348. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Khatkar, M.S.; Sethi, R.K.; Tripathi, V.N. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Data on 5098 lactation records of 1200 animals from CIRB from 1965 to 1996 were utilized for estimation of repeatability of various economic traits. The repeatability estimates were: 0.338 plus or minus 0.015 for total lactation milk; 0.309 plus or minus 0.015 for 301 days or less lactation milk yield; 0.311 plus or minus 0.015 for peak yield; 0.266 plus or minus 0.014 for milk yield per day of lactation length, and 0.216 plus or minus 0.016 for milk yield per day of calving interval. The repeatability for lactation length, dry period and calving interval was 0.160 plus or minus 0.015, 0.251 plus or minus 0.015 and 0.160 plus or minus 0.015, respectively. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Age at first calving in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sethi, R.K.; Khatkar, M.S.; Tripathi, V.N. Institution: Organization: Content : Data on 615 Murrah buffaloes from 1971 to 1994 revealed least squares mean for age at first calving as 52.9 plus or minus 0.41 months. Differences due to periods were statistically significant (P<0.05) while differences due to season at birth were not significant. Heritability for age at first calving was estimated as 0.175 plus or minus 0.084. Differences due to 5 groups of age at first calving in service period, lactation milk yield, 301 day yield, lactation length, peak yield, wet average, dry period, calving interval and milk yield per day of first calving interval were nonsignificant. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Assessment of performance variabilities and their impact on growth in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: 787 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sikka, P.; Sethi, R.K.; Tripathi, V.N. Institution: Organization: Content : Study on passively transferred Immunoglobulins (Ig) from dams to young ones in 85 Murrah calves revealed enormous variation in degree of Ig absorption, ranging from 10 to 81 mg percent in calves. This was directly associated with gain in body weight resulting in variation from 46.92 plus or minus 1.44 to 65.35 plus or minus 0.61 kg in body weight attained at three months of age. It indicates that the scope of improvement in growth lies in improving the absorption of immune bodies in young calves within 24 hours of birth. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Prediction of body weights from body measurements in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sethi, R.K.; Khatkar, M.S.; Kala, S.N. Institution: Organization: Content : Body measurements on 556 animals analyzed through stepwise regression analysis revealed that in buffaloes up to 24 months of age, body height was the most significant variable for predicting body weight. In heifers above 24 months of age and in adult buffaloes, heart girth was the most significant variable. Addition of body length and height in the basic equation slightly increased the R sub 2 value. All the measurement variables and weight were positively and highly correlated with each other. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Biochem-ABAC-1996 Ontogenic pattern of the pacreatic juice amylase in buffalo calves from birth to early ruminant state. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 430-441. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Christi, K.S.; Vadodaria,V.P.; Mehta, V.M. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philipine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). The ontogenic development of pancreatic juice 788 amylase was studied in 12 Surti buffalo calves from birth to early ruminant stage (15 wk). The pancreatic juice was collected by cannulating the pancreatic duct. The samples were obtained 30 min before feeding (BF) and 30 min after feeding (AF) both during morning and evening hours. The results revealed significant age effect on amylase, except BF at morning hours. The activity was found to gradually increase with age up to 15 wk. The pattern remained the same when activity was expressed in volume of pancreatic juice secreted. Overall diurnal variations were not significant, however, it was found to significantly increase on 0 d, 3 wk (P<0.05) and decrease on 14 wk (P<0.05) at evening hours. Overall postprandial levels were found to increase due to feeding up to the extent of 66.17 percent (+47.34 SU/dl) as compared to fasting values (71.54 plus or minus 2.31 SU/dl). Average amylase level (SU/dl) gradually increased from colostrum feeding (32.72 plus or minus 2.64) to MRP (55.70 plus or minus 3.61) and then at inclusion of concentrate and hay (109.41 plus or minus 7.33) and at feeding dry and green fodder (132.43 plus or minus 7.51). The results suggested that amylase level at the time of liquid diet feeding was lower and found to increase with the inclusion of solids in the diets. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Biochem-ABAC-1996 Pancreatic juice lipase in buffalo calves from birth to early ruminant stage. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 451-462. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Christi,K.S.; Vadodaria,V.P.; Mehta,V.M. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philipine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). The present research work was performed in 12 Surti buffalo calves with reference to pancreatic juice lipase from birth to early ruminant stage. The pancreatic juice was collected by cannulating the pancreatic duct. The samples were collected 30 min before feeding (BF) and 30 min after feeding (AF) both during morning and evening hours. The results revealed non significant age effect for early neonatal period (first 10 d) but it was found to be significant AF during weekly comparison. Overall lipase activity was found to decline with age but the activity was found to increase with age when expressed for the volume (flow rate) of pancreatic juice secreted during 30 min of time. Diurnal variations, excepting significant higher activity at evening hours at 12 wk, revealed non significant higher lipase level during evening hours (4.53 percent) as compared to morning samplings. Overall, lipase level increased due to feeding was found to the extent of 42.73 percent (3.41 U/ml) as compared to its basal level. Postprandial lipase level at different stages (colostrum feeding, MRP feeding, 789 inclusion of concentrate and hay and inclusion of fodder) revealed significant increase except a decrease recorded on 11 wk. The findings suggested that lipase activity is present at birth and the ontogenic pattern may be modified at birth by the colostrum and milk substitute intake and upon weaning due to modified at birth by the colostrum and milk substitute intake and upon weaning due to development of forestomachs and also due to increase amount of solid food intake. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Assessment of performance variabilities and their impact on growth in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 328-330. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sikka,P.; Sethi,R.K.; Tripathi, V.N. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Study on passively transferred Immunoglobulins (Ig) from dams to young ones in 85 Murrah calves revealed enormous variation in degree of Ig absorption, ranging from 10 to 81 mg percent in calves. This was directly associated with gain in body weight resulting in variation from 46.92 plus or minus 1.44 to 65.35 plus or minus 0.61 kg in body weight attained at three months of age. It indicates that the scope of improvement in growth lies in improving the absorption of immune bodies in young calves within 24 hours of birth. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Prediction of body weights from body measurements in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 243-247. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sethi,R.K.; Khatkar,M.S.; Kala,S.N. Institution: Organization: Content : CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,-C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Body measurements on 556 animals analyzed 790 through stepwise regression analysis revealed that in buffaloes up to 24 months of age, body height was the most significant variable for predicting body weight. In heifers above 24 months of age and in adult buffaloes, heart girth was the most significant variable. Addition of body length and height in the basic equation slightly increased the R sub 2 value. All the measurement variables and weight were positively and highly correlated with each other. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Performance status of Murrah buffaloes for first lactation traits a review. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France, August, 2002-Session-7. 2002; 03 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rana, Z.S; Dalal, D.S; Sangwan, M.L; Malik,C.P Institution: Organization: Content : This review includes reports of the performance and pattern of inheritance of first lactation traits of Murrah Buffalo from 1971 to 2000; the buffaloes were maintained in government farms in Hisar, India. The performance was weighted by the number of observations. The weighted average from age at first calving h2 (AFC), first lactation milk yield (FLMY), first lactation length (FLL), first peak yield (FPY), first service period (FSP), first dry period (FDP) and first calving interval (FCI) were 1 387+or-21.70 days, 1 701+or-26.40 kg, 313+or-3.19 days, 9.47+or-0.19 kg, 196+or-7.25 days, 190+or-5.73 days and 522+or-9.73 days, respectively. AFC, and FPY were found to moderately heritable by most of the workers, and other traits were found to be lowly heritable. Specialization: Breeding Subject: Studies on Indian wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary, India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Tigerpaper. 2003; 30(2): 7-11 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kotwal,P.C; Mishra, R.P Institution: Organization: Content : Results are presented of studies conducted during 1998-2001 on the present distribution and population of Indian wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India, and the seasonal and diurnal activities of wild buffalo in Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary in central India. 791 7. Economics Specialization: Economics Subject: Economics of buffalo milk production in west godavari district of Andhra Pradesh - A case study. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Andhra Agricultural Journal (India). (Jan 2003). v. 50(1&2) p. 141-143. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Hymajyothi, S.; Reddy, S.U.; Raju, V.T. Institution: Organization: Content : An investigation was undertaken in small, (1-2 she buffaloes), medium (3-4 she buffaloes) and large herd size (5 and above she buffaloes) milk producers in West Godawari District of Andhra Pradesh to examine the economics of buffalo milk production. Expenditure on fodder and concentrations formed the major share in the total cost of milk production in all the categories of milk producers. The average cost of buffalo milk production was Rs. 7.95 per liter for small herd size mild producer , R.7.92 per litre for medium herd size milk producer and Rs. 7.86 for large herd size milk producer. However, net returns per litre of buffalo milk were found to be highest in small herd size milk producers followed by medium and large herd size milk producers. Specialization: Economics Subject: Economics of buffalo milk production around Delhi. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(1): 11-13 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mahender Kumar; Prasad, R.B; Sunil Kumar Institution: Organization: Content : A survey of 6 very small (1-5 buffaloes), 10 small (6-10 buffaloes), 6 medium (11-15 buffaloes) and 3 large (16 or more buffaloes) dairy farms from the eastern part of Delhi, India was done in 1991. The average milk production per buffalo during I, II, III and IV lactation from 185, 156, 81 and 30 buffaloes were 1885.74, 2285.64, 2076.11 and 1734.50 litres, respectively. The proportion of fixed cost, recurring cost on feeding, labour and health coverage and electricity charges were 12.80 (Rs. 17 620.74), 74.67 (Rs. 102 762.80), 11.16 (Rs. 15 358.91) and 1.57% (Rs. 2162.35) of the total expenditure (Rs. 137 613.30) of every dairy farmer. The amount of income through sale of milk, calves and dung were 93.04 (Rs. 138 319.80), 1.67 (Rs. 2490.00) and 5.27% (Rs. 7843.17), respectively. Thus, a net profit per dairy farmer was Rs. 11 039.67 (8.02% of total expenditure) in the area. The average cost of production of one litre milk was Rs. 7.77, 8.30, 8.36 and 7.26 and the average sale price was Rs. 8.60, 8.36, 8.46 and 7.50 thus, resulting in 11.54, 0.72, 0.95 and 3.30% profit over cost of milk production by very small, small, medium and large dairy farmers, respectively, in the eastern part of Delhi. 792 Specialization: Economics Subject: Resurrection of Indian buffalo to the centre stage of importance. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2000; 19(1): 3-6 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rao, Y.A; Srikanth,Y Institution: Organization: Content : The economic aspects of the performance traits of various breeds of buffaloes in India, such as Murrah, Nili-Ravi, Surti, Bhadawari, Mehasana, Jafarabadi, Nagpuri, Marathwada and Berari, are reviewed. Data on age at first calving, yield and length of lactation, dry period and inter-calving interval, spanning 27 years (1956-83), are included. Specialization: Economics Subject: Livestock farming structure in Tamil Nadu state. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Cheiron. 1999; 28(4): 96-101 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arunachalam, S; Thiagarajan, M Institution: Organization: Content : For the purpose of determining the status of livestock farming in Tamil Nadu, India, the state was divided into five regions (north, south, west, high rainfall, and cauvery delta areas) and 60 farmers from each region were interviewed. Farmers were divided into three categories (small, medium, and large) based on their livestock holding size and the mean land size was 2.08+or-0.24, 5.6+or-31.43 and 10.09+or-0.57 acres respectively in the three groups. Land holding size had a significant (P<less or =>0.01) and positive relationship with livestock numbers. Cow, buffalo, work bullock, sheep, goat, pig and poultry were the seven species/classes of animals maintained, and they were found either as single species, or in various combinations, totalling 52 farming structures. The association of land holding size with species of livestock maintained was also significant (P<less or =>0.05). Specialization: Economics Subject: Factors determining mastitis losses - the results from a regression analysis. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Cheiron. 2000; 29(5/6): 131-133 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Thirunavukkarasu, M; Prabaharan, R Institution: Organization: Content : The data collected from 301 dairy cattle belonging to 5 Government/University farms and 25 private dairy farms in India, over a period of 2 years (1993-94 and 1994-95), were used to analyze the factors 793 determining economic losses due to mastitis in dairy farms. A mastitic cow was found to lose Rs.536.25 per affected lactation, while a mastitic buffalo was found to lose less (Rs.404.74). Of the total loss in an affected animal, 67.36 and 72.00% was due to production losses alone, in cows and buffaloes, respectively. The linear regression analysis implied that 85% of the variation in economic losses per mastitic lactation could be explained by the chosen independent variables. The estimated regression coefficients of all the variables included were found to be significant (P<0.01). Number of quarters affected appeared to be the best predictor of the economic losses in mastitis among the variables included. Specialization: Economics Subject: Pattern and factors affecting livestock population in arid zone of Rajasthan. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Current Agriculture. 2003; 27(1/2): 27-33 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gajja, B.L Institution: Organization: Content : In this paper, an attempt has been made to document the pattern and factors affecting the livestock population in arid zone of Rajasthan, India. The secondary data of livestock population pertaining to 1962, 1966, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1988, 1992 and 1997 were collected. For estimation of availability of fodders, crop production, fallow land, culturable waste, forest area etc., were collected for the year 1996-97. The fodder requirement and nutrient cake were also estimated. Results showed that buffalo population has increased in terms of percent and absolute term. The percent contribution of cattle population has decreased sharply. The major deficiency of fodder availability was seen in ovine livestock population. The factors responsible for increase in buffalo population was cropping intensity and rural population density while same factors were responsible for decrease in cattle and ovine population. Specialization: Economics Subject: Virtual water trade in dairy economy - irrigation water productivity in Gujarat. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Economic and Political Weekly. 2004; 39(31): 3492-3497 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, O.P; Amrita Sharma; Rahul Singh; Tushaar Shah Institution: Organization: Content : This paper quantifies the total irrigation water used for crop and dairy production in different regions of Gujarat, India, and disaggregates water use in dairy production for buffalo, crossbred cows and indigenous cows. It also estimates the irrigation water productivity of crop and dairy production both in agronomic and economic terms. Finally, it quantifies the "virtual water trade" through trading of milk in different regions of Gujarat. The estimates show that north Gujarat, which is 'absolute water scarce', is exporting a net volume 794 of about 2116.05 mcm of virtual water annually through the dairy business. The virtual water import in the form of feed and fodder is one of the options to reduce the pressure on irrigation water in water-scarce north Gujarat and the Saurashtra region. Specialization: Economics Subject: Income and employment potential of different farming systems. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Haryana Agricultural University Journal of Research. 1999; 29(3/4): 143-145 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajender Singh; Narinder Singh; Phogat, S.B; Sharma, U.K Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted on 240 farmers in the Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani districts in Haryana, India [date not given] which represented zones of different crop rotations (wheat-sugarcane, wheat-cotton and gram-bajra, respectively). The expenditure and income averages from a lactating buffalo and crops for one year were calculated. Employment potentials of each zone were computed based on the averages of man-days, bullock -days and tractorhours required for crop production and on the average man-days for rearing a lactating buffalo, under different farming systems. Maximum returns of Rs 12 593, Rs 6746 and Rs 2317 were obtained from one hectare with a buffalo in Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani, respectively. The highest net return from Rohtak was attributed to the existence of a better soil fertility type and of irrigation facilities, coupled with better management of feeding, breeding, housing practices and disease control measures compared to that of Hisar and Bhiwani zones. In terms of total man-days, Rohtak also had the highest employment potential, followed by Hisar and Bhiwani. The employment potential, under conditions of mixed farming, was predominantly from livestock rather than crop production. Specialization: Economics Subject: A case study of buffalo recording systems under the Dairy Cooperative organisations in India. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: ICAR Technical Series. 1998; (1): 27-41 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Trivedi, K.R Institution: Organization: Content : This paper describes (1) the institutional structural through which the programme of 'Dairy Herd Improvement Programme Actions' (DIPA), being carried out by the five District Co-operative Milk Producers' Unions in the state of Gujarat and (2) delineates the main components of the DIPA programme including the procedures followed for registration of animals, distribution and use of semen doses of tested bulls, milk recording, supervision of milk recordings, and collection and analysis of data. The paper also gives a brief account of the progress made by these institutions in 795 implementing the DIPA programme in their districts. While describing the future directions, the paper emphasises the need to bring together institutions carrying out animal recording and genetic evaluation of animals in the country and establish uniform standards and procedures for animal recording and genetic evaluation of animals. Specialization: Economics Subject: Seasonwise and sizewise cost structure of common breeds of Milch buffaloes in Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Cooperative Review. 2001; 39(2): 114-127 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prasad, D.S Institution: Organization: Content : Season-wise, size-wise, and breed-wise (local, graded and Murrah breeds) variations in cost components of buffalo milk production in Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India, are discussed, based on data from a questionnaire survey of 240 buffalo milk producers in the district. Specialization: Economics Subject: Buffalo milk production functions for the semi-arid tract (Ranga Reddy District) of Andhra Pradesh. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Cooperative Review. 2003; 40(3): 166-184 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prasad, D.S Institution: Organization: Content : The objectives of this study were: to estimate the resource use efficiency of three popular breeds of milch buffaloes (murrah, graded and local breeds) according to herd size; to assess the productive efficiency of milch buffaloes in terms of nutritive values (DCP and TDN); and to measure the gains in milk production and efficiency of graded and murrah buffaloes over the local buffaloes using a dummy variable technique. Data were obtained from 240 buffalo milk producers in Ranga Reddy District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The estimated milk production function incorporating breed dummies for the overall situation suggested that the lactation number, quantities of green fodder and dry fodder as well as labour used should be kept at a higher level than that of the local buffalo if milk yield of graded and murrah buffaloes are to be increased. Specialization: Economics Subject: Think globally, act locally. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 141-142 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Misra, A.K Institution: 796 Organization: Content : The paper presents the potential of the Indian dairy industry in providing consumers, especially the domestic market with globally competent milk and milk products. A brief account of milk production in the local scenario is given. The re-evaluation and re-engineering of dairy production by producers are needed to control the domestic market and to sell Indian dairy products in the global market. The Indian dairy industry's strengths, weaknesses and opportunities are discussed. Indigenous dairy producers need not clamour for exports. To compete with international players on the domestic turf, producers have to build their brands and keep innovating to cater to the changing tastes of consumers. Specialization: Economics Subject: Compatibility of Indian Dairy Industry with global market. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 125-126 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vyas, B.M Institution: Organization: Content : The SWOT analysis of the Indian dairy sector is presented in the paper. Its competitiveness with the global market is evaluated. The biggest strength of the Indian industry lies in its spread since India has the largest cattle population in the world. Its weakness on the other hand, is the quality of milk and milk products it produces. The biggest opprtunity for the Indian industry sector lies in its large and growing domestic market and its geographical proximity to growing markets like the Gulf and Far East. However, India must face the potential threats arising out of the continued subsidy to milk producers and exporters in the developed countries and the irrational and inconsistent Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures. The preparation of Amul or buffalo milk made in India, for the global market as well as the way to growth of the Indian dairy sector are discussed. To be an effective global player, Indian dairying has to develop competitive international brands. Specialization: Economics Subject: Research and product development needs of dairy sector. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2003; 55(3): 56-62 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, G.R Institution: Organization: Content : This article presents the areas that needs research for the development of the dairy sector in India. The following topics are discussed: improvement in quality of milk and milk products, increased processing efficiency with a reduction of environmental impact, development of new value added products, exploiting advantages associated with processing of buffalo milk, research support on food law upgrades, and biotechnological applications in food 797 processing. Specialization: Economics Subject: Dairy research for achieving excellence in product manufacture and marketing. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2004; 56(10): 102-105 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajorhia, G.S Institution: Organization: Content : The status of milk production in India is discussed in terms of cattle and buffalo numbers, product innovation, milk composition and quality, dairy research, job opportunities in the dairy industry, modernization of indigenous products, product development, production of nutraceutical and milk products, herbs and spices in dairy products, technology development for a longer product shelf life, addition of preservatives and contamination and detection of pathogens in dairy products. Specialization: Economics Subject: Milk production functions for buffaloes in Udham Singh Nagar District of Uttaranchal. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2005; 57(3): 49-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bardhan, D; Dabas,Y.P.S; Avadhesh Kumar; Srivastava, R.S.L Institution: Organization: Content : This study examined the input-output relationship and efficiency of resource use in buffalo milk production in Udham Singh Nagar district of the newly created State Uttaranchal in India [date not given]. Specific production functions, which denote technical and mathematical relationships between inputs and outputs, i.e. how the level of output would vary in response to changes in the level of inputs used for the study were linear, Cobb-Douglas and quadratic. Cobb-Douglas production function was found to be the best fit and hence was used for analysis and interpretation of results. It was shown that digestible crude protein (DCP) had a positive and significant influence on milk yield in the winter, summer and rainy seasons. Hygiene index and veterinary charges also exerted positive and significant impacts on milk production in the summer and rainy seasons. However, total digestible nutrient (TDN) and labour charges had negative impacts on milk yield in the rainy and winter seasons, respectively. Comparison of marginal value product (MVP) with facto prices revealed underutilization of DCP in the summer and rainy seasons. On the other hand, TDN was overutilized in the rainy season. Specialization: Economics Subject: Problems of buffalo keepers in Etah District of Uttar Pradesh. Year of publication: 2005 798 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2005; 57(10): 25-28 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S.P; Malkhan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the breeding, feeding and management and health problems of buffalo household milk producers in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 150 milk producers in 10 villages were surveyed in 1995-1996. It was shown that the main breeding problems were a longer calving interval, lack of knowledge on proper artificial insemination, nonavailability of improved bulls for breeding, lack of pregnancy diagnosis facilities and high costs of breeding. Feeding problems included lack of awareness and knowledge on urea treatment of rice and wheat straw and feeding balanced diets, non-feeding of mineral mixtures and availability of green fodder. Health and management issues included problems in clean milk production, calving difficulties, insurance, helminthoses and deworming, proper treatment of diseases, housing and the lack of veterinarians. The incidence of these problems was higher in non-members compared to members of the Brooke Bond Lipton India Ltd. (BBLIL) Dairy Federation, indicating the positive impact of the Village Dairy Cooperatives (VDC) in the Etah district. Specialization: Economics Subject: Intensification of livestock production in India: patterns, trends and determinants. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics. 2004; 59(3): 555-565 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Birthal, P.S; Rao, P.P Institution: Organization: Content : This paper studies the patterns and process of intensification of livestock production in India and examines the role of agro-ecological, demographic, socio-economic and infrastructural factors in the intensification process. The study has used district-level time series data on livestock population, land use, cropping pattern, socio-economic conditions and infrastructure for 16 major states of India, collected from the database maintained by ICRISAT, Hyderabad. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out to understand the role of the factors in the species-specific intensification. The results showed striking differences in species-specific intensification, being more in favour of buffalo and goat. It is argued that to keep the process of intensification going, smallholder livestock production needs policy support in terms of credit, insurance, technology, extension, markets, etc. There is a need to check the deterioration of common property resources through policy, legal and institutional means. Finally, India has a huge livestock population, and increasing intensification may strain the carrying capacity of the natural resources. Thus, the future growth in livestock production has to come from productivity increases rather than through increase in numbers. 799 Specialization: Economics Subject: An appraisal of buffalo husbandry in central Himalayan region. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(3): 327-328 2000 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mahesh Chander; Dey, A; Sanjay Kumar; Harbola, P.C Institution: Organization: Content : Between 1997 and 1999 questionnaires were sent to farmers in the 11 hill districts of Uttar Pradesh (India) and in Himachal Pradesh (India). Among livestock species buffalo were the most preferred species, followed by goats, local cattle and crossbred cattle. The factors cited for the preference for buffalo were hardiness, high levels of milk fat, high yields of manure, good performance in stall-fed systems and absence of a taboo regarding slaughter. Specialization: Economics Subject: Smallholder dairy farms in the mixed mountain farming systems: a case of the Uttaranchal Hills. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(10): 975-984 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vir Singh; Tulachan, P.M; Tej Partap Institution: Organization: Content : This paper attempts to characterize the smallholder dairy farms in typical crop-livestock mixed mountain farming systems in the hills of Uttaranchal. An inventory from smallholders in 12 villages selected using the criteria of location (altitude) and dairy organization (whether Village Dairy Cooperative or not) in four different Community Development Blocks in the two milk sheds of Almora and Nainital brings to the fore a clear picture of the dairy farms. Almost all the smallholder dairy farms practice sedentary management, in which livestock supplemented with daytime grazing are kept in a village throughout the year. Dairy-manure with buffalo and dairy-manure-draught power with cattle are the two main types of dairy farms, with an overwhelming presence of mixed farms, i.e., involving cattle and buffaloes throughout the study area. Among cattle, 93% are indigenous. Fresh whole milk is the most common unprocessed dairy product sold by farmers. Most of the inputs in smallholder dairy farms are internally mobilized. Common property resources and cropland are the two sources of livestock feed in the area. In contrast, most market-oriented dairy farms in the Village Dairy Cooperatives (VDCs) purchase feed for their dairy animals. An overwhelming majority of smallholder dairy farms operate under small- and medium-scale production (45 and 57%, respectively). Only 8% of farms in the sample villages witnessed a large production scale. Percentage of smallholders managing medium- and large-scale dairy production is higher in the VDCs and in the villages located near urban areas, suggesting a little more scope of higher income through the sale of milk. Many of the specific characteristics of 800 a dairy farm depend upon the location. The fact that the requirement in each village is far more than the actual availability of fodder reflects the dismal state of livestock feeding in the area. Average shortage of green fodder is 26% and that of dry fodder reaches as high as 77%. This situation apparently results in the poor performance of livestock in the region. Dairying is one of the most important dimensions of diversified mountain agriculture to reduce risks and to derive more economic benefits from the limited resource base. Owing to the CRPs regime in the region, dairying ought to be one of the most potential and attractive economic activities for the majority of smallholders in the mountains. Specialization: Economics Subject: Dynamics of dairy production in Uttaranchal hills. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(11): 1054-1057 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vir Singh; Tulachan, P.M; Tej Partap Institution: Organization: Content : Analysis of temporal changes in ruminant populations in Uttaranchal Hills between 1961 and 1999 showed an overall increase of about 15% in total ruminant population. The most noticeable change over a period of about four decades was an overwhelming increase in the population of buffaloes (55%) and goats (50%). A considerable decline in the population of cattle (5%) and sheep (14%) was another noteworthy change. With the gradual focus on the dairy sector, milk production in Uttaranchal hills has increased from a mere 419 thousand MT in 1979-80 to about 715 thousand MT in 1999-2000, recording an impressive rise of 71% over this period. Whereas milk production from cows increased by only 19%, buffalo milk production increased by 111% over this period. The milk production increase in Uttaranchal hills, thus, is largely attributed to the contribution of buffaloes. Presently, the buffalo population contributes more than 60% to the total milk production in the region. Milk productivity per animal has increased over a period of two decades. In the case of cows, it has increased from an average of 1.33 kg/day in 1979-80 to 2.30 kg/day in 1999-2000. An average increase in milk yield from 2.55 to 3.71 kg/day over the same period was recorded for buffaloes. Lactation yield increase per cow (73%) was much greater than per buffalo (45%), and is attributable to the institutional policies and programmes that focus on cows and not on buffaloes. Specialization: Economics Subject: Cost of milk production in the milk shed area of Tamil Nadu. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Aug 2003). v. 73(8) p. 920-923. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, B.G.; Pandian, A.S.S. Institution: Organization: Content : 801 A study on cost of milk production in the milk shed area of Tamil Nadu was carried out during 2000. The total cost per indigenous cow per day was Rs. 33.03, total fixed cost and total variable cost accounting for 3.81 and 96.18% of total cost respectively. A category-wise analysis of farmers revealed that the total cost decreased with increase in farm size. The total cost per buffalo per day was Rs. 53.72 and total fixed cost and total variable cost accounted for 4.67 and 95.33% respectively, the total cost per crossbred cow per day was Rs.72.86,total fixed cost and total variable cost accounted for 7.69 and 92.31% of total cost respectively. No specific trend was observed as far as the relationship between the total cost and category of farmers was concerned for both buffaloes and crossbred cows. The cost of milk production was lower in crossbred cows followed by buffaloes and indigenous cows. Specialization: Economics Subject: Cost of milk production in the milk shed area of Tamil Nadu. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(8): 920-923 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, B.G; Pandian, A.S.S Institution: Organization: Content : A study on cost of milk production in the milk shed area of Tamil Nadu, India was carried out during 2000. Villapuram district had the highest number of cattle (n=411 344) and the Salem district had the highest number of buffaloes (n=284 448). The total cost per indigenous cow per day was Rs 33.03. The total fixed cost and total variable cost accounted for 3.81 and 96.18% of the total cost, respectively. A category-wise analysis of farmers revealed that the total cost decreased with the increase in farm size. The total cost per buffalo per day was Rs 53.72. The total fixed cost and total variable cost accounted for 4.67 and 95.33%, respectively. The total cost per crossbred cow per day was Rs 72.8. The total fixed cost and total variable cost accounted for 7.69 and 92.31% of the total cost, respectively. No specific trend was observed as far as the relationship between the total cost and category of farmers was concerned for both buffaloes and crossbred cows. The cost of milk production was lower in crossbred cows followed by buffaloes and indigenous cows. Specialization: Economics Subject: Factors influencing the pricing of spent buffalo. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(1): 37-38 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Biradar, S.C; Das,N Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was undertaken to find the effect of breed, age, sex, size and body condition on the pricing of spent buffaloes. Information on 149 buffaloes sold at a market near Barelly city (India) between January and March 1997 was analysed. Murrah buffaloes fetched higher prices than animals of other 802 types (P<0.01). Buffaloes more than 8 years old sold for a lower price than younger animals (P<0.01). A non-significant difference in the price of male and female buffaloes was observed, with females selling for more than males. Medium-sized (131-140 cm height at hump) animals sold for higher prices than large or small animals (P<0.05). Animals with good body condition were worth more than animals in poorer condition. Specialization: Economics Subject: The buffalo farming structure and its income in certain parts of Tamil Nadu. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 2001; 35(1): 36-39 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arunachalam, S; Thiagarajan, M Institution: Organization: Content : A survey was conducted among 300 livestock farmers randomly selected from 5 regions of Tamil Nadu, India [date not given]. Personal interviews with the farmers were conducted with pre-tested questionnaires. The buffalo farming structure in 23 combinations of the 7 species and classes of livestock were observed in all the regions. The buffalo and poultry and the buffalo and goat were the predominant farming structure in north and Cauvery delta regions and the west and south regions, respectively. However, in high rainfall regions, the draught bullock and poultry was observed as the predominant buffalo farming structure. A large number of farmers preferred the 3 types of buffalo farming structure. It was found that higher mean income per cattle unit of Rs 3885.50 was obtained by farmers in the west region holding buffalo, cow, draught bullock, goat and poultry combination. Least income of Rs 1024 was obtained by farmers of the south region holding buffalo and poultry combination. This suggests that buffalo farming structure brings about varying levels of income in accordance with the local condition of the farmers. Specialization: Economics Subject: Economic feasibility of dairy farms financed by IRDP in Haryana. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2002; 13(2): 69-76 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ajmer Singh; Kulwant Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Economic feasibility of the schemes funded under the programme is of paramount importance as the impact of the programme depends largely upon their contribution in terms of additional income and employment to help the poor cross the poverty line. The study was conducted in the Gurgaon district of Haryana. Buffalo-keeping was most profitable for the landless as personal care of the animal decreases with increase in holding size because of the involvement of the farmers in other activities. Also, the scheme was more remunerative than crossbred cattle. Operating ratio was 0.646 for beneficiaries 803 and 0.491 in the case of non-beneficiaries. The improvement was highest on landless households. Rate of return on capital was 0.503 for buffalo scheme as compared to 0.230 for crossbred cattle, which showed that buffalo scheme contributed more to improve their credit worth. Specialization: Economics Subject: Economics of milk production on different herd size groups of buffalo in Etah District of Uttar Pradesh. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2001; 54(1): 31-35 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S.P; Malkhan Singh; Singh, K.P Institution: Organization: Content : The economic study of milk production from different herd size groups of buffaloes was undertaken randomly in selected villages of Nidholikalan development block of Etah District of Uttar-Pradesh during 1995-96. The milk producer (Households) of selected villages' were divided into members of Brooke Bond Lipton India Ltd; (BBLIL) and non-members of BBLIL. The study revealed that the net income derived from different herd size of buffaloes was much higher among members than non-members. The overall net annual income (with family labour) per buffalo was worked out to Rs.6,124.71 in member class and Rs. 259.05 in non-member class. The annual income of members of different herd size was higher in comparison to nonmembers. This shows that the BBLIL have positive impact on the income of beneficiary households. Specialization: Economics Subject: Economics of buffalo milk production in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh - a case study. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(4): 258-260 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Hymajyothi, S; Reddy, S.U; Raju, V.T Institution: Organization: Content : An investigation was undertaken in small (1-2, she buffaloes), medium (3-4 buffaloes) and large herd size (5 and above she buffaloes) milk producers in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India to examine the economics of buffalo milk production. Expenditure on fodder and concentrates formed the major share in the total cost of milk production in all the categories of milk producers. The average cost of buffalo milk production was Rs.7.95 per litre for small herd size milk producers, Rs.7.92 per litre for medium herd size milk producers and Rs. 7.86 for large herd size milk producers. However, net returns per litre of buffalo milk were found to be highest in the small herd size milk producers followed by medium and large herd size milk producers. Specialization: Economics Subject: Spatial and temporal trends of buffalo population in Andhra 804 Pradesh. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(5): 339-341 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raju, D.T; Prakash, M.G; Rao, S.T.V Institution: Organization: Content : The present investigation was aimed at studying the spatial and temporal trends in buffalo population in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The compound growth rates were estimated by semi log method. The growth rates for different categories of buffaloes in three agro-climatically differing regions i.e. Telanagana, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra of the state and Andhra Pradesh as a whole were -3.44, -5.62, -4.21 and -3.97 for adult males; 4.8, 1.2, 3.2 and 3.3 for adult females; 5.1, 1.9, 2.5 and 3.8 for young stock and 3.7, 1.1, 1.8 and 2.5 for total buffalo population, respectively. Buffalo population has recorded a positive growth rate in Telanagana region (3.7). A negative growth rate among adult males in A.P. was noticed, which is due to the preferential use of artificial insemination and modernisation of farm operations. The growth of adult females and young stock is relatively more in Telanagana region. The densities of buffaloes were 0.296, 0.192. 0.535 and 0.351 for three regions viz. Telanagana, Rayalaseema, Coastal Andhra and Andhra Pradesh as a whole, respectively. Specialization: Economics Subject: Economics of buffalo milk production in Tarai area of Uttaranchal. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(2): 129-133 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dwaipayan Bardhan; Srivastava, R.S.L; Dabas, Y.P.S Institution: Organization: Content : The study was carried out in the Tarai area of the newly created state of Uttaranchal, India, to analyse the economics of buffalo milk production for different categories of farmers in different seasons [date not given]. Large farmers incurred the highest annual expenditures (Rs. 21 054) in maintenance of their animals. The lowest expenditures were made by the marginal category of farmers (Rs. 17 071). Net returns over total costs were negative for all the categories of farmers, except marginal farmers. Average net loss in the study area was Rs. 795. However, family labour income was positive for all categories of farmers. These findings indicate that rearing of buffaloes for milk purpose is a non-remunerative and unprofitable proposition in the study area. Some policy suggestions are made to overcome some of the constraints towards profitable milk production. Specialization: Economics Subject: The bovine wealth of Haryana - trends and constraints. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(1): 1-11 AB: 805 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pandey, U.K; Goyal, S.K; Mange Ram Institution: Organization: Content : Based on secondary data, the spatio-temporal changes in the compositional structure, pace of growth, density and contributions of bovines in the state together with the major constraints posing threat towards their sustainability were examined. Indigenous cattle, both in milk and dry periods sustained a declining trend, yet both crossbred cattle and buffaloes in milk and dry periods had positive growth rates across regions and state. Likewise, although both indigenous and crossbred bullocks sustained negative growth rates during the last 2 decades, the buffaloes had positive growth rates. Indeed, density of milch buffaloes including their young and buffalo bulls predominated across regions and state. Moreover, the lactating efficiencies of buffaloes were relatively greater as compared to crossbred and indigenous cattle. Bovines had a significant contribution in terms of milk, dung, draught power, hides and skins and bones. Yet, the Haryana state and its regions possessed surplus bovines, both in 1992 and 2002, as per existing Common Property Resources, thereby creating an ecological imbalance across regions in the state. A great majority of adult female bovines were dry and not calved, thereby, posing a threat towards their sustainability. Both quantitatively and qualitatively, a large gap also existed in demand for and the availability of feed and fodder resources in the state. Specialization: Economics Subject: Factors of milk production - an economic analysis. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(2): 159-160 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajendran, K; Prabaharan, R Institution: Organization: Content : 360 farmers from this region were selected in 1995-96, and categorized as landless labourers, marginal farmers, small farmers or large farmers. Data were collected by personal interview on areas such as feed used (green fodder, dry fodder or concentrates), types of labour used (child, adult, male, female), number of hours employed, and wages for different categories of labour. Results are discussed with reference to feed consumption, labour input for cow vs. buffalo production, and use of hired vs. family labour. Specialization: Economics Subject: An analysis on milk production from buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(3): 257-259 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prasad, R.M.V; Rao, G.N; Krishna, V.J Institution: Organization: Content : 806 A study was conducted to determine the milk production of 100 milk producers owning 5 or more female buffaloes in Hyderabad, India. Each milk producers produced an average of 93.1 kg of milk/day and was sold on retail basis directly to the consumers. 21.62 buffalo milk came from the 100 milk producers. The total adult female buffaloes in milk was 75.8% while 24.2% were dry during the study. Specialization: Economics Subject: The poultry farming structure and its income in certain parts of Tamil Nadu. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(2): 176-178 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arunachalam, S; Thiagarajan, M; Ramesh, V Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to find out the poultry farming structure and its income of 300 livestock farmers, randomly selected from five regions of Tamil Nadu, India. The poultry, work bullock and buffalo were the predominant farming structure in high rainfall region. A large numbers of farmers preferred three species, which includes poultry, cow and work bullock. Specialization: Economics Subject: Dairy industry in India. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Industria-del-Latte. 2000; 36(3/4): 45-54 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Emaldi, G.C Institution: Organization: Content : In 1999-2000, cow and buffalo milk production in India was 36.0 and 41.5 million tonnes, respectively, and the average daily milk production per head of population was 270 g (>400 g in northern India vs. <100 g in southern India). In 1998-99, the amount of butter, ghee and powdered milk produced was 26 000, 48 000 and 222 000 tonnes, respectively. Data for annual production, import and export of various milk products between 1971 and 1997, and for the increase in the numbers of livestock, camels and fowls between 1989 and 1997 were tabulated. Details are given of the production of mozzarella, feta, provolone, cheddar, emmental and cottage cheese. Specialization: Economics Subject: The market for milk and cheese products in India. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Latte. 2000; 25(10): 60-64 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Stella, E Institution: Organization: 807 Content : Although India has recently become the top milk producer in the world with an annual production of 79 million tonnes, representing 14% of world production, the Indian daily per capita milk consumption of 215 g does not meet the World Health Organization recommendation of 285 g. There are 70 million dairy farmers, who are the owners of around 100 million dairy females (60% dairy cows and 40% buffaloes), and most of these producers retain 25% of their milk for family consumption and sell the remainder to local distributors or co-operatives. Details are given of the manufacture of some traditional Indian milk products, including rennet, ghee, khoa, chhana and paneer, and of the marketing and distribution of milk products in India. Possibilities of future reductions in duty for imported milk products (presently 44%), which would facilitate exports from other countries, are considered. Specialization: Economics Subject: Livestock production profile in Tehsil Rawalakot, district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: JAPS, Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences. 1999; 9(1): 15-16 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Khan, M.S; Arshad Iqbal; Abdullah, M; Gulraiz Ahmad Institution: Organization: Content : An overview is given of livestock production profile through a pre-tested questionnaire among 150 farmers in Tehsil Rawalakot, District Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Average milk yield from buffaloes and cattle was 4.36 and 2.95 litres/head per day respectively. Average age at first calving for cattle and buffaloes was 1335+or-13.57 and 1634+or-5.62 days respectively. Corresponding average lactation duration was 347+or-7.33 and 448+or-1.09 days, and average dry period was 195+or-6.48 and 176+or-2.28 days. Specialization: Economics Subject: Impact of dairy co-operatives on the rural economy in Nalanda district. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Journal of Dairying, Foods and Home Sciences. 1999; 18(2): 92-97 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ranjit Kumar; Sharma, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : The study revealed higher productivity of milch animals (local cows and buffaloes) for households within the cooperative programme (5.75 and 4.75 litres/day for buffaloes and local cows, respectively, compared with 3.70 and 2.79 litres in the households not covered by the programme). Dairy enterprise contribution to total family income was 28 and 20% for beneficiary and nonbeneficiary households, respectively. The dairy enterprise provided an employment of about 217 and 210 days per year for family members of 808 beneficiary and non-beneficiary households, respectively. It is concluded that the rural dairy cooperative society has been successful in improving the socioeconomic conditions of milk producer households, especially the weaker households. Specialization: Economics Subject: Resource use, productivity and efficiency in dairy business in Beed District of Marathwada Region. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Soils and Crops. 2005; 15(2): 378-384 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shinde, A.N; Yadav, M.U; Nagure, D.V; Solanke, A.S; Phuke, K.D; Pawar, B.R Institution: Organization: Content : The study on economics of milk production and its marketing was conducted in Beed district of Marathawada region to know the resource, productivity and efficiency in dairy business. Multistage sampling design was used for the selection of districts, tahsils, villages and dairy owners. Tabular analysis and log linear multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data in order to achieve the solution for the objectives in the study. The study revealed that utilization of hired human labour and family labour/milch/buffalo/annum were highest in medium and large dairy herds, respectively. Milk yield/buffalo/annum was the highest in small buffalo dairy herd. Milk yield/cow/annum was highest in small crossbred cow dairy herd. The requirements of dry fodder and concentrate/milch/cow/annum decreased with increasing herd size. The regression coefficient of buffalo dairy herd was highly significant. Highly significant F value indicated that each variable on its own was not very important, but together they were a significant part of variation in buffalo milk production. In crossbred cow dairy herd, regression coefficients of size of dairy herd and concentrate were highly significant. MVP (Marginal value of product) of concentrate and green fodder was positively significant in buffalo dairy herd, whereas MVP of size of dairy herd and concentrate was highly significant in crossbred cows. Specialization: Economics Subject: Livestock resources, potential and constraints in the North Eastern Hilly (NEH) Region of India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Livestock International. 2003; 7(5): 15-17 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : The northeastern hilly (NEH) region of India is rich in livestock resources. The number of cattle and pigs per 100 humans is higher in the NEH region compared to the national level. However, constraints like lack of superior germplasm in different species and lack of good quality feed ingredients limit the growth potential of livestock farming. Other problems include the 809 unavailability of diagnostic kits to diagnose diseases immediately, unavailability of sufficient vaccines against different infectious diseases and lack of integration and coordination of research institutes, state departments and agricultural universities. This article addresses these issues. The emphasis is on cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep, pig, rabbit, poultry, mithun, and yak. Specialization: Economics Subject: Dairy husbandry scenario in Udham Singh Nagar District of Uttaranchal. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Livestock International. 2004; 8(7): 16-22 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dwaipayan Bardhan; Dabas, Y.P.S; Avadhesh Kumar Institution: Organization: Content : A study was carried out in Rudrapur block of Udham Singh Nagar district of the newly created state of Uttaranchal to ascertain the dairy husbandry scenario with respect to the farmers who rear dairy animals as a supplementary source of income. It was observed that the level of education increased with the increase in land holdings. Landless farmers were mostly found to rear dairy animals as the main source of income. On an average, for all categories of farmers, the number of dairy animals per household was found to be 2.31. The green fodder given to the animals in the study area were found to be berseem and agola (sugarcane tops) in the winter season; maize, grasses and jowar in the summer season; and jowar and grasses in the rainy season. Milk production was largely found to be unprofitable, the major reason being nonremunerative price paid by the dairy cooperatives. Major constraints in rearing dairy animals were ascertained and are discussed here along with some recommendations. Specialization: Economics Subject: Diversification and livelihood options: a study of two villages in Andhra Pradesh, India - 1975-2001. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: ODI Working Paper. 2002; (178): vi + 48 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Deb, U.K; Rao, G.D.N; Rao, Y.M; Slater,R Institution: Organization: Content : This paper reports on the diversification of rural livelihoods using the findings from a re-survey in 2001 (involving 121 households) and longitudinal panel survey carried out in the villages of Aurepalle and Dokur (involving 40 respondents) in Mahbubnagar District in Andhra Pradesh, India, in 1975 and 1989. Agriculture remains the most important source of livelihood in both villages, though the relative importance of crop cultivation has decreased, as has real income from crops. Agriculture has become an increasingly risky pursuit and households have sought other sources of income, most notably through migration for agricultural labour in other villages or for wage labour in urban areas such as Hyderabad. Whilst there are a small number of cases 810 where diversification has enabled households to lift themselves significantly above the poverty line, the overwhelming experience of diversification is as a coping strategy. Mahbubnagar District experienced drought in 1997-98 and between 1999 and 2001. The intervening years were characterized by only average rainfall. It remains to be seen, therefore, whether the diversification into nonfarm activities is a short-term response to adverse agricultural terms of trade and ecological uncertainty brought about as a result of extended drought or whether diversification represents a long-term move away from agricultural livelihoods in rural areas that will be sustained. The prospects for a return to agriculture in the future will be diminished if population density continues to rise and limited by the gradual erosion of agricultural assets, such as land and large livestock like cattle and buffalo. The findings from re-survey of two villages raise important policy challenges for government and other stakeholders in Mahbubnagar District, in Andhra Pradesh and in the semiarid tropics of India more generally. Whilst government policy and state interventions are made along sectoral lines, household livelihoods are highly diverse. Policy makers need to reflect on the most suitable ways of supporting this diversity, for example by facilitating access to the assets that people draw on to diversify or by ensuring that agriculture is less risky and agricultural assets are not eroded during periods of uncertainty. Only with more appropriate policies that recognise the importance of diversity will it be possible for more people to make positive exits from poverty through diversification. Specialization: Economics Subject: The role of cooperative union in dairy development, 1: A case of Sumul in India. Year of publication: 1997 Journal: Vocational Agriculture (Japan). (Mar 1997). v. 44(2) p. 1-14. Ja (Japanese) AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kubota,Y. Institution: Organization: Content : This paper intends to make clear the role of cooperative union in dairy development in India. The well-known functions of the union of cooperative are complementary ones of primary cooperatives. Basically the function of the union of dairy cooperatives are same in another agricultural cooperative union. They have to fulfill the function which primary cooperatives can not perform the business by their own ability. The union has many business for his members. They are procurement of milk, transport the milk from primary cooperatives to their own dairy plant, pasteurizing, processing, packing the milk to pouches and transport it to retail outlets. Besides they have to do the business such as veterinary services, artificial inseminations. In tropical country such as India, they have to deliver the perishable foods by cold chain system. Though they with to have chilling facilities, they have not enough money to set up such plants. In 1970's India started Operation Flood Program all over the countries. This has contributed tremendously dairy development in India. Though there are any tasks which have to overcome. Firstly they have too increase the milk yield of cattle. Milk yield per one cow is only 596 l, 811 buffalo is 1,012 l. On the average dairy farmers breed 2.5 castles and milk only one cattle, 0.5 cow and 0.5 buffalo. This low productivity mainly comes from the fact that they breed many inefficient male cows and buffaloes. Secondly they have to alternate from those bovines to tractors or small type handtractors. They have also to organize cooperatives such as machine using cooperatives and pasture land using ones. Specialization: Economics Subject: Agricultural infrastructure and Hamlet dairy cooperatives: A case of Dahigaon village in Malshras Taluks [Maharashtra, India]. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Vocational Agriculture (Japan). (Sep 1998). v. 46(1) p. 41-47. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kubota,Y. Institution: Organization: Content : This paper intends to clarify the tasks of Hamlet Dairy Cooperatives for the rural development in India. Normally there is one dairy cooperative in rural village. In case of huge village with several thousands households it has pluralprimary cooperatives in command area. Only one hamlet dairy cooperative can not carry out agricultural and economical practices for dairy farmers appropriately. Primary hamlet cooperatives have to coordinate with another one for more rural development. But they can not exhibit leadership among them. Taluka Milk Producers' Cooperative Union conducts a role of coordinator between hamlet cooperatives. For the more development of rural economy it has to promote dairy business. The tasks of taluka union are following, 1) to procure more quantities of milk, 2) to introduce improved high quality cows and buffaloes instead of indigenous ones, 3) to provide cattle feed and nutritious fodder made by taluka union to members, 4) to provide veterinary services such as artificial inseminations and extension services. From findings of rural survey held in 1997, it was shown that hamlet dairy farmers had achieved high productivities for milk production. Indeed by the introducing of improved cows and buffaloes they had proved high production. The milk yield of a cow is 1,920 kg and buffalo is 1,827kg for a year. This level was a targeted line of Indian dairy described by Dr. A.K. Banerjee in 1991. In case of Dahigaon village this is not any myth but is. Specialization: Economics Subject: Comparative advantage and competitiveness of the Indian Milk Sector. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Working Paper Institute of Rural Management Anand. 2000; (142): 36 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rakesh Saxena Institution: Organization: Content : The main objectives of the study are to examine the comparative cost of milk production across different milch species, namely, indigenous cows, crossbred 812 cows and buffaloes, to examine the comparative cost of milk production across different regions (Haryana, Gujarat, Kerala and Orissa) of India and to examine the comparative advantage and competitiveness of the milk sector. For the study two districts were selected from each state and five villages randomly from each district; 16 households were interviewed in each sample villages. Data were collected on milk production for the monsoon, summer and winter seasons of 1995-96. The study shows that per litre cost of milk production was (lowest) in Haryana and Orissa, (highest) in Kerala and moderate in Gujarat. Buffalo milk had higher private profitability and comparative advantage as compared to cow milk. Between crossbred and indigenous cows, the former had relatively higher private profitability and comparative advantage. Once the subsidies are reduced under the new GATT regime and India diversifies its milk products for exports, the competitiveness and comparative advantage of India's milk and milk products are expected to improve further. 8. Epidemiology Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Studies on ulcerative mammillitis of buffaloes in Andhra Pradesh (India). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2003; 22(4): 80-90 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rao, U.V.N.M; Sreedevi, B; Reddy, T.V Institution: Organization: Content : In the recent years, a hitherto unknown disease of buffaloes characterized by an acute inflammation of one or more teats, ulceration, necrosis and sloughing of the affected teats has been reported in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. The mammary gland is apparently free from the lesions, and milk abnormalities and systemic signs are absent. The onset and chronological progress of the symptoms noticed in the affected buffaloes are very much similar to a well-established disease of cows caused by a herpes virus called bovine ulcerative mammillitis reported in many countries. This study was conducted to investigate the possible aetiological agent of the disease. A total of 101 milk samples were collected from the affected buffaloes and were subjected to physical, chemical and bacteriological tests of mastitis. None of the samples were found positive, and no pathogenic bacteria or fungi could be isolated from the suspected samples. The filtered whey separated from the milk of affected teats was tested by intradermal inoculation into rabbits. Dermonecrosis could be reproduced in the rabbits at the site of inoculation, suggesting the infectious nature of the aetiological agent. Virological investigation of the material showed two light scattering zones in 10-40% sucrose density gradients. Electron microscopic examination of the purified material revealed hexagonal enveloped viral particles suggestive of a herpes virus. Histopathology of the rabbit skin lesions showed marked cellular 813 infiltration, epidermal vesiculation, thinning of stratum corneum, syncytial aggregation of nuclei in the dermis and Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions in the epidermal cells. Hyperimmune serum was raised against the purified virus in the rabbits. Agar gel precipitation test was performed, and a line of identity could be observed between the samples. Based on the above findings and type of lesions observed, the condition was referred to as ulcerative mammillitis of buffaloes. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Seroprevalence of chlamydial infections among buffaloes of Himachal Pradesh, India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2003; 22(4): 75-77 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Katoch, R.C; Mandeep Sharma; Rajesh Chahota; Prasenjit Dhar; Chauhan, B.C; Chaman Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Chlamydophila psittaci [Chlamydia psittaci] has public health significance and has been encountered in a variety of clinical syndromes such as pneumonia, polyarthritis, keratoconjunctivitis, rhinitis and abortion and in nasal tract of normal yaks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of chlamydial infections in buffaloes from various regions of Himachal Pradesh, India. Based on the results of the agar gel precipitation test, 18 out of 207 serum samples (8.7%) harboured Chlamydophila psittaci. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Prevalence, clinical symptoms and treatment of balantidiosis in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(3): 61, 64 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, N.A; Udupa, K.G; Kasaralikar, V.R; Kumar, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : A 17.07% prevalence of balantidiosis was recorded in 82 buffaloes screened with the history of enteritis. Diarrhoea, dysentry, and reduction in appetite and milk yield were symptoms observed in affected buffaloes. Oxytetracycline @ 5mg per kg body weight parentrally for 3 consecutive days was found 100% efficacious against balantidiosis in buffaloes. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Sub-clinical mastitis in an organised buffalo farm. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(4): 85-87 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ramachandraiah, K; Kumar, K.M.S; Sreemannarayana, O Institution: Organization: 814 Content : The incidence subclinical mastitis in 85 Murrah buffaloes tested with CMT and cultural examination was 53%. Incidence was higher in left side quarters. The percentage of incidence was maximum (48.9%) in single quarters. Streptococcus spp. had the highest (46.34%) frequency among the isolates of positive milk samples. Chloramphenicol, furadantin, co-trimaxole, respectively in degree of sensitivity, were found effective against all the isolates. Gentamycin was found ineffective in the mixed infections. Subclinical diseases like mastitis and reproductive inefficiency causes suboptimal performance without identifiable lesions (Rodastitis and Blood, 1985). Subclinical mastitis is a herd problem and loss due to this is three times that of clinical forms (Derbyshire, 1961). The subclinical form of mastitis is recognisable only by laboratory tests as there are no gross inflammatory changes in the udder (Schalm et al., 1971). Most of the cases of mastitis do not respond to commonly used antibiotics. Paranjape and Das (1986) concluded that the commonly used antibiotics like oxytetracycline, penicillin and streptomycin were not effective; they found the antibiotics effective against mastitis were gentamycin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin and kanamycin. As buffaloes are the major source of milk production in India, the present study was undertaken to find out the causative organisms and their sensitivity to different antibiotics by testing the milk of buffaloes of an organized farm. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Bubaline microfilariasis: I. Epizootiological studies. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(3): 64-66 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sigraskar, S.U; Choudhuri, P.C; Singari, N.A Institution: Organization: Content : Graded (Murrah crosses) and nondescript buffaloes of both sexes and all age groups with a history of infection with or treatment for bubaline microfilariasis from 29 different places in Andhra Pradesh, India were screened during August 1993 to March 1995. 1051 blood samples were analysed to determine the relationship of bubaline microfilariasis to month, season, age, sex, physiological status and breed. Only 36 of the blood samples were positive for Setaria cervi sheathed microfilariae (3.425%). A higher disease prevalence was recorded in July (9.302), followed by August (6.000), September (5.714) and November (4.396%). Season-wise analysis showed 2.591, 5.882 and 2.709% incidence during the summer, monsoon and winter, respectively. Adult female buffaloes between 6 to 9 years of age were found to be more susceptible (3.617), followed by those between 3 to 6 (3.474%) and above 9 years (3.448%) of age, while the least susceptible were those between 3 months and 3 years of age (1.515%). The overall incidence rate for females was 3.526%; none of the 30 males screened were positive for microfilariasis. Lactating buffaloes had the highest incidence (3.842%), followed by heifers (3.571%) and non-lactating (1.149%) animals. 60.60% were in the early lactation stage while 30.30 and 9.09% were in the mid- and late lactation stages, respectively. There was a significantly higher incidence in Murrah crosses (5.686%) compared to nondescript (2.527%) buffaloes. 815 Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: An outbreak of generalized form of buffalo pox. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(1): 3-4 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sreemannarayana, O; Ramachandraiah, K Institution: Organization: Content : An outbreak of a generalized form of buffalo pox was observed in an organized farm in Andhra Pradesh, India [date not given], affecting a total of 135 buffaloes and causing severe economic loss. 70% of the affected buffalo cows developed mastitis. The milk yield was reduced by 30%. Four teats of 4 buffalo cows became totally blind. Two buffalo cows became totally blind in both eyes. Six buffalo cows had severe lesions on the feet, and in two animals, the hooves became separated. High mortality in young calves was noticed. There were 4 human cases of the infection wherein 3 milkmen and 1 buffalo bull attendant experienced fever and hand lesions. Buffalo pox is a contagious viral disease characterized by typical pox lesions on the skin. Buffalo pox, although considered to be benign, occurs both in localized and generalized forms. It is recognized as an important zoonotic disease by FAO/WHO and lesions occur in human beings on hands. Information in generalized form of buffalo pox is scanty. Generalized buffalo pox was recorded in Punjab, West Pakistan and in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Some epidemiological observations on haemorrhagic septicaemia in buffaloes and cattle in Haryana State of India. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(2): 273-280 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jindal,N; Kumar,S; Narang,G; Chaturvedi,G.C; Tomer,P; Garg,D.N Institution: Organization: Content : Analysis of 26 recorded outbreaks of haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) in buffalo and cattle in various districts of Haryana, India from July 1995 to June 1999 revealed higher disease prevalence in buffalo than in cattle (23 vs. 1 outbreaks). Two outbreaks were recorded in herds of both cattle and buffalo. The outbreaks occurred more often during winter than during the rainy and summer seasons (15, 6 and 5 outbreaks, respectively). The morbidity, cumulative mortality and case fatality rates were 2.44, 0.68, and 27.75%, respectively. Mortality was significantly higher in younger animals (less than 2 years of age) than adults. The clinical signs included high temperature (up to 107 degrees F), salivation and respiratory distress with laboured breathing leading to death. Oedematous swelling of the throat and brisket regions was observed in some cases. Animals that contracted the disease included those vaccinated six months earlier with alum-precipitated vaccine (22 outbreaks) and unvaccinated animals (4 outbreaks). Pasteurella multocida was isolated 816 from all the outbreaks; iatrogenic transmission was observed in 7 outbreaks. Treatment with enrofloxacin, gentamicin or chloramphenicol and supportive therapy was successful when instituted at the early stage of the disease. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Disease prevalence and productivity losses in bovines - a study. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Cheiron. 2002; 31(3/4): 74-77 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Saxena, B.C; Arya, S.R.S; Vijay Bindal Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 360 households in Hissar, India were interviewed for the breed, age composition, quantum of milk, disease profile and mortality of animals [date not given]. Death, birth, sales and purchase records of animals were collected and the animals in the selected households were examined regularly for the occurrence of diseases. Cause of death and milk production losses were also obtained. It was shown that reproductive disorders (anoestrus and repeat breeding) and diarrhoea and rheumatic syndrome were the main diseases for cattle and buffaloes. Other diseases were pneumonia, gastrointestinal parasite infections and mastitis (buffaloes only). Buffaloes were more disease-prone than cattle. Disease prevalence rates (DPR) for anoestrus was 14 and 18% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively, and repeat breeding was 1-4% for both species. Milk production losses were lower in pregnant animals for both species, with slightly higher losses in buffaloes. In cattle, repeat breeding and anoestrus led to 875 and 660 g losses in daily milk yield, respectively. In buffaloes, rheumatic syndrome led to 1000 g losses in daily milk yield, while pregnant buffaloes lost 430 g. Repeat breeding, anoestrus and mastitis (pregnant buffaloes only) led to 690, 530 and 85 g losses in daily milk yield, respectively. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Haryana during the year 2002. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Haryana Veterinarian. 2003; 42: 15-18 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kakker, N.K; Sharma, R Institution: Organization: Content : Epidemiological studies were conducted on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and its virus type distribution in 19 districts of Haryana during the year 2002. A total of 26 outbreaks were recorded in eight districts and 37 clinical samples collected from cattle, buffalo and sheep between January and December 2002. These outbreaks were recorded during January to May, October and December. All the samples were analysed for FMD virus typing using double antibody sandwich ELISA. Of the 37 samples, 23 were typed as type 'O' and 10 as type 'A', while four samples could not be typed. FMD virus type 'O' was the most predominant type, whereas, FMD type 'C' and 'Asia 1 were not 817 recorded. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Status of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Punjab state. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(3): 264-266 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Aradhana; Sharma, D.R; Dhand, N.K; Singh,J; Gumber,S Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 270 serum samples (207 cattle, 59 buffalo and 4 bulls) in India were studied. Statistically, significant relationship were observed between repeat breeding and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, and between mastitis. Buffalo bulls were seronegative for the disease. No difference in the disease prevalence was observed between age group of <less or =>3 years and > 3 years. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Epidemiological studies on bovine rotavirus in neonatal diarrhoeic calves at organized dairy farms in Haryana and adjoining areas using RNA-PAGE. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(6): 623-626 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dighe, V.D; Grover, Y.P; Pandey, R Institution: Organization: Content : The electrophoretic profile of rotavirus in faecal samples collected from diarrhoeic cow calves and buffalo calves were studied by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) in Haryana, India from 1997 to 2000. It was shown that out of 421 samples (232 from cow calves and 189 from buffalo calves) collected, 39 (16.8%) were positive from cow calves and only 20 (10.6%) were positive from buffalo calves. The electropherotypic variants observed over a span of 4 years, 2 in cow calves and 2 in buffalo calves were mainly gene 4 segment and gene segment 7, 8 or 9 depending upon species are considered more variable and their resultant protein product is mainly responsible for production of neutralizing antibodies. Although differences in electropherotypes do not necessarily mean the emergence of new strains, they are the best preliminary indicators for making an attempt for such isolations. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Epidemiology, clinical findings and treatment of ephemeral fever in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). [Symposium paper]. Year of publication: 1993 Journal: International Symposium. Beijing (China). Bovine ephemeral fever and related rhabdoviruses. Canberra, A.C.T. (Australia). 1993. p. 57-58. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, P.R.; Suthar,B.H.; Soni, V.K.; Dangaria, A.M.; Prajapati, C.B. 818 Institution: Organization: Content : The epidemiology, clinical findings and treatment of ephemeral fever is described in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Gujarat State, India where the disease is now endemic. The occurrence of the disease has changed from the previous pattern of severe sporadic epidemics, to a slow moving moderate epidemic, with about 10 percent morbidity, and 1-2 percent mortality. Most cases occur in the summer and monsoon seasons, with occasional cases during the remainder of the year. The disease is of considerable economic importance due to a drastic reduction of up to 70 percent in milk production and the death of a few animals. Factors which appear to contribute to the disease include; a sudden change of weather; increase in the insect population; advanced pregnancy; parturition and high milk production. The disease is more common in well fed, healthy buffaloes. In most cases the disease is subacute. There is a sudden high temperature, anorexia, a sharp fall in milk production, profound dullness and depression, shivering, stiffness and lameness in one or more limbs. Clinical signs last for 4-5 days followed by spontaneous recovery. Some cases become complicated and finally die. Most cases recover spontaneously or with simple treatment. The acute cases respond well to calcium gluconate, dextrose, vitamins, analgesics and phenylbutazone injections. Good nursing care helps in early recovery. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Microbiological and epidemiological studies on brucellosis in an organized herd and rural cattle and buffaloes of Uttar Pradesh. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2002; 23(2): 195-196 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rathore, B.S; Barman, T.K; Singh, K.P; Singh, R; Mehrotra, M.L Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was undertaken to isolate the causative organisms from cases of abortions and to detect the presence of antibodies against Brucella spp. using various serological tests like Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT) and ELISA, and comparing the results in organized farms with those of cattle and buffalo populations under village conditions. A total of 82 samples of aborted fetuses, from 79 cattle and 3 buffaloes, from an organized farm was processed for isolation of Brucella spp. organisms (1998-2001). A total of 337 serum samples from 167 cattle and 210 buffaloes from 38 villages belonging to 14 districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, were randomly collected from May 2001 to March 2002. Likewise, 497 serum samples from an organized farm with a high rate of abortion were also tested. Serum samples were tested using RBPT, STAT and AB-ELISA. Of the 79 samples of aborted fetus from cattle, 32 (40.05%) yielded Brucella spp. organisms, whereas none of the three samples from buffaloes was found culture positive for Brucella spp. Out of the 32 isolates, 31 were identified as B. abortus biotype-1 and one was identified as B. melitensis biotype-1. Out of the 377 serum samples tested, 20 samples (5.31%) were found positive for antibodies against Brucella spp. by ELISA. Fifteen samples were from cattle (8.98%) and five samples were from buffaloes (2.38%). RBPT and STAT yielded negative results for all the samples. The seroepidemiological picture of the organized farm was different from that of unorganized village animals, 819 where 32.99% of the cattle population was found positive for Brucella antibodies by RBPT and STAT compared to 5.31% of the village animals. The STAT titre ranged from 80-320 IU. Based on these results, it is concluded that ELISA was comparatively more sensitive than the two other tests. However, RBPT and STAT are cheaper, easier to perform, more convenient and gave results comparable to ELISA. The high incidence in organized farms may be due to the extensive practice of artificial insemination in these farms. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in animals and human beings in various regions of the country. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2003; 24(2): 155-159 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Srivastava, S.K; Kumar, A.A Institution: Organization: Content : The seroprevalence of leptospirosis was investigated in animals and human beings using sera collected from various states of India during a period of 10 years beginning 1990. Most of the animals were reported to have fever, jaundice, abortions, repeat breeding and other clinical signs. 4992 sera collected from domestic animals (4348), wild animals (112) and human beings (532) were subjected to microscopic agglutination test using a panel of 18 Leptospira interrogans antigens. Of the domestic animals sera tested, 2601 belonged to cattle and 15.8% of these were positive to various Leptospira serovars. Maximum positivity was detected in sera received from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. 414 buffalo sera from Andhra Pradesh were analysed and of these only 2.8% were positive, whereas none from Tamil Nadu (19) was positive. 271 goat, 551 sheep, 756 equine, 204 dog and 166 swine sera received from various states were tested and 14.3, 15.2, 9.9 and 9.0%, respectively, were positive. Most of the sheep, dog and swine sera also came from Andhra Pradesh. Analysis of wild animal sera belonging to sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), chital deer (C. axis), tigers and elephants (Elephas maximus) showed that 14 samples (12.5%) were positive. 78 (14.6%) human sera mostly from to Maharashtra possessed diagnostic antibody levels. Leptospira interrogans serovars responsible for seropositivity among most of the animals and man were identified as icterohaemorrhagiae, hardjo, patoc, australis, canicola, grippotyphosa, pyrogenes, pomona, tarassovi and ballum. These results indicate a high level of the prevalence of leptospirosis in animals and man, warranting continuous investigations in order to suggest control strategies in the future. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Epizootiology of sarcoptic mange in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(10): 972-974 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, J.S; Patel, P.R; Panchasara, H.H; Brahmaxatri, K.G Institution: 820 Organization: Content : Epizootiological studies on sarcoptic mange in buffalo calves (n=204) revealed that 60.78% suffered from scabies (India). The overall mortality and case fatality rate in buffalo calves were 4.41 and 7.26%, respectively. Incidence was higher (77.01%) in calves below 3 months of age. Difference in the incidence among male and female calves was non significant. Maximum incidence was recorded in buffalo calves maintained under pakka housing system with poor ventilation and hygienic condition. Significantly higher incidence was observed during winter. Incidence was negatively correlated with the mean ambient temperature (r=-0.860), mean relative humidity (r=0.638) and rainfall (r=-0.558). Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in Punjab. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(11): 1195-1196 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, B.B; Gumber, S; Randhawa, S.S; Aradhana ; Dhand, N.K Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 626 animals (251 cows and 376 buffaloes) were tested for tuberculosis and Johne's disease using single intradermal test. Prevalence of tuberculosis (9.09%) was found to be significantly higher (P<0.01) than paratuberculosis (2.71%). Species wise, not much difference was found in the prevalence of diseases in cattle and buffalo. The prevalence of both diseases was positively correlated with the age of the animal. TB was significantly higher (P<0.01) in females (10.76%) than males (1.72%) in both species. Similarly, the prevalence of JD was higher (P<0.01) in females (3.13) than males (0.86) of both species. Out of the 17 JD positive animals, acid-fast bacilli could be demonstrated only on three samples. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Status of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis in Punjab by bulk milk analysis. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(7): 741-743 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Aradhana; Sharma,D.R; Dhand, N.K; Gumber, S Institution: Organization: Content : During a survey in Punjab state, India, in May 2001-June 2002, a total of 970 bulk milk samples were collected from milk plants in 4 districts, out of which 114 (11.7%) were found positive for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) by Avidin Biotin milk ELISA. In the second step, 219 pooled milk samples of cattle (98) and buffalo (121) herds were collected from 20 milk cooperative societies of the entire state. Overall herd level prevalence of IBR was 821 calculated to be 21.0%. IBR prevalence in cattle herds (41.8%) was significantly higher than that of buffalo herds (4.13%). Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Serosurveillance of brucellosis in bovine and ovine. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2005; 82(6): 672-673 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pushpa, R.N.R; Kumari, B.P Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 900 sera samples (627 from buffaloes and 273 from sheep) were studied (India). Results showed that the positive buffalo sera for brucellosis by the rose Bengal plate test, standard tube agglutination test, heat inactivation test, EDTA agglutination test and 2 mercapto ethanol test were 5.58, 5.26, 4.46, 3.92 and 3.48%, respectively. For sheep it was 8.05, 7.69, 6.16, 5.37 and 5.28%, respectively. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Note on coccidian species of buffalo and cow calves in Marathwada region. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(8): 719-720 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bharkad, G.P; Deshpande, P.D; Narladkar, B.W Institution: Organization: Content : Faecal samples were collected from buffalo and cow calves in villages in Marathwada region for a period of one year [date not given]. Four types of oocysts were observed in buffalo calves, confirmed as Eimeria bareillyi, E. cylindrica, E. ovinoidalis and E. zuernii. E. bareillyi and E. cylindrica were predominant n the 61-75 days age group while E. zuernii and E. ovinoidalis were predominant in the 1-15 days age group. Four species of coccidia were also detected in cow calves, which were E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis and E. cylindrica. E. bovis was mostly predominant in the 46-60 days age group. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in bovines of Madhya Pradesh. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(7): 571-573 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mehra, K.N; Dhanesar, N.S; Chaturvedi, V.K Institution: Organization: Content : Serum samples were collected from 877 cows, 349 heifers, 191 male calves, 70 buffaloes, 70 bulls and 1 buffalo bull from organized farms in Madhya Pradesh, India [date not given]. The serum samples were tested for antibodies 822 to Brucella abortus using the standard tube agglutination test. The serum samples were then compared to serum samples of 135 cows, 95 buffaloes, and 1 buffalo bull coming from unorganized farms also in Madhya Pradesh to determine the magnitude of bovine brucellosis in Satpura and Madhya. The percent prevalence of brucellosis was higher in organized farms compared with unorganized farms. The prevalence rate in organized farms was 6.5% in the total number of 1629 serum samples screened by standard tube agglutination test. The sero-prevalence in cows, female calves and buffaloes was 9.6%, 12.6% and 11.4% respectively. However 1.5% male calves and 2.8% bulls were suspected for brucellosis based on agglutination test titre. A total of 231 serum samples of unorganized farms screened for seropositivity revealed 5.1% sero-prevalence in animals. The seropositive cows were only 2.2% vs. 9.4% seropositive buffaloes against Brucella. The overall prevalence was 6.3% irrespective of sex and age. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Epizootiology of Balantidium coli infection in ruminants. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2005; 82(6): 682-683 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Palanivel, K.M; Thangathurai, R; Nedunchellian, S Institution: Organization: Content : 110 dung samples were collected from 2 areas in India. The prevalence rate of B. coli in cattle and buffaloes were 45.45 and 51.43%, respectively. B. coli caused severe haemorrhages and digestive disturbances. Milk yield was drastically reduced. There was an uneventful recovery after 3 to 4 days of antibiotic treatment. Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Status of mastitis and allied udder problems in buffaloes in Punjab State. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Intas Polivet. 2004; 5(1): 48-51 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bansal, B.K; Randhawa, S.S; Shukriti Sharma; Singh, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : One of the major disease complex affecting buffaloes in Punjab, India is mastitis. Mastitis is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting the buffalo populations in Punjab. The clinical mastitis had a monthly incidence of 1.34 to 7.79% in various dairy farms. The percentage of quarters affected with acute clinical mastitis varied from 42.11 to 48.71%. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis varied from 23 to 37% on animal basis and from 11 to 19% on mammary gland quarter basis. Both forms of mastitis are caused by bacterial infections (Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Escherichia coli). On the other hand, the prevalence of udder and teat lesions (8.54%) also seen in buffaloes are induced by bovine ulceration, mammillitis, thelitis, udder impetigo, buffalo pox and teat chaps. 823 Specialization: Epidemiology Subject: Prevalence of bovine and bubaline toxocariosis in Chhattisgarh. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Intas Polivet. 2005; 6(2): 274-277 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, K; Roy, S; Roy, M; Sharma, M Institution: Organization: Content : The prevalence of bovine and bubaline toxocariasis was studied in Drug and Rajnandgaon districts of Chhattisgarh state, India (October 2002-September 2003). The prevalence of toxocariasis was higher in grazing than stall-fed cow calves and buffalo calves. Age-wise prevalence showed higher infection in animals up to one year of age and lower in above six years of age. In grazing and stall-fed calves, the prevalence was higher in male than female calves. Indigenous calves were more prone to Toxocara vitulorum infection. The seasonal prevalence of ascariasis in grazing and stall-fed animals was recorded in the month of July. 9. Extension Specialization: Extension Subject: Technological gap in buffalo rearing practices. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Annals of Agri Bio Research. 2001; 6(2): 177-181 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naresh-Sharma; Dangi,-K-L; Singh,-S-P Institution: Organization: Content : 120 buffalo keepers (60 tribals and 60 non-tribals) selected randomly from 10 villages of Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India, were interviewed to ascertain their knowledge level and adoption of improved buffalo rearing practices. Both non-tribals and tribals had maximum knowledge gap with regard to health care and hygiene practices (77.09 and 80.36%, respectively). In terms of adoption gap, milking practices among non-tribals and feeding practices among tribals exhibited the maximum gap (81.10 and 89.87%, respectively). Overall, it is indicated that non-tribals have stronger knowledge and higher adoption as compared to tribals. Specialization: Extension Subject: Employment generation for small and marginal farmers through various farming systems in Haryana. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Haryana Journal of Agronomy. 2004; 20(1/2): 93-95 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S.N; Singh, K.P; Kadiyan, V.S; Hasija, R.C 824 Institution: Organization: Content : Farming systems considered in this study included (1) arable farming without dairy animals, (2) specialized dairy farming with two dairy animals (1 crossbred cow and 1 buffalo) and (3) mixed farming with two dairy animals (1 crossbred cow and 1 buffalo) on 1.0 acre and 3.0 acre land under canal irrigated conditions. These farming systems were compared for their employment potential during the years 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 at the agronomy research area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar (India). The labour utilization in different seasons and for the whole years was computed from the daily data collected on these units. Under arable farming on 1.0 acre land, employment varied widely. In this farming system more human labour was required during the months of October, April and May for land preparation, sowing, harvesting, threshing and cleaning of grains, etc. In specialized dairy farming and mixed farming, employment was almost uniform throughout the year. On 1 acre land, mixed farming generated greater employment (298 man-days/year) as compared to specialized dairy farming (295 man-days/year). But these two farming systems generated about 9 times more employment as compared to arable farming (33 man-days/year). On 3 acre land, mixed farming provided 329 man days per year as compared to specialized dairy farming (326 man-days/year). In the case of arable farming, employment generation was only 78 man-days per year. However, arable farming has also provided seasonal employment to the farmers. Therefore, the introduction of a suitable farming system comprising of crop production and animal husbandry should be considered optimum for the employment of extra family labour throughout the year. Specialization: Extension Subject: The effect of communication on the attitudes of farmers towards artificial insemination. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(2): 196-198 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S.K; Kaul, P.N Institution: Organization: Content : This article reports on the positive changes in the attitude of cattle or buffalo owners from Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India, towards artificial insemination (AI) after the dissemination and education of the relevance of AI in the area [date not given]. The dissemination of information was either through seminars, discussions or radio programmes. Specialization: Extension Subject: Study on job performance of the veterinary livestock development assistants. Year of publication: Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2004; 8(1): 111-116 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chauhan, J.P; Das, B.C 825 Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted in the purposively selected Intensive Cattle Development Project (ICDP) of Karnal district, Haryana, India, with a sample size of 100 ICDP units. This study revealed that the education, in-service training, number of villages under jurisdictional and total cow and buffalo population were exerting direct as well indirect effect on the overall performance of Veterinary Livestock Development Assistants (VLDAs) in the positive direction. In-service training was found to have maximum direct effect on the overall performance of VLDAs. Since the variable is easily manipulable, it is suggested that the VLDAs working under ICDP should be imparted in-service training in different areas of their work to improve their overall performance. Specialization: Extension Subject: Use of Information Technology (IT) tools in livestock research and development projects. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Livestock International. 2005; 9(12): 17-20 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Karuna Asija; Singh, P.K Institution: Organization: Content : The importance of information technology, including e-mail, video conferencing, online discussions, software packages for data analysis, database management systems, bulletin boards and websites, in formulating developmental policies and programmes and research projects for cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig and poultry husbandry, breeding and health in India are presented. 10. GENETICS, CYTOGENETICS, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Why should we become involved in the State of the World of Animal Genetic Resources process? A view from Asia. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Animal Genetic Resources Information. 2001; (29): 1-6 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhat, P.N Institution: Organization: Content : A discussion on the objectives, plans and strategies of State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources process is presented. Some of the strategies include development of Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) for member-countries, country reports for better management of animal genetic resources and regional coordination among members. 826 Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: A set of cattle microsatellite DNA markers for genome analysis of riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Animal Genetics. 2002; 33(2): 149-154 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Navani, N; Jain, P-K; Gupta, S; Sisodia, B.S; Kumar, S Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 108 microsatellite primer pairs, originally identified from cattle, were evaluated for their applicability in buffalo. 81 primer pairs (75%) amplified discrete products, and of these, 61 pairs (56%) gave polymorphic band patterns on a panel of 25 buffaloes. The mean number of alleles per polymorphic marker was 4.50+or-0.20, and the mean heterozygosity per polymorphic marker was 0.66+or-0.02. Successful genotyping of buffaloes using cattle specific primers suggests that the latter can be a valuable resource for genome analysis in bubaline species. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: MHC-DRB exon 2 allele polymorphism in Indian river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Animal Genetics. 2002; 33(3): 215-219 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: De, S; Singh, R.K; Butchaiah, G Institution: Organization: Content : The polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DRB gene of riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) was studied. Second exon sequences from the buffalo DRB locus, homologous to the cattle DRB3 gene, were amplified and characterized. A combination of single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis (HA) in a nondenaturing gel was used to identify new DRB second exon sequences. SSCP, HA and finally sequencing allowed the identification of 22 MHC-DRB exon 2 alleles from 25 unrelated Indian river buffalo. These are the first river buffalo DRB second exon sequences reported. A high degree of polymorphism in the sequences encoding the peptide binding regions was observed and some amino acid substitutions were found unique to the river buffalo. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Growth hormone gene polymorphism and its effect on birth weight in cattle and buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 16(4): 494497 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Biswas, T.K; Bhattacharya, T.K; Narayan, A.D; Badola, S; Pushpendra Kumar; Arjava Sharma 827 Institution: Organization: Content : The study was carried out in Sahiwal, Holstein-Friesian, Jersey and crossbred cattle and Murrah, Bhadwari, Jaffarabadi, Nagpuri and Surti buffaloes maintained at different organized herds in Uttar Pradesh, India, to work out the polymorphism at growth hormone locus and study its effect on birth weight. A 223 bp fragment of the gene was amplified and digested with Alu I restriction enzyme. Two alleles, L and V with three genotypes LL, LV and VV were observed in Jersey, Holstein and cross bred cattle. Sahiwal cattle and buffalo were monomorphic for this locus producing only one genotype LL and one allele L. The frequency of L allele was comparatively higher in Holstein and crossbred cattle while in Jersey breed, the frequency of this allele was intermediate. The effect of genotype on birth weight was significant and LV genotype had higher birth weight than other genotypes. Hence, LV genotype in Holstein Friesian favored higher birth weight. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic identity between Bhadawari and Murrah breeds of Indian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using RAPD-PCR. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 17(5): 603607 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Saifi, H.W; Bharat Bhushan; Sanjeev Kumar; Pushpendra Kumar; Patra, B.N; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPDPCR) analysis was carried out with a battery of 11 random decamer primers to study band frequency (BF), genetic identity index (I) and mean average percentage difference (MAPD) of Bhadawari (n=30) and Murrah (n=30) breeds of buffalo. The primers OPA04 and BG15 resolved a band of 460 bp which was present only in Bhadawari breed. Whereas, the primers OPA14, BG27 and BG28 produced specific fragments of sizes 730 and 1230 bp for the Murrah breed. The estimate of genetic identity index was highest (0.845) with the primer OPA01 and lowest (0.479) with the primer BG27. The genetic identity index pooled over the primers was 0.596+or-0.037 between these two breeds. The highest MAPD estimate (53.9) between the two breeds was obtained with the primer BG27 and lowest (14.3) with the primer OPA01. It is concluded that the genetic identity index between these two breeds calculated based on BF showed moderate level of genetic identity with the primers employed. MAPD calculated based on an uncommon bands also demonstrated lower to medium level of genetic difference between Bhadawari and Murrah breeds. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Nucleotide sequencing and PCR-RFLP of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 gene in riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 828 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 17(7): 910913 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Padma, B; Pushpendra Kumar; Choudhary, V; Dhara, S.K; Mishra, A; Bhattacharya, T.K; Bhushan, B; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) gene is a structural gene associated with growth and development of animals. The present investigation was carried out to unravel nucleotide sequence and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the IGFBP3 gene in buffalo. Genomic DNA was isolated from a total of 157 animals belonging to Murrah, Surti, Jafarabadi and Nagpuri breeds of Indian riverine buffalo. A 655 bp of IGFBP-3 gene was amplified in all the breeds and amplicons were digested with Hae III, Taq I and Msp I restriction enzymes. Digestion with Hae III yielded a single restriction pattern of 8 fragments of 201, 165, 154, 56, 36, 19, 16 and 8 bp in all the animals studied. Similarly Taq I and Msp I also revealed single restriction pattern yielding fragments of sizes 240 and 415 bp, and 145 and 510 bp, respectively. This shows the nonpolymorphic nature of restriction sites in buffalo. Nucleotide sequencing of 587 bp of IGFBP-3 gene in Murrah buffalo was done and sequence data submitted to the GenBank database under Accession No. AY304829. Nucleotide sequencing revealed an addition of 4 bases in the intronic region as compared to cattle. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Heteromorphism of homologus chromosomes in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2001; 20(1): 16-17 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shrikant Joshi; Govindaiah, M.G; Sarkhel, B.C Institution: Organization: Content : Karyotypes of 30 males and 16 females belonging to different breeds of buffaloes were studied to characterize the heteromorphism among homologues of the first five pairs of autosomes and the X-chromosome of buffaloes. The longer homologue of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th pair of autosomes and the X-chromosome was 5.77+or-0.78%, 5.14+or-0.05%, 6.39+or-0.67%, 6.45+or1.06%, 7.96+or-0.98%, and 7.45+or-0.93% longer than their shorter partners, respectively. The paired t test revealed significant differences between the length of homologues for all the pairs of chromosomes studied. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: DNA amplification fingerprinting of cattle and buffalo genome by RAPD-PCR utilizing arbitrary oligonucleotide primers. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(3): 331-339 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ganai, T.A.S; Singh, R.K; Butchiah, G 829 Institution: Organization: Content : For amplification of genomic DNA of cattle (Bos indicus) and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with short arbitrary oligonucleotide primers, four primers with the sequence, 5' GTGACGTAGG-3' (G1), 5'-TGCCGAGCTG-3' (G2), 5'-GTGGTGGTGG-3 (G4) and 5'-GCGAGCGTCCC-3' (C7), were screened. The two primers, C7 and G4, didn't yield any amplification product in PCR with templates of cattle and buffalo genomic DNA even after changing reaction conditions indicating that probably the sequences of these two primers didn't anneal with target DNA. But remaining two primers, G1 and G2, yielded the amplification product in cattle as well as buffalo genomic DNA and exhibited highly polymorphic patterns. The average number of bands/animals observed were 6.00 +or- 0.82, 1.00, 6.40 +or- 0.89 in buffalo and 6.75 +or- 1.10, 2.33 +or- 0.33, 8.50 +or- 0.71 in cattle, with primers G1, G2 and G1 + G2, respectively. The band sharing and probability of two individuals to exhibit identical fingerprints in the buffalo, as compared to cattle, were considerably low, and the estimates were 0.572 +or- 0.106, 0.514 +or- 0.060; 8.7 x 10-4, 1.85 x 10-4 in buffalo with G1 and G1 + G2 and 0.723 +or- 0.125, 0.788 +or- 0.050, 0.820 +or- 0.036, and 4.3 x 10-3, 3.0 x 10-1 and 2.6 x 10-2 in cattle with primers G1, G2 and G1 + G2, respectively. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Selective restriction fragment amplification (SRFA) as a tool to study DNA polymorphism in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 409-415 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mukhopadhyaya, P.N; Mehta, H.H; Rathod, R.N Institution: Organization: Content : This study reports DNA fingerprinting in buffalo and establishes the suitability of the Selective Restriction Fragment Amplification (SRFA) technique for generating consistent, polymorphic DNA profile in this group of dairy animals. Two buffaloes of non-descript breed formed the source of DNA for analysis. Genomic DNA of the samples were individually digested with EcoRI and MseI to check DNA restriction. Total bands observed in animal A using the 4 set of primer pairs were 73, with mean value of 18.25 and a range between 11 to 21. The total polymorphic bands observed in the autoradiogram of animal A were 37. For animal B, the total bands detected were 84, with a mean value of 21, and a range between 18 to 26. The total polymorphic bands observed in this sample were 48. The values of non-polymorphic bands were identical in the 2 animals. Consistent and reproducible fingerprints were generated following repeated experimentation. This study widens the scope by implementation of "SRFA" mode of DNA typing technology in these indigenous domestic dairy animals to generate polymorphism DNA markers and form a part of the long-term goal of trapping quantitative trait loci through integration of various techniques in order to further assist enrichment of the process of marker assisted selection (MAS) in the Indian dairy population. 830 Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Kappa-casein genotyping of Indian buffalo breeds using PCRRFLP. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(2): 195-202 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pipalia, D.L; Ladani, D.D; Brahmkshtri, B.P; Rank, D.N; Joshi, C.G; Vataliya, P.H; Solanki, J.V Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to determine polymorphism at kappa -casein locus of buffalo. Caseins are milk proteins existing in several molecular forms ( alpha s1, alpha s2, beta and kappa ) with variant alleles of each. kappa -Casein variant B is reported to be favourable for milk quality and considered to be included in breeding strategies of dairy animals. PCR-RFLP is a fast and efficient method for discrimination between different kappa -casein variants and is also useful for genotyping bulls. DNA samples from 4 different buffalo breeds (18 Jafarabadi, 29 Surti, 44 Mehsana and 5 Pandharpuri) were subjected to PCR amplification using bovine kappa -casein primers and the PCR product of 379 bp was digested with Hind III and Hinf I. The PCR products from all the DNA samples showed only 2 bands 225 and 154 bp on Hind III digestion and only 288 and 91 bp fragments on Hinf I digestion. Thus, all the animals were genotyped as BB. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Physical mapping of 31 bovine cosmids on river buffalo chromosomes using fish. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(1): 33-47 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prakash, B; Gustavsson, I; Olsaker, I Institution: Organization: Content : Gene mapping in buffaloes has been slow and confined to few laboratories as compared to other farm animal species. Introduction of powerful genetic markers, such as microsatellites, and advances in physical gene mapping techniques such as synteny mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and successful use of clones across related species has, however, given impetus to the buffalo gene map in recent years. In this study, we describe the chromosomal localization of 31 cosmid-derived microsatellites on river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) chromosomes using FISH. A bovine (Bos taurus) cosmid library was screened with probes corresponding to the (GT)10 microsatellite motif and the positive clones were mapped by FISH. All the 31 cosmids were physically assigned for the first time on the buffalo map and yielded specific signal on one of the buffalo chromosomes. The 31 clones identified loci on 13 of the 26 river buffalo chromosomes accounting for about 60% of the genome. Two or more markers were placed on 8 chromosomes. The study provides first assignments to the X chromosome. 831 Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Bubaline beta -lactoglobulin gene polymorphism: a contrast from its bovine counterpart. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(3): 291-298 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Badola, S; Bhattacharya, T.K; Biswas, T.K; Shivakumar, B.M; Pushpendra Kumar; Misra, S.S; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted on two buffalo breeds (Murrah and Bhadwari) and two cattle breeds (Jersey and Holstein Friesian) to compare the polymorphism of beta -lactoglobulin gene between riverine buffalo and cattle. The polymorphism was identified using PCR-RFLP on a fragment spanning over 104 bases of exon IV and 294 bases of intron IV with Hae III restriction enzyme. Buffalo beta -lactoglobulin gene showed monomorphism with one kind of restriction pattern while its cattle counterpart showed polymorphism with two alleles (A and B) and three genotypes (AA, AB and BB). The restriction sites of Hae III in buffalo and cattle beta -lactoglobulin gene differed at the 162nd and 220th position of the fragment where the restriction site at the 162nd position was absent in buffaloes and the site at the 220th position was absent in cattle. The nucleotide sequence of bubaline beta lactoglobulin gene fragment was submitted to the EMBL data bank under accession numbers AJ492505 and AJ492506. Sequence analysis indicated that both buffalo breeds has more than 99% homology in the beta -lactoglobulin gene while the similarity of cattle and buffalo gene counterpart was nearly 95%. The phylogenetic tree analysis depicted the relatively higher distance between cattle and buffalo than between two buffalo breeds. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Karyotyping of Tarai buffalo in comparison with Murrah breed. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 197-201 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chauhan, A.K; Prasad, R.B; Chauhan, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : The present investigation was carried out on Tarai and Murrah buffaloes of both sexes (10 each), maintained at the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar and nearby village to determine the karyotype of chromosomes. Whole blood culture preparation was done to obtain metaphase spreads. The diploid number of chromosomes in Tarai and Murrah breeds were found to be 2n=50 (48 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes). The first four pairs of autosomes were submetacentric, while the fifth pair was nearly metacentric in Tarai buffaloes. In Murrah buffaloes, the first, second and fourth pairs were nearly submetacentric and the third and fifth pairs were nearly metacentric. The relative length of autosomes ranged from 7.84+or0.15 to 1.61+or-0.09% in Tarai and 7.99+or-0.09% to 1.70+or-0.02% in Murrah buffaloes in descending order. X chromosome was the largest 832 acrocentric in both Tarai and Murrah buffalo. Y chromosome was found to be smallest in both genetic groups in Tarai (1.49+or-0.08%) and Murrah (1.41+or-0.02%) breed. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: PCR-RFLP polymorphism at prolactin locus in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 237-242 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ladani, D.D; Pipalia, D.L; Brahmkshtri, B.P; Rank, D.N; Joshi, C.G;Vataliya, P.H; Solanki, J.V Institution: Organization: Content : Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of 21 Jafarabadi, 44 Mehsana and 29 Surti buffaloes and subjected to polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for polymorphism analysis of exon 1 of the prolactin (PRL) locus. It was shown that an 857-bp fragment of the PRL gene was amplified, and was homologous to the cattle PRL gene. A PRL sequence variation was detected for Jafarabadi compared to Mehsana and Surti buffaloes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: A study on status, performance and molecular characterization of Bhadawari buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 71-82 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pundir, R.K; Navani, N.K; Jain, P.K; Pande, D.P; Kumar, S Institution: Organization: Content : The breeding performance of Bhadawari buffaloes in Agra and Etawah districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bhind and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh in India was studied. The survey conducted in the districts gave a very gloomy picture about the status of the breed. In the surveyed villages, the number of Bhadawari buffaloes ranged from 2 to 5 animals per village. Calves of the breed were found to be mostly crossbred, and the population is declining sharply. The main reason of this decline is the non-availability of Bhadawari bulls. The performance of the breed was studied by analysing 400 lactation records from 78 buffaloes maintained at the Bhadawari buffalo breeding farm, from 1985 to 2000. The average age at first service, age at first calving, lactation milk yield, lactation length, dry period, gestation period, service period, inter-calving period, milk yield per day of lactation length and milk yield per day of calving interval were 1342+or-57 days, 1600+or-51 days, 1068+or-56 kg, 342+or-16 days, 192+or-22 days, 299+or-4 days, 237+or-27 days, 544+or-28 days, 3.27+or-0.24 kg and 2.02+or-0.13 kg, respectively. Lifetime traits were generated from performance records of 61 buffaloes which were either dead or auctioned off from the herd. The mean herd life, total milk production up to 3rd lactation, total days in milk up to 3rd lactation, percent days dry, percent days open, total days dry and total days open were 833 4376+or-274 days, 2918+or-121 kg, 995+or-26 days, 27.09+or-3.19, 23.9+or3.03, 1144+or-152 days and 1038+or-160 days, respectively. Microsatellite DNA marker analysis was carried out on 50 Bhadawari buffalo blood samples using 10 markers for genetic characterization. The number of alleles at different loci ranged from 3 to 10; heterozygosity ranged from 0.50 to 0.80, indicating high genetic variability. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Prolactin genotyping of Indian buffalo breeds using PCR-RFLP. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 203-208 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ladani, D.D; Pipalia, D.L; Brahmkshtri, B.P; Rank, D.N; Joshi, C.G; Vataliya, P.H; Solanki, J.V Institution: Organization: Content : Prolactin plays an important regulatory function in milk production and reproduction. Prolactin gene was explored in three buffalo breeds by PCRRFLP. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 21 Jafarabadi, 44 Mehsana and 29 Surti buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and also from semen samples of 2 Jafarabadi bulls. A 156 bp PRL gene exon III segment was amplified by PCR using bovine specific primers. RFLPs in this segment was studied using Rsa I restriction enzyme. Genotype AA was not detected in any of the breeds studied. The frequencies of AB and BB genotypes in Jafarabadi, Mehsana and Surti buffaloes were 0.87 and 0.13; 1.0 and 0.0; and 0.965 and 0.035, respectively. Frequencies of allele A and B were 0.435 and 0.565 in Jafarabadi, 0.5 each in Mehsana and 0.482 and 0.518 in Surti, respectively. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: RAPD-PCR analysis reveals Murrah and Bhadawari buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) specific amplicons. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 243-248 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Saifi,H.W; Bharat Bhushan; Sanjeev Kumar; Saxena,V.K; Kumar, K.G; Pushpendra Kumar; Arjava Sharma; Bisht,G.S; Koul,G.L; Singh,R.V Institution: Organization: Content : Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood of 30 Murrah and 30 Bhadawari buffaloes in order to detect genetic similarities and differences between both breeds. DNA was subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNApolymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) and the genetic distance between breeds was also determined. It was shown that there was a low genetic distance (0.088) between both breeds, and that the obtained primers could be used to characterize Murrah, Bhadawari and other buffalo breeds. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic diversity analysis in Nagpuri vis-a-vis Murrah buffalo 834 using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(2): 161-172 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shende,P.K; Yadav,B.R Institution: Organization: Content : Genomic DNA of two indigenous breeds of buffaloes (Nagpuri and Murrah) was analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique to determine their polymorphism. The genomic DNA was isolated and evaluated for its concentration and quality. The good quality intact DNA obtained from 40 animals of each breed was subjected to PCR amplification using 11 RAPD primers. The information generated from the polymorphic patterns revealed by all the primers was used to determine band frequency, band sharing frequency, genetic distance, genetic identity index and mean average percentage (MAPD) within and between breeds. The average band sharing frequency within breed was 0.739+or-0.032 in Nagpuri and 0.669+or0.035 in Murrah. Band sharing between breeds was lower (0.490+or-0.062) than band sharing within breeds. The overall average genetic distance was 0.464+or-0.15 between the two breeds. The genetic identity index was 0.632+or-0.076 between Nagpuri and Murrah buffaloes. The RAPD fingerprint analysis showed that the average percentage difference (APD) value varied for each primer and MAPD for these two breeds was found to be 50.97+or-6.15. The differences observed in Nagpuri and Murrah buffalo breeds confirm the efficiency of RAPD markers in the differentiation of these breeds at molecular level. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Buffalo insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) gene polymorphism and its comparison with cattle. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(2): 183-192 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pushpendra Kumar; Vivek Choudhary; Padma,B; Shukla,A; Misra,A; Bhattacharya,T.K; Bhushan,B; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : A study on two breeds of buffaloes (Murrah and Bhadawari) and one breed of cattle (Holstein-Friesian) was carried out to compare the polymorphism of IGFBP-3 gene between buffaloes and cattle. Hae III PCR-RFLP was applied on a fragment of IGFBP-3 gene spanning over a part of exon 2, complete intron 2, exon 3 and a part of intron 3. Buffalo IGFBP-3 gene was monomorphic with respect to Hae III, yielding only one kind of restriction pattern while its cattle counterpart indicated polymorphism by producing two alleles. The amplified length of buffalo IGFBP-3 gene was 655 bp in contrast to 651 bp in cattle using the same set of primers. The restriction sites of Hae III in buffaloes and cattle were similar but differed in the length of some fragments due to the addition of few nucleotides in the intronic region of buffalo IGFBP-3 gene. The nucleotide sequence of IGFBP-3 gene fragment 835 from Murrah and Bhadawari breeds of buffalo and Holstein-Friesian cattle were sequenced and submitted to the NCBI Genbank (Accession no. AY304829, AY338972 and AY306011, respectively). Sequence analysis indicated that the Murrah and Bhadawari breeds of buffalo have more than 99% similarity in IGFBP-3 gene while the homology between IGFBP-3 fragment of buffaloes and cattle was nearly 95%. There was no difference in the nucleotide sequence of exonic region among these breeds showing highly conserved nature of the gene. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed relatively higher genetic distance between cattle and buffaloes as compared to that between the two breeds of buffaloes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic distance study between Murrah and South Kanara buffaloes using random amplified DNA markers. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(2): 153-159 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shashidhara,M.G; Ramesha,K.P; Govindaiah, M.G Institution: Organization: Content : RAPD analysis was conducted using 19 random decamer oligonucleotide primers to study the genetic similarities and divergence between South Kanara and Murrah buffaloes. Only four primers (ILO 1127, ILO 868, BG 86, OPAC 4) produced consistent polymorphic RAPD fingerprints. Primer ILO 868 and Primer BG 86 produced Murrah breed specific fragments of 110 bp and 638 bp, respectively. Male specific fragment of 236 bp length was produced by primer ILO 868 in Murrah as well as in South Kanara buffaloes which could be developed as a marker for sex determination. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the MAPD values observed between the target breeds. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Bayesian clustering of three buffalo populations of India. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2005; 21(1): 17-26 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tantia,M.S; Vijh,R.K; Bina Mishra; Bharanikumar,S.T; Reena Arora Institution: Organization: Content : Microsatellite data was generated using 24 heterologous loci in three buffalo populations. The data was analysed for structuring the buffalo populations. Three distinct genetic groups were found. The analysis was carried out for assignment of individuals to their populations of origin. Three methods viz; Principal component analysis, inter-individual distances using proportion of shared alleles and Bayesian analysis were utilized for the purpose. Half of the individuals of Tarai and Bhadawari populations were found to have varying proportion of contributions from the populations. The assignment accuracy was maximum using Bayesian analysis which was further improved when the 836 prior information of sampling was also utilized. The genetic distances were also estimated between the populations. The genetic distances using number of repeats ( delta mu )2 and allele sharing was maximum between Bhadawari and Kerala buffaloes. The population differentiation between Bhadawari and Kerala buffaloes was significant as estimated by FST and RST estimates. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Physical and microsatellite based characterization of Tarai buffalo of India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Newsletter. 2003; (19): 12-14 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arora,R; Lakhchaura,B. D; Prasad,R. B; Chauhan,A; Bais,R. K. S; Tantia,M. S; Vijh,R. K Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to generate information on the population status and breed utility of the Tarai buffalo and management practices of marginal farmers and those in the Van Gujar community ('Khattas') in Uttaranchal, India. Also, the within population genetic diversity was determined using microsatellite markers. For molecular genetic characterization, blood samples from 40 unrelated buffaloes were collected, and a set of 22 bovine microsatellite markers were used to study the genetic polymorphism within the population. These buffaloes are medium-sized animals, greyish brown to black in colour, with a compact body and strong built. The average height of the adult Tarai buffalo is 156 cm. The milk yield of these buffaloes average from 2 to 4 kg/day, with an average lactation yield of 1054 kg. The overall lactation length is 291 days. The buffaloes are used both for milk and draught purposes. Marginal farmers rear majority of these buffaloes under low input based management systems. The animals are housed in well-ventilated sheds that are mostly of the closed type and form part of their residence. Sanitary conditions are poor. In the villages, only one to three breeding females are kept, whereas in the 'Khattas', the herd may be as large as hundreds. Karyotyping of the Tarai buffalo revealed 50 chromosomes, and that it is of the riverine type. A set of 22 microsatellite loci was found to be polymorphic in the Tarai genome. Genotyping of these polymorphic microsatellite loci revealed alleles ranging from 2 to 7; observed heterozygosity was 0.60. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Satellite-tagged transcribing sequences in Bubalus bubalis genome undergo programmed modulation in meiocytes: possible implications for transcriptional inactivation. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: DNA and Cell Biology. 2001; 20(9): 587-593 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Munmun Chattopadhyay; Supriya Gangadharan; Vipra Kapur; Azfer,M.A; Braham Prakash; Sher Ali Institution: Organization: Content : 837 We cloned and sequenced a 1378 bp BamHI satellite DNA fraction from the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis and studied its expression in different tissues. The GC-rich sequences of the resultant contig pDS5 crosshybridize only with bovine DNA and are not conserved evolutionarily. Typing of buffalo genomic DNA using pDS5 with several restriction enzymes revealed multilocus monomorphic bands. Similar typing of cattle, buffalo, goat, sheep and gaur genomic DNA revealed variations in copy number and allele length giving rise to species-specific band patterns. Expression study of pDS5 in bubaline samples by RNA slot-blot, Northern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed various levels of signal in all the somatic tissues and germline cells except heart. A GenBank database search revealed homology of pDS5 sequences in the 5' region from nt 1-1261 with collagen gene. An AluI typing analysis of DNA from bubaline semen samples showed consistent loss of two bands. The presence of corresponding bands in somatic tissues suggests a sequence modulation within the pDS5 array in meiocytes during spermatogenesis, which is restored in the somatic cells after fertilization. Modulation of the satellite-tagged transcribing sequence in the meiocytes may be a mechanism of its inactivation. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Variability of milk fat globule membrane protein gene between cattle and riverine buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: DNA Sequence. 2004; 15(5/6): 326-331 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhattacharya,T.K; Misra,S-S; Sheikh,F.D; Dayal,S; Vohra,V; Kumar,P; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : A study on butyrophilin (BTN) gene was conducted to detect variability at nucleotide level between cattle and buffalo. Hae III PCR-RFLP was carried out in crossbred cattle and it revealed polymorphism at this locus. Three genotypes namely, AA, BB and AB and two alleles were observed with frequencies 0.78, 0.17, 0.04 and 0.87, 0.13, respectively. The sequences of different cattle, buffalo and sheep breeds have been reported in the EMBL gene bank with accession numbers: AY491468 to AY491475. The nucleotides, which have been substituted from allele A to B, were found to be C to G (71st nucleotide), C to T (86th nucleotide), A to T (217th nucleotide), G to A (258th nucleotide), A to C (371st nucleotide) and C to T (377th nucleotide). The nucleotide substitution at 71st, 86th and 377th position of the fragment were expected to be a silent mutation where as nucleotide changes at 217th, 258th and 371st positions were expected to be substituted by lysine with arginine, valine with isoleucine and leucine with proline in allele B. The differences of nucleotides and amino acids between cattle, buffalo and sheep breeds have been revealed and on the basis of nucleotide as well as protein variability the phylogenetic diagram have been developed indicating closeness between cattle and buffalo. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic polymorphism of alpha-lactalbumin gene in riverine 838 buffalo. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: DNA Sequence. 2005; 16(3): 173-179 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dayal,S; Bhattacharya,T.K; Vohra,V; Kumar,P; Sharma,A Institution: Organization: Content : Alpha-lactalbumin (alpha -LA) is a major whey protein found in milk. Polymorphs of alpha -LA gene are reported to be significantly associated with milk production and constituent traits. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to detect polymorphism in alpha -LA at the genic level and to explore allelic variability at this locus. A total of 196 animals, belonging to four breeds of riverine buffalo viz. Bhadwari, Mehsana, Surti and Murrah were included under the present investigation. Two fragments i.e. 133 bp (Exon 1) and 159 bp (Exon 2) of alpha -LA gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subsequently, single strand confirmation polymorphism (SSCP) study was carried out to identify different allelic pattern and genotypes of the animal included in the study. Both fragment of alpha -LA gene was found to be polymorphic in all the four breeds of riverine buffalo. Number of genotypes and allele varied breed to breed for both the fragments. In case of 133 bp fragment, four alleles A, B, C and D were found among different breeds of buffalo whereas in 159 bp fragment, five alleles namely A, B, C, D and E was found in different breeds. Nucleotide sequence data of different alleles showed the presence of both silent as well as functional mutation leading to variability in polypeptide chain. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: PstI repeat: a family of short interspersed nucleotide element (SINE)-like sequences in the genomes of cattle, goat, and buffalo. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Genome. 2002; 45(1): 44-50 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sheikh,F.G; Mukhopadhyay,S.S; Prabhakar Gupta Institution: Organization: Content : The PstI family of elements are short, highly repetitive DNA sequences interspersed throughout the genome of the Bovidae. We have cloned and sequenced some members of the PstI family from cattle, goat, and buffalo. These elements are ~500 bp, have a copy number of 2x105 - 4x105, and comprise of ~4% of the haploid genome. Studies of nucleotide sequence homology indicate that the buffalo and goat PstI repeats (type II) are similar types of short interspersed nucleotide element (SINE) sequences, but the cattle PstI repeat (type I) is considerably more divergent. Additionally, the goat PstI sequence showed significant sequence homology with bovine serine tRNA, and is, therefore, likely derived from serine tRNA. Interestingly, Southern hybridization suggests that both types of SINEs (I and II) are present in all the species of Bovidae. Dendrogram analysis indicates that cattle PstI SINE is similar to bovine Alu-like SINEs. Goat and buffalo SINEs formed a separate cluster, suggesting that these two types of SINEs evolved separately in the 839 genome of the Bovidae. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Transferrin polymorphism and their correlation with traits of economic importance in Murrah and Berari buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 1999; 20(2): 94-96 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ballewar,V.R.M; Ali, S.Z; Sirothia, A.R Institution: Organization: Content : In the present study 6 transferrin types were found in the decreasing order of their mobility i.e. TfDD, TfDN, TfDN, TfNN, TfNK and TfKK which were controlled by 3 codominant alleles, TfD, TfN and TfN. Age at first calving was non-significantly correlated in both the breeds. Lactation length both in Murrah and Berari [Nagpuri] buffaloes were positively correlated with distance of migration. The lactation yield was significantly correlated in Berari buffaloes. Dry period in Murrah buffaloes was positively significantly correlated with distance of migration of transferrin but not in Berari buffaloes. Intercalving period in both the breeds was found to be statistically not correlated. It is suggested that the selection for faster migration transferrin types i.e TfDD, TfDN and TfDN with due consideration to standard selection procedures may improve the lactation in Berari buffalo. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Gene synteny identification by somatic cell hybridization in Indian river buffalo. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(5): 491-493 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Joshi,C.G; Rank, D.N; Thiagarajan,V; Kanakaraj, P; Nainar, A.M; Krishnan,A .R Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to identify the possible synteny among glucose-6phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and alpha -galactosidase ( alpha -GAL) in Indian river buffalo. Synteny identification of the Indian river buffalo was performed by buffalo x mouse somatic cell hybrids. G6PD and PGK of mouse origin were electrophoretically faster and alpha -GAL was slower when compared to buffalo. Concordancy for G6PD, PGK and alpha -GAL of buffalo origin was 100% and, hence, considered syntenic in Indian river buffalo. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Polymorphism in exon 2 of the BuLA-DRB3 gene in Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis var. indicus) detected by PCR-RFLP. Year of publication: Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Science. 2000; 70(2): 221-226 AB: Country of Origin: India 840 Author’s name: Aravindakshan, T.V; Nainar,A.M; Sivaselvam,S.N Institution: Organization: Content : PCR primers specific to exon 2 of the bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)DRB3 gene were used successfully to amplify the equivalent region in 34 Murrah and 36 Surti buffaloes selected at random. The 304 bp amplified product of the DRB3 gene was separately digested with BstYI, HaeIII and RsaI enzymes. Digestion with BstYI did not reveal any polymorphism and all animals showed a single restriction pattern, which corresponded exactly to the BstYI pattern 'b' previously described for cattle. Digestion with HaeIII resulted in 5 patterns, 4 of which corresponded to the HaeIII patterns previously reported in cattle. The new HaeIII pattern was observed in both the breeds of buffaloes studied. The fragment analysis with RsaI revealed 13 different patterns. All of these RsaI patterns corresponded to the RsaI patterns previously described for cattle. The high degree of similarity in the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of cattle and buffalo observed in the present study provide evidence for the strong conservation amongst other bovine species of restriction sites previously reported in cattle. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: A common method for MHC typing of farm animals using PCRRFLP. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jul 2000). v. 70(7) p. 716-717. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rasool,T.J.; Dechamma,H.J.; Sreekumar,E. Institution: Organization: Content : Exon-2 of the Dr- B gene in the class-II region of MHC is known to be highly polymorphic and it forms part of the antigen recognition site. The variations are confined to certain sequences coding for the antigen recognition site. To test whether there are any conserved regions also within the sequence, the technique of polymerase chain reaction was applied to amplify the exon-2 from cattle, buffalo, sheep and ginea pig using a pair of bovine specific primers. All the animals from different species resulted in a fragment of the same size showing that, the same pair of primers can be used for MHC typing of different farm animals using the PCR-RFLP method. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Identification of gtg specific microsatellite dna in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) genome. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Apr 2001). v. 71(4) p.385-387. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: De,Sachinandan; Yadav,B.R.; Singh,R.K Institution: Organization: 841 Content : Genomic library of Murrah buffalo was constructed plasmid pBluescript SK II (-) vector. The size of the inserts in the recombinant clone ranged from 0.3-1.0 kb. The primary screening of the genomic library was done to identify the clones carrying insert having (GTG) trinucleotide repeat sequences. Slot blot hybridization of plasmid minipreps helped in selecting the particular clone having more repeats in the insert DNA. The Southern hybridization of linerarized recombinant plasmid DNA could confirm the identify of (GTG) 5 repeats in cloned insert DNA. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: The Eco RI-induced band pattern in buffalo chromosomes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(6): 556-558 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tomar,S.S; Goswami,S.L Institution: Organization: Content : The longitudinal differentiation of fixed metaphase chromosomes of Murrah and Nili Ravi breeds of buffalo was studied by digestion with restriction endonuclease (RE) Eco RI and subsequent staining with Giemsa, employing four animals of both sex for each breed. All the chromosomes of both breeds exhibited G-like band pattern. Breed differences could not be detected for banding pattern. The standardized band pattern on first five autosomes and Xchromosome of buffaloes was prepared. The results suggest that the structural organization of specific chromosome regions play a primary role in determining the cytological effect after RE treatment. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Identification of GTG specific microsatellite DNA in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) genome. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(4): 385-387 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sachinandan-De; Yadav,B.R; Singh,R.K Institution: Organization: Content : Genomic library of Murrah buffalo was constructed in plasmid pBluescript SKII(-) vector. The size of the inserts in the recombinant clone ranged from 0.3-1.0 kb. The primary screening of the genomic library was done to identify the clones carrying inserts having (GTG) trinucleotide repeat sequences. Slot blot hybridization of plasmid minipreps helped in selecting the particular clone having more repeats in the insert DNA. The Southern hybridization of linearized recombinant plasmid DNA could confirm the identity of (GTG) 5 repeats in cloned insert DNA. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: beta -Lactoglobulin of mithun, (Bos frontalis), can be used as marker protein. 842 Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(4): 346-347 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nath,N.C Institution: Organization: Content : Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that mithun, (B. frontalis), whey contained all the protein fractions which were present in zebu and buffalo, viz. beta -lactoglobulin, alpha -lactalbumin, blood serum albumin and immunoglobulin. But the beta -lactoglobulin variants were distinct in electrophoretic behaviour from zebu and buffalo, which could be used in detecting adulteration of milk of mithun with that of zebu and buffalo, and vice-versa. It could also be useful in determining the genotype of purebred and hybrids produced in mithun crossbreeding programme. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Evaluation of heterologous microsatellite markers for genetic polymorphism and genetic distancing in indigenous buffalo populations. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(11): 1247-1255 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Reena Arora; Lakhchaura,B. D; Prasad,R. B; Tantia,M. S; Uma Sharma; Vijh,R. K Institution: Organization: Content : A set of 10 autosomal bovine microsatellite markers was analysed on the Bhadawari and Tarai buffalo DNA samples using PCR and PAGE. All the bovine microsatellites used in this study amplified well and were polymorphic in the 2 buffalo populations. The mean number of alleles detected per locus was 3.7; this being the average of genetic diversity detected in the populations. The mean observed heterozygosity was 0.60 and the average expected heterozygosity across all loci for both populations was 0.54. The PIC values for various markers ranged from 0.28 to 0.66 suggesting the potential use of these heterologous microsatellite markers for population genetic studies in buffalo species. There was no genetic differentiation between the 2 populations and half the loci in both populations were not in Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium. The values for Nie's standard, Nei's minimum, Roger's, Wright's and Reynold's genetic distances were 0.1123, 0.0524, 0.1998, 0.2288 and 0.0844, respectively. The genetic distances estimated between individuals using the allele-sharing method were utilized to construct topology/tree using UPGMA and NJ algorithm. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: PCR-SSCP typing of MHC in cattle and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jun 2004). v. 74(6) p. 637-639. AB: 843 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pipalia,D.L.; Joshi,C.G.; Rank,D.N.; Brahmkshri,B.P.; Solanki,J.V. Institution: Organization: Content : BoLA-DRB3 gene polymorphism was investigated in 2 cattle breeds (Gir and Kankrej) and 2 buffalo breeds (Jaffrabadi and Mehsani) by PCR single strand conformation. Genomic DNA was isolated from 42,45,42 and 25 blood samples collected each from Gir,Kankrej,Jaffrabadi and Mehsani animals respectively. A 284 bp BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 segment was amplified by heminesting PCR, using the locus specific primers. The PCR products were subjected to a non-denaturing gel electrophoresis on MDE gel. Out of total 16 SSCP patterns observed, Gir showed 13, Kankrej 10,Jaffrabadi 14 and Mehsani 4 different patterns. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Estimation of the coefficient of gene replication in an organized farm of Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(12): 1227-1228 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chadha, K.K; Neel Kant; Dixit, S.P; Tiwana, M.S Institution: Organization: Content : The calf production records of 482 Murrah buffaloes maintained over a period of 12 years (1972-1983) in India were studied to estimate the coefficient of gene replication (CGR). Annual replacement index was obtained on 925 buffalo heifer calvings and 1025 adult buffaloes, which left the herd over 23 years (1974-1996). The average value of CGR based on total calf production records of 482 buffaloes was 0.45. The CGR values varied from 0.31 to 0.59 over different years. 45% of the buffaloes left no female progenies in the herd, which could reach the age at first calving. The overall replacement index (0.85) over 23 years revealed that 85% of total buffaloes could replace themselves in this herd. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic polymorphism of DRB 3.2 gene in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) by PCR-RFLP. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(4): 432-434 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sanjeev Singh; Bharat Bhushan; Sanjeev Kumar; Pushpendra Kumar; Arjava Sharma. Institution: Organization: Content : The polymorphism of the DRB 3.2 gene was studied by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique in 844 Murrah buffaloes. The genotypes observed were homozygous and heterozygous. The presence of different patterns suggests that the DRB3 gene in buffaloes is highly polymorphic. The high degree of polymorphism observed in this study suggests the possibility of using PCR-RFLP for the identification of superior haplotypes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: PCR-SSCP typing of MHC in cattle and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(6): 637-639 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pipalia,D.L; Joshi,C.G; Rank,D.N; Brahmkshtri,B.P; Solanki, J.V Institution: Organization: Content : BoLA-DRB3 gene polymorphism was investigated in 2 cattle breeds (Gir and Kankrej) and 2 buffalo breeds (Jafarabadi and Mehsana) by PCR single strand conformation. Genomic DNA was isolated from 42, 45, 42 and 25 blood samples collected from Gir, Kankrej, Jafarabadi and Mehsana animals, respectively. A 284-bp BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 segment was amplified by heminesting PCR, using the locus specific primers. The PCR products were subjected to a non-denaturing gel electrophoresis on MDE gel. Out of a total of 16 SSCP patterns observed, Gir showed 13 different patterns, while Kankrej showed 10, Jafarabadi 14 and Mehsana 4. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Estimation of genetic distance using allele frequencies at microsatellite loci in buffalo populations. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(3): 282-288 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vijh,R.K; Bina Mishra; Reena Arora; Uma Sharma; Tantia,M.S Institution: Organization: Content : The blood samples from 104 individuals were collected from unrelated animals belonging to 3 buffalo populations. The populations were Tarai, Bhadawari and Local populations of Kerala. The DNA was isolated and microsatellite data on 24 loci was generated. The data was subjected to analysis for the estimation of genetic distances based on arithmetic and geometrical considerations viz; Nei's DA, Allele sharing distance Das, Cavalli Sforza Edward's Chord distance Dc, Prevosti distance Cp and Roger's distance Dr. The phylogenetic tree/topology was prepared using both NJ and UPGMA method. The distances utilized for this purpose were population, as well as inter-individual distances. The genetic distance was least among Tarai and Bhadawari populations and were closely related and this may be attributed due to the fact that the two populations are in geographical contiguity. The 845 bootstrap values on loci were 100% giving reliability to the tree. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Comparative evaluation of three buffalo populations using microsatellite markers. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(3): 289-296 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vijh,R.K; Bina Mishra; Reena Arora; Preeti Chaudhary; Uma Sharma; Tantia,M S Institution: Organization: Content : Data generated on 24 microsatellite loci from 3 buffalo populations viz. Bhadawari, Tarai and Kerala buffaloes was subjected to analysis for estimation of genetic distances. The genetic distances calculated were Nei's minimum, Nei's standard, Latter's Fst, Reynolds' distances (IAM). The genetic distances based on SMM were also estimated. These were average squared distance (ASD), delta mu square [( delta mu )2], Shrivers' Dsw and similarity index (DR). The dendrograms were prepared using both UPGMA and NJ algorithms. The Tarai and Bhadawari populations were close to one another and this was expected because of the contiguity of their breeding tract resulting in increased gene flow. The results of all the genetic distances were similar except ASD, which is not the right method for closely related populations of a species. The inter-individual distances were also estimated and clustering of individuals was done utilizing UPGMA and NJ methods. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Evaluation of buffalo populations for mutation-drift equilibrium. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(7): 803-811 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vijh,R.K; Bina Mishra; Preeti Chaudhary; Riti Singh; Reena Arora; Tantia,M.S; Kumar,S.T.B Institution: Organization: Content : Data was generated for 24 microsatellites in 3 buffalo populations/breeds such as Bhadawari (n=40), Tarai (n=40) and local buffaloes (n=24) of Kerala. Both qualitative, as well as quantitative tests were conducted to evaluate the population for mutation-drift-equilibrium. The data were analysed for heterozygosity excess and allelic distribution. Standardized difference test and Wilcoxon rank test, being parametric, were utilized in all the 3 mutation models to draw inferences. The TPM showed that Kerala and Tarai buffaloes experienced population bottlenecks in the last 100-250 generations. The qualitative (graphical) test, however, did not exhibit a mode shift distortion in all the 3 population of buffaloes and gave normal L-shaped curves. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Current status of river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) gene map: comparison with the bovine (Bos taurus) map. 846 Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 53(3): 190-199 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prakash,B Institution: Organization: Content : The status of the river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) gene map upto the end of December, 1999 is presented. Mapping information is available for a total of 79 loci spread over three fourths of the buffalo genome with an average of 4.65 assignments per mapped chromosome. The 79 loci, composed of 41 coding sequences and 38 anonymous DNA segments (mostly microsatellites) have been assigned to 16 autosomes and the X-chromosome. No loci have yet been assigned to 8 autosomes and the Y chromosome. Comparison of the cattle and river buffalo gene maps confirms their close evolutionary and genetic relationship and suggests possibility of extrapolating mapping information from one species to the other. Few ambiguities and discrepancies between cattle and river buffalo chromosome numbering/homologies are discussed. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: A simple method for IGFBP 3 gene typing of farm animals using PCR-RFLP technique. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 56(1): 52-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pushpendra Kumar; Shukla,A; Bhattacharya,T.K; Bhushan,B; Choudhary,V; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are a family of polypeptides that stimulate cell growth, metabolism and differentiation. Most of the circulatory IGFs are found in association with a specific growth hormone-dependent glycoprotein, designated as insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP 3). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was applied to amplify 651 bp fragment of IGFBP 3 gene from cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat. The amplified product consists of a part of exon 2, complete intron 2, exon 3 and ends in intron 3. The digestion of PCR product with Hae III restriction enzyme revealed a single restriction pattern with 8 fragments of sizes 199, 164, 154, 56, 36, 18, 16 and 8 bp in all the animals studied (excluding exotic cattle) and was found to be non-polymorphic. This was assigned as AA genotype while exotic cattle (HF and Jersey) possessed three restriction fragment patterns of 199, 164, 154, 56, 36, 18, 16 and 8 bp (AA genotype): 215, 164, 154, 56, 36, 18, 8 bp (BB genotype) and 215, 199, 164, 154, 56, 36, 18, 16 and 8 bp (AB genotype) and was found to be polymorphic. All the animals from different species resulted in an amplified fragment of the same size (651 bp), showing that the same pair of primers can be used for IGFBP 3 gene typing of different farm animals using PCR-RFLP technique. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology 847 Subject: The ALU I-induced band pattern in cattle and buffalo chromosomes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(5): 408-411 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tomar,S.S; Goswami,S.L Institution: Organization: Content : Treatment of cattle and buffalo chromosomes with Alu I revealed a C-like band pattern. Whereas X-chromosome and few small acrocentrics of cattle were C-band negative, modified/reduced C-like bands were observed on few other autosomes. Some buffalo chromosomes also revealed reduced C-like bands. Conspicuous heterochromatin blocks were present on submetacentric autosomes of buffaloes. Polymorphic C-like bands were also evident on some chromosome pairs of these species. The results suggested the heterochromatin heterogeneity in bovines. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic studies on persistency of milk production in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(8): 711-712 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pathodiya,O.P; Jain,L.S; Tailor,S.P; Taparia,A.L Institution: Organization: Content : Data on weekly milk yield up to 30 weeks of 374 Surti buffaloes were collected at the Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar, India to estimate persistency index of milk production. The duration of 18 years (1977-94) was grouped into 6 periods, and each year was divided into 3 seasons, summer (March-June), rainy (July-October) and winter (November-February). The persistency indices were calculated using 6 methods: PI1, ratio of milk yield during descending and ascending phase; PI2, rate of increase in weekly milk yield; PI3, rate of decrease in weekly milk yield; PI4, difference in milk yield at first 26 weeks and 10 weeks of lactation/milk yield in first 10 weeks of lactation; PI5, 2nd 14 week yield/1st 14 week yield; and PI6, 4(11-20 weeks yield/1-10 weeks yield) + 3(21-30 weeks yield/11-20 weeks yield). The overall least-squares mean for PI1 was 4.06+or-0.32, and the overall average rate of increase (PI2) was 2.025+or-0.21 kg/week. The increase in milk yield per week during descending phase (PI3) was 1.07+or-0.04 kg. The leastsquares means for PI4, PI5 and PI6 were 1.23+or-0.02, 0.69+or-0.01 and 0.80+or-0.01, respectively. Period of calving had highly significant (P<0.01) effect on first lactation persistency for method PI1 and it has significant (P<0.05) effect on PI3, PI4 and PI5. Persistency values of PI1, PI5 and PI6 were significantly higher in cows calving in the rainy season. Differences between summer and winter calvers were also significant. The effect of sires was non-significant on all the 6 persistency indices. Phenotypic relationship among PI4, PI5 and PI6 were all positive and significant (P<0.01) indicating that the persistency measured by method PI4, PI5 and PI6 were almost similar 848 in describing the persistency. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: BoLa-DRB3 gene polymorphism in Jafarabadi and Mehsana buffaloes as revealed by PCR-RFLP. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(7): 652-656 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Acharya,C.P; Pipalia, D.L; Rank, D.N; Joshi,C.G; Brahmkshtri, B.P; Solanki,J.V; Shah,R.R Institution: Organization: Content : BoLA-DRB3 gene polymorphism was investigated in two buffalo breeds, Jafarabadi and Mehsana, by PCR-RFLP. A 284 bp BoLA-DRB3 exon 2 segment was amplified by hemi-nesting PCR and was digested with Hae III and Rsa I. Digestion with Hae III resulted in four RFLP patterns a, b, d and e in seven different combinations in Jafarabadi and four RFLP patterns a, b, d and e in nine different combinations in Mehsana. Pattern a and b were found to be more frequent in both breeds, while Rsa I restriction patterns were more complex. The fragment interpretation revealed 10 different restriction patterns with 15 combination in Jafarabadi and 7 different restriction patterns in 12 combinations in Mehsana. The results suggest a very high level of polymorphism in BoLA-DRB3 gene segment. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic analysis of Kalahandi buffaloes of Orissa. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2005; 82(2): 158-160 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dash, S.K; Patro,B.N; Rao,P.K Institution: Organization: Content : This study was carried out on 280 Kalahandi buffaloes belonging to farmers. The mean height at withers of male and female Kalahandi buffaloes was found to be 121.61+or-0.52 and 118.53+or-0.31 cm, respectively. The average body length of male and female Kalahandi buffaloes was found to be 121.55+or0.65 and 116.51+or-0.40 cm, respectively. Inheritance of the major conformation and economic traits in Kalahandi buffaloes indicated that these traits can be improved through individual selection. This biodiversity in buffalo germplasm and its uniqueness should be preserved, maintained and improved for the benefit of the economically backward people of the district. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Karotyping of swamp buffaloes of Assam. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Jun 2000). v. 77(6) p.499-500. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das,D.; Gogoi,P.K. 849 Institution: Organization: Content : The indigenous buffaloes of Assam are basically Swamp type. No study has so far been made to ascertain the number of chromosomes in these buffaloes. The crossbreds of Riverine buffaloes where chromosome number is 2n=50 adn swamp (2n=48) buffaloes reported to have exhibited reproductive disturbances which are more pronounced in males. As the hybrid females reported to be less affected in their fertility, hybridization can be carried out be carefully designing the breeding programme and exploiting the males for draught or meat purpose. A study was made for karyotyping of chromosomes of Swamp buffaloes of Assam to ascertain their chromosomes numbers for its possible implication in formulating the buffalo breeding policy. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic diversity analysis of two buffalo populations of northern India using microsatellite markers. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 2004; 121(2): 111-118 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arora, R; Lakhchaura,B.D; Prasad, R.B; Tantia, M.S; Vijh,R.K Institution: Organization: Content : The genetic diversity in two buffalo populations of northern India, the Bhadawari and the Tarai was assessed using a set of 22 heterologous (bovine) microsatellite markers. The average number of alleles across all loci in both populations was found to be 4.7, indicating that this set of 22 bovine microsatellite markers could be used to study genetic variation in buffalo species also. The overall polymorphic information content (PIC) value for these markers was 0.54. The average observed and expected heterozygosities for both populations were 0.59 and 0.64, respectively. Common alleles with varying allele frequencies in both populations also represented the genetic variability existing between Bhadawari and Tarai buffaloes. However the theta estimates for population differentiation indicated low levels of differentiation between the two populations. This was further supported by the low genetic distance (0.155) between Bhadawari and Tarai, which was calculated using Nei's standard genetic distance method. The present study on Bhadawari and Tarai populations represents a much-needed preliminary effort that could be extended to other local buffalo populations of India as well. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Partial genomic sequence of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ITGB2 gene. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Research. 2005; 28(1): 41-43 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Niranjan, S.K; Deb,S.M; Abhijit Mitra; Deepak Sharma; Ajay Sharma; Arjava Sharma 850 Institution: Organization: Content : A fragment of 367 bp corresponding to parts of fifth and sixth exons flanking intron five of ITGB2 was amplified in river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The Taq I-RFLP analysis showed the absence of BLAD (D128G) allele in the buffalo population studied. The sequence data of the amplicon, first report on buffalo ITGB2, was submitted to Genbank. Single nucleotide changes at seven places in fifth exon of buffalo ITGB2 led to substitution of Val140 and Asp159 and creation of one Msp I site. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Polymorphism of growth hormone gene and its association with expected milk production traits in dairy bulls. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Research. 2005; 27(1): 29-33 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Aruna Pal; Chakravarty,A.K; Bhattacharya,T.K; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the polymorphism of growth hormone gene and its probable association with the expected milk producing ability of cattle and buffalo expressed in term of expected predicted difference (EPD) of the dairy bulls. To explore the polymorphism in 4th exon, 4th intron and 5th exon of growth hormone gene in Karan Fries (KF) cattle (n=26) and Murrah buffalo (n=23) bulls and its association with expected milk producing ability, a 428 bp fragment was amplified and digested with Alu I restriction enzyme. Alleles L and V corresponding to the leucine and valine variant of growth hormone polypeptide and two genotypes, LL and LV, were identified in Karan Fries bulls, whereas only LL genotype was observed in Murrah bulls. Karan Fries bulls with LL genotype were found to have higher (P<=0.01) expected predicted difference with respect to milk production traits when compared with the LV heterozygotes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Estimate of genetic distance between Bhadawari and Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using band sharing frequency. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Research. 2005; 27(1): 11-15 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Saifi,H.W; Bharat Bhushan; Sanjeev Kumar; Pushpendra Kumar; Patra,B.N; Arjava Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : RAPD-PCR analysis was conducted on Bhadawari and Murrah buffalo breeds using 18 random primers wherein 11 primers yielded distinct RAPD profiles. 851 Primers OPA01, OPG05, OPA14 and BG15 generated relatively higher band sharing frequency (BSF) which ranged from 0.553 to 1.00 within and between the two breeds. The average pooled BSF was 0.724+or-0.049 within the Bhadawari breed, 0.675+or-0.048 within the Murrah breed and 0.566+or0.045 between the two breeds. The primer OPA04 showed the highest (0.720) genetic distance (D) between the two breeds. The overall genetic distance (0.219+or-0.071), based on BSF, indicated a lower degree of genetic divergence between Bhadawari and Murrah. It is concluded that the overall genetic distance based on BSF indicated a lower degree of genetic divergence between Bhadawari and Murrah buffaloes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Cytogenetic studies of chromosome in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2002; 6(Special): 606-609 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sukanta Roy; Mishra, S.K; Sahoo, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 30 buffaloes which included normal (n=5), anoestrus (n=14), repeat breeders (n=7) and abortion-type (n=4) were used. The metaphase chromosomes were studied from the lymphocyte culture. To study the abnormality in chromosome number and morphology, a total of 50 metaphase chromosome spreads, from 2 slides and from each buffalo, were examined microscopically. The buffaloes had 2n=50 chromosomes (48 autosomes and 2 sex chromosomes). The autosome pairs (1st to 4th) were submetacentric, whereas the 5th pair was almost metacentric. The 6th to 24th pair and the sex chromosomes were found to be acrocentric. The autosomal lengths (1st 24 pair) for normal, anoestrus, repeat breeder and abortion-type buffaloes had ranges of 1.7897+or-0.23458 to 0.48148+or-0.25752; 1.57830+or-0.05586 to 0.39931+or-0.02285; 1.88398+or-0.11616 to 0.49080+or-0.03181 and 1.94857+or-0.12606 to 0.45605+or-0.10627, respectively. The corresponding sex chromosome lengths were 1.52706+or-0.25752; 1.36867+or-0.05037; 1.62352+or-0.08993 and 1.67492+or-0.07845. The genomic length for the 4 groups were 24.49832+or-3.66809, 24.90851+or-0.85053, 25.52719+or1.44601 and 24.66952+or-1.43728, respectively. The mean relative chromosomal lengths for the 4 groups of buffaloes were 0.0411, 0.405, 0.0418 and 0.0440, respectively. The analysis of variance revealed no significant variation with respect to the lengths of the first 24 pairs of chromosomes and the sex chromosomes between normal buffaloes and those with reproductive disorders. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic association with the yield and purity OKF genomic DNA for buffalo cattle, goat, sheep and pig. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Journal of Interacademicia. 2004; 8(2): 240-243 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das, P.J; Ghosh, S.K; Dattagupta, R Institution: 852 Organization: Content : This study was conducted to estimate the genetic variation between yield and purity of DNA isolated from blood of buffalo, cattle, goat, sheep and pig. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and was isolated within 4 h using the salting out procedure. These isolated DNAs were purified by phenol chloroform and quantified at OD260 and OD280 using UV spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis revealed a significant variation in the DNA yield of the different species of animals (P<0.01). The mean ration of OD260 and OD280 of all animal species was between 1.75 and 1.80 and confirmed that the DNA isolated from the blood was pure. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Chromosome number and morphology of Purnathadi buffaloes of Maharashtra - centromeric index. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Livestock International. 2004; 8(2): 5-7 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Fuke,N.H; Sirothia,A.R; Sirothia,K.A; Joshi,D.K Institution: Organization: Content : Metaphase preparations of phenotypically normal female (n=10) and male (n=5) buffaloes belonging to the Livestock Instructional Farm in Akola, Maharashtra, India were obtained for cytogenetic investigation. It was shown that the diploid chromosome number was 2n=50; 24 pairs were autosomes and the remaining pair were sex chromosomes. The average centromeric indices were lower than those reported in Paralakhemundi buffaloes. In conclusion, the cytogenetic architecture of Purnathadi buffalo is more or less similar to Berari buffaloes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Genetic variability of Brazilian buffaloes: from the introduction to the molecular markers. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Proceedings of the 1st Buffalo Symposium of Americas, Belem, Para, Brazil, 1-4-September-2002. 2002; 252-263 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Marques, J.R.F; Albuquerque, M.S.M; Egito, A.A; Mariante, A.S; Costa,M.R Institution: Organization: Content : Genetic variability reflects the differences in organisms, which occur due to variations in the environment and/or alterations in the genotype of the individuals. The use of molecular markers has contributed a lot to the development and enhancement of these concepts and also for the verification of proposed models. It also permits the determination of the genetic value of an animal, with high precision, even before the expression of its phenotype. The production of an animal is the result of its genetic value (genotype) with the characteristics of the environment. The domestic buffaloes in the world are 853 classified, according to many authors, as Bubalus bubalis; it has two subspecies viz. B. bubalis bubalis (the river buffalo) and B. bubalis kerabao (the swamp buffalo). In general, the species B. bubalis, known worldwide as the water buffalo, is described with three subspecies viz. B. bubalis subsp. bubalis, B. bubalis subsp. kerebao and B. bubalis subsp. fulvus. B. bubalis subsp. bubalis is the domestic buffalo (karyotype 2=50 chromosomes) which is also called the river buffalo. Herds from India, Pakistan, China, Turkey and many European and American countries, even those from Italy, belong to this subspecies. In Brazil, this subspecies is represented by the breeds Jafarabadi, Mediterraneo and Murrah. B. bubalis subsp. kerebao, also known as the swamp buffalo (karyotype 2=48 chromosomes), are chiefly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Ceylon and Thailand; in Brazil, it is represented by the breed Carabao. B. bubalis subsp. fulvus, the native buffalo of the northeastern region of India (specifically in Assam), live generally in the wild or are semidomesticated. It is of a smaller size compared to the other subspecies. Its colour is brownish or reddish, resembling the Baio type from Brazil. The Brazilian buffaloes are classified into four breeds, officially known by the Brazilian Association of Buffalo Breeders (BABB) as Carabao, Jafarabadi, Mediterraneo and Murrah. The Baio type can be added as another breed, but it probably belongs to the Murrah group; these buffaloes have slightly increased in number in different parts of Brazil. At the end of the last century, many buffalo importations have been made for our country; however, the number of animals remained small, and were mainly of the Murrah and Jafarabadi breeds. Molecular markers are very important tools in studying this aspect. However, there are only few references with molecular markers in buffaloes. The relevant works in molecular genetics involve interspecies comparison of morphologic, biochemical and molecular markers, as in the case of the domestic Buffaloes. Molecular genetics can be used to determine which crossbreeding will have better responses and which animals inside a herd are genetically superior. The molecular markers associated with the productive characteristics are also the most secure indicators for the improvement of buffalo breeding programmes. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: PCR-RSP study of IL-2 gene in cattle and buffalo. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Proceedings of the 7th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier, France, August, 2002 -Session-9. 2002; 0-3 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhattacharya,T.K; Biswas,T.K; Badola,S; Pushpendra Kumar; Shukla,A; Sharma,A Institution: Organization: Content : The polymorphism study of interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene was performed in cattle and water buffalo using PCR-RSP technique. The two types of alleles, A and B was identified of which frequency of A allele was 0.80 in Nimari, 0.65 in Sahiwal, 0.69 in Jersey, 0.73 in Holstein-Freisian and 0.60 in buffalo. The lack of association of IL-2 gene with birth weight, first lactation milk yield per day of lactation length and age at first calving was established. 854 Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: Molecular cloning and expression profile analysis of interleukin10 and interleukin-18 cDNA of Indian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology. 2005; 107(3/4): 337-347 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Avinash Premraj; Sreekumar,E; Binita Nautiyal; Rasool,T J Institution: Organization: Content : The cDNAs encoding the interleukin-10 and interleukin-18 of Indian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) were cloned and sequenced. A 537 bp IL-10 cDNA fragment and a 623 bp IL-18 cDNA fragment were amplified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from concanavalin A stimulated splenocytes. Sequence analysis of these cytokines revealed high level conservation at nucleic acid and protein level. Both these cytokines also showed strict conservation in the predicted secondary structure and critical amino acid residues compared to the ruminant homologues. Basal level expression of both IL-10 and IL-18 was observed in liver, lung and spleen. The expression level of IL-10 was not affected by mitogenic stimulation, whereas IL-18 was up regulated upon stimulation. The availability of these cytokine molecules will aid in the study of their role in the immunology and pathogenesis of infections in water buffalo. Specialization: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Molecular Biology Subject: A 1.3 kb satellite DNA from Bubalus bubalis not conserved evolutionarily is transcribed. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung Section-C, Biosciences. 2004; 59(11/12): 874-879 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sunita Bhatnagar; Anu Bashamboo; Munmun Chattopadhyay; Supriya Gangadharan; Sher Ali Institution: Organization: Content : A 1.3-kb satellite DNA from a size-defined genomic library of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) was cloned and sequenced. The clone pSB1 is thymine-rich, with 447 (33.6%), 262 cytosine (19.7%), 240 guanine (19.0%) and 383 thymine (28.8%). There were about 1400 copies of the contig in the bubaline genome but it did not reveal allele length variation when used as a probe in conjunction with a number of restriction enzymes. The contig pSB1 was not conserved evolutionarily and cross hybridized only with the Bovidae. A set of primers from 5' (nt 422 to 441) and 3' (nt 962 to 947) deduced from the clone used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with 4 members of the Bovidae family gave the expected 530-bp band of equal intensity, indicating a similar number of copies in all 4 species, namely zebu (Bos indicus), goat (Capra hircus), sheep (Ovis aries) and buffalo. Expression studies with pSB1 following slot-blot hybridization with total RNA isolated 855 from the ovary, testes, kidney, lung and spleen revealed varying signal intensities in all the tissues, with the most prominent signal in the spleen but a faint one in the ovaries. Further sequence analysis revealed the presence of several eukaryotic transcriptional elements such as NF-E1, Poly-A signal, lariat consensus sequences and CTF/NF1 binding sites. BLAST search showed 90% sequence similarity with the reverse transcriptase gene of cattle (Bos taurus) and sequences from nt 283 to 636 within the contig showed highly conserved reverse transcriptase like signatures along with Nglycosylation and protein kinase C phosphorylation sites. In conclusion, the pSB1 representing satellite DNA is associated with transcribing sequences. The prospect of identifying functional genes linked with the satellite fraction in higher vertebrates is discussed. 11. GYNECOLOGY- OBSTETRICS Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) The reproductive pattern and efficiency of female buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Animal Reproduction Science. 2000; 60/61: 593-604 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, J; Nanda, A.S; Adams, G.P Institution: Organization: Content : A review. Buffaloes play a prominent role in rural livestock production, particularly in Asia. Reproductive efficiency is the primary factor affecting productivity and is hampered in female buffalo by (1) inherent late maturity, (2) poor oestrus expression in summer, (3) distinct seasonal reproductive patterns, and (4) prolonged intercalving intervals. Ovarian function is central to these issues; hence, the focal point of this paper is ovarian function in Bubalus bubalis, particularly, in relation to seasonal changes. Ovarian anatomy, follicular and luteal development, and hormonal profiles during the oestrous cycle are discussed. Review of the literature revealed a paucity of critically derived information on follicular and ovulatory patterns in buffalo, particularly, in relation to seasonal oestrus/birthing. Efforts may be directed at understanding the process (recruitment, development, atresia) and temporal pattern (follicle selection, dominance, subordinate follicle suppression, follicle numbers, and, preovulatory changes) of follicular dynamics using techniques which permit serial assessment of changes occurring over time. Emphasis may be directed towards investigating follicular 'waves' as a functional unit, rather than the oestrous cycle, in the context of whole animal endocrinology. The data obtained from such basic studies may then be used to develop and test models for enhancing reproductive efficiency. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of 65 kDa buffalo placental protein on B-cell proliferation and antibody response. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(3): 432856 437 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Deepthi, K; Rajput, Y.S Institution: Organization: Content : Immunosuppressive potential of 65 kDa buffalo placental protein (bPP65) on B-cell proliferation in vitro and antibody response in vivo was evaluated. Bcell proliferation was estimated by measuring incorporation of tritiated thymidine in buffalo lymphocytes while primary antibody responses against phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) were evaluated in mice. bPP65 suppressed proliferation of lipopolysaccharide (a Bcell specific mitogen)-stimulated buffalo lymphocytes in vitro indicating suppression of B-cells. This suppression was dose-dependent over the protein concentration range of 25-100 micro g/ml. Primary antibody responses in mice against PHA and KLH in the presence of bPP65 were lower as compared to when it was absent, but these were not statistically significant. Amino acid composition data of bPP65 and BSA suggested that bPP65 is different from BSA. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk: effect of lactation period, parity, mastitis, season in India, pH and milk processing heat treatment. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(6): 895899 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Subhadra Priyadarshini; Kansal V.K Institution: Organization: Content : Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk in relation to the period of lactation, parity of animal, weather conditions, and udder infections was studied. Effect of storage and heat processing of milk on lysozyme activity was determined. Lysozyme activity was higher in buffalo milk than in cow milk. Buffalo colostrum showed lysozyme activity 5 times of that in mature milk. Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk was not influenced by the parity of animal and the stage of lactation, however, it increased during extreme weather conditions (winter and summer). Lysozyme in both cow and buffalo milk exhibited maximum activity at pH 7.4. Buffalo milk lysozyme was fully stable, whereas the cow milk lysozyme was partly inactivated by pasteurization (low temperature-long time as well as high temperature-short time treatments). Lysozyme in buffalo milk was more stable than in cow milk during storage and heat treatment. A 10 to 50-fold increase in milk lysozyme activity was observed in mastitic cows. An assay of lysozyme activity in milk can be used to diagnose mastitis in cattle, but not in buffaloes. Some buffaloes exhibited 1000-fold greater lysozyme activity and moderately raised somatic cell count in milk, but there was no sign of mastitis in these animals. A possible role of milk lysozyme in prevention of mastitis in buffaloes is discussed. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics 857 Subject: Reproductive biotechnologies for improvement of buffalo: the current status. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 16(7): 1071-1086 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Purohit, G.N; Duggal, G.P; Dadarwal, D; Dinesh Kumar; Yadav, R.C; Vyas, S Institution: Organization: Content : Reproductive biotechnologies continue to be developed for genetic improvement of both river and swamp buffalo. Although artificial insemination using frozen semen emerged some decades back, there are still considerable limitations. The major problem appears to be the lack of efficient methods for oestrus detection and timely insemination. Controlled breeding experiments in the buffalo had been limited and similar to those applied in cattle. Studies on multiple ovulation and embryo transfer are essentially a replica of those in cattle, however with inherent problems such as lower number of primordial follicles on the buffalo ovary, poor fertility and seasonality of reproduction, lower population of antral follicles at all stages of the oestrous cycle, poor endocrine status and a high incidence of deep atresia in ovarian follicles, low response in terms of transferable embryo recovery with 0.51 to 3.0 per donor, and pregnancy rates between 15 to 30%. In vitro production of buffalo embryos is a valid alternative to recovery of embryos by superovulation. This aspect received considerable attention during the past decade, however, the proportion of embryos that develops to the blastocyst stage is still around 25-30%, and hence, the in vitro culture procedures need substantial improvement. Embryo cryopreservation procedures for direct transfer post thaw need to be developed for bubaline embryos. Nuclear transfer and embryo cloning is a technique that has received attention in various species during recent years and can be of immense value in buffaloes as they have a low rate of embryo recoveries by both in vitro and in vivo procedures. Gender pre-selection, genome analysis, gene mapping and gene transfer are a few of the techniques that have been studied to a limited extent during recent years and are likely to be included in future studies on buffaloes. Very recently, reproductive biotechnologies have been applied to feral buffaloes as well, but the results obtained so far are modest. When fully exploited they can play an important role in the preservation of endangered species. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Apoptosis during spontaneous and prostaglandin F2 alpha induced luteal regression in the buffalo cow (Bubalus bubalis): involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Biology of Reproduction. 2002; 67(3): 752-759 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, V.K; Sudhagar, R.R; Medhamurthy, R Institution: Organization: 858 Content : The present study was conducted to evaluate whether the corpus luteum (CL) of the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cow undergoes luteal regression by the process of apoptosis and to examine the involvement of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases during prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha -induced luteolysis. Sections of CL from late in the oestrous cycle, i.e., during spontaneous luteolysis, stained for 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole revealed increased numbers of condensed nuclei, indicating cell death by apoptosis, which was confirmed further by the occurrence of pronounced oligonucleosome formation. For morphological and biochemical characterization during PGF2 alpha -induced apoptosis, CL were collected at 0, 4, 12 and 18 h after injection of 750 micro g of Tiaprost, a synthetic analogue of PGF2 alpha , to midoestrous buffalo cows. Serum progesterone concentrations fell within 4 h and decreased (P<0.05) maximally by 18 h. Concomitant decreases (P<0.05) in the levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory mRNA and protein were observed in CL during 12-18 h, with the more profound effect on mRNA levels. Quantitative analysis of the genomic DNA showed a >5-fold increase (P<0.05) in the low molecular weight DNA fragments by 18 h postinjection. Immunoblot analysis of CL tissue lysates showed increased (P<0.05) levels of phospho-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 (4- to 14-fold during 4-18 h) and phospho-p38 (2- to 4-fold at 18 h). Immunohistochemical evaluation of CL sections revealed an increased nuclear localization of phospho-JNK after treatment. These findings demonstrate that the CL of the buffalo cow undergoes cell death by the process of apoptosis both during spontaneous and PGF2 alpha -induced luteolysis and that MAP kinases are involved during PGF2 alpha -mediated apoptosis in the CL. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of clitoral stimulation after artificial insemination on conception rate in the buffalo. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2001; 7(3): 66-69 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pant, H.C; Barot, L.R; Kasiraj, R; Misra, A.K; Prabhakar, J.H Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo has a higher incidence of delayed ovulation than cattle and the conception rate to AI is generally lower. The present study was therefore conducted to ascertain the effect of clitoral stimulation on conception rates to AI in the buffalo. Two hundred and two buffalo cows were separated into two groups according to the following treatments: (1) control without clitoral stimulation (n=105) (2) clitoral stimulation 10 times after AI (n=97). Clitoral stimulation increased pregnancy rate (43.2 vs. 26.7% for treated and control groups, respectively; P<0.005) presumably by hastening LH surge and ovulation. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Measures of reproductive estimates in rural buffalo herds of Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh (India). 859 Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(2): 27-29 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prasad, S; Prasad, R.B Institution: Organization: Content : During 1995 and 1996, 518 farmers from villages around the Western Campus of the University in Modipuram (Meerut) were interviewed about the reproductive status of their buffaloes. Data on 2989 buffaloes were collected. Average age at first service and first calving, duration of observed oestrus, number of oestruses without AI/natural service and number of services per conception were 40.99+or-0.28 months, 52.49+or-0.34 months, 18.17+or0.099 h, 1.86+or-0.046 and 2.06+or-0.052, respectively. Rates of abortion, stillbirth, dystocia, metritis, prolapse and retained placenta were 4.04, 0.09, 4.81, 3.41, 3.91 and 4.01%, respectively. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Study on placental membrane and its effect on subsequent fertility in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(2): 35-36 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Murugeppa, A; Appannavar, M.M; Patil, N.A; Honnappagol, S.S Institution: Organization: Content : Placental weight, number of cotyledons, birth weight, dam body weight, gestation period and female fertility traits were recorded for 50 Surti buffaloes maintained in Karnataka as part of the All India Research Project on Buffaloes. The mean placental weight and number of cotyledons was 23.89+or-0.10 kg and 76+or-2.40, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between the placenta weight and birth weight of the calf (0.3, P<0.05). Mean values for post partum anoestrus period, service period and number of services per conception were 69.1 days, 119.86 and 1.43 respectively. Postpartum anoestrus period, service period and number of services per conception were not correlated with weight of placenta or the number of cotyledons. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Factors affecting service period in buffaloes under field conditions. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(4): 75-77 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, D.V; Dave, A.S; Patel, J.R; Bhardwaj, S Institution: Organization: Content : The data of 1434 adult Mehsana buffaloes up to fourth parity in North Gujarat, 860 India region were collected from farmers' herds and analysed to study the effect of various factors on their service period between 1989 and 1996. The sires proved to be non-significant for causing variation on the trait. The heritability estimates obtained were zero. However, all the non-genetic effects (farm type (1, 2 and 3), parity order, season of calving, year of calving) and barring suckling effect of the calf, proved to be significant (P<0.01) for causing variation in the trait. The overall mean service period was observed as 184.18+or-13.24 days. It was significantly (P<0.01) longer in animals reared in Farm Types 2 and 3, those calving the first time, on winter season and during the year 1994. It is concluded that service period in Mehsana buffaloes is largely controlled by environmental factors and thus, improvement in this trait is possible largely through management. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Plasma thyroid hormones profiles in post-partum anoestrus buffaloes treated with Synchromate-B. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(3): 67-69 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Garg, S.L; Suresh Chander; Bugalia, N.S; Rao, A.R Institution: Organization: Content : Nine postpartum buffaloes with inactive ovaries and in their 2nd to 4th lactations were treated with a subcutaneous ear implant of Synchromate-B (norgestomet) on day 0 and with an intramuscular injection of Synchromate solution (3 mg norgestomet+5 mg estradiol valerate) on day 9 upon implant removal. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 9, 11 and 24 for analysis of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). No significant variations in peripheral T3 and T4 profiles were observed between Synchromate-B pre- and posttreatment periods. This study shows that Synchromate-B does not induce cyclicity in anoestrus buffaloes as evidenced by ovarian inactivity during days 9, 11 and 24 posttreatment. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Prevalence of uterine bacterial infection and bacterial load following dystocia in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(3): 53-56 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, R; Prabhakar, S; Arora, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : The type of bacteria present and the bacterial load in twenty buffaloes suffering from dystocia were studied. E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococci, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Actinomyces pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus spp. were the common isolates. A highly significant total bacterial load was present in all the dystocia-affected buffaloes. Intra-uterine infusion of immunomodulator drugs led to significant reduction of bacterial load in dystocia-affected buffaloes. 861 Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Retention of placenta in relation to parity season and sex of calf in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(1): 5-7 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gupta, A; Pandit, R.K; Jogi, S; Agarwal, R.G Institution: Organization: Content : The data between March 1996 and February 1997 on reproductive disorders of Murrah buffaloes available at various farms around Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India constituted the experimental material. Monthwise incidences of retention of placenta in relation to the effect of parity, season, and sex of calf were determined. A total of 3814 calvings on 25 local farms were studied for the incidence of retention of placenta cases. The retention of placenta cases ranged from 2.89-9.67%. Out of 3814 calvings in a year, 5.24% of buffaloes did not expel their fetal membrame normally. The incidence of retention of placenta gradually rose with parity and reached a maximum at fifth parity (30%). Thereafter, the incidence dropped with advancing parity. The incidence of retention of placenta was highest in the rainy season (50%), moderate in the winter season (32%) and lowest in summer season (18%). A higher percentage of retained placenta calvings were associated with the birth of male calves (60.57%). Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Uterine and ovarian changes during the early postpartum period in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2000; 19(1): 20-23 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Lohan, I.S; Malik, R.K; Saini, M.S; Dhanda, O.P; Baljit Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Thirteen Murrah buffaloes of different parities which had calved during November to December 1996 were taken for this study. Ultrasound imaging of ovaries was done for each buffalo once in four days, from Day 10 postpartum onwards by using a 5-MHz mechanical probe. Uterine involution along with ovarian changes was also recorded in all animals up to 82 days postpartum. Results of the present study showed that uterine involution was completed in all animals by day 45 postpartum. Development of dominant follicles (<more or =>10 mm) was observed early in the period after calving which caused the resumption of oestrus activity, but the conception rate was poor when animals were inseminated less than 40 days postpartum. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Cytological and microbiological changes in peritoneal fluid of caesarean operated buffaloes following anti-adhesion 862 treatments. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(1): 53-61 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, J; Dhaliwal, G.S; Arora, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : 20 buffaloes requiring caesarean section were divided randomly into 4 groups. Group I animals were controls. In groups II, III, IV, peritoneal dialysis, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, or amniotic membrane were used, respectively, to prevent uterine adhesions. Peritoneal fluid was collected at 24 h intervals after caesarean section for 4 days and examined cytologically. Differential count of neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly lower and higher on days 3 and 4, respectively, in groups II and III compared with the control group. In group IV, there was a significant increase in neutrophil count with a concomitant decrease in lymphocytes on days 3 and 4 compared with that on day 0. In each group, 3 samples were bacteriologically positive on day 0. In day 3 samples, 4 animals were bacteriologically positive in groups I and IV, while only 1 and 2 animals were positive in groups II and III, respectively. Commonest isolate was Pseudomonas spp. followed by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. Most isolates were sensitive to gentamycin, nitrofurantoin and cephalexin. Cytological and micro-biological changes in peritoneal fluid indicated that most animals in groups I and IV developed uterine adhesions following caesarean section while only a few animals had adhesions in groups II and III. These findings corroborated with rectal or PM examinations. It is suggested that cytological and microbiological examinations of peritoneal fluid are good indicators for the presence of postoperative peritoneal adhesions. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Post partum reproductive cyclicity based on ovarian steroids in suckled and weaned buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 361-369 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arya, J.S; Madan, M.L Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the postpartum reproductive events in weaned and suckled buffaloes based on weekly measurements of ovarian steroids (oestrogen and progesterone) post-calving. Postpartum reproduction in 6 weaned and 6 suckled buffaloes was closely monitored through quantitative estimation of plasma oestrogen and progesterone at a weekly interval from days 3 to 90 post-calving and oestrus detection by teaser bull. Based on ovarian steroids, there was no difference in the onset of reproductive cyclicity in suckled and weaned groups (day 19.67+or-3.23 vs 19.17+or-4.55) postpartum. However, first observed postpartum oestrus interval was longer in suckled (71.67+or-11.13 days) than weaned animals (44.17+or-8.58 days). The frequency of silent heat per buffalo was significantly (P<0.05) greater in 863 suckled (2.17+or-0.40) than in weaned animals (1.00+or-0.26). All the suckled buffaloes had at least one silent heat before showing overt oestrus, whereas only 5 weaned animals showed silent heat. The service period was also longer in suckled than weaned buffaloes (98.00+or-17.53 vs 70.33+or-9.56 days). Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Purification and characterization of an immunosuppressive protein from buffalo placenta. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 397-408 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Seema Mehta; Rajput, Y.S Institution: Organization: Content : The purification and partial characterization of an immunosuppressive protein (ISP) from buffalo placenta was reported. Placentas were taken from 2 Murrah buffaloes. Buffalo placental proteins immunochemically similar to PP14 or PP15, ISPs from human placenta, were identified using anti-PP14 or PP15 antiserum in Western blot. These antisera cross-reacted with one of the major buffalo placental protein, which was purified to homogeneity using preparative SDS-PAGE, electroelution, and ultrafiltration techniques. The purified protein exhibited immunosuppressive activity. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of the ISP was 65 kDA and 6.4. The ISP was glycosylated. Moreover, exogenously added IL-1 failed to reverse immunosuppression. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: The effect of buffalo follicle-stimulating hormone on the ovarian follicular activity of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 351-360 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sunilchandra, U; Narayana, K; Ravindra, J.P; Ramachandra, S.G; Honnegowda Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of buffalo (bu) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on the ovarian follicular activity and plasma steroid hormone concentration of buffaloes was assessed. 36 cycling non-pregnant Surti buffaloes were grouped into 6 groups (n=6 per group). Starting from day 9 of the oestrous cycle, each buffalo received 2 mg buFSH i.m, twice a day (b.i.d) for 3 days (Group 3) or 2 days (Group 4), or 2 mg buFSH suspended in 30% polyvinylpyrrolidone [polyvidone] solution (PVP) i.m daily for 3 (Group 5) or 2 days (Group 6), or saline (Control Group 1) or saline in 30% PVP (Control Group 2) for 3 days. Ovarian follicular activity in Control Group 2, and 4 buffaloes of Group 5 was monitored daily by a real time B-mode linear array ultrasound scanner equipped with a rectal transducer of 5 MHz dominant frequency. Prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha ) analogue cloprostenol, 100 micro g was injected intramuscularly on day 9 of the oestrous cycle to Groups 4 and 6, and on day 864 10 to Groups 1, 2, 3, and 5 animals. The oestrus occurred at 48 to 52 h in all the buffaloes. On the day of oestrus (day 0), the 17 beta -estradiol concentrations were 103.37+or-2.26, 99.80+or-1.14, 180.44+or-4.39, 159.95+or-4.09, 169.56+or-7.42, and 154.18+or-10.97 pL/litre in Control Group 1, Control Group 2, buFSH-treated Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The peak estradiol concentration was significantly (P<0.05) greater (1.2- to 1.7-fold) in buFSH-treated buffaloes than that of the control buffaloes. In the buFSH-treated groups, there was a significantly (P<0.05) increased basal estradiol concentration. On day 0, the number of medium (4-9 mm diameter), large (>9 mm), and total follicles were significantly (P<0.05) greater in buFSH-treated buffaloes. On day 8 post oestrus, there was a single corpus luteum (CL) and a progesterone concentration of 6.60+or-0.80 nM/litre in control buffaloes and 2.70+or-0.20 corpora lutea and a progesterone concentration of 9.11+or-0.61 nM/litre in buFSH-treated buffaloes. The present study demonstrated the pharmacological ability of buFSH suspended in PVP injected once a day for 3 days to induce multiple ovulation in buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Gross anatomy, histology, DNA and RNA content in the mammary gland of buffaloes treated with estradiol-17 beta and progesterone for 7 and 14 days. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(1): 49-57 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dang, A.K; Ludri, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the effect of duration of sex steroid hormone treatment on the gross anatomical, histology, and nucleic acid contents of buffaloes suffering from reproductive disorders. 12 Murrah buffaloes suffering from reproductive problems were induced into lactation by giving them estradiol-17 beta and progesterone in the ratio of 1:2.5 for 7 and 14 days. Changes in udder circumference, length, width, and depth after steroid hormone treatments were more pronounced in the 7-day hormone treatment group compared to the 14-day treatment group. Histological studies revealed that organization of lobuloalveolar and duct system was also better in the 7-day treated buffaloes. DNA and RNA contents was also greater in the 7day treatment group as compared to 14-day treatment group. The results indicated that there was no advantage of increasing the period of steroid hormone treatment from 7 to 14 days, rather 14 day treatment had a negative effect. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Fertility following twice and thrice daily oestrus detection in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2003; 22(3): 59-61 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Srivastava, S.K; Sahni, K.L 865 Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of oestrus detection thrice a day on conception was studied in buffaloes. Oestrus was detected twice and thrice daily on 99 Murrah buffaloes maintained at the Livestock Production Management Farm of Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar. This study was carried out in 3 seasons (cool comfortable, hot dry and hot humid). 57.5, 15.2 and 27.3% buffaloes were in oestrus during the cool comfortable, hot dry and hot humid seasons, respectively. The proportions of buffaloes observed in oestrus during the night were 14.0% in the cool comfortable, 20.0% in the hot dry and 11.1% in the hot humid season. More animals were found to be in oestrus in the morning during the cool comfortable (43.4%) and the hot dry (60.0%) seasons than in the evening (48.2%) during the hot humid season. The conception rates in buffaloes showing oestrus activity at night were 37.5, 33.3 and 33.3% during the cool comfortable, hot dry and hot humid seasons, respectively. The overall conception rate was 43.03% after insemination of buffaloes that were observed 2 times in oestrus. However, 35.7% conception was obtained when insemination was performed after detecting oestrus at night. This study confirmed that oestrus detection thrice a day might reasonably improve oestrus detection efficiency and conception in buffaloes as compared to detection twice daily. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Buffalo reproduction in India: an overview. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2004; 23(1): 4-9 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ingawale, M.V; Dhoble, R.L Institution: Organization: Content : The major problems in reproduction, their causes and the use of newer technologies along with the new drugs are presented in this article. There is a need to understand the basic mechanisms of reproductive physiology in buffaloes and the interaction of these mechanisms in relation to season, nutrition, management and breeding technique, economics and social factors, together with use of new drugs. This will certainly help to evolve packages of practices that will help to improve reproductive efficiency and in turn milk production in buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Biochemical composition of buffalo oviductal fluid: cyclical and regional variations. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(2): 203-209 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumaresan, A; Ansari, M.R; Abhishek Garg; Meena Kataria Institution: Organization: Content : 866 Oviductal fluid is a product of both the serum transudate and the active secretion from the epithelium. It contains many constituents that vary in concentrations at different regions of the oviduct and in response to endocrine influences. The present study was undertaken to determine the cyclical and regional variations in certain biochemical composition of buffalo oviductal fluid. Apparently healthy female buffalo genital tracts (non-luteal and luteal stages of oestrous cycle) were collected from a slaughterhouse. After isolation of the oviducts, samples from the isthmus and ampulla were prepared for histological examination and oviductal fluid was extracted. The pooled nonluteal and luteal oviductal fluids were centrifuged, filtered (0.2 micro m) and analysed for total protein, albumin, cholesterol, cholesterol:protein and catalase activity. Results revealed a large variation of these biochemical constituents in respect to both the region of the oviduct, as well as stage of the oestrous cycle. Total protein was significantly (p<0.05) higher in non-luteal stage of the oestrous cycle irrespective of the region of the oviduct. Cholesterol concentration was always higher in the isthmic fluid irrespective of the stage of the oestrous cycle. The catalase activity was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the non-luteal isthmic than the luteal isthmic fluid. The importance of the above mentioned variations in the biochemical components of the oviduct on the regulation of sperm functions are discussed. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Effect of certain hormones on the reproductive performance of post-parturient buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(2): 193-201 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mavi P.S; Pangaonkar G.R; Sharma, R.K; Gandotra, V.K Institution: Organization: Content : The study was designed to evaluate the effect of various hormonal interventions in enhancing the reproductive performance of post-parturient buffaloes. A total of 28 recently calved buffaloes were randomly divided into six experimental groups. Groups I-IV received oxytocin (30 IU, i.m.) 15 min after calving; Group II received another similar dose of oxytocin 2 h after calving; Group III received PGF2 alpha (Tiaprost, 0.75 mg, i.m.) 1 h after calving in addition to oxytocin; Group IV received PGF2 alpha and two oxytocin doses 1 and 2 h after calving. Buffaloes of Group V were injected PGF2 alpha 1 h after calving while those of Group VI received no treatment and served as control. The time of shedding placenta, uterine involution and service period were monitored in each buffalo. It was observed that Group III animals treated with a combination of oxytocin and PGF2 alpha 1 h apart, yielded the best results. The time to expel foetal membranes (237.7+or-22.5 vs. 359.2+or-25.4 minutes), involution time (22.7+or-1.75 vs. 32.6+or-1.47 days) and service period (77.5+or-3.08 vs. 114.3+or-11.9 days) were significantly (P<0.05) less in these animals compared to the control animals. The second dose of oxytocin following treatment with oxytocin and PGF2 alpha in Group IV did not show any significant improvement over the treatment in Group III. It is concluded that treatment with oxytocin and PGF2 alpha following parturition helped in improving the reproductive performance 867 of post-parturient buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Pregnancy associated proteins in buffalo: its purification and characterization, preliminary study. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(3): 307-314 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S.K; Agarwal, S.K; Shankar, U; Gupta, L.K Institution: Organization: Content : Conceptus derived substances are more precise and reliable markers of pregnancy and fetal growth. In the present study, attempts have been made on isolation, purification and characterization of pregnancy-associated protein(s) in buffaloes from uterine and oviduct flushing and uterine scrapings using affinity chromatography. These purified proteins were further analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and western blot. Results revealed lower OD values for purified fractions than the reproductive fluids from non-pregnant and pregnant genital tracts (NPRF, PRF) and elute fractions indicating presence of some specific proteins in the purified fractions, which may be associated with pregnancy. SDS-PAGE analysis of purified fractions revealed presence of seven-polypeptide band of different molecular weights (67, 53, 45, 33, 24, 16 and 11.5 kDa) and only three polypeptides (67, 53 and 24 kDa) were observed immunoreactive in western blot analysis. Results indicated presence of certain proteins secreted by conceptus in the reproductive fluids of pregnant genital tracts and in future its further purification and characterization will be helpful to evolve a specific and sensitive method for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (Boostin-250) on serum endocrines and milk GH of lactating buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2005; 21(1): 9-16 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mishra, A; Gade, S.N; Mahapatra, R.K; Shukla, D.C Institution: Organization: Content : In order to investigate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on serum endocrines and milk growth hormone (GH) of lactating buffaloes, 30 buffaloes after acclimatization for 30 days were divided into 2 groups as control and experimental that includes 10 and 20 buffaloes. Experimental animals were injected 250 mg of rbST (Boostin-250) on 0, 14th and 28th day subcutaneously at ischiorectal fosse and control animals were given placebo of 2 ml normal saline. Fortnightly blood samples and milk samples were collected with asceptic precaution from 15 days before to 60 days post injection to estimate the endocrines. From this observation it was found that the mean serum GH increased significantly (P<0.001) due to rbST injection but this significant changes of GH was not found in milk. rbST injection did 868 not show any significant effect on hormones like T4 and insulin. However, there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in T3 level in treatment group over control group due to rbST injection. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of follicle size on the quality of oocytes in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Cheiron. 2002; 31(1/2): 24-26 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Palanisamy, M; Veerapandian, C; Palanisamy,A Institution: Organization: Content : A study was made on the quantity and quality of oocytes recovered by aspiration technique from different sized follicles of buffalo ovaries collected from nearby slaughter house. The mean number of follicles aspirated in the categories of <3, 3-5 and >5 mm size was 2.75+or-0.13, 1.02+or-0.05 and 0.72+or-0.04 respectively. The mean number of oocytes recovered was 1.22+or-0.09, 0.51+or-0.05, 0.31+or-0.02 and the percentage of culturable oocytes was 71.54+or-4.02, 72.43+or-7.69 and 83.38+or-7.88 respectively. It was concluded that oocyte yield decreased as follicle size increased and the quality of the oocytes increased as follicular diameter increased. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Prevalence of post-parturient haemoglobinuria in buffaloes of Haryana. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Haryana-Veterinarian. 1999; 38: 1-2 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Indu Gahlawat; Kitab Singh; Rakesh Kumar; Ranbir Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The prevalence of postparturient haemoglobinuria (PPH) was studied in the villages of the Hisar, Sirsa, Jind and Bhiwani districts of Haryana, India between 1995-1996 and 1996-1997. The total number of clinical cases of PPH during the year and the adult buffalo population were recorded based on the veterinary records in the villages. The percent annual morbidity rate (AMR) of PPH was calculated for the districts using the data. Results show that AMR varied between 0-2.29% during the study period and had the highest prevalence in Bhiwani, followed by Hisar, Jind and Sirsa districts. This is the first report on the annual morbidity rate of PPH in buffaloes from India. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Reproductive parameters of postpartum Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Haryana-Veterinarian. 2000; 39: 20-27 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yash Pal; Inderjeet Singh; Umed Singh; Phogat, J.B Institution: 869 Organization: Content : Five years worth of reproductive parameters, related to three consecutive calvings, were recorded at an organized buffalo farm. Mean gestation length for 220 recorded calvings was 311+or-21 days. A maximum number of calvings (57%) were recorded during the months of August to November, and a minimum (<10%) between May to July, with the peak calving frequency occurring in September (18.6%) and October (16.0%). Overall service period of 133+or-9 days was recorded in a total of 244 observations in 101 buffaloes, with a significant (P<0.05) reduction in service period over successive years from 174 days during the first year to 73 days following the last calvings. In addition, for all the three consecutive calving years (I, II and III) of the study, a consistent finding was shorter service period in females calving during the rainy-winter season (July-January) as compared to spring-summer (February to June). When data were pooled, significant differences were recorded between the two seasons (126+or-8 vs. 160+or-14 days; P<0.05). The calving interval between the first and second calvings during the study period was 591+or-59 days (n=100), which was significantly (P<0.01) shortened in the subsequent year (448+or-56 days, n=66). In the present study, only 25% of inter-oestrus intervals were in the normal range of 17-23 days. Overall, this analysis reflects the improvement in management practices over the years; however, oestrus detection and data recording require further improvements. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Mineral supplementation for improving fertility in livestock. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2003; 55(2): 33-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Lall, D; Dixit, V.B; Chauhan, T.R Institution: Organization: Content : This article discusses mineral supplementation and its effect on reproduction in livestock. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Status of reproduction in cattle and buffalo - problems and prospects for improvement. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2003; 55(1): 27-30 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prakash, B.S Institution: Organization: Content : The comparison of the puberty, oestrous cycle and endocrine techniques for fertility improvement of cattle and Indian buffaloes are discussed. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Animal reproduction scenario in India: role of gynaecologists. Year of publication: 2000 870 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2000; 21(2): 85-91 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Maurya, S.N Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of the use of artificial insemination on cattle and buffalo production in India are described. Problems with the application of these techniques in the field are discussed. The use of exotic breeds in crossbreeding programmes is examined. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Ultra sonography for early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2000; 21(2): 143-144 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhosreker, M.R; Hangarge, I.M Institution: Organization: Content : A Philips ultrasound scanner with a 5 MHz linear array transducer designed for intra-rectal placement was used for pregnancy diagnosis of 260 buffaloes between 30 and 45 days of gestation. The mean length of the embryonic vesicle increased from 2.3 cm at 30 days of gestation to 4.1 cm at 45 days of gestation; the diameter increased from 2.6 to 3.9 cm and the area increased from 5.98 to 15.99 cm2 over the same period. 97.9% accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis (confirmed by manual examination at 3 months of gestation) was obtained. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Oxytocin concentration in the corpus luteum of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2001; 22(2): 120-123 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mahmood, S; Sabir, M; Pant, H.C Institution: Organization: Content : The corpora lutea (CL) from different stages of the oestrous cycle and pregnancy were collected from buffaloes (non-descript breed, of varying age and parity) slaughtered between 03.00-04.00 [date not given] following the Arabic method. Extracted oxytocin was bioassayed on oestrogenized virgin rat uterus. The mean luteal oxytocin concentration was low (30.61+or-4.41 ng/g) in early oestrus (days 4-6). The concentration significantly increased (104.69+or-12.73 ng/g) in mid oestrus (days 10-12) and declined significantly in late (days 16-18) cycle CL (49.87+or-5.95 ng/g). Concentration in CL of the previous cycle (CA) was lower (12.20+or-1.86 ng/g) compared to dioestrus CL. Additionally, the mean luteal oxytocin concentrations in early 871 and mid pregnancy were 4.79+or-0.90 ng/g and 2.98+or-1.03 ng/g, respectively, and was significantly less compared to non-pregnant CL. Biological activity of luteal extract, as well as standard oxytocin, was inhibited by boiling, oxytocin specific antagonist, sodium thioglycollate and alphathioglycerol. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of live sperm count per inseminate on pregnancy rate in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2002; 23(2): 170-172 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prabhakar, J.H; Kalsi, J.S; Jani, V.R; Patel, S.H Institution: Organization: Content : Semen from 10 Murrah buffalo bulls was split-frozen in 0.5 ml French straws to get mean concentrations of 22.6, 17.3, 11.0 and 8.5x106 (C1, C2, C3 and C4, respectively) spermatozoa per dose. A total of 1941 buffaloes were inseminated at 20 artificial insemination (AI) centres and it was shown that pregnancy rates were 59.4, 58.1, 66.7 and 52.4% for C1, C2, C3 and C4, respectively. Pregnancy rates differed significantly among bulls and among technicians. After correcting for the variations due to bulls as well as technicians, the pregnancy rates were not affected by the sperm concentration employed. In conclusion, the reduced sperm concentration up to 11x106 spermatozoa or even lower concentration (8.5 million) per insemination does not affect the overall fertility of buffalo bull semen, though individual differences exist between bulls regarding maintenance of fertility at lower sperm concentration per insemination. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Incidence of postpartum anoestrus in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2002; 23(2): 175-176 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vivek Kunj; Singh, A.P; Singh, C; Akhtar, M.H Institution: Organization: Content : A study on the prevalence of anoestrus in buffalo cows was carried out on a monthwise and seasonwise basis in Bihar, Patna, India between September 1998 to August 1999. It was shown that out of 237 cases of reproductive disorders, 81 (34.18%) were anoestrus. The prevalence of anoestrus in buffalo cows during different months and seasons ranged from 14.28 to 51.72% and 28.30 (spring) to 38.75% (autumn), respectively. The highest percentage (51.72%) was recorded during August while the lowest (14.28%) was in June. The effect of month and season on prevalence of anoestrus was not significant. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics 872 Subject: Micrometry of buffalo oocytes recovered from different size of ovarian follicles. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2002; 23(1): 63-64 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naik, V.S; Deopurkar, V.L; Gulavane, S.U Institution: Organization: Content : The measurements of buffalo oocytes recovered from ovarian follicles of varied sizes were determined. The ovaries were obtained from buffaloes at an abattoir in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The oocyte measurements (diameters) were subsequently correlated with the follicular size and the quality of oocytes recovered. The oocyte diameter collected from follicles 3-5 mm and >5 mm were 152.24 and 159.6 micro m, respectively. The percentage of culturable oocytes obtained from follicles >5 mm were higher as compared to 3- to 5-mm follicles. A positive correlation was observed between the oocyte diameter, follicle size and culturable oocytes recovered from buffalo ovarian follicles. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: T-lymphocyte profile as a predictive marker for placental retention in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2003; 24(1): 9-15 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prahlad Singh; Sharma, R.D; Nanda, A.S; Harmeet Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Peripheral blood lymphocyte profile was assessed in buffaloes with normal placental separation (n=5) and those with retention of placenta (n=5). Jugular venous blood samples (30 ml) were collected from every buffalo between 1 and 10 days prepartum, day of calving and on 1 to 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days postpartum. T-lymphocyte profile was evaluated, with respect to, percent peripheral blood lymphocyte, as sheep red blood cell-rosettes (SRBC-R). Plasma vitamin A, beta -carotene, vitamin E and zinc were estimated for every subject on the sampling days by standard methods. Significant (P<0.01) differences in the mean values of SRBC-R percent were observed between subjects with normal placental separation and those with retention. SRBC-R percent and plasma parameters indicated a steady decline from days 10 to 1 prepartum, the decrease being significant (P<0.01) around 6 to 4 day prepartum till day of calving in both groups, whereas, the values were significantly lower (P<0.01) in the affected group. Lower values persisted for 5 to 10 days postpartum in control group and for 20 to 25 day postpartum in the affected group. Significant (P<0.01) relationships between SRBC-R profile and plasma biochemical variables were seen. The overall effect of vitamin A, beta -carotene, vitamin E and zinc were statistically significant (P<0.01) in both groups. Results suggest that the better the initial state of health of the buffaloes in terms of SRBC-R status, the better the pregnancy outcome. It is concluded that retention of placenta is associated with abnormally low levels of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte levels at calving. 873 Also, the lower (P<0.01) T-lymphocyte profile during prepartum in retention cases may serve as an index for retention of fetal membranes in buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Reproductive performance of Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2003; 24(1): 22-23 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Saini, M.S; Pander, B.L; Yadav, R.S; Grewal, S.S; Singh, N Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the trends of some reproductive traits of 744 Murrah buffaloes maintained at the Buffalo Research Centre, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India between 1993 and 2001. A significant decrease in age at first calving was observed over the years, age decreased from 1570 (between 1993 and 1994) to 1440 (between 1999 and 2000) days. No definite pattern was observed for the service period and calving interval over the years which ranged from 107 to 163 days and from 409 to 479 days, respectively. Calving interval and service period were observed to improve which advanced the parity. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Biometry of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovaries in relation to different stages of the oestrous cycle. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2004; 25(2): 87-90 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chandrahasan, C; Rajasekaran, J Institution: Organization: Content : Ovaries from non-descript pluriparous buffaloes collected from slaughterhouse were grouped into four stages based on the characteristics of the corpus luteum and morphometry of the ovary were recorded during different stages of the oestrous cycle. Follicles were grouped according to the diameter as <=2, 3-5, 6-10 and >10 mm. Biometry of ovaries on the left and right sides were not significantly different and also between stages of the cycle. However, length, diameter and weight of the corpus luteum showed high significant differences during the four stages of the cycle. The mean number of visible follicles between right and left ovaries did not differ significantly. The number of follicles of <=2 mm diameter size increased at two times of the cycle indicating two waves of follicular growth in buffalo ovaries. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-repro(Gyn) Biometry of female genitalia of Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2004; 25(2): 143-145 AB: 874 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, S; Ahmed, F.A; Bhadwal M.S Institution: Organization: Content : Biometric study of genitalia of the female buffalo revealed that the mean length, breadth and thickness of the left ovary were 2.35+or-0.08, 1.90+or0.05 and 1.54+or-0.06 cm and that of the right ovary were 2.13+or-0.08, 1.68+or-0.08 and 1.43+or-0.04 cm, respectively. The average length and breadth of the left oviduct were 23.28+or-0.58 and 0.20+or-0.00 cm, and that of the right oviduct were 23.10+or-0.05 and 0.20+or-0.06 cm, respectively. Length, breadth and thickness of the left uterine horn were 39.25+or-1.73, 1.78+or-0.06 and 0.84+or-0.05 cm and that for the right horn were 38.65+or1.41, 1.69+or-0.07 and 0.84+or-0.04 cm, respectively. Length, breadth and thickness of the corpus luteum measured were 5.28+or-0.19, 1.89+or-0.09 and 1.10+or-0.05 cm, respectively, and that of the cervix were 6.11+or-0.30, 1.93+or-0.07 and 1.46+or-0.07 cm, respectively. In case of paired organs, the dimensions of the left side were found to be slightly higher than the right side. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Impact of conventional managemental practices on reproductive performance of rural buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2004; 25(2): 94-96 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Brar, P.S; Nanda, A.S Institution: Organization: Content : Data on reproduction vis-a-vis management of 850 rural buffaloes in various agro-eco zones in Punjab, India revealed that round the year green fodder deficiency prevailed in each zone and animals were fed with variable quantities of wheat/rice straw and concentrates. Prepartum supplementary feeding was more prevalent in Southern Punjab and least in Central Punjab. While wallowing was practiced widely in Southern Punjab, buffaloes were bathe 1-3 times daily in Central Punjab to ward off summer heat. Doka, the post-milking engorgement of teats was a much relied upon sign of ensuing oestrus in each zone, especially so in nomadic herds. While variable incidence of anoestrus was recorded round the year and in each zone, it was highest in nomadic herds during summer. A critical analysis revealed that prepartum supplemented buffaloes had early onset of postpartum ovarian activity and fertility. Furthermore, a higher proportion of buffaloes exposed to wallowing had overt signs of oestrus. It is concluded that area-based managemental traditions have a bearing on buffalo reproduction and that fertility can be improved through improvized management and feeding practices. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyna) Dystocia due to Diplopagus Sternopagus conjoined twins in a buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2004; 25(2): 160 AB: 875 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Makkena Sreenu; Srinivas, M; Naidu, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : A 9-year-old Murrah buffalo with a history of prolonged labour pains is presented at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Service Complex, N.T.R. College of Veterinary Science, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Upon vaginal examination, a dead fetus was palpated at posterior presentation with both hind limbs extended into the birth canal but the fetus could not be delivered by manual traction. Careful examination revealed another pair of hind limbs. A ceasarean section was performed and a dead male diplopagus sternopagus conjoined twins were delivered. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH- Repro(gyne) Dystocia due to Dicephalus dipus tetrabrachius ischiopagus conjoined monster in a she buffalo. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2005; 26(1): 69-70 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shukla, S.P; Pandey, S.S Institution: Organization: Content : A rare case of Dicephalus Dipus Tetrabrachius Ischiopagus conjoined monster in a she buffalo is reported (India, date not given). Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH- Repro(gyne) Studies on postpartum biochemical and hormonal profile of fertile and infertile oestrous cycles in Surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2005; 26(1): 1-6 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kavani, F.S; Khasatiya, C.T; Sthanki, D.J; Thakor, D.B; Dhami, A.J; Panchal, M.T Institution: Organization: Content : A comparative study on the plasma profiles of biochemical, metabolic and hormonal constituents and macro- and microminerals was studied on different days of fertile and infertile cycles (20 each) in 40 postpartum Surti buffaloes in an organized farm in Gujarat, India. The animals detected in oestrus after day 50 of normal calving were bred by natural service and heparinized jugular blood samples were collected on the day of oestrus/breeding (day 0) and subsequently on the 7th, 14th and 21st days for estimation of plasma profiles of various constituents. Pregnancy was confirmed per rectum 45 days postservice in non-return cases. The plasma profile revealed that the progesterone level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the fertile than the infertile cycle on day 14 (2.14+or-0.21 vs. 1.20+or-0.19 ng/ml) and day 21 (2.57+or-0.21 vs. 0.42+or-0.04 ng/ml) but not at oestrus (0.37+or-0.02 vs. 0.39+or-0.05 ng/ml) or day 7 (1.29+or-0.08 vs. 1.12+or-0.11 ng/ml, respectively) post-breeding. 876 Moreover, the infertile buffaloes had a combined pattern of delayed rise and low level of P4, indicative of insufficient luteal function. The glucose levels were apparently higher and triglycerides lower (P>0.05) in fertile than the infertile cycle at most intervals, while total protein content was significantly higher (P<0.05) on days 7 and 21, and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity on all days post-service in fertile than the infertile cycles, but did not vary between days/stages within the cycle. The average plasma profile of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), total cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus as well as micro-minerals, viz. Zn, Fe, Cu, Co and Mn neither varied significantly between different days nor between groups/cycles at any of the intervals postbreeding, probably due to uniform balanced ration/nutrition and supplementation of mineral mixtures in daily ration of these animals under organized farm management. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Dystocia due to monocephalus tetrapus tetrabrachius fetus in a pleuriparous buffalo. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction. 2005; 26(1): 71 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Cheede, G.S; Bedi, M.K; Mishra, Y; Dadarwal, D Institution: Organization: Content : A case of dystocia due to monocephalus tetrapus tetrabrachius fetus in a 12year-old pleuriparous buffalo is reported (India, date not given). The condition was surgically treated by fetotomy. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of bubaline follicular fluid on buffalo spermatozoa. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(3): 244-246 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Devendra Kumar; Singh, L.P; Kumar, S; Greesh Mohan Institution: Organization: Content : The role of follicular fluid (FF), singly and in combination with additives, on the improvement of buffalo semen quality during preservation at 4 degrees C was studied. FF together with some additives caused significant improvement in the sperm motility and retention of per cent live sperm after preservation. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Thyroid functions, testosterone profiles and preputial microbes in cow and buffalo bulls. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(4): 341-343 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bugalia, N.S; Inderjeet ; Gulati, B.R; Garg,S.L; Verma, S.K Institution: Organization: 877 Content : Thyroid function, testosterone levels and preputial microbial load were studied in pubertal buffalo bull calves (n=7), mature buffalo bulls (n=8) and mature cow bulls (n=6). Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in pubertal buffalo bull calves were comparable to breeding buffalo bulls and cow bulls, suggesting stable thyroids activity from puberty to sexual maturity for initiation of pubertal endocrine and exocrine testicular functions. Testosterone profiles, however, were distinctly low in buffalo bulls/bull calves as compared to cow bulls (P<0.05) indicating species variations and may be associated with poor libido of buffalo bulls. A variety of microbes, mostly mixed infections, were harbouring the preputial cavity of all categories of males, though slightly greater incidence was recorded in breeding cow bulls, while buffalo bull calves tended to be having relatively cleaner preputial cavity. Escherichia coli was the most frequent isolate, and the rare occurrence of Klebsiella spp. in preputial washings was also recorded in the present study. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Endocrinological observation of atresia in individual buffalo ovarian follicles. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(5): 444-447 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Palta, P; Bansal, N; Prakash, B.S; Manik, R.S; Madan, M.L Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the estradiol-17 beta and progesterone concentrations in ovarian follicles of different sizes, and to characterize the follicles based on molar ratios of estradiol-17 beta /progesterone in buffaloes. Ovaries of apparently healthy buffaloes were collected from an abattoir. The follicular diameter was measured and the follicles were classified as small (3-5 mm; n=48), medium (6-9 mm; n=122), and large (10 mm and above; n=27). Follicular fluid (bFF) was harvested from the follicles. Follicles with estradiol17 beta /progesterone molar ratios of >1.00 were considered as oestrogenactive, and the rest were considered as oestrogen-inactive/atretic. 92% of the follicles were oestrogen-inactive/atretic. The proportion of oestrogen-active follicles was higher in large (26%) follicles than in medium (3%) and small (8%) follicles. Estradiol-17 beta concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.01) in large than in small and medium oestrogen-inactive/atretic follicles. Differences in estradiol-17 beta concentration among follicles of different size categories were insignificant in oestrogen-active follicles. Follicular fluid estradiol-17 beta concentrations were higher in large follicles than in medium and small ones. Progesterone concentrations were not significantly different among the 3-sized categories of oestrogen-inactive/atretic and oestrogenactive follicles. The molar ratios of estradiol-17 beta /progesterone were not significantly different among the 3-sized categories of oestrogeninactive/atretic follicles. However, it was significantly higher (P<0.05) in large follicles compared in small and medium follicles. Concentrations of progesterone were insignificantly different among various sizes of buffalo ovarian follicles. 878 Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Comparative SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of seminal plasma proteins and blood plasma proteins of the Indian buffalo and cattle bulls. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(1): 66-67 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kulkarni, B.A; Rupal, R.K; Hegde, U.C Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the (1) SDS-PAGE patterns of seminal plasma proteins and blood plasma proteins of buffalo (n=11) and cattle (n=22) breeding bulls, (2) assess the relative amounts of seminal plasma proteins originated from the blood plasma and reproductive organs of the buffalo and cattle bulls and (3) compare the SDS-PAGE patterns of blood plasma proteins. Results revealed that 20 and 17 protein bands of varying intensities and molecular weight range from 96 to 11 kDa were observed in blood plasma and seminal plasma, respectively, of buffalo bulls. The major proteins of the buffalo blood plasma were of molecular weights 66, 55 and 25 kDa, while the major proteins in the seminal plasma were of molecular weights of 18-19, 16, 14, 11-12 kDa. Similar to the buffalo blood plasma proteins, the major proteins of blood plasma of cattle bulls were of molecular weights 66, 55 and 25 kDa. The major proteins of cattle bulls seminal plasma were of molecular weights 25, 20, 15, 13 and 12 kDa. It is concluded that the major proteins of the buffalo and cattle seminal plasma are not from blood origin and can be the secretory products of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Biochemical studies in cyclic, anoestrus and suboestrus buffalo heifers. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(5): 469-470 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, K.B; Shashi Nayyar; Malik, V.S; Sodhi, S.P.S Institution: Organization: Content : Various blood biochemical constituents in normal cyclic, anoestrus and suboestrus buffalo heifers (n=30) were studied. The animals were divided into 4 groups viz., Group 1: normal cyclic heifers of age 2-4 years and weighing 275-400 kg; Group 2: anoestrus heifers, 3 years of age and weighing 275-325 kg. Heifers in this group all had inactive and smooth ovaries; Group 3: anoestrus heifers between 3 and 4 years of age and weighing 325-400 kg; and Group 4: sub-oestrus heifers between 2 and 4 years of age and weighing (275400 kg). Blood samples were collected during the entire oestrus cycle from normal cyclic heifers. In groups 2, 3 and 4 heifers, blood samples were collected at fortnightly intervals, over a period of 4 months. Normal blood glucose level was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cyclic heifers, as compared to the anoestrus and sub-oestrus heifers. Plasma protein level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in sub-oestrus heifers. However, the variation was non879 significant between the normal cyclic and anoestrus heifers. Plasma cholesterol level was significantly higher (P<0.05) in cyclic heifers as compared to anoestrus and sub-oestrus heifers. Plasma aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were significantly higher in group 1 anoestrus heifers. Significantly higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was observed in anoestrus groups, as compared with normal heifers. The low concentrations of blood glucose and total cholesterol in both anoestrus groups (2 and 3) are indicative of the abnormal energy status that is responsible for the cessation of ovarian activity, since pituitary function is influenced by the blood glucose level. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Effect of biochemical characteristics of buffalo oestrual mucus on in vitro sperm migration. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(5): 313-315 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dev, S; Pangaonkar, G.R; Sharma, R.K; Gandotra, V.K Institution: Organization: Content : The sperm mucus penetration test was conducted in vitro on 44 mucus samples collected from Murrah buffaloes during early-(group 1), mid-(group 2) and late-oestrus (group 3). The mucus samples from animals which subsequently conceived registered sperm penetration >20 mm/20 min. Based on this fact, the samples were categorized into 2 classes (grade 1, > 20 mm/20 min, and grade 2, <20 mm/20 min). The highest conception rate was observed in group 2 where sperm penetration was maximum. Group 2 samples were found to contain significantly (P<0.05) higher sodium level and lower protein contents than the other groups. However, the values for pH, potassium, calcium, magnesium and chlorides did not vary significantly between the 2 classes and among the 3 groups. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Salmonellosis in buffaloes and cows with reference to reproductive failures. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(4): 222-223 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Subhash Verma; Katoch, R.C; Parag Nigam; Verma, J.C; Nagal, K.B Institution: Organization: Content : The role of salmonellosis in causing abortion and infertility was investigated in 43 buffaloes and 110 cows. The isolation was successful from a single abortion in a buffalo that yielded Salmonella typhimurium while 2 out of 7 aborted cows had S. dublin. From uterine discharges of 33 cows with endometritis 2 isolates of S. typhimurium were identified. None of 18 samples from endometritis in buffaloes, 24 normally cyclic repeat breeding buffaloes, 56 normally cyclic repeat breeding cows, 8 cases of cervicitis in cows and 6 880 cases of vaginitis in cows revealed Salmonella infection. The antibiogram against 16 chemotherapeutics was also studied. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Seasonal variation in progesterone concentration during oestrus cycle in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(9): 700-701 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Srivastava, S.K; Sahni, K.L; Uma Shanker; Sanwal, P.C; Varshney, V.P Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted from January to December 1993 on 14 adult Murrah buffaloes (5 to 5.5 years old) maintained at the livestock farm of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. Blood samples were collected from each buffalo between 08.30 and 09.30 h on day 0 (day of oestrus), 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21 and analysed for progesterone concentration. Three seasons were categorized based on temperature and relative humidity: cool comfortable (third week of October-February), hot dry (March-June) and hot humid (July-second week of October). Progesterone concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) during cool comfortable season than in hot dry and hot humid from day 7-19. Progesterone concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) on day 0 during the hot dry season compared to cool comfortable season which indicates the poor breeding efficiency during this season. No significant difference in progesterone concentration was present on any day of cycle between hot dry and hot humid and on day 0 between hot humid and cool comfortable season. Heat stress and humidity may be responsible for either an ovulation, failure of fertilization or early embryonic mortality in buffaloes, which has caused them to become seasonal breeders. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Assessment of the efficiency of BCMPT and HOSST in predicting the fertility of cattle and buffalo bulls. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(4): 359-360 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumaresan, A; Ansari, M.R; Arangasamy, A Institution: Organization: Content : Frozen semen of 4 Holstein Friesian and 4 Murrah bulls were initially assessed for post-thaw motility, live percentage and acrosomal integrity and then subjected to 2 in vitro tests, viz. bovine cervical mucus penetration test (BCMPT) and hypo-osmotic sperm swelling test (HOSST) to assess the efficiency of these tests in predicting the fertility of bulls. The correlation between in vitro tests and routine semen analysis was significantly positive. A significant positive correlation was observed between in vitro tests and field fertility trials of the bulls, except for HOSST and fertility of the buffalo bulls. BCMPT and HOSST can effectively be utilized in combination with 881 conventional techniques to select good quality frozen semen and thus for selection of bulls. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Effect of storage of oestrual mucus on in vitro penetrability of buffalo spermatozoa. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(9): 823-825 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kaushal, G; Pangaonkar, G.R; Sharma, R.K; Matharoo, J.S Institution: Organization: Content : Bovine oestrual mucus was stored at 2 different temperatures for different periods of time to study the effect of temperature and duration of storage on physical properties of oestrual mucus and sperm penetrability. Physical properties of oestrual mucus changed following prolonged storage. The quality and degree of arborization deteriorated as the period of storage increased. Consistency also changed to watery with prolonged storage. However, pH and colour of oestrual mucus remained unaffected. Mucus samples could be stored for 8 days without any significant effect on sperm penetration. However, storage of mucus for 60 days seriously affected the sperm penetration. Temperature of storage did not have any significant effect on physical properties or sperm penetrability. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Plasma progesterone, T3 and T4 levels at the time of insemination and conception rate in normal and repeat breeding buffaloes (Bubalus Bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(12): 1164-1165 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mahendran, G; Kumaresan, A; Varshney, V.P; Ansari, M.R; Pathak, M.C Institution: Organization: Content : 45 repeat breeders (RB) and 58 normal buffalo heifers to fourth parity were employed to determine the level of plasma progesterone, T3 and T4 at the time of insemination and to assess the influence of these on conception rate. A major proportion of normal buffaloes had a progesterone concentration of <1 nmol/l compared with RB. A greater number of RB had higher progesterone levels of >3 nmol/l and lower T3 and T4 levels compared with normal buffaloes. Faster conception rates were observed in buffaloes with higher T3 and T4 and low progesterone levels at the time of insemination. The findings give evidence to the positive effect of T3 and T4 on conception rate in buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Age associated variations in peripheral concentration of certain hormones of female buffalo calves from birth to puberty. 882 Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(7): 579-581 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Garg, S.L; Sunil Sharma; Rose, M.K; Agarwal, V.K Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted in 42 female buffalo calves belonging to various age groups to determine the correlation among triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol, oestrogen and progesterone concentrations at various developmental stages from birth to puberty. The peripheral blood hormone concentrations of T3 and cortisol were highest in neonatal calves and decreased with advancing age. Oestrogen and progesterone concentrations were lowest at the time of birth and exhibited a gradual increase together with the age of buffalo calves until puberty. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of age of donor buffalo on the recovery rate and developmental potential of buffalo oocytes in vitro. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(7): 586-587 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raghu, H.M; Nandi, S; Ravindranatha, B.M; Reddy, S.M Institution: Organization: Content : Oocytes from ovaries of buffaloes of different ages (prepubertal, adult and aged) were collected, cultured and inseminated in vitro with 9-10 million sperm/ml in BO media. The maturation rate, cleavage rate and embryo development were analysed by chi-square test. The recovery and maturation rates of oocytes from ovaries of prepubertal and adult buffaloes were significantly higher than the oocytes from aged buffaloes. The cleavage rate and embryo development were significantly higher in oocytes from ovaries of adult buffaloes than ovaries from prepubertal and aged buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Levels of antioxidant vitamins in anoestrus buffalo heifers supplemented with vitamin E and selenium. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(5): 395-397 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shashi Nayyar; Gill, V.K; Narinder Singh; Roy, K.S; Rajvir Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Anoestrus buffalo heifers (n=15) were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (supplemented orally with 3500 IU alpha -tocopherol acetate per week per animal) and group 3 (supplemented orally with 3500 IU alpha -tocopherol acetate+14 mg selenium as sodium selenite per week per animal). The plasma levels of beta -carotene increased significantly in groups 883 2 and 3, as compared to group 1; however, no significant difference was observed in the beta -carotene levels of group 2 and group 3 buffaloes. Levels of vitamin E was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3, as compared to group 1; also, the vitamin E level of group 3 buffaloes was significantly higher than that of group 2 buffaloes. On the other hand, the levels of vitamin C and erythrocytic lipid peroxidation (ELP) decreased significantly in groups 2 and 3, compared to group 1. The results indicate that the oral administration of selenium and vitamin E to anoestrus buffaloes is more beneficial in improving antioxidant status. The synergistic action of selenium to vitamin E was also reflected in the reproductive performance of the heifers i.e. early onset of oestrus and pregnancy in vitamin E+selenium-supplemented heifers (group 3), as compared to vitamin E alone. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Ultrasonographic study of ovulation in buffalo following natural oestrus and after synchronization of oestrus by treatment with prostaglandin or norgestomet and estradiol valerate. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(2): 145-147 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Manik, R.S; Singla, S.K; Palta, P; Chauhan, M.S Institution: Organization: Content : The possibility of using transrectal ultrasonography for the detection of ovulation was studied in buffaloes exhibiting natural oestrus (n=20) and in those where oestrous has been synchronized after treatment with prostaglandin (n=9) or norgestomet and estradiol valerate (n=12). The buffaloes were maintained at the National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana, India. Results show that the real-time transrectal ultrasonography is a reliable and non-invasive tool which enables the detection of ovulation in buffaloes. Also, the real-time ultrasonography enables the visualization of the ovulatory events as they happen, and gives an accurate assessment of the growth of the preovulatory follicle. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Follicular development and micrometry in the ovary of the prepubertal Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(12): 1208-1212 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj, R.L; Roy, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : Three female genitalia of prepubertal buffaloes were studied (India). Histomorphological study revealed the presence of primordial, primary, secondary tertiary/Graafian and atretic follicles in the prepubertal buffalo ovary. The primordial and primary follicles could be seen either singly or in groups. The mean diameter of primordial and primary follicles was 22.00+or0.70 and 22.73+or-1.51 micro m, respectively. Zona pellucida was first to be 884 noted in the primary follicle at its late stage of development. The average size of the secondary follicle was 82.13+or-4.53 micro m, whereas tertiary/Graafian follicle was 672+or-117.57 micro m and large follicle 1488.38+or-202.74 micro m. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Incidence and serum progesterone studies in cyclic and repeat breeder cattle and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(6): 628-629 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dhabale, R.B; Sharma, N.C Institution: Organization: Content : Cases of repeat breeding were found to occur among cows and buffalo cows at the Military Dairy Farm, Bareilly and Artificial Insemination Centre, IVRI, Izatnagar, India, at a rate of 17.79%. Progesterone levels in blood tended to be higher in both normal and repeat breeder cattle, as compared with their buffalo counterparts. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Relative functionality attributes of the right and left ovaries in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(5): 477-479 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gupta, P.S.P; Nandi, S; Sarma, P.V Institution: Organization: Content : Proper implementation of reproductive technologies in buffalo, a species of high dairy merits, necessitates in-depth studies of its ovarian functions. The present study aimed to elucidate the relative functionality attributes of the right and left ovaries of slaughtered mature riverine buffaloes. Weight of the ovary (2.53 and 2.65 g), follicular fluid volume per ovary (0.19 and 0.24), number of follicles (4.97 and 5.12), oocytes (3.14 and 3.23), corpora lutea (0.37 and 0.41) and corpora albicans (0.31 and 0.20) present in the right and their left ovaries, respectively, were not significantly different. These results suggest equal participation of the right and left ovary in the reproductive functions of buffalo. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Reproductive disorders and their management in cattle and buffalo: a review. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(7): 858-873 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Agarwal, S.K; Singh, S.K; Rajkumar, R Institution: Organization: 885 Content : Fertility is one of the key determinants in the lifetime performance of any animal. Gynecological problems adversely affect the reproductive efficiency. The reproductive problems may be congenital or acquired. Anoestrus, repeat breeding, cystic ovarian degeneration, uterine and tubal disorders have been observed as the most common gynaecological problems in cattle and buffaloes. Incidence of cystic ovaries in India has increased with the introduction of crossbred animals. However, its incidence in buffaloes has been low. Improper postpartum care and unhygienic husbandry practices favour uterine infections. Proper and timely diagnosis and judicious use of hormones such as progesterone, gonadotropins, GnRH, PGF2a and nonhormonal agents have been advocated for the management of various reproductive disorders in cattle and buffaloes. Possibility of immunological factors leading to infertility has also been explored. Introduction of immunomodulatory drugs concomitant to the present therapeutic approach has been found successful in the management of reproductive disorders. There is a need for a comprehensive approach by involving the modern reproductive technologies for the proper diagnosis and amelioration of various reproductive problems encountered in cattle and buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Histomorphological study on the ovary of prepubertal Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(5): 499-502 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhardwaj, R.L; Roy, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : A histomorphological study was conducted on the ovary of 3 prepubertal buffaloes in India. The surface epithelium of the ovaries was simple cuboidal to simple columnar and surface infoldings were low. The average height of epithelium was 9.17+or-0.68 micro m. The average thickness of tunica albuginea was 59.76+or-2.30 micro m. Ovarian stroma was dense fibrocellular comprised mesenchymal cells differentiating into fibroblasts with collagen fibres and reticular fibres. No elastic fibres could be seen except at perivascular area and in the walls of the blood vessels. Smooth muscle cells were also observed. Ovarian follicles at different states of development were observed. Polynuclear ova were also observed. The interstitial gland cells were seen at locations. The mast cells were seen in perivascular area. The rate ovary and mesonephric tubules were lined with cuboidal to low columnar epithelium. Blood vessels of different caliber were seen in medulla. Luteal cell aggregate was seen in close vicinity of atretic follicle. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH- Repro(gyne)Conception rate in buffaloes maintained under subhumid climate of Rajasthan. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian-Journal-of-Dairy-Science. 2005; 58(1): 69-70 AB: Country of Origin: India 886 Author’s name: Tailor, S.P; Nagda, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : The 24-year data on breeding and conception of Surti buffaloes maintained at the Buffalo Project, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar and its field unit, were collected for this study. The overall conception rate (CR) was 33.76+or-0.70%, with CV of 45.13%. The CR was significantly higher in farm conditions (37.49%) than in field conditions (32.31%). The period and season significantly affected the CR. The CR was significantly higher during winter (34.94%) and spring (35.23%) compared to summer (29.99%) and rainy (29.90) seasons. The maximum and minimum temperature, minimum humidity and total humidity index (THI) had a negative and significant association with CR. The meteorological parameters explained 12.2% of the variation in CR. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Progesterone concentration and its effect on pregnancy rate in bovines. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 1999; 76(9): 845-846 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Srivastava, S.K; Sahni, K.L Institution: Organization: Content : In 356 cows and 58 buffaloes, oestrus was detected using a vasectomized bull, and confirmed by rectal examination and the presence of a clear vaginal discharge. AI was then performed twice, at an 8 h interval, and blood samples were collected for progesterone estimation; high levels were detected in 1011% of the cows. Pregnancy diagnosis 45-60 days later showed that cows with progesterone concentrations exceeding 0.50 ng/ml at the time of insemination, and buffaloes with concentrations exceeding 0.90 ng/ml did not become pregnant. It is concluded that insemination should be performed when progesterone levels are low after oestrus detection. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Detection of pathogenic fungi from repeat breeding animals. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(5): 519-520 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, S.K; Pathak, R.C Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 165 uterine swabs were collected from repeat breeders, and 35 uterine swabs were collected from clinically normal cows and buffalo cows. The samples were subjected to mycological examination. Out of the 165 repeat breeder samples, 52 (31.5%) yielded 8 different types of fungi. The more common fungi isolated and identified were Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger (9-16.9%), Penicillium sp. and 887 Cladosporium sp. (8-15%), and Alternaria sp. (2-3.7%). Out of the 35 samples from normal animals, 6 (17%) yielded fungal growth. Most of the animals from which human pathogens such as A. fumigatus, A. niger, and Candida spp. were isolated had histories of repeat breeding, pyometra and generally displayed long intercalving periods. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of progesterone-primed gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on induction of pubertal oestrus in buffaloes during different seasons. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(1): 94-95 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Markandeya, N.M; Bharkad, G.P Institution: Organization: Content : Murrah buffalo heifers (30-36 months of age, 250-275 kg body weight) with optimum health scores were employed to ascertain the effect of progesteroneprimed GnRH therapy for the induction of oestrus during puberty. Six heifers comprised each of three groups: summer (April, Group I), winter (November, Group II), and spring (February, Group III). Each heifer was injected with 250 mg hydroxyprogesterone (Proluton, 1 ml, i.m.) on day 1 followed by 250 micro g gonadorelin (Fertagyl, 2.5 ml, i.m.) on day 10. Oestrus was induced in 83.33, 100 and 100% of the animals in Group I, II and III, respectively. Oestrus was ovulatory in 80, 100 and 83.33% of these respective groups. The type of oestrus induced was silent in summer, and intermediate in winter and spring. A relatively earlier and more uniform onset of oestrus was observed after treatment during winter, whereas it was late and variable in summer. Ovulatory oestrus cyclicity was established in all heifers in winter, having 100% conceptions. In spring, 28% failed to ovulate and although conception rate was 50%, cyclicity did not continue through summer. Relative to results of previous investigations and on the basis of the present study, treatment with progesterone prior to GnRH therapy is more effective for the induction of oestrus and conception. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of mineral supplement in anoestrus buffalo cows. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(7): 696-697 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shah, R.S; Singh, A.P; Vivek Kunj; Akhtar, M.H; Roy, G.P; Singh, C Institution: Organization: Content : The objective of the study is to determine the effect of mineral supplementation (Supplevite-M) on serum constituents of anoestrus buffalo cows and its effect on oestrus (India). A total of 38 cows were studied. In normal cycling and anoestrus buffalo cows, mean serum calcium showed no significant difference. A non-significant increase in normal cycling cows with 888 regard to protein was observed, whereas, in the anoestrous buffalo cows treated with supplevite-M, the total protein increased significantly (P<0.01) on the 15th and 30th day compared to that of day 0. Out of the 30 anoestrus buffalo cows treated with mineral supplement by oral route for a period of 30 days, 14 animals (14.66%) came into oestrus, whereas, out of the 8 normal buffalo cows, 7 (87.5%) showed oestrus during the period. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Incidence of bovine anoestrus. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(2): 190-191 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bharkad, G.P; Markandeya, N.M Institution: Organization: Content : Clinical case reports of gynaecological cases handled during a period of 10 years (1991-92 to 2000-01) at the Polyclinic, Veterinary College, Udgir, were analysed. A total of 2668 cow heifers, 6011 cows, 1606 buffalo heifers and 3764 buffaloes were involved. Overall incidence of anoestrus was 23.28, 37.91, 20.72 and 38.30% in cow heifers, cows, buffalo heifers and buffaloes, respectively. The incidence was significantly higher in adult cows and buffaloes than in heifers. The findings will help redefine measures against management and nutritional causes of anoestrus in cows and buffaloes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Incidence of infertility problems in heifers in Thanjavur District. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(6): 581-582 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Satheshkumar, S; Punniamurthy, N Institution: Organization: Content : The incidence of infertility problems in heifers from the Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India, was studied. 252 cattle and 104 buffalo heifers from the said location having infertility problems were subjected to a detailed gynaecoclinical examination from March 2000 to February 2001. Underdeveloped genitalia was the major form of infertility followed by anoestrus with smooth ovaries and repeat breeding. Among repeat breeders, endometritis was apparent in 19.36% of cattle and 26.67% of buffalo heifers. The incidence of anoestrus with smooth ovaries was higher in buffalo heifers. Repeat breeding was higher in cattle heifers. Only 37.5% of rural farmers covered in the study fed their heifers with concentrates and fodder. Results suggested that improper feeding in the early stages of growth and development occurred. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Pathology of the ovarian abnormalities in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(5): 412-415 AB: Country of Origin: India 889 Author’s name: Sujata, R; Rao, D.G.K; Honnappagol, S.S; Satish Mundas Institution: Organization: Content : Two hundred buffalo ovaries were randomly collected from various abattoirs in north Karnataka, India [date not given] for analysis of abnormalities. It was shown that 20 (10%) had pathological abnormalities, including hypoplastic ovaries in 3 cases (15%), cystic corpus luteum in 2 cases (1.0%), embedded corpus luteum in 8 cases (4%), dermoid cysts in 2 cases (1.0%) and atretic follicles in 5 cases (2.5%). Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gy) Biometry of female genitalia of Murrah buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(11): 1295-1296 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, S; Ahmed, F.A; Bhadwal, M.S; Utsav Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : Efficiency of reproduction is the basis of economic livestock production. Reproduction is influenced by the health status of the animals and health status in turn depends on the level of nutrition, managemental practices and endocrinological profile of the animals. The biometry of genital tracts of the female reveals the overall well being of the animals. Moreover, the knowledge of the biometry of genital tract is necessary in artificial breeding operation and in diagnosis of infertility and its treatment. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gy) Uterine torsion and foetal maceration in a cow: a case report. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(9): 1042-1043 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Behl, K.S; Brar, P.S; Bedi, M.K; Mishra, Y; Singla, V.K; Prahlad Singh Institution: Organization: Content : A case of uterine torsion with fetal maceration in a 7-year-old buffalo cow in India [date not given] is reported. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(Gyn) Distribution of surface follicles in buffalo ovaries. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(6): 711 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Palanisamy, M; Veerapandian, C; Pattabiraman, S.R; Palanisamy, A Institution: 890 Organization: Content : In in vitro fertilization, the diameter of follicle was found to be more important for the development competency of embryos. Follicle size was reported to be an useful indicator of oocyte recovery, fertilization and cleavage in in vitro fertilization cycles. Hence, the present work was undertaken to study the distribution of surface follicles in buffalo ovaries. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of urea molasses multi-nutrient block supplementary feeding in summer anoestrus buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2005; 82(2): 219-220 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kang, R.S; Nanda, A.S; Brar, P.S Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to assess the therapeutic efficacy of urea molasses multi-nutrient block (UMMB) supplementary feeding on the treatment of summer anoestrus in buffaloes. Forty anoestrus buffaloes were divided into two groups and were supplemented with UMMB for 30 days (group I, n=30) or not (group II, n=10, control). Buffaloes exhibiting heat signs were subjected to natural service and pregnancy was determined after three months. During the 30-day period of UMMB supplementation, 12 buffaloes of group I (40%) showed behavioural oestrus as compared to only one buffalo from group II (10%). Of the remaining 18 buffaloes in group I, UMMB supplementary feeding was continued in 8 buffaloes for the next 30 days. Five of the 8 buffaloes manifested behavioural oestrus within the next 30 days of UMMB supplementary feeding. Overall, 85% of the anoestrus buffaloes manifested oestrus during the 60-day period of UMMB supplementary feeding. The pregnancy rate was 91% with 1 service per conception. Initial BCS also affected the induction of oestrus following UMMB supplementation. The response to UMMB supplementation was better in buffaloes with BCS>3 than buffaloes with BCS<3. Initial body weight and milk yield did not affect the induction of oestrus following UMMB supplementation. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gy) Reproductive performance of Berari buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2005; 82(1): 85 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ambulkar,D R; Banglane, B B; Ali, S Z; Gote, N R Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the breeding performance of Berari buffaloes. Data on 410 Berari buffaloes were analysed to study the performance in terms of age at first calving, gestation period, intercalving period and breeding efficiency. The age at first calving ranged from 12952187 days, with an average of 1682.64+or-30.65 days. The average gestation 891 period was 306.21+or-0.10 days. The difference in the gestation period between male and female births was insignificant. The intercalving period was 490.64+or-3.16 days. The average breeding efficiency was 74.52+or-0.24%. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH- Repro(gyne)Abattoir survey of reproductive abnormalities in buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Intas Polivet. 2004; 5(2): 139-141 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Razzaque,W A A; Sahatpure,S K; Pawshe, C H Institution: Organization: Content : A survey on the abnormalities of buffalo reproductive tract was undertaken in an abattoir in Akola district, Vidarbha, Maharashtra, India, over a period of eight months (September-December 2002 and March-June 2003). Genital tracts from 100 buffaloes aged 2-10 years old were examined. Of the 100 genital tracts examined, 95 genital tracts were non-gravid and five were gravid (early pregnant). One genital tract showed accumulation of fluid in the fallopian tube (salpingitis), two showed pyometra and six had white discharge from the vulva before slaughter and was confirmed as metritis. Out of the 95 non-gravid genitalia, 36 (37.84%) showed involvement of the ovaries. The pathological lesions observed were inactive/smooth ovaries (80.55%, n=29), senile atrophic ovaries (13.88%, n=5), cystic ovary (2.77%, n=1) and follicular cyst (2.77%, n=1). The incidence of smooth ovaries was significantly higher during summer (March-June) probably due to the rise in environmental temperature and unavailability of forage. Of the 100 genital tracts examined, 48 samples did not show any abnormality. These animals might have been slaughtered due to involvement of some other systems. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Factor affecting calving interval and dry period in Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: JNKVV Research Journal. 2004 publ 2005; 38(2): 61-63 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav,B. S; Ashok Singh; Badhoriya,H. B. S Institution: Organization: Content : Data pertaining to 1003 Murrah buffaloes from six military farms covering a period of 43 years from 1940 to 1982 were collected and analysed by least squares analysis. The overall least square means for calving interval and dry period were 477.08+or-13.73 and 174.06+or-9.50 days respectively. The period and season effects were highly significant (P<0.01) for both calving interval and dry period. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH- Repro(gyne)More age at first calving and long calving interval: root causes and remedies. 892 Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Livestock International. 2004; 8(7): 5-7 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajinder Singh; Yadav, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : The breeding tract of Murrah buffalo mainly comprises of four districts of Haryana state, namely Rohtak, Hisar, Bhiwani and Jind. Every rural household in these districts rears buffalo primarily to meet their own milk requirements. Ownership of true Murrah type buffalo is a matter of pride in this belt and more than the milk yield, it is the Murrah phenotypic characteristics which fetch more price for buffaloes. A major hindrance in getting optimum economic returns from buffaloes in these households is the long calving interval, though the farmers of this region are mostly oblivious to the same. Even the heifers attain puberty at a much higher age than they are expected under optimum rearing conditions. Normally, a buffalo heifer, physically fit in health with good growth, should conceive by the age of 30 months. Similarly, the time between two calvings should not exceed 12 to 14 months. But this is rarely achieved in almost one-third of the population of buffaloes. This not only reduces the calf crop and thus replacement stock for old and dead buffaloes, but also adversely affects lime time production. Major causes of these problems and their suggested remedies are discussed in this article. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Postpartum endocrinology and prospects for fertility improvement in the lactating riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and yak (Poephagus grunniens L.). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Livestock-Production-Science. 2005; 98(1/2): 13-23 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prakash,B. S; Sarkar,M; Vijay Paul; Mishra,D. P; Mishra,A; Meyer,H. H. D Institution: Organization: Content : In many Asian countries the riverine buffalo is the major milk producing animal besides contributing towards draught power and meat production. The animal however suffers from inherent reproductive problems such as poor estrus expression and long calving intervals which limits its lifetime production. The yak is a seasonal breeder and the mainstay of highlanders and tribal populations inhabiting the inhospitable terrains of the Himalayan region. The factors responsible for its seasonality include poor nutrition, harsh climate and high altitude. Very little information is available on postpartum endocrinology in riverine buffaloes and even less so in yaks in relation to milk yield and cyclicity commencement. Our recent investigations on endocrine changes associated with cyclicity commencement in buffaloes (Murrah breed) showed a positive correlation between plasma prolactin concentrations and delay in postpartum cyclicity commencement. A significant correlation of plasma GH concentration with milk yield was also obtained. Monitoring 893 cyclicity through milk progesterone analysis in buffaloes postpartum indicated that the incidences of silent estrus was low in winter months and very high in summer months - the overall annual mean being 37%. Preovulatory LH surges post-estrus occurred at different times resulting in ovulations at 28 to 60 h after onset of spontaneous estrus in buffaloes. Progesterone profiles in some yaks indicated cyclic activity even during non-breeding season. The positive correlation between plasma prolactin and melatonin indicates valuable evidence for their role in reproduction in this animal. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Influence of infections and infectious diseases on buffaloes reproduction. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Proceedings of the 1st Buffalo Symposium of Americas, Belem, Para, Brazil, 1-4-September-2002. 2002; 5-14 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Costa, E.O Institution: Organization: Content : This article discusses some infectious reproductive diseases in female buffaloes like brucellosis, leptospirosis, campylobacteriosis, trichomoniasis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and infectious pustular vulvovaginitis. The clinical signs, disease prevalence in Brazil and India, disease control and prevention, and antibiotic sensitivity of the causative organisms are also reviewed. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Management of buffalo reproduction in India. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Proceedings of the 1st Buffalo Symposium of Americas, Belem, Para, Brazil, 1-4-September-2002. 2002; 144-155 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nanda, A.S; Brar, P.S; Jain, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : The advances made in India in terms of enhanced reproductive efficiency in buffaloes through genetic improvement (animal breeding) and management of reproductive disorders are discussed. The effect of the different breeding programmes in India on the 3 most important measures of buffalo reproductive efficiency viz. age at first calving, service period and calving interval are also discussed. Some of the reproductive disorders in buffaloes include delayed puberty, anoestrus, repeat breeding and dystocia due to uterine torsion. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Enhancing reproductive performance in dairy buffalo: major constraints and achievements. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Reproduction in domestic ruminats V Proceedings of the Sixth 894 International Symposium on Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants held in Crieff, Scotland, UK, August - 2002. 2003; 27-36 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nanda, A.S; Brar, P.S; Prabhakar, S Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo are of high economic importance for farmers in several developing countries but reproductive performance is poor. A large proportion of heifers attain puberty at 3-5 years of age. A good quality diet supplemented with extra nutrients reduces the age of puberty, whereas the effects of administration of exogenous GnRH or equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) are equivocal. The incidence of anoestrus in buffalo ranges from 20 to 80% depending on season. Most buffalo cease ovarian cyclicity during hot summers probably due to the combined effects of nutrition, environment and management. Keeping buffalo cool by wallowing, water sprinklers or shade improves fertility. Supplementary feeding with Urea Molasses Multi-nutrient Blocks (UMMB) for 60 days before calving enhances the early onset of postpartum oestrus. Regular UMMB supplementation also improves pregnancy rates in anoestrous non-pregnant buffalo. Prepartum vaginal prolapse is hereditary and eradication can be achieved by genetic selective breeding programmes. Treatment with calcium, phosphorus and progesterone gives only transient relief to clinical cases. Uterine torsion is the most common cause of dystocia (70%). Deployment of Sharma's detorsion method and anti-stress measures increase survival rates in cases presented within 36 h. In conclusion, greater understanding about the effects of better year-round nutrition, improved management and markers for logical breeding programmes are essential to curtail the incidence of the reproductive disorders that reduce buffalo fertility. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: AH-Repro(gyn) Vitrification of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) oocytes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Theriogenology. 2000; 53(6): 1295-1303 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dhali, A; Manik, R.S; Das, S.K; Singla, S.K; Palta, P Institution: Organization: Content : A method for the cryopreservation of buffalo oocytes by vitrification was developed. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected from slaughtered buffaloes. Prior to vitrification of COC in the vitrification solution (VS) consisting of 4.5 M ethylene glycol, 3.4 M dimethyl sulfoxide, 5.56 mM glucose, 0.33 mM sodium pyruvate and 0.4% w/v bovine serum albumin in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS), the COC were exposed to the equilibration solution (50% VS v/v in DPBS) for 1 or 3 min at room temperature (25-30 degrees C). The COC were then placed in 15- micro l of VS and immediately loaded into 0.25-ml French straws, each containing 150 micro l of 0.5 M sucrose in DPBS. The straws were placed in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour for 2 min, plunged and stored in LN2 for at least 7 days. The straws were thawed in warm water at 28 degrees C for 20 s. For dilution, the 895 COC were equilibrated in 0.5 M sucrose in DPBS for 5 min and then washed 4-5 times in the washing medium (TCM-199+10% oestrus buffalo serum). The proportion of oocytes recovered in a morphologically normal form was significantly higher (98 and 88% respectively; P<0.05), and the proportion of oocytes recovered in a damaged form was significantly lower (2 and 12% respectively; P<0.05) for the 3- than for the 1-min equilibration. For examining the in vitro developmental potential of vitrified-warmed oocytes, the oocytes were placed in 50- micro l droplets (10-15 oocytes per droplet) of maturation medium (TCM-199+15% FBS+5 micro g/ml FSH-P), covered with paraffin oil in a 35-mm Petri dish and cultured for 26 h in a CO2 incubator (5% CO2 in air) at 38.5 degrees C. Although the nuclear maturation rate did not differ between the 1- and 3-min equilibration periods (21.5+or-10.7 and 31.5+or-1.5% respectively), the between-trial variation was very high for the 1-min period. It is concluded that this method of vitrification is simple and rapid, and can be used for the cryopreservation of buffalo oocytes. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: In vitro culture of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preantral follicles. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Theriogenology. 2002; 57(7): 1839-1854 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gupta, P.S.P; Nandi, S; Ravindranatha, B.M; Sarma, P.V Institution: Organization: Content : Growth of buffalo preantral follicles in culture was studied to investigate the effect of size of preantral follicles, individual or group culture, long-term culture of preantral follicles for 40 days, addition of human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS), growth factors (epidermal growth factor, EGF; fibroblast growth factor, FGF), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in culture media, and substitution of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) for FSH as gonadotropin source in culture media. Preantral follicles were isolated mechanically from ovaries of mature, nonpregnant slaughtered buffaloes and cultured in droplets of culture media under mineral oil in a 35-mm petri dish in a CO2 incubator (38-39 degrees C, 5% CO2 in air, 90-95% relative humidity) for 15 days. Preantral follicle isolation and washing medium consisted of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) supplemented with steer serum (10%), glutamine (2 mM), sodium pyruvate (0.23 mM), hypoxanthine (2 mM) and gentamicin (50 micro g/ml), respectively. In Experiment I, we placed isolated preantral follicles individually or in groups of 2-4 preantral follicles in 30 or 50 micro l droplets, respectively, using two culture media: washing media and washing media+ITS (1%)+FSH (0.05 IU/ml), respectively. In Experiment II, isolated preantral follicles were grouped into six different size classes: <less or =>36, 37-54, 5572, 73-90, 90-108 and <more or =>109 micro m. We cultured groups of 2-4 preantral follicles in washing media+ITS (1%)+FSH (0.05 IU/ml) in a CO2 incubator for 15 days. In Experiment III, we allocated groups of 2-4 preantral follicles to 10 treatments: (1) only washing media, (2) washing media+FSH (0.05 IU/ml), (3) washing media+ITS (1%), (4) washing media+ITS (1%)+FSH (50 IU/ml), (5) washing media+ITS (1%)+EGF (50 ng/ml), (6) washing media+ITS (1%)+FSH (0.05 IU/ml)+EGF (50 ng/ml), (7) washing 896 media+ITS (1%)+FGF (50 ng/ml), (8) washing media+ITS (1%)+FSH (0.05 IU/ml)+FGF (50 ng/ml), (9) washing media+ITS (1%)+VIP (50 ng/ml), and (10) washing media+ITS (1%)+FSH (0.05 IU/ml)+VIP (50 ng/ml). In Experiment IV, based on the results of Experiment III, we incubated preantral follicles from those treatments showing significantly higher (P<0.05) growth up to 40 days. In Experiment V, we allocated groups of 2-4 preantral follicles to two treatments: (1) washing media+PMSG (50 IU/ml), and (2) washing media+ITS (1%)+PMSG (50 IU/ml) and cultured in a CO2 incubator for 15 days. The results indicated that the preantral follicles cultured in groups had a higher growth rate (P<0.05) than those cultured as individuals. ITS, FSH, PMSG and growth factors significantly promoted (P<0.05) the growth of preantral follicles. Following 40 days of culture, follicular architecture was preserved in nearly 17% of the follicles though there was no antrum formation. The growth rate of preantral follicles was lower in buffalo than in cattle. Specialization: Gynecology – Obstetrics Subject: Effect of insulin, transferrin and selenium and epidermal growth factor on development of buffalo oocytes to the blastocyst stage in vitro in serum-free, semidefined media. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Veterinary Record. 2002; 151(9): 260-265 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raghu, H.M; Nandi, S; Reddy, S.M Institution: Organization: Content : The in vitro development of buffalo oocytes up to the blastocyst stage was studied in serum-free, semidefined media containing bovine serum albumin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), insulin, transferrin and selenium (ITS) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). In experiment 1, oocytes aspirated from abattoir-derived ovaries were cultured in eight serum-free, semidefined culture media containing different combinations of these four factors. In experiment 2, the maturation of buffalo oocytes and the development of the embryos were compared in a complex co-culture system and in the serum-free, semidefined media. Supplementation with FSH and EGF significantly (P<0.05) increased the maturation rates of buffalo oocytes, and the yield of blastocysts was higher (P<0.05) in media containing EGF and ITS. The yield of blastocysts was lower in the serum-free semidefined media (P<0.05) than in the complex coculture system. 897 12. Immunology Specialization: Immunology Subject: A simple method to purify buffalo immunoglobulins. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 349-354 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raj, G.D; Ratnapraba, S; Nachimuthu, K Institution: Organization: Content : We report the use of caprylic acid for separation of buffalo IgG from serum. Recoveries of buffalo IgG1 and IgG2 ranged between 89 to 93% as estimated by a capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using bovine immunoglobulin (Ig) standards and monoclonal antibodies to bovine IgG1 and IgG2 and light chain. Analysis by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot confirmed successful purification of buffalo IgG. This technique is rapid, inexpensive and simple to perform than traditional ion exchange or gel filtration chromatography. Specialization: Immunology Subject: Development of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for estimation of buffalo immunoglobulins using anti bovine light chain monoclonal antibodies. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 83-90 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raj,G.D; Ratnaprabha, S; Matheswaran, K; Deshpande, M; Srikumaran, S; Nainar, A.M; Nachimuthu, K Institution: Organization: Content : The monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against bovine light chain cross-reacted with buffalo immunoglobulin (Ig) in radioimmunoassay. These Mabs were used as capture antibodies in an ELISA to capture all buffalo Ig isotypes in serum and colostrum. The captured Igs were detected using a commercial antibovine peroxidase conjugate. This test was compared to the conventional radial immunodiffusion (RID) test using purified buffalo Ig from colostrum and antisera raised against it. Of the 61 samples of serum and colostrum analysed using both tests, the range of Ig concentrations in buffalo serum using RID and ELISA were respectively, 7.44-39.10 mg/ml and 14.67-73.66 mg/ml (n=47). The concentration in colostrum was 22.32-90.77 by RID and 19.83-94.75 mg/ml by ELISA (n=14). The correlation coefficient of these concentrations was 0.91. The capture ELISA was simple to perform, rapid and can be used to rapidly identify buffalo calves with 'Failure of passive transfer' to prevent neonatal calf mortality. Specialization: Immunology Subject: Depletion of immunoglobulins from buffalo serum by one step thiophilic interaction chromatography. Year of publication: 2003 898 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(3): 283-290 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raj, G.D; Ratnapraba, S; Sudharsan, S; Matheeswaran, K; Nainar, A M; Nachimuthu, K; Srikumaran, S Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo immunoglobulin IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgA bind to thiophilic gel (Tgel). In this study, T-gel interaction chromatography was used for the depletion of buffalo Igs from serum. Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific for bovine IgG1, IgG2 and the light chain, which cross-react with the corresponding isotypes of buffalo Igs was used for the quantification of buffalo IgG1, IgG2 and total Igs bound by the T-gels in capture enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of buffalo IgM and IgA in the T-gel eluate was shown qualitatively by dot ELISA method. The results of the capture ELISA revealed that T-gel chromatography can isolate 93.1, 88.6 and 75.8% of the IgG1, IgG2 and total Igs, respectively, from the serum. T-gel chromatography facilitated the depletion of Igs from buffalo serum in a single chromatographic step. The Ig-depleted buffalo serum was tested as a substitute for fetal calf serum (FCS) in the growth medium for the culture of continuous cell lines (Vero and BHK21). The Ig-depleted buffalo serum supported the growth of these cells as effectively as the FCS, indicating that it is a cheap alternative to FCS. The use of Ig-depleted buffalo serum in cell culture provides an additional advantage to the laboratories in countries like India where cattle slaughter is banned for religious reasons. Specialization: Immunology Subject: Immunogenicity of protein fractions of Pasteurella multocida in animals. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(9): 653-656 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Srivastava, S.K Institution: Organization: Content : Ammonium sulfate perceptible protein (PSAP) of Pasteurella multocida serotype 6:B when fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography yielded 3 protein fractions, each eluted at sodium chloride gradient of 0.125 M (PASPD), 0.25 M (PSAD-D I) and 0.35 M (PSAP-II). All the purified proteins along with PSAP adsorbed on sheep red blood cells were subsequently detected at various levels of antibody titres in buffalo calves and rabbits immunized with whole cell vaccine and later challenged with virulent P. multocida. Rabbits and mice given vaccines consisting of PSAP or PSAP-D I (major protein fraction) showed a similar level of protection against the challenge infection, as observed with the whole cell vaccinated group. Antisera from these immunized rabbits passively protected mice against P. multocida infection and exhibited moderate levels of bactericidal activity. Study suggested that the protein fraction from P. multocida can be used to develop a subunit vaccine against haemorrhagic septicaemia. 899 Specialization: Immunology Subject: Technical note on the preparation of rabbit anti cattle or rabbit antibuffalo peroxidase conjugates. Year of publication: Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Research. 2000; 9(2): 61-62 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rishendra Verma; Sujit Nayak Institution: Organization: Content : This paper deals with the preparation of cattle and buffalo antibody-enzyme conjugates for use in ELISA. A line of identity was seen between the 2 conjugates. ELISA screening results of cattle sera showed that the rabbit anticattle conjugate can be used for the screening of buffalo sera and vice-versa. However, the rabbit anti-buffalo conjugate showed feeble activity in the ELISA as compared to rabbit anti-cattle conjugate. Specialization: Immunology Subject: Use of anti-bovine immunoglobulin G (IgG) peroxidase conjugate for detecting Brucella antibodies in cattle and buffaloes in Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Journal of Immunology and Immunopathology. 2003; 5(1): 27-30 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chand,P Institution: Organization: Content : Anti-bovine IgG peroxidase conjugate was used for detecting Brucella antibodies in sera of cattle and buffaloes by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The serum samples from cattle and buffaloes of known status for brucellosis were analysed. The anti-bovine IgG peroxidase conjugate produced expected results with cattle as all the Brucella positive cattle sera exhibiting STAT titres between 1:20 and 1:640 with positive RBPT reaction gave OD values above 1.000 (range 1.061 to 1.996). While in buffaloes that exhibiting similar STAT titres (i.e. 1:20 to 1:640) with positive RBPT reaction the OD values in ELISA remained below 0.700 (range 0.183 to 0.682). Though anti-bovine IgG peroxidase conjugate showed cross-reactivity with buffalo sera in ELISA but the strength of signal in terms of OD values was much lower than the cattle sera. Use of anti-bovine IgG peroxidase conjugate in ELISA for detecting Brucella antibodies in buffaloes could lead to erroneous results. Specialization: Immunology Subject: Antigen presenting potential of buffalo monocytes: presentation of foot and mouth disease virus antigens. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Immunology and Immunopathology. 2001; 3(1): 11-16 AB: Country of Origin: India 900 Author’s name: Khatri, M; Manuja, B; Sharma, R Institution: Organization: Content : The work presented in this paper describes the antigen presenting potential of monocytes obtained from buffalo calves naturally infected with foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), and buffalo and cattle calves vaccinated with polyvalent oil adjuvanted FMD vaccine. In FMD infected calves, significant antigen presentation by primed monocytes to naive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was observed against type A22 as well as type O. However, incorporation of tritiated thymidine was significantly higher in Type A22 stimulated cultures compared to those recorded in type O stimulated cultures. In vaccinated buffalo and cattle calves, significant antigen presentation of FMDV type O and A22 by monocytes to naive PBMC was recorded. These findings strongly suggest the role of monocytes in the induction of immune response in both infected as well as vaccinated calves against FMDV. Specialization: Immunology Subject: Evaluation of oxygen-dependent immunodefences of the polymorphonuclear cells of some tropical ruminants. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Veterinary Research Communications. 2000; 24(8): 505-515 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sahoo, G; More, T; Singh, V.K Institution: Organization: Content : Degranulative and phagocytic responses in buffalo, cattle and goat polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) exposed to diethyldithiocarbamate, a known superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitor, were studied. The activity of glutathione peroxidase and reductase was increased in the presence of the SOD inhibitor. On activation, H2O2 production increased significantly (p<0.01). SOD inhibition before the activation of PMNs caused a significant decline in the production of H2O2 (p<0.05) in all the species studied. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the phagocytosis of Candida albicans spores by buffalo PMNs activated with opsonized zymosan. Activation of bovine PMNs after exposure to the SOD inhibitor resulted in a significant decline (p<0.05) in phagocytic activity; in the other species, the two values only approached significance. Among the activators, opsonized zymosan caused a significant increase in phagocytic activity as compared to lipopolysaccharide, particularly in the PMNs of buffaloes (p<0.05). Increased fungicidal activity (p<0.05) occurred with opsonized zymosan-activated PMNs of all the species studied. The fungicidal activity declined in PMNs exposed to SOD inhibitor before activation (p<0.05). The phagocytic activity of caprine PMNs was lower than that of PMNs from cattle (p<0.05). 901 13. MANAGEMENT Specialization: Management Subject: Evolution and prospects of domestic buffalo husbandry. Year of publication: Journal: Annali-dell'Accademia-di-Agricoltura-di-Torino (Italy). (19981999). v. 141 p. 365-401. Received 2002. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Zicarelli, L. Institution: Organization: Content : After having examined the buffalo population numeric consistency course and its milk production in the last 40 years in the developing Countries and in the industrialised ones, the Author makes remarks in order to point out the importance of the role played by buffalo species in tropical Countries and their position in the high standard production of industrialised Countries. Both circumstances show that not a lot has been done to get genetic improvement, the only way to make buffalo a food producer in depressed areas as well as a producer of selected food in wealthy Countries with temperate climate. In fact, even these Countries, lacking of any kind of increase in their own production, would risk an excessive increase of the prices which would consequentially jeopardize the entries of their markets. In order to avoid what has been said above, it is necessary to overcome, thanks to more specific studies, all those doubts of physiological order which, at their actual state, reduce the efficiency of reproduction technologies that so much have contributed to the dairy cow genetic improvement. Specialization: Management Subject: Post milking teat dip effect on somatic cell count, milk production and composition in cows and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(10): 1517 1522 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shailja; Mahendra Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of post milking teat dipping on somatic cell count (SCC) of milk was determined in 20 Crossbred cows and 20 Murrah buffaloes selected from the institute's herd (National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India). The animals were divided into two groups of 10 each. Animals of Group I (control) were teat washed with water before the milking while Group II animals were applied teat dipping solution after the completion of milking. The cows were milked 3 times a day while buffaloes were milked twice a day. The milk samples were collected from control and treated animals on day 0, 5, 10, 15, respectively. The milk samples were analysed for milk constituents like fat, protein, lactose, chloride, IgG, NEFA, pH and EC and total and differential somatic cell counts. The changes in milk composition and somatic cell counts were significantly different (p<0.01) between the animals and 902 between the breeds. However SCC, chloride content (p<0.05) and epithelial cells (p<0.01) varied during different days of study. The alterations in SCC, epithelial cells, TLC, lymphocyte, neutrophil, IgG, and protein content were significantly different (p<0.01) between control and treated groups. The pH (6.50 vs. 6.40), EC (2.28 vs. 2.37 mhos), protein (3.33 vs. 4.04%), SCC (1.00 vs. 0.87x105 cells per ml), epithelial cells (0.39 vs. 0.34x105 cells per ml), lymphocyte (0.36 vs. 0.31x1000 cells per ml) and neutrophils (0.17 vs. 0.14x1000 cells per ml) of milk declined significantly (p<0.05) after the application of teat dipping. In buffaloes, epithelial cells (0.37 vs. 0.29x105 cells per ml), lymphocytes (0.37 vs. 0.25x1000 cells per ml), neutrophils (0.14 vs. 0.11x1000 cells per ml), EC (2.56 vs. 2.37 mhos) and SCC (0.94 vs. 0.73x105 cells per ml) declined (p<0.05) after teat dipping. The study indicated that post milking teat dipping could be used as an effective method for the lowering of SCC in milk of crossbred cows and buffaloes. Specialization: Management Subject: Variation in breeding and calving pattern of farm and field buffaloes maintained under sub-humid climate of Rajasthan. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2001; 7(1): 65-69 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sule, S.R; Taparia, A.L; Jain, L.S; Tailor, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : Data on Surti buffaloes maintained at Buffalo Project, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar and its field unit centres were used to compare the breeding and calving pattern of farm and field buffaloes. The possible reasons for variation were also determined. A significantly higher percentage of buffaloes bred during the winter season both at farm (50.75%) and field (71.04%). However, a significantly lower percentage of buffaloes exhibited heat during the rainy season (14.08%) at farm and during summer (3.69%) in field. The breeding season started from the rainy season in the field buffaloes, whereas in farm buffaloes it started from the winter season. The frequency of buffaloes exhibiting heat were higher at farm than buffaloes maintained under field by farmers from January to July. During August, the frequency of buffaloes exhibiting heat was almost the same for farm and field, but during September onwards, the trend was reversed. The conception rate was higher at farm than buffaloes maintained in field by farmers, except during June to August. Significantly higher number of buffaloes were calved during winter (44.96%) at farm than during rainy (61.37%) seasons in field. Month-wise results showed that the calving was higher during all the months in farm buffaloes as compared to field buffaloes except during July, August, and September. Specialization: Management Subject: The current status of buffalo production in India Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Bubalus-Bubalis. 2003; 9(2): 7-11 AB: The 4th Asian Buffalo Congress in India, 25-28 February 2003. Country of Origin: India 903 Author’s name: Borghese, A Institution: Organization: Content : The current status of buffalo production in India is discussed, as well as the production of products derived from this animal, such as meat and milk. A brief discussion on the export of buffalo meat and milk by India to other Asian countries is also presented. The production performance of the different buffalo breeds being raised in India are also discussed; these include the Murrah, Nili-Ravi, Surti, Jafarabadi and Kundi breeds. Specialization: Management Subject: The effects of machine milking on Murrah buffaloes milking temperament. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(1): 109-115 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dogra, P.K; Parmar, O.S; Gupta, S.C Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the effects of machine milking on temperament and milk production of Murrah buffaloes. 20 lactating Murrah buffaloes in their 1st and 2nd parity were milked with a milking machine using 420 and 450 mm Hg vacuum levels. The effects of machine milking on milking temperament was measured using a numerical rating scale: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as docile, slight restless, restless, aggressive and nervous, respectively. The stage of lactation, milking shift, and mastitis had a significant effect on the milking behaviour of the buffaloes but not the vacuum level. Docile animals had the highest machine milk yield per milking, machine milking time, and milk flow rates (4.586+or-0.044 kg, 4.32+or-0.03 min, and 1.064+or-0.007 kg/min, respectively). Specialization: Management Subject: Role of national dairy development board in forage and fodder seed production. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Forage Research. 2003; 29(1): 49-54 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : With only 2.5% of the world's geographical area, India supports 15% of the world's livestock. It is the leader in cattle population and buffalo, and has the world's second largest goat and fourth largest sheep population. However, efforts to increase livestock productivity are constrained due to feed/fodder shortages. Summary of the integrated programme developed by the National Dairy Development Board for augmenting green fodder resources is presented in this paper. Salient features of the programme include: (1) HRD for fodder development and seed production; (2) silvipasture scheme; (3) varietal 904 demonstration programme; (4) straw treatment; (5) popularization of chaff cutters; and (6) an approach to achieve self-sufficiency in improved varieties of fodder seeds. Specialization: Management Subject: Handbook of animal husbandry. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Handbook of animal husbandry. 2002; (Ed.3): 1234 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, A.T Institution: Organization: Content : This 'handbook', first published in 1962 and now in its third edition has grown to a massive volume of more than 1200 pages. It aims to cover animal husbandry including animal health for students of veterinary medicine and animal science, and for farmers and others interested in animal production. It is a valuable resource of informnation on animal production in India. There are chapters on: cattle and buffalo breeding; sheep production; goat production; poultry production; pigs; the Indian camel; equines; rabbitry; laboratory animals; livestock management (including housing, and disinfection); animal nutrition, fodder feeds and feed technology; diseases caused by viruses; diseases caused by bacteria and fungi; avian diseases; miscellaneous pathological conditions and other diseases; parasites and parasitic diseases; reproductive disorders of livestock; embryo transfer in cattle and buffalo; artificial insemination and sterility; veterinary public health; advances in veterinary medicine (a chapter that appears to cover noninfectious diseases including metabolic disorders and injuries); dairying; biotechnology in animal production; meat and by-products; economics of livestock keeping; beekeeping; animal science education in India; fish and fisheries in India; Postmortem examination; legislation in veterinary and animal sciences in India; informatics in animal husbandry (including information on the Indian National Agricultural Research Database, and lists of relevant Internet sites). There is also a list of the major research institutes and universities in animal science in India, with e-mail addresses. Specialization: Management Subject: Comparative economics of different farming systems under paddy-wheat farming sequence in rice-belt of Haryana. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Haryana Agricultural University Journal of Research. 2000; 30(1/2): 49 53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sheokand, R.S; Narinder Singh; Sheoran, O.P Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted during 1996-97 involving 300 landless (no land), marginal (0.1-1.0 ha), small (1.1-2.0 ha), medium (2.1-3.0 ha), and large (>3.0 ha) farmers in Haryana, India, to compare the economics of different farming systems in a rice-wheat cropping sequence. Expenditure and income of arable 905 farming, buffalo rearing, and mixed farming units were determined. The results showed net returns of Rs.6326, 3904 and 10 966/ha, respectively. The net return per Rs. 1000 invested was Rs.223, 241, and 250, respectively. The percentage net returns over gross expenditure were 22.29, 24.10, and 24.99%, while the percentage returns over other variable costs were 39.69, 33.87, and 39.99%, respectively. The expenses incurred on labour were 12.90, 18.99, and 25.36% of the total expenditure, respectively. The results showed higher gross and net returns per Rs.1000 invested, as well as higher percent return over gross investment, in mixed farming compared with other farming systems. Mixed farming also generated more income and human labour employment than arable and dairy farming. Specialization: Management Subject: Sustainable milk production and productivity enhancement to match global competition. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 33-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mudgal,V.D Institution: Organization: Content : The nutritional requirements of the Indian people can be fulfilled by enhancing milk production and reducing the operational costs. The ways of enhancing and sustaining milk production in India are presented in the paper. The greater household nutritional security brought about by milk is discussed, as well as the enhancement of milk production through genetic improvement and conservation of nationally important cattle and buffalo breeds, and crossbreeding. Some specific objectives for breeding and production of animals in relation to sustainability are given. The uses of buffalo in India, and buffalo breeding are also discussed. A crossbreeding programme called the Frieswal Project, aimed at developing a new breed of cow (to be called "Frieswal") by utilizing the crossbred herd in military farms is also presented. The breeding policies followed by military farms and the implementation of a technical breeding programme are briefly discussed. Specialization: Management Subject: Optimum herd size, income and employment potential of common buffalo breeds in Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics. 2004; 59(2): 268 276 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prasad, D.S Institution: Organization: Content : This study determines the optimum number of animals (dairy buffaloes) to be maintained by different size-groups of farmers, namely, landless, marginal, small, medium and large farmers, in Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Income and employment generated by dairy farming under existing 906 conditions for the different size-groups of farmers are also examined. A sample of 240 milk producers selected from 16 villages in four mandals formed the material for the study. The study pertained to the year 1990-91. The study revealed that feed costs are very high and are beyond the reach of poor dairy farmers. Furthermore, the cost of graded and murrah buffaloes was observed to be prohibitive in the study area and good dairy animals were not within the reach of the landless, marginal and small farmers cost-wise. The study concludes that, dairying being a capital-intensive enterprise, institutional financial assistance may be stepped up and extended to the landless, marginal and small farmers for the purchase of dairy animals and in maintaining them. Specialization: Management Subject: Utilization of draught power sources in North East India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Agricultural Research. 2003; 37(2): 100 104 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, L.S Institution: Organization: Content : This study conducted during 1995-99 in northeast India revealed that farmers engaged in non-farm activities with 1.0-1.5 ha land holding could depend on hiring services of draught power sources. A pair of bullocks was found sufficient for farmers fully engaged in farming in 1.0-2.0 ha area under cultivation. Similarly, 2 pairs of bullocks could command 2.0-4.2 ha land. The he-buffaloes were found suitable for swampy area as they were capable to perform operations during rain and scorching sunshine. Farmers possessing a power tiller could also provide hiring facility to other farmers. The tractor owners could command 9-12 ha own land. In addition, they provided hiring services to extent of 70-85% of their own utilization. Maximum area commanded by a pair of bullocks, single he-buffalo, a pair of he-buffaloes, power tiller and tractor was 2.0 ha, 1.9 ha, 4.0 ha, 10.0 ha and 20.0 ha, respectively. The scope of establishing hiring centres for he-buffaloes and mechanical sources of draught power, was found in the study area in view of their utilization on hire basis. The power tiller and he-buffaloes were found suitable for puddling, whereas transportation could be performed by tractor and he-buffaloes. The bullocks and tractor were considered suitable for dryland cultivation and land levelling could be carried out by power tiller and tractor. All of these draught power sources were found suitable for planking. Specialization: Management Subject: Ratio of female stock and replacement of daughter per cow in crossbred dairy herd. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 1999; 38(1): 33 34 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jana, D.N; Kumar, B.A Institution: Organization: Content : 907 An investigation on ratio of female stock and replacement daughters per cow in a crossbred herd maintained at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (Izatnagar, India) was undertaken. The proportion of the herd in the 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18, 18 months and over age groups was 4.68, 4.12, 8.18, 7.87, 22.25 and 52.90%. The replacement of daughters per cow was 1.64+or-0.02. Specialization: Management Subject: Availability of feeds and feeding practices and socio-economic status of farmers in irrigated cotton based system. Year of publication: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 2002; 19(3): 256 261 AB: Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 2002; 19(3): 256 261 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sajjan Sihag; Yadav, K.R; Khirwar, S.S; Rajesh; Heera Lal Institution: Organization: Content : A comprehensive survey for locally available feedstuffs and feeding practices adopted by the farmers of cotton growing area of Haryana, India, was conducted. The farmers were classified according to land holding i.e. large farmers (>10 acres), medium farmers (5-10 acres), small farmers (2-5 acres), and marginal farmer, (<2 acres). The results indicated that wet land, dry land, land under cotton cultivation, cotton cultivation percent of wet land, cotton yield and land under fodder production were significantly higher in the category of large farmers as compared to others. The number of cattle per family, number of cattle bull per family, number of buffalo per family, total number of animals per family and availability of cross bred cattle were higher in the large farmers as compared to others. However, availability of desi cattle was higher in the category of small farmers and the values were lowest in the category of large farmers. Wheat straw was the sole roughage fed to the animals in all categories of the farmers. Berseem, oats, green jawar, green bajra and local seasonal grasses were main sources of green fodder. The large and medium farmers fed higher quantities of green fodder to their milch animals. Wheat dalia, gram churi, barley, bajra grain, cotton seed, cotton seed cake and mustard cake were the part of concentrate mixture fed to milch cattle and buffaloes. Only 20% farmers were supplementing the diet with common salt and none of the farmers were feeding mineral mixture to their animals. Number of milch buffalo and cattle, milk yield of cattle and buffalo and average milk yield per animal was significantly higher in the animals of large farmers than other categories. It was also noticed that all categories of farmers were facing the problems of repeat breeding, anoestrus in buffalo heifers and lack of knowledge about the balanced feeding of animals. Specialization: Management Subject: Studies on housing and feeding management practices of Murrah buffalo in its home-tract of Haryana. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1998; 14(3): 186 188 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Malik, D.S; Nagpaul, P.K 908 Institution: Organization: Content : A field survey was conducted to acquire information on management practices of Murrah buffalo in 180 households in Haryana. All the 180 respondents were interviewed and information was collected. The profile of the sampled respondents in the study area revealed that the majority of respondents were small farmers, illiterate and had medium sized families. The majority of the respondents had closed sheds but feeding equipment was defective. Most of the sampled households were feeding home-prepared concentrates and were feeding common salt. None of the respondents practiced silage preparation. Specialization: Management Subject: Water requirement in live stock production. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1998; 14(3): 145 147 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, N; Chopra, S.C Institution: Organization: Content : Information on the water requirements of buffaloes and cattle of different age, physiological state (lactating vs. dry) and season (summer vs. winter) is reviewed. In addition, water metabolism and requirement of murrah buffalo and Hariana cows are compared. Based on the information, general recommendations are given. Specialization: Management Subject: Calving patterns, behaviours and some dam-daughter interactions of swamp buffaloes under 'Khuti' system of management in Assam. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(1): 42-43 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Amonge, T.K; Sarker, A.B; Bora, N.N; Roy, T.C Institution: Organization: Content : 358 swamp buffaloes were studied under the 'Khuti' system of management (in which temporary shelters are used) at 2 locations in Assam (India) between May 1991 and April 1992. Most calvings (43.30%) occurred during winter, followed by the rainy (41.34%) and summer (15.36%) seasons. The majority of swamp buffalo cows gave birth in the jungle. 34.25% of calves were born between 05.00 and 16.00 while 65.75% of calvings took place in between 16.00 and 05.00. 64.91% of calves could stand within 10 to 15 minutes, a further 19.30% could stand within 15 to 30 minutes and the remainder after 30 to 60 minutes. Yearling calves were not allowed to suckle when the new born calf remained with the mother. In the absence of new born calves, mothers generally allowed yearling calves to suckle during grazing which appeared to 909 be a peculiar phenomenon with the swamp buffaloes. Specialization: Management Subject: Effect of three rearing systems on growth performance of young buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(1): 26 28 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, R.S; Yadav, M.S; Mehla, O.P Institution: Organization: Content : Three comparable groups (six calves each) of young (6-7 months) female buffalo calves were reared by grazing (T1) or stall feeding individually (T2) or stall feeding in a group (T3) to see the effect of rearing systems on performance of calves. The calves of T2 grow faster (P<0.05) (415 g/day) than the calves of T1 and T3. Change in body size was not significantly influenced by treatment. It was further observed that there was a fall in growth rate of calves during hot dry and severe cold seasons in all treatments. T2 consumed less (P<0.05) (11.70 kg) dry matter per kg body weight gain than T1 and T3. The cost per kg gain in body weight was Rs 12.29, 12.11 and 14.80 for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Specialization: Management Subject: Nutritional status of high yielding buffaloes - a case study. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(1): 39 41 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Lall, D; Dixit, V.B; Arora, U; Chauhan, T.R Institution: Organization: Content : Hisar and its nearby areas come under the native breeding tract of Murrah buffaloes. There are few high-yielding buffaloes giving more than 20 kg milk daily which are being fed traditionally under field conditions. Meeting the nutrient requirement of such buffaloes is a challenge because of the physiological limits of dry matter intake (DMI) which usually does not exceed 2.5-3.0 percent of body weight. Five buffaloes were studied in 2 villages and were able to meet their nutrient requirements when calculations were made of their nutrient supply, taking standard values from requirement tables. Specialization: Management Subject: Studies on milking and calf rearing management practices of Murrah buffalo in its home-tract of Haryana. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management. 1999; 15(2): 52 54 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Malik, D.S; Nagpaul, P.K 910 Institution: Organization: Content : A field survey was conducted on Murrah buffalo management practices in three districts of Haryana, in the three districts comprising the best breeding records from 180 farmers of different categories. The percentages of households which followed the full hand method of milking, dry hand milking and proper drying off of their buffaloes were 36.1, 53.3 and 73.0 respectively. It was also found that 94.4% of respondents attended calving, but only 85.6% ligated/cut and disinfected the naval cord. The percentage of respondents providing colostrum within 2 hours after birth, within 2-4 hours after birth and after expulsion of the placenta was 45.0, 8.3 and 46.7 respectively, and none of the respondents followed the practice of weaning. Specialization: Management Subject: Cost of milking and labour requirements on a dairy farm. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Research. 2001; 35(2): 120 122 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chaudhary, A.P; Parmar, O.S; Singh, K.P Institution: Organization: Content : The cost of milking and labour requirements for milking was studied under machine and hand milking systems on a dairy farm at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India [date not given]. The study showed that the cost of milking a buffalo by machine (Rs.1.60 per milking) and hand (Rs. 0.97 per milking) was higher than milking a cow. It was also observed that the cost of milking per kg of milk by machine was higher (Rs.0.40 in buffalo and Rs. 0.25 in cows) than hand milking (Rs. 0.25 in buffaloes and Rs.0.21 in cows). However, one milker can milk 26 buffaloes or 38 cows by machine milking or 16 buffaloes or 18 cows by hand milking per day under a 2 x milking programme. Specialization: Management Subject: Influence of socio-economic variables on adoption of buffalo-calf rearing management practices in rural Haryana. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(3): 325 326 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajender Singh; Narinder Singh Institution: Organization: Content : 300 buffalo farmers from Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani districts (Haryana, India) were surveyed in order to determine the effects of district, size of farm, age of farmer, family size and caste on buffalo calf rearing practices (timing of colostrum feeding, amount of colostrum fed, suckling duration and deworming practices). The timing of colostrum feeding differed between districts; 46%, 73% and 56% of farmers in Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani respectively fed calves colostrum within 2 h of birth, the remainder fed later. No other socio911 economic factor had a significant effect on the timing of colostrum feeding. Family size affected the duration of colostrum feeding; 37% of families with less than 5 members fed buffalo calves colostrum up to 6 months of age compared with 54.8% of families with more than 5 members. Family size did not affect any of the other traits. Age of the farmers also only affected the duration of colostrum feeding among farmers <30 years of age, 31-45 years of age and >45 years of age the percentages feeding calves colostrum up to 6 months of age were. 21.8%, 43.1% and 47.0% respectively. The amount of colostrum fed was also influenced by the category of the farm. Among respondents classified as landless, or having marginal, small, medium and large farms the percentage feeding calves colostrum up to 6 months of age were 30%, 21.7%, 43.3%, 41.7% and 66.7% respectively. The duration of suckling differed significantly between districts The percentages of respondents in Rohtak that allowed calves to suckle for <4 months, 4-6 months and >6 months were 11%, 66% and 23% respectively, the corresponding values for Hisar were 12%, 53% and 45% respectively, those for Bhiwani were 0%, 57% and 43%. Suckling duration was also affected by category of farm among respondents classified as landless, marginal, small, medium and large farms the frequency of calves suckling for <4 months was 3.3%, 21.7%, 0%, 0% and 13.3% respectively, the frequencies of suckling for 4-6 months were 60.0%, 61.7%, 60.0%, 58.3% and 53.3%, the frequencies for suckling for more than 6 months were 36.7%, 16.7%, 40.0%, 41.7% and 33.3%.Deworming practices differed between districts. 40% of respondents in Bhiwani never dewormed their animals compared with 5% and 3% in Rohtak and Hisar respectively. The percentages of farmers in Rohtak, Hisar and Bhiwani that seldom dewormed their animals were 49%, 58% and 44% respectively; the corresponding percentages that practised regular deworming were 12%, 6% and 4%; the percentages using the Desi method of deworming were 34%, 13% and 12%. Deworming practices were the only aspect of husbandry for which a significant effect of caste was found. The frequencies of farmers in the Scheduled caste, Backward caste, Agriculture caste and Dominant caste that never dewormed their buffalo calves were 30.0%, 5.6%, 29.9% and 0%; the corresponding frequencies of farmers that seldom dewormed their animals were 37.5%, 61.1%, 51.3% and 100.0%. Regular deworming was only performed by members of the Agriculture caste (9.2%). The frequency of Desi deworming was 32.5%, 33.3% and 16.7% in the Scheduled, Backward and Agriculture castes respectively. Specialization: Management Subject: Calf mortality pattern in relation to age and sex in organized livestock farms in Andhra Pradesh. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(10): 921 923 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, C.R; Moorthy, P.R.S; Rao, K.S; Naidu, K.V Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to investigate calf mortality in relation to age and sex in organized dairy farms in Andhra Pradesh, India. 3217 records of calves belonging to Ongole, Murrah, and crossbred calves were used. Data on 912 mortality were collected from April to March for 6 years and classified into age groups. In cattle, the average calf mortality rates were 1.20, 1.25, 0.89, and 0.85% in age groups of birth to one month, 1-3 months, 3-6 months, and 6-12 months, respectively. In buffalo calves, values obtained were 4.15, 2.75, 2.02, and 5.64%, respectively. Analysis of variance indicated that calf mortality was significantly different among herds but not among different age groups. In cattle, irrespective of herd, death rate in male calves (4.18%) was slightly higher than that in female calves (4.08%). Sex of calf had highly significant effect on calf mortality in buffaloes (P<less or =>0.01) and insignificant effect in cattle. Similar mortality rates were observed between the different age groups of 0.5 Jersey:0.5 Ongole and Murrah calves. Specialization: Management Subject: Effect of body surface cooling during hot-dry and hot-humid seasons on seminal attributes of Murrah buffalo bulls. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(2): 192 194 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mandal, D.K; Nagpaul, P.K; Gupta, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : Murrah buffalo bulls (n=12) maintained at the Artificial Breeding Complex, National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana, India, were divided into 2 groups (6 in each group). In the experimental group, body surface cooling by water sprinkling and fanning was done during the summer (April-June) and rainy (July-October) seasons of 1997. A significant increase in mass activity, sperm concentration, motility and a decrease in the percentage of dead sperm, sperm abnormality and acrosomal damage was observed in the cooled group as compared to the non-cooled group, during summer. On the other hand, during the rainy season, a significant increase in the percentage of live sperm and a decrease in the percentage of sperm abnormality was observed in the cooled group. Thus, our results suggested that the body surface cooling of Murrah buffalo bulls during the hot-dry season, by fanning and water sprinkling (with increased frequency keeping pace with the increase in temperature) reduce the adverse environmental effect on reproductive performance of the animals. However, during the hot-humid season, the effect was less pronounced. Specialization: Management Subject: Effect of year and season of birth on calf mortality in pure and crossbred cattle and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(10): 918 920 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, C.R; Moorthy, P.R.S; Rao, K.S; Naidu, K.V Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the effect of year and season of birth on mortality of calves of pure and crossbred cattle and buffaloes. 3217 records 913 belonging to different genetic groups (Ongole, Jersey, 0.5 Jersey:0.5 Ongole, 0.75 JF:0.25 Ongole) of cow calves and Murrah buffalo calves of both sexes maintained at livestock farms in Andhra Pradesh were examined. Average mortality in cows ranged from 2.75-5.56% among different years but were insignificant. Mortality in buffaloes varied between 2.42 and 41.18%, and the effects were highly significant (P<0.01). Significantly higher mortality (P<0.01) was found in the year 1992-93, whereas the lowest mortality was observed in the year 1989-90. Results indicated that cow calves born in rainy season had higher mortality (4.39%), followed by those born in autumn (4.26%), summer (4.25%), and winter (3.50%). In buffalo calves, the highest mortality was observed in calves born in summer (20.83%), followed by those born in winter (14.09%), rainy season (14.07%), and autumn (12.42%). Specialization: Management Subject: Milk response function of large ruminants in northern Karnataka. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jun 2003). v. 73(6) p. 699-702. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Wadear, P.K.R.; Kiresur, V.R. Institution: Organization: Content : Present paper is an attempt to examine the influence of different factors on milk productivity of different categories of milch animals in Sameerwadi sugar factory operational area of northern Karnataka.The Cobb-Douglas type of production function was found to be the good fit to the milk production data as indicated by the very high value of Ry and significant F values. The results of the stepdown regression estimates revealed that, the coefficient of concentrates and herd size were significant in crossbred cows, labour and fodder inputs were significant in indigenous cows and buffalo. In addition to this herd size was found to be the important variable influencing the milk production. Specialization: Management Subject: Animal husbandry practices in Tarikhet block of Kumaon hill of Uttaranchal. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(9): 997 999 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, P.R; Singh, M; Verma, M.L; Jaiswal, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : Socioeconomic status of farmers in Uttaranchal, India was generally poor and 75% of farmers having <0.5 ha land was treated as small category, large family size (8.17 member/family) and nuclear family system dominated, literacy percentage was 74.59 and about 67% of the income was generated from livestock sector of agriculture. Livestock rearing system was diverse and identified 5 main types i.e., cattle+buffaloes (34.46% farmers adopted), only 914 cattle (22.00%), only buffaloes (17.33%), buffaloes+cattle+goat (10.00%) and other mixed type (16.00%) respectively. Livestock composition consisted of 48.36% cattle, 29.67% buffalo and 21.96% goat. Cattle and goats were mostly dependent on grazing and stall fed while buffaloes only on stall-feeding. Chaffing of fodder was uncommon or absent and concentrate were provided to productive animals only. Natural breeding method was preferred by farmer and 83.96% cattle and 100% buffalo owners adopted natural breeding. Animal shed was unhygienic, long calving interval, higher age at first calving, higher mortality rate of calves were also reported. Specialization: Management Subject: Buffalo genetic drain from an Indian state and methods to conserve it. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(4): 435 437 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajender Singh Institution: Organization: Content : A survey from Rohtak and adjoining area in Haryana, India, famous for Murrah buffalo breeding, was conducted to determine the impact of the export and resulting shortage of buffaloes on the economy of the farmers in the area. Data were collected from registered Truck Union and Loading Books of railways from August 1997 to August 1999. It was shown that more than 25 000 Murrah buffaloes including their calves were taken away every year. Rohtak is known as a potential area for the production and sale of Murrah buffaloes. The maximum numbers of buffaloes were transported in August and September to various metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Nasik. These animals are young and in their early lactation. The minimum numbers of buffaloes were transported in February and April, as most of the animals are in the dry period of lactation at this time. Though this trading generates good income to producers as well as to the middleman and works as an incentive for breed improvement, at the same time it causes a great erosion of the valuable germplasm of this elite buffalo breed. This heavy shortage and loss of Murrah buffaloes from Rohtak will be a major threat to the economy of smallholders and landless farmers in the coming future. Although a ban on export/transportation by railway has been imposed in 2001 due to PIL by Central Ministry of Animal Welfare, the government should still create standards, combat, frame and implement some hard rules and regulations to reverse this whole process of genetic drain as transportation by road is still continuing. Specialization: Management Subject: Effect of different housing systems on the performance of Murrah buffalo heifers during winter. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(12): 1239-1240 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gupta, L.R; Hariom; Yadav, R.S; Grewal, S.S Institution: 915 Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the effects of 3 types of housing systems (T1=loose housing, T2=loose housing+mud plaster roof, and T3=village type closed barn with kuchha floor) on feed intake and growth performance of buffalo heifers during winter (India). Results showed that the buffalo heifers can be reared in loose housing in the northern part of India without any adverse effect on performance. Specialization: Management Subject: Farmers' rationale of indigenous buffalo husbandry practices in Haryana. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(4): 304 309 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dixit, V.B; Lall, D; Manuja, A; Chauhan, T.R Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted in the 'Murrah' tract of Haryana, representing the districts of Hisar, Jind, Rohtak and Bhiwani. Information regarding indigenous buffalo husbandry practices and their rationale was collected from 100 farmers, covering four villages in the four districts. The observations were gathered through repeated discussions with groups of farmers as well as with individual farmers. The information obtained was classified into feeding, breeding, health and management practices. The following study attempted to discuss and identify the most widely practiced indigenous buffalo husbandry practices, together with farmers' rationale. Thus, in all 25 husbandry practices, which included eight practices for feeding, seven for breeding, and five each for health and management were identified, where there was maximum agreement of the farmers on their rationale. Though these practices are popular in 'Murrah' tract, the scientific rationale behind these practices must be examined. Specialization: Management Subject: Cost of bull maintenance at an organised farm. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2001; 54(4): 203 208 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Arun Pandit; Jain, D.K Institution: Organization: Content : The artificial insemination (AI) technique is one of the best techniques of crossbreeding to quickly upgrade the poor genetic potential of dairy animals. Bull maintenance is the major activity of any AI programme. The objective of the present study was to determine the cost of bull maintenance, both in terms of per bull per day as well as per millilitre of neat, chilled and frozen semen, for cows and buffalo bulls maintained at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) farm, Karnal. Data were collected for the financial year 1997-98 and tabular analysis was carried out to fulfill the objective. The net cost of bull 916 maintenance per day was found to be Rs. 68.52 and Rs. 70.35 per cow and buffalo bull, respectively. The major cost components were the cost of feeds and fodder, staff salaries and interest on fixed capital, which accounted for 47.82, 25.17, 12.46 and 46.57, 23.96, and 16.02% of the gross cost of bull maintenance for cows and buffalo bulls, respectively. The net cost of bull maintenance in terms of per millilitre of neat, chilled and per straw of frozen semen were Rs. 250.41, Rs. 34.01 and Rs. 8.16 for cows bulls, respectively, and Rs. 285.72, Rs. 38.23 and Rs. 8.82 for buffalo bulls. The study reveals that there exists a scope to reduce the net cost of bull maintenance if the existing resources are put to use more efficiently by increasing the production of good quality semen and dilution rate to an extent that is technically feasible. Specialization: Management Subject: Status of livestock and feed resources in Northern Karnataka Region. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(4): 230 234 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anandan, S; Raju, S.S; Ramachandra, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : The status of animal feed resource availability in the Northern Karnataka region which comprised of Bellary, Belgaum, Bidar, Bijapur, Raichur, Dharwad and Gulbarga districts was assessed based on the secondary data. The data on distribution and composition of the livestock revealed that the region had 3.96 million cattle, 2.11 million buffalo, 3.51 million sheep, 2.6 million goats and 2.12 million improved poultry accounting for 38, 52, 48, 59 and 23% of the total state population. The buffalo population which constituted 47% of the total state buffalo population in 1990 increased to 52% in 1997 which registered a 5% increase while the cattle population remained stable at 38% during the same period. The region had a potential dry matter availability from different sources at 17.7 million tonnes wherein 74% came from crop residues. The available dry matter in the region was more than the requirement, indicative of High feed availability - Low productivity situation. The potential dry matter availability per Ruminant Livestock Unit per day ranged from 7.73 kg in Gulbarga to 14.59 kg in Bijapur with the regional average of 10.32 kg. This clearly shows that the feed availability - at least the dry matter availability is not the primary constraint of the low productivity of the animals in the region. There is a considerable scope for further improvement in the overall livestock production and productivity in the region through suitable interventions. Specialization: Management Subject: Adoption of dairy management practices of Marathwadi buffaloes in their home tract. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(6): 421 423 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kalyankar, S.D; Gujar, B.V; Patange, D.D; Patil, G.R; Londhe, G.K 917 Institution: Organization: Content : This investigation was carried out in 5 villages of Parbhani District in Maharashtra to study the adoption of dairy management practices by the farmers rearing Marathwadi buffaloes. 166 farmers who reared buffaloes were the respondents. Only 34.34% of the farmers tied high-producing buffaloes during day and night (stall-fed condition), whereas and 66.87% practiced both grazing and stall feeding. Separate housing was provided to 41.57% of the buffaloes, whereas 58.43% were housed in one portion of the owner's residence. Animals were maintained mainly on stover of bajra and jowar. Concentrate mixture was only offered to buffaloes during milking time. All respondents opted for natural service. Specialization: Management Subject: Effect of roof modifications in loose house on intake and utilization of nutrients in buffalo calves during rainy season. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(1): 54 57 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jat, R.P; Gupta, L.R; Yadav, B.L Institution: Organization: Content : Thus study was conducted to determine the effect of thatch and mud plaster roof on the intake and utilization of nutrients in young female calves. 20 female buffalo calves (9-11 months) were reared under 4 housing conditions: (T1) loose house (LH); (T2) LH + thatch roof; (T3) LH + mud plaster roof and (T4) conventional barn. The maximum ambient temperatures in T1, T2, T3 and T4 sheds were 39.19+or-0.260, 36.20+or-0.244, 36.14+or-0.480 and 38.09+or-0.285 degrees C, respectively. The maximum temperature, relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI) were significantly lower (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than T1 and T4 houses. The daily intakes of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and water were influenced (P<0.05) by shelter management. The daily DMI was higher (P<0.05) in T2 (3.89 kg) and T3 (3.95 kg) calves compared to T1 (3.68 kg) and T4 (3.64 kg) calves. TDN intakes were 1.31+or-0.019, 1.39+or-0.027, 1.40+or-0.026 and 1.37+or-0.023 kg in the respective treatments. The daily voluntary water intake was less (P<0.05) in thatch roof (10.31 litre) than mud plaster (11.35 litre), closed tie barn (11.24 litre) and loose housed (12.98 litre) animals. Insignificant difference in VWI was observed between T3 and T4 calves. The water and DMI ratio was lower (P<0.05) in T2 animals than in T1 and T4 animals. The digestibility of DM (62.33%), crude protein (CP, 68.66%), ether extracts (EE, 77.05%) and crude fibre (CF, 55.44%) was greater (P<0.05) in T3 compared to T1, T2 and T4 calves. It was concluded that the provision of mud plaster roof improved the intake and utilization of nutrients in buffalo calves. Specialization: Management Subject: Feeding and housing managemental practices of Nili-Ravi buffalo under field conditions. 918 Year of publication: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(5): 376 378 AB: Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(5): 376 378 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Munish Kumar; Mehla, R.K; Chandra, R Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was conducted in the Ferozpur district of Punjab state, India, which is the breeding tract of Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Management practices were surveyed in 80 farmers from March to May 2004. It was shown that the majority (80%) of farmers cultivated fodder for their animals and the main method of feeding was stall feeding (85%). Almost all farmers were feeding concentrates to lactating buffaloes only and the quantity fed per day in 30, 45, 20 and 5% cases were up to 2, 2-4, 4-6 and more than 6 kg, respectively. A significantly lower quantity of concentrates was fed by marginal farmers. Mineral mixture feeding was done by only 25% of farmers. Only 6.25% of respondents used loose housing for the animals. The majority (60%) of farmers had mud floors in the animal house. In most cases, the space provided was not according to scientific recommendations and hygienic conditions were not maintained. Specialization: Management Subject: Effect of birth weight and weaning on calf mortality: a study in Andhra Pradesh. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(12): 1134 -1137 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, C.R; Moorthy, P.R.S; Rao, K.S Institution: Organization: Content : An attempt was made to study the effect of birth weight and time of weaning on the mortality of calves (cattle and buffaloes), from birth to 12 months, from different livestock farms in Andhra Pradesh [date not given]. The overall mortality was found to be highest (8.87%) in the 31-35 kg weight group, followed by 7.37% in the 36 kg and above weight group. Mortalities in the other weight groups were 7.27% in the 26-30 kg, 6.27% in the 16-20 kg and 5.48% in below 15 kg. Calf mortality was lowest (5.02%) in the 21-25 kg birth weight group. The birth weight had a significant effect on calf mortality in the 3/4 Jersey x 1/4 Ongole group only. Specialization: Management Subject: Reproductive status of Surti buffaloes maintained under subhumid conditions of Rajasthan. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(11): 1049-1051 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sule, S R; Taparia, A L; Jain, L S; Tailor, S P Institution: Organization: 919 Content : The effect of non-genetic factors on sexual maturity traits and first lactation reproductive traits in Surti buffaloes, maintained under the sub-humid conditions of Rajasthan, was investigated. Data on sexual maturity traits, pertaining to 21 years (1973-93), of 468 Surti buffaloes were obtained. The sexual maturity traits included: age at first heat (AFH), conception (AFCon) and calving (AFC), and the first lactation reproductive traits included: first post-partum period (FPPP), number of services per conception (FNSPC) service period (FSP) and calving interval (FCI). The average AFH, AFCon, and AFC, in Surti buffaloes were 1365.06+or-12.85, 1418.62+or-13.16 and 1719.84+or-13.76 days, respectively. Most of the reports showed early sexual maturity in the Indian and foreign breeds of buffaloes. The coefficient of variation varied from 17.31% for AFC to 20.36% for AFH, indicating scope of improvement. The effect of period of birth was highly significant on all sexual maturity traits, while that of season of birth was not significant. Furthermore, the great diversity in first lactation reproductive traits (73.15-26.80%) was evident from coefficient of variation, which indicates that the key to improvement of the same was through proper post-partum management and heat detection. The variation in all the first lactation reproductive traits due to period of calving was non-significant, while the variations due to season of calving were highly significant, except for FNSPC. FNSPC was not affected by season of calving, making the length of calving interval solely dependent on post-partum period, which was significantly influenced by calving season. The buffaloes that calved during the rainy season had significantly shorter service period (176.28+or-9.914 days) and calving interval (480.87+or-10.008 days), since these animals showed earlier first oestrus (122.85+or-6.648 days) after calving, and required the least number of services per conception (1.96+or-0.118). On the other hand, the buffaloes that calved in spring showed post-partum oestrus after a long time due to adverse environmental stress like high temperature, showing fertile oestrus only at cooler temperatures (rainy and winter seasons). Specialization: Management Subject: Reproductive staus of surti buffalies maintained under subhumid conditions of Rajasthan. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Nov 2001). v. 78(11) p.10491051. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sule, S.R.; Taparia, A.L.; Jain, L.S.; Tailor, S.P. Institution: Organization: Content : Buffaloes are known for lethargic breeding with delayed age of sexual maturity and long calving interval which affect the economy of the buffalo breeder. Further, more than 90% variation in reproductive traits are atributed to environmental factors as evident from very low heritability (0.0-0.1) of these traits. Therefore, this investigation was planned to study the effect of non-genetic factors on sexual maturity traits and first lactation reproductive trails in Surti buffalies maintained under sub-humid conditions of Rajasthan. 920 Specialization: Management Subject: Research methodology for crop and animal systems in humid regions of India. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: International Workshop on Crop-animal Interaction. Khon Kaen (Thailand). 27 Sep - 1 Oct 1993. Devendra,-C.; Sevilla,-C. (eds.). International Rice Research Inst., Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines). Cropanimal interaction: proceedings. Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines). 1995. p. 421-431. Received Aug 1996. (IRRI Call No. SB207 D5 No. 6) AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Palaniappan,Sp.; Manickam, R. Institution: Organization: Content : Crop and animal production systems play a significant role in improving the Indian rural economy. Most of the small and marginal farmers still practice traditional agriculture integrating crops and animals in mixed farming systems. Types of crops and animals in mixed farming systems vary from place to place depending upon the existing agroclimatic zones. To augment farm income, an optimum blend of farm resources is felt increasingly important in all sizes of landholdings. Successful on-station findings need to be tested through on-farm research mainly to enhance adoption. Integrated farming systems is an effective methodology and is being adopted by the majority of small and marginal farmers. These generate not only income but also increases labor-day employment. The role of large ruminants (cows and buffalo) and small ruminants (goats and sheep) in different humid regions is discussed. Specialization: Management Subject: Research on wheat-based crop-animal systems. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: International Workshop on Crop-animal Interaction. Khon Kaen (Thailand). 27 Sep - 1 Oct 1993. Devendra,-C.; Sevilla,-C. (eds.). International Rice Research Inst., Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines). Cropanimal interaction: proceedings. Los Banos, Laguna (Philippines). 1995. p. 165-180. Received Aug 1996. (IRRI Call No. SB207 D5 No. 6) AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Verma, M.L. Institution: Organization: Content : The wheat-based, crop-animal systems have a high density in both human and livestock populations, and occu a large proportion of the geographical area in the northwestern region of India. The per capita state domestic product in this region is very high, of which the largest proportion comes from agriculture and from wheat among the crops. Over the past 25 years, there has been a shift to the area under wheat and other cereals at the cost of coarse grains, pulses, barley, oil, seeds, cotton, and sugarcane. Among the livestock species, the buffalo is the most important, having an annual growth rate of around 2.4%/yr compared with 0.03%/yr for cattle. The region accounts for about 21% of the total cropped area and for 61% of the number of tractors in 921 the country. The farm assets in terms of machinery and implements in some parts of this area increased by about 300%, while the assets in terms of livestock dropped by only 16%. Based on average numbers of buffalo and bovine animals in a farm, the number of treatments per farmer should not be more than two. But the experiment needs to be replicated on many farms. Considering the genetic and management variables, we may require complex statistical methods of design and analysis and the help of statisticians. For the cropping patterns, the most common cropping patterns have to be selected for the study. A reconnaissance survey followed by a diagnostic analysis, or even a preliminary or exploratory experimentation, may be necessary to properly identify problems and opportunities applicable to many farmers. A conceptual model for rice-sugarcane-wheat-livestock farming systems has been suggested with several improvement strategies that had been identified. Specialization: Management Subject: Awareness of buffalo owners about symptoms of heat in Kolhapur and Satara districts of Maharashtra. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Maharashtra Agricultural Universities. 2001; 26(1): 79 80 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ulmek, B.R; Chavai, B.R; Deokar, D.K; Jagtap, C.U Institution: Organization: Content : Four hundred and five buffalo owners from 8 villages in Kolhapur and 7 villages in Satara (both in Maharashtra, India), were interviewed, in 1995, to know their awareness about symptoms of heat in buffaloes. The following symptoms of heat were indicated by the farmers: mucus discharge, 19.4%; restlessness, 16.44%, bellowing, 13.03%; reduced feed intake, 12.00%; frequent urination, 10.81%; mounting, 9.63%; excitation, 7.55%, swollen vulva, 5.92%; raising of tail, 2.22%; reduced milk production, 2.07%; reddening of the vulva, 0.59%; and erection of ears, 0.30%. Results indicate that most of the buffalo owners are not aware about the actual symptoms of heat in buffalo. Specialization: Management Subject: Physical indicators of sustainability - a farming systems approach for the small farmer in the rainfed vertisols of the western zone of Tamil Nadu. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 2005; 25(3): 43 65 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shekinah, D.E; Jayanthi, C; Sankaran, N Institution: Organization: Content : In a small-scale resource-poor farm, modest increments in productivity are no longer sufficient to justify the investment of scarce resources. Integrated farming systems with multiple enterprises pave the way for realizing increased productivity, profitability and sustainability in small farms of the developing 922 countries. A study conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India from July 2000 to March 2002 to optimize enterprise combination, increase employment and bring about maximum bioresource utilization and residue recycling for a 1-ha farm of the dryland tract of the western zone of Tamil Nadu compared four farming system combinations: FS2 (crop+ pigeon+ goat+ agroforestry+ farm pond), FS3 (crop+ pigeon+ buffalo+ agroforestry+ farm pond), and FS4 (crop+ pigeon+ goat+ buffalo+ agroforestry + farm pond) with FS1 (sorghum only) as the reference system. The results indicated the following: crop (0.80 ha) fertilized with buffalo manure produced on the farm, with pigeon (10 pairs on 0.01 ha), goat (5:1 female:male on 0.02 ha), buffalo (2 milking buffaloes+1 calf on 0.03 ha), agroforestry (0.10 ha) and farm pond (0.04 ha) was the profitable system enterprise that generated higher employment year-round. This system also facilitated the maximum recycling of resources and residues generated on the farm among the enterprises. The output and the waste of one enterprise served as input to another. The nutritive value of the system in terms of carbohydrate, protein and fat was also highest with this enterprise combination. Thus, FS4 seems to be the best enterprise combination as revealed by the physical indicators. However, since the purchase and maintenance of buffalo enterprise involves higher costs, for farmers who have limited cash for investment, linkage of crop (0.80 ha) with pigeon (10 pairs on 0.01 ha), goat (5:1 female:male on 0.05 ha), agroforestry (0.10 ha) and farm pond (0.04 ha) is suggested as the alternative farming system for sustainability instead of conventional cropping alone. Specialization: Management Subject: Buffalo production in the Bay Islands. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Livestock International. 2003; 7(5): 2, 22-23 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chatterjee, R.N; Ahlawat, S.P.S; Rai, R.B Institution: Organization: Content : Settlers of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India have brought buffaloes of various breeds to the islands. Years of interbreeding has resulted in buffaloes that do not belong to any particular breed, but their antecedents can be traced. This article discusses the challenges in buffalo management and production in this unique island habitat, and what can be done to improve the situation. Specialization: Management Subject: Usage pattern of scientific rearing practices in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Livestock International. 2005; 9(1): 19-22 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vinod Kumari; Dahiya, S.P Institution: Organization: Content : The extent of the utilization of scientific rearing practices including the use of 923 artificial insemination (AI), feeding mineral mixtures, vaccination, deworming, proper ventilated animal housing and veterinary care by farmers in Haryana, India, and their influence on the milk production of buffaloes is discussed. 120 farmers were included in the interview [date not given]. It was shown that AI was only utilized by 30.0% of the farmers. About 29.2% of them feed mineral mixtures, while 67.5% were aware of the importance of vaccination against infectious diseases. 60% regularly dewormed their buffaloes, 78.3% provided ventilated housing and 92.5% cared for their animals during illness. The income of the farmers was significantly associated with the use of the AI facility and proper housing. About 50% of buffaloes owned by farmers using AI produced more than 6 kg of milk compared to other buffaloes. Only 4.34% of the total cultivated area was devoted to forage crops, which lead to a 44% shortage of nutrients. In conclusion, more attention should be given to the use of AI, mineral supplementation, proper housing and health care to improve the production potential of buffaloes. Specialization: Management Subject: Livestock research and production in south Asia. Year of publication: 1995 Journal: Consultation on Global Agenda for Livestock Research. Nairobi (Kenya). 18-20 Jan 1995. Gardiner,-P.; Devendra,-C. (eds.). International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya). Global agenda for livestock research. Proceedings of a consultation. Nairobi (Kenya). ILRI. 1995. p. 41-48. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, K. Institution: Organization: Content : Livestock farming is primarily a small-scale unorganised rural activity closely associated as an integral part of a sound system of diversified agriculture. Cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, horses, camels, pigs, poultry, yak, mithun etc. It is only poultry farming and to some extent dairy farming which recently have been developed as an industry with large units involving high-producing genotypes provided with adequate housing, feed and health cover. This paper highlights resources and trends in India with partic. ref. to priorities for research and development, constraints, researchable areas and issues, and national agricultural research systems (NARS) capacity. Specialization: Management Subject: Opportunities for collaboration in livestock research in Asia with ICRISAT. Year of publication: 1995 Journal: Consultation for the South Asia Region on Global Agenda for Livestock Research. Patancheru (India). 6-8 Jun 1995. Devendra,-C.; Gardiner,-P. (eds.). International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya). Global agenda for livestock research. Proceedings of the consultation for the South Asia Region. Nairobi (Kenya). ILRI. 1995. p. 23-26. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anders, M. Institution: 924 Organization: Content : Since ICRISAT's formation in 1972, the Centre has focused on improving the production of its five mandate crops [sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), pear millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea (l.)), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum (L.))]. Of these five crops, sorghum, pearl millet, groundnut, and pigeonpea are used as dry or green fodder in most of the world's semi-arid areas. Livestock (cattle and buffalo) numbers have steadily increased in Asia largely because of increasing demands from a growing human population. More than 70 percent of these large ruminants are owned by small-scale farmers who depend heavily on crop residues produced on their farms to feed these animals. These systems are under intense pressure and will need to significantly increase their production to meet future demands. ICRISAT's recent structural shift to a "project structure" with projects targeted to specific production systems and constraints in these systems will allow a greater focus on improving these crop/livestock systems. ICRISAT is committed to improving the production and sustainability of these systems and strongly feels its success in doing this will come through close collaboration with crop and livestock research and extension organisations in the region. Specialization: Management Subject: Research priorities for the improvement of livestock production by agro-ecological zone in Pakistan. Year of publication: 1995 Journal: Consultation for the South Asia Region on Global Agenda for Livestock Research. Patancheru (India). 6-8 Jun 1995. Devendra,-C.; Gardiner,-P. (eds.). International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi (Kenya). Global agenda for livestock research. Proceedings of the consultation for the South Asia Region. Nairobi (Kenya). ILRI. 1995. p. 103-113. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Cheema, A.H.; Altaf, Z.; Pasha, T.N. Institution: Organization: Content : This paper presents research priorities for the improvement of livestock production in the context of available natural resources agro-ecological zones. Livestock contribute to about 7.6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and are important to the national economy. The country has 10 agroecological zones and these are broadly grouped into four regions: dry, irrigated, barani and sandy desert. Researchable areas in animal production include livestock feeding, genetic improvement, buffalo reproduction, marketing and transfer of technology, and the development of producer organisations and dairy co-operatives. In animal health, the researchable areas include improved disease diagnosis, biotechnology and vaccination. Specialization: Management Subject: Management of Pandharpuri buffaloes in their breeding tract. Year of publication: 1996 Journal: Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: 925 proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patil, S.S.; Patil, P.A. Institution: Organization: Content : A survey work on feeding and management of Pandharpuri buffaloes was undertaken at Kolhapur and Solapur cities and at 10 adjoining villages. The primary data required for this study were collected from 100 buffalo owners randomly selected from this area. The information in respect of Pandharpuri buffalo types, body measurements, milk production, feeding, breeding, milking and housing management were recorded. On the basis of shape of horn, three types of Pandharpuri buffaloes were identified. It was also observed that the Pandharpuri buffaloes are medium sized animals and they produced an average of 1,599 litres of milk in a lactation period of 285 days. The average dry period of these animals was found to be 105 days which was comparatively less than the established buffalo breeds. In Kolhapur region, these animals were mainly fed with paddy straw, sorghum straw, dry/green grasses, sugarcane tops and sugarcane leaves, while Maldandi jowar straw (sorghum straw) was mainly used in Solapur area. The feeding of animals in urban places was concentrate-based while in rural areas, roughage-based. Breeding of Pandharpuri buffaloes was through natural service. The female calves were well cared but not the male calves. Deworming of calves and feeding of mineral supplements were not practiced. Milking of buffaloes was practiced with thumb-in method. Milk marketing at the road side (Katta Milking) was the traditional activity of groups of people called `Gavoli' in Kolhapur city. As regards housing management, the open yard housing system was observed in Solapur area while conventional sheds/barns were mainly used in Kolhapur area. Overall improvement in housing conditions is essential, particularly in Solapur region. Specialization: Management Subject: Strategies for gene preservation and multiplication for high yielding buffaloes under field conditions using infrastructure created under operation flood programme of India. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: CA: 2. Asian Buffalo Association Congress. Makati City (Philippines). 9-12 Oct 1996. Momongan,-V.G.; Ducusin,-R.J.T.; Maala,C.P.; Bondoc,-O.L.; Del-Barrio,-A.N. (eds.). Asian Buffalo Association (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Science (Philippines); Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (Philippines). Recent Research Developments in Buffalo Production: proceedings of the Second Asian Buffalo Association Congress. College, Laguna (Philippines). PSAS Foundation, Inc. 1996. 487 p. Received May 1999. p. 339-342. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gill, R.S.; Misra, A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Water buffalo is mainly an Asian animal, constituting an integral part of the 926 predominantly agrarian life in the region. India houses about 60 percent of the world's total buffalo population and is the home tract of some of the best breeds in the world. In a total population of some 75 million, around 35 million are breedable buffaloes, of which only around 35000 produce more than 3500 litres of milk in a lactation. It is the need of the hour to multiply this elite stock. For rapid genetic gain two techniques viz., artificial insemination (AI) from the male side and embryo transfer (ET) from female side have proved their worth. To apply these techniques on the elite stock, which is scattered in villages, it becomes essential to identify them. A total of 21 milk unions in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have been selected covering nearly 8600 villages for identification of the elite stock through milk recording. In a phased manner a total of 5000 buffaloes would be recorded. Out of the top ten percent of the identified buffaloes, initially some 50 buffaloes will be utilized as embryo donors and the rest contract mated with the best available semen. The males produced from these buffaloes would go to semen production centres/programmes for natural service. The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has done extensive work in these fields including some pioneering embryo transfer work through its main ET laboratory at Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala (SAG) and Regional ET Laboratory at Buffalo. Breeding Centre (BBC). The SAG also has country's one of the most modern and well equipped semen production laboratories maintaining 44 elite murrah bulls among others. Each year, one set of ten bulls undergo progeny testing programme wherein milk yield of around 100 daughters become available for each bull. By possessing the world's best buffalo germplasm, the country and especially the NDDB has taken an initiative in identifying top quality buffaloes in their breeding tracts and at the same time making available all the necessary inputs required in the form of semen, embryos and training to upgrade this future dairy animal. Specialization: Management Subject: Animal welfare: a developing country perspective. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Proceedings of Global conference on animal welfare: an OIE initiative,Paris, France, 23-25-February-2004; 101-118 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rahman, S.A Institution: Organization: Content : Livestock undergo major suffering due to malnutrition, overloading of work animals and ill-treatment of meat animals. Draught animals work beyond their capacity. More than 100 million draught animals are idle in India for 200 days a year during which period they are ill-fed. The implements and carts to which they are hitched are inefficient, crude and painful. Improving their design will avoid the cruelty. Cruelty to animals takes place at every stage during slaughter. Five to eight million buffalo calves are killed immediately after birth. Eighty million large animals work for 7 to 10 years before becoming available for slaughter. Over 120 million meat animals and 500 million poultry also undergo significant suffering from the time they are dispatched for slaughter till they die. Slaughter animals are made to walk long distances or are transported in overcrowded trucks and trains. At slaughter, animals are 927 handled roughly and watch other animals being killed. Stunning is not practised. Cruelty to other animals such as elephants, horses, donkeys, bears, and circus animals has largely been prevented through the efforts of animal welfare organizations. Prevention of killing of stray dogs through inefficient methods has been prevented by the use of alternatives to euthanasia such as animal birth control programmes. To address the problems of animal welfare in the developing countries, it would be inappropriate to adopt international standards implemented in the developed countries. Each developing country should evolve its own standards based on their own individual priorities. Governments have taken initiatives to establish animal welfare boards and enact laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals, but their efforts are far too limited to be of any significance. Financial constraints and lack of personnel inhibit the implementation of these rules. The only work on animal welfare is by a few dedicated organizations such as People for Animals (PFA), Blue Cross, Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), Karuna, PETA and various SPCAs in the country, to name a few. Specialization: Management Subject: Prospects for buffalo improvement on the basis of the present situation of milk recording and national breeding programmes: a world review. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Performance recording of animals: state of the art, 2000 Proceedings of the 32nd Biennial Session of ICAR, Bled, Slovenia, 14 19 May, 2000. 2001; 275 283 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Moioli, B; Catillo, G; Napolitano, F Institution: Organization: Content : A survey was conducted by the ICAR Work Group on buffalo recording through a detailed questionnaire that was sent to 22 countries, with the purpose of examining the existing opportunities to promote the genetic improvement of buffalo population. Two surveys were done, one in 1995 and the other in 1999. Items requested in the questionnaire were the following: number of bulls kept by the farmers (by herd size) and origin of the bull; way of grouping the females for breeding; existence of a breeding station for natural mating; availability of artificial insemination and relevant structures; and existence of milk performance recording and its purposes. The replies evidenced a huge variability of situations among countries. Buffalo milk recording schemes including private farmers are established in 11 countries, either by the government or by producer cooperatives. In 7 more countries, milk recording is performed only on research stations. Natural breeding stations exist in Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Nepal, and Vietnam. Bulls of the breeding stations are provided by development programmes of the government or other agencies, therefore they are in some way, bulls of higher genetic merit for milk, because either the dams, halfsibs or offspring have been recorded for milk production. Semen of proven bulls are made available to different extents to buffalo holders of Egypt, India, Iran, Italy, and Pakistan. In these countries, the buffalo population which has been offered artificial insemination ranges from 0.2 to 8.0% of the total population. Phenotype and guessed milk 928 producing ability are employed where no kind of milk recording exist at field level (Albania, Armenia, Iraq, Macedonia, and Turkey). Where milk recording systems exist, farmers can choose a breeding bull/heifer on the basis of lactation yield (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece), lactation certificate (Egypt, Iran, Italy, Nepal, Vietnam for Murrah), cow indexes (India, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, Vietnam for Murrah), and bull indexes (India, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, Vietnam for Murrah). Where milk recording does not exist, a better bull is judged on its look, size, and strength. Artificial insemination is feasible and successful and is a necessary tool for progeny testing trials. The best success of artificial insemination is registered in the countries where the majority of farmers are smallholders, because they are not reluctant to use AI bulls. The most successful improvement strategies (identify the animals and their performances and identify the best animals and use them) are effective where a single organization supervises all the three steps of the strategy: milk recording, identification of best animals, and use them through artificial insemination. Specialization: Management Subject: Animal husbandry and livestock development in Arunachal Pradesh. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Resource management perspective of Arunachal agriculture. 2002; 147 158 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhattacharjee, K.K Institution: Organization: Content : This paper discusses the social aspects, status and development of cattle, buffalo, poultry, sheep, goat, pig and other livestock husbandry in Arunachal Pradesh, India, including feed and fodder development, animal health, education and planning, dairy development and livestock development in the long term. Specialization: Management Subject: Labour requirements for machine milking of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: SARAS Journal of Livestock and Poultry Production. 2002; 18(1/2): 17 20 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dogra, P.K; Gupta, S.C; Parmar, O.S Institution: Organization: Content : Hand milking, the most common method of milking used in buffaloes, requires the services of specialized milkers whose availability is currently continually decreasing as a result of more job opportunities in the fast growing industrial sector [India]. Moreover, the wages of available manpower are increasing, thus prompting the need to change to machine milking. 20 lactating buffalo cows were randomly divided into two groups and milked with an Alfa-Laval Double Action Milking Machine using 420 and 450 929 mmHg vacuum pressure, respectively; all other parameters were kept constant. A milker took on an average of 13.15+or-0.15 seconds to bring the milking equipment, 17.14:1:0.15 seconds to provide concentrates, 46.84+or-0.78 seconds to restrain the animal, 24.71:1:0.32 seconds to wash the udder and teats, 6.28+or-0.10 seconds to displace the milking equipment, 94.50+or-1.03 seconds for milk letdown, 13.44+or-0.22 seconds to apply the cluster, 3.37+or-0.05 min for machine milking, 9.36+or-0.17 seconds to remove the cluster, 31.63+or-0.73 seconds for hand-striping, 23.83+or-0.15 seconds to weigh the milk, and 13.77+or-0.24 seconds to dip the teats in disinfectant solution. The number of buffaloes that could be milked per milking shift using 2, 4, 6 and 8 milking units at a time came out to be 30, 60, 90 and 120, respectively, under treatment T1; the corresponding values under treatment T2 were 32, 64, 96 and 128. Specialization: Management Subject: Plasma cortisol and other blood constituents in relation to age of disbudding with and without cornual block in Murrah buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: SARAS Journal of Livestock and Poultry Production. 2002; 18(1/2): 1 8 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sarabdeep Singh; Saini, A.L; Randhawa, S.S; Jindal, R Institution: Organization: Content : Thirty healthy female buffalo calves from the Dairy Farm of Punjab Agricultural University [India], were subjected to disbudding at different ages. Calves in from Groups I-IV were disbudded at 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and >12 d after birth without the use of local anaesthesia, whereas calves in Group V were disbudded at 10-12 d of age after birth with the use of local anaesthesia. Significantly high glucose and plasma cortisol concentrations were observed immediately after disbudding in the first four groups as compared to the fifth group; whereas non-significant changes were observed in total plasma proteins in relation to age of disbudding, with and without cornual block. It was concluded that pain and discomfort to calves can be reduced by disbudding the calves at 10-12 d of age. Furthermore, to decrease the stress on calves, local anaesthesia may be used before disbudding, which will be very beneficial for the welfare of calves. Specialization: Management Subject: The handling and short-haul road transportation of spent buffaloes in relation to bruising and animal welfare. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2001; 33(2): 155 163 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chandra, B.S; Das, N Institution: Organization: Content : The handling of 100 spent buffaloes during transportation by truck from an 930 animal market to a slaughterhouse was observed so as to assess the influence of sex, body condition (weak, normal or heavy), body size based on the height at the hump (small, medium or large) and handling method (dragging, dragging + hitting or lifting + hitting) on the manpower requirement and the time spent in both loading and unloading. A buffalo could be loaded onto a truck with the help of 2.8 labourers in 66 s, whereas the average manpower and time needed for unloading a buffalo were 1.9 labourers and 26 s, respectively. Sex and size had no significant effect on the manpower requirement or the time spent in loading and unloading. Animals in normal body condition needed more (p < 0.05) manpower (3.2 labourers) for loading compared to weak animals (2.5 labourers) or heavy animals (2.6 labourers). The manpower and time required for loading and unloading were least (p < 0.05) when a stick was used while dragging. Excessive steepness of the loading ramp caused some of the animals to fall down during loading, whereas a slippery truck floor, due to increased eliminative activities by nervous animals, might result in buffaloes going down during unloading. The mean number of bruises was 2.44 per head. As muscle tissues were involved in about 90% of the bruises, considerable economic losses occurred through bruising, which necessitated removal of damaged tissues post mortem. Most of the bruises were found on the hind limbs (43.4%), followed by the abdomen and udder region (21.3%), shoulder, neck and back (16.0%) and perianal region (11.1%). Specialization: Management Subject: Achievements of research in the field of buffalo. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: WAAP-book-of-the-year,-2003:-a-review-on-developments-andresearch-in-livestock-systems. 2004; 193-199 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhat, P.N Institution: Organization: Content : WAAP-book-of-the-year,-2003:-a-review-on-developments-and-research-inlivestock-systems. 2004; 193-199 931 14. Meat and meat products Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Rearing of male buffalo calves as a meat producer. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Agricultural Marketing. 2003; 46(1): 32-35 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kamal Chakrabarti Institution: Organization: Content : This paper points out that male buffalo calves can be effectively reared for their meat. Some studies on this field are reviewed, showing that buffaloes efficiently converts feed into growth and meat. The paper concludes by highlighting the high growth potential of this enterprise in India. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without hydrochloric acid on meat quality and various sensory attributes of growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 17(4): 485490 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naik, P.K; Mendiratta, S.K; Laxmanan, V; Mehra, U.R; Dass, R.S Institution: Organization: Content : An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl on meat quality and various sensory attributes of growing male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Due to ureaammoniation, the CP content of wheat straw increased from 2.90 to 6.96%. The addition of HCl along with urea during urea-ammoniation further increased the CP content to 10.09%. The proximate composition (% fresh basis) of psoas major, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus were comparable among the groups. However, comparatively higher cumulative muscle mean protein and ash percentage and lower moisture percentage in groups II and III in comparison to group I indicated the desirable effect of feeding AWS and HCl-AWS. The cumulative muscle mean pH in group III (5.54) was comparatively lower than group I (5.65) and II (5.62). The cumulative group mean pH and water holding capacity (% water retained) in semitendinosus was comparatively lower than psoas major and longissimus dorsi. The cumulative muscle mean SSP (g%) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group III (41.78) than group I (42.45). The cumulative group mean cooking loss (%) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in psoas major (31.61) and longissimus dorsi (29.78) than semitendinosus (35.10). The cumulative group mean SFV (kg/cm2) of psoas major, longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus were 6.38, 6.32 and 6.56, respectively, being lowest in psoas major and highest in semitendinosus. However, the cumulative muscle mean SFV (kg/cm2) in 932 group I, II and III were 6.53, 6.56 and 6.17, respectively, being lowest in group III and highest in group II. The scores of the cooked (2% common salt) buffen for various sensory attributes viz. appearance, flavour, juiciness, texture, mouth coating and overall palatability were comparable among the groups. Results suggested that feeding of ammoniated wheat straw treated with and without HCl to growing male buffalo calves for 180 days had no adverse effect on the meat quality and various sensory attributes. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Influence of milk co-precipitates on the quality of restructured buffalo meat blocks. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 17(4): 564568 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sunil Kumar; Sharma, B.D; Biswas, A.K Institution: Organization: Content : Restructuring had made it possible to utilize lower value cuts and meat trimmings from spent animals by providing convenience in product preparation besides enhancing tenderness, palatability and value. Milk coprecipitates (MCP) have been reported to improve the nutritional and functional properties of certain meat products. This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of incorporation of milk co-precipitates at four different levels, viz. 0, 10, 15 and 20%, on the quality of restructured buffalo meat blocks in India. Low-calcium milk co-precipitates were prepared from skim milk by heat and salt coagulation of milk proteins. Meat chunks were mixed with the curing ingredients and chilled water in a Hobart mixer for 5 minutes, followed by addition of milk co-precipitates along with condiments and spice mix and again mixed for 5 minutes. Treated chunks were stuffed in aluminium moulds and cooked in steam without pressure for 1.5 h. After cooking, treated meat blocks were compared for different physico-chemical and sensory attributes. Meat blocks incorporated with 10% MCP were significantly better (P<0.05) than those incorporated with 0, 15 and 20% MCP in cooking yield, percent shrinkage and moisture retention. Sensory scores were also marginally higher for meat blocks incorporated with 10% MCP than product incorporated with 15 and 20% MCP, besides being significantly higher than control. On the basis of above results 10% MCP was considered optimum for the preparation of restructured buffalo meat blocks. Instrumental texture profile analysis revealed that meat blocks incorporated with 10% MCP were significantly better (P<0.05) in hardness/firmness than control although, no significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess and chewiness of both type of samples. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of plane of nutrition on carcass composition of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2005; 11(1): 52-58 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, S.K; Gupta,.S.C; Wadhwa, M; Bakshi, M.P.S 933 Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of plane of nutrition by changing the roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C) on the carcass quality of 18 male Murrah buffalo calves (4 months of age) divided in 3 groups and offered diets with R:C of 60:40 (as per NRC standards) 55:45 (112.5% of NRC) or 50:50 (125% of NRC) up to 22 months of age were assessed. Three animals from each group were slaughtered at 18 months and the remaining 3 at 22 months of age. The dressing percentage and edible as well as non-edible viscera increased linearly with the level of feed and age at slaughter. The fat content followed the same trend resulting in a narrow meat:fat ratio. The colour of buffalo meat was pink to red in all the groups. The level of feeding or age of slaughter did not have any significant effect on shear force value, chemical composition or trace element composition of buffalo meat except that triglycerides and cholesterol increased in the meat of calves fed at higher plane of nutrition. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of roughage to concentrate ratio on buffalo meat production. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 2005; 11(1): 44-51 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, S K; Gupta, S C; Wadhwa, M; Bakshi, M P S Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of different roughage to concentrate (R:C) ratios viz. 60:40 (control, 100% NRC), 55:45 (T1, 112.5% NRC) and 50:50 (T2, 125% NRC) on the productive performance of buffalo calves was assessed. 18 male Murrah buffalo calves, 4 months of age, were divided equally into 3 groups and were offered with the above diets up to 22 months of age. Three animals from each group were slaughtered at 18 months of age and the remaining at 22 months of age. The daily DM intake increased significantly with the reduction in R:C ratio. The digestibility of nutrients was comparable between C and T1 groups but significantly decreased when concentrate in the ration was increased from 45 to 50%. The calves at higher plane of nutrition retained more (P<0.05) nitrogen resulting from considerably higher daily gain in physical body measurements (height, width, circumference and length), daily liveweight gain and significantly higher dressing percentage. The differences between the experimental and control groups at 18 months of age were significant for most of the parameters, whereas no such differences were observed at 22 months old calves. The efficiency of utilization of nutrients was low after 18 months resulting in low daily liveweight gain at 22 months. Maximum daily liveweight gain was observed between 12 to 15 months of age with the best feed conversion ratio. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of lactic culture suspensions on microbial and sensory quality of refrigerated minced buffalo meat. Year of publication: 1998 934 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(3): 54-56 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Murthy, T R K; Natarajan, C Institution: Organization: Content : Minced buffalo meat was treated with suspension of Streptococcus lactis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. plantarum or mixtures of these cultures and stored at refrigeration temperature. Inhibitions in mesophillic and psychrotrophic populations, though small, were observed in all the treated samples. The importance of hygiene in the preparation of mince was emphasized to enhance the protective effect by the lactic culture suspension. The potential of lactic acid bacteria has been recognized not only in the classical fields of food fermentations, but also as "protective cultures" for inhibition of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in animal products. Lactic cultures inhibit bacterial populations in refrigerated beef, mechanically deboned poultry meat, mutton and goat meat and also in beef held at 15 degrees C or 27 degrees C. No such information exists for buffalo meat. The inhibitory activities of lactic acid bacteria are complex due to competitive inhibitions and production of a variety of antagonistic factors such as organic acid, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins (Klaenhammer, 1993). The present study reports the effectiveness of Streptococcus lactis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, L. plantarum or mixtures of these cultures on microbial and sensory quality of minced buffalo meat during refrigerated storage. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Studies on carcass characteristics and economics of supplementation of different proteins to ammoniated straw-based rations in growing buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(2): 179-193 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tiwari, C M; Jadhao, S B; Chandramoni ; Anandan, S; Khan, M Y Institution: Organization: Content : Economics of supplementation of three different protein supplements to urea ammoniated wheat straw (UAS)- based rations in growing buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves was calculated based on carcass parameters. 18 calves (140+or-11.8 kg) were divided into three groups of six calf each and were fed on UAS supplemented with concentrate mixture containing 8% untreated groundnut cake (GNC) (Group I), 8% formaldehyde treated GNC (Group II) and 8% fish meal (Group III), respectively, for 19 weeks. After 19 weeks, all the calves were slaughtered. The dressing percentage on slaughter weight and empty body weight basis carcass length and loin eye area among the dietary treatments did not differ significantly. The percent yields of wholesale cuts, edible and inedible offals, edible and inedible meat and lean and fat percentages in whole carcass did not differ significantly among the dietary treatments except for mesenteric fat, heart and gut with content. The bone percentage was significantly lower on straw + fish meal diet. The moisture, 935 ether extract, ash and fibre diameter did not differ but CP content of Longissimus dorsii muscle on formaldehyde treated GNC group was significantly higher than other two treatments. Histopathological examination of kidneys of all animals revealed microfocal and mononuclear cell infiltration, fibrosis, collapsed tubules and thickening of capsule. The feed cost per kg liveweight gain and per kg edible meat in calves of group I, II and III were US$ 0.583, 0.551 and 0.528 and US$0.868, 0.81 and 0.917, respectively. It was inferred that it is beneficial to supplement formaldehyde protected groundnut cake (GNC) at 8% in concentrate mixture (3.5% in total ration) to urea-ammoniated wheat straw-based diet with roughage to concentrate ratio of 58:42 to economise buffalo beef with more protein accretion than supplementation of unprotected GNC or low quality fishmeal in ration of buffalo calves growing at 400 g, daily. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on fresh buffalo meat quality. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(2): 171-182 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Babu R.N; Venkataramanujam, V; Shanmugam, A.M Institution: Organization: Content : A study on the effect of modified atmosphere (80% oxygen+20% carbon dioxide) packaging on fresh buffalo meat quality was carried out. The quality parameters like pH, muscle colour and appearance, water holding capacity, odour, TBA number, tyrosine value and total viable count of fresh and packaged samples stored for different periods at 4+or-1 degrees C were analysed and discussed. The pH of the sample in modified atmosphere was significantly lower than ordinarily packaged due to the effect of 20% carbon dioxide and lower microbial load. Colour, appearance and odour scores were significantly higher in samples packaged in modified atmosphere. Thiobarbituric acid number and tyrosine value were within acceptable range in both the packaging methods. The findings revealed that the buffalo meat can be stored safely with high consumer's acceptability up to 15 days in the modified atmosphere of 80% oxygen+20% carbon dioxide in multi layer pouches at 4+or-1 degrees C. Author’s name: Babu-R,-N; Venkataramanujam,-V; Shanmugam,-A-M Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: An enzymatic method designed to differentiate between fresh and frozen-thawed buffalo meat. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 339-347 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sen, A R; Sharma, N Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo semitendinosus muscle was frozen at -18 degrees C for 3 months and 936 thawed at refrigerated (4+or-1 degrees C) and room (25 degrees C) temperature at intervals. The activities of the lysosomal (acid phosphatase, ACP and alkaline phosphatase, ALP) and mitochondrial enzymes like glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase [aspartate aminotransferase], GOT; glutamate pyruvate transaminase [alanine aminotransferase], GPT; lipoamide dehydrogenase, LPDH; lactate dehydrogenase, LDH and succinate dehydrogenase, SDH were determined in the press juice of fresh and stored muscle tissue (activity in the sarcoplasm). Muscle press juice was enhanced following freezing and thawing. It was shown that the rate of thawing showed a significant (P<0.05) influence on enzyme specific activity (lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase). The specific activity of LPDH, LDH and SDH showed a significant increase (P<0.05) due to freezing and thawing as compared to the values of fresh buffalo muscle sample. These results suggest that the measurement of LPDH, LDH and SDH can be used to develop a simple method which could distinguish the fresh and frozen-thawed buffalo muscle. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Keeping quality of buffalo meat treated with salts combination spray and stored at refrigeration temperature (5-7 degrees C). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(1): 109-115 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ahmed, S N; Chattopadhyay, U K; Sherikar, A T; Paturkar, A M; Wasker, V S; Latha, C Institution: Organization: Content : A suitable method for carcass decontamination was studied, i.e. by spraying solutions of various food grade salts (in combination) to the meat, without degrading its sensory properties and acceptability. A total of 12 freshly slaughtered buffalo carcasses were selected. The combined salt solutions included potassium sorbate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate (each at 2.5%) and sodium chloride (at 5%). Sampling was done, by collecting 200 g meat from the carcasses, on day 0 and days 3, 4, 5 and 6 (until deterioration of sensory and microbiological parameters) after refrigeration at 5-7 degrees C. The total viable count (TVC) and differential flora were markedly reduced in the treated meat samples. The initial TVC of the control and the treated meat samples were 5.80+or-0.09 and 5.35+or-0.15 Log CFU/g. Among treated samples, Bacillus sp., Klebsiella aerogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were not detectable on day 0 until day 6 of the analysis. S. aureus was reduced to a greater extent. Treated samples showed an overall reduction of 0.65 to 1.5 log cycle in TVC and differential counts, when compared to the control. Acceptable colour and no off odour were observed in the spray-treated meat samples up to day 6 of refrigeration. However, on the 3rd day, the control showed discoloration and off odour, indicating incipient spoilage. Frank spoilage was observed on the 4th day, with moderate off odour and discoloration. The results indicate that buffalo carcasses or meat maintain their keeping quality up to 3 days when stored at refrigeration temperatures (5-7 degrees C). The treated meat samples showed frank spoilage on the 8th day of analysis. Among the controls and treated samples, 937 Micrococcus sp. dominated initially; whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis comprised the final spoilage flora. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Metallic residues in buffalo meat and its edible offals. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 219-223 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Abraham, R J J; Chandran, M; Shanmugam, A M Institution: Organization: Content : Ninety buffalo heart, liver, kidney, spleen and longissimus dorsi samples obtained from Tamil Nadu, India were analysed for the presence of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc. It was shown that cadmium was below detectable levels in all samples. Chromium levels from samples obtained in the markets had higher concentrations, being highest in the liver and lowest in the heart. Copper levels were also higher in livers obtained from markets, while lead was below detectable levels in all samples. The muscle samples had the highest concentrations of zinc, and significantly differed between organs. In conclusion, copper, chromium, lead and zinc levels are below detectable levels in buffalo meat and offal in Tamil Nadu but cadmium content was very high in the kidneys and spleen. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Assessment of quality attributes and shelf life of buffalo haleem under refrigerated storage (4+or-1 degrees C). Year of publication: Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2005; 21(1): 1-8 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Muthukumar, M; Naveena, B M; Sen, A R; Babji, Y Institution: Organization: Content : A study was undertaken to assess the quality attributes and shelf life of buffalo haleem, a traditional meat product of Hyderabad, India. The quality parameters viz., pH, proximate composition, objective colour values, microbial profile and sensory attributes of fresh and refrigerator store (4+or-1 degrees C) haleem were analyzed. The product had higher initial pH (6.75) and aerobic plate counts (4.58 log cfu/g). The moisture, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content (%) of haleem was 71.74, 7.67, 7.88, 1.13 and 11.59, respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) change in pH, TBA number, instrumental colour values (lightness and redness), microbial profile (aerobic plate counts, Coliform and Staphylococcus) and sensory attributes after 10 days of storage period. The product was found to be physico-chemically, microbiologically and sensorily acceptable up to 10 days in aerobic package under refrigerated storage (4+or-1 degrees C). Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Microbiological quality of hygienically processed buffalo carcasses. 938 Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Food Control. 2000; 11(3): 217-224 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yashoda, K P; Sachindra, N M; Sakhare, P Z; Rao, D N Institution: Organization: Content : Studies were conducted to assess the microbiological quality of buffalo carcasses processed hygienically in a modern abattoir as against those processed in traditional slaughter units in India (by the halal method). The hygienic measures followed included abattoir clean up operation, processing on overhead rail, careful removal of skin and viscera, closure of oesophagus and rectum and washing the carcasses with a spray of clean water. The carcasses, meat cuts and minced meat obtained from both the sources were examined for microbial load. A significant difference in microbial load was seen in carcasses obtained from the 2 sources, with carcasses from traditional slaughter units showing 1.0-2.50 log higher microbial load. The reduction in microbial load in carcasses processed in a modern abattoir was attributed to the hygienic measures followed. The microbial load was high in the shoulder portion and lower in the leg portion. The data indicated that samples of shoulder, neck and rib surfaces provide a more realistic estimate of microbial load on buffalo carcasses. The meat cuts obtained from hygienically processed carcasses had a shelf-life of 6 days as against 3 days for those obtained from traditional slaughter units. The minced meat from hygienically prepared carcasses had a shelf-life of 4 days as against 1 day for those obtained from local slaughter units. It is concluded that adopting proper hygienic and sanitary practices during processing of buffalo meat results in meat with acceptable microbiological quality and extended shelf-life. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Microbial profile of buffalo sausage during processing and storage. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Food Control. 2005; 16(1): 31-35 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sachindra, N M; Sakhare, P Z; Yashoda, K P; Rao, D N Institution: Organization: Content : A study was made on the microbial levels of buffalo sausage during preparation and storage at 4+or-1 degrees C. Microbial counts in raw minced meat were, total plate count (TPC) (log cfu/g) 5.41+or-0.25; coliforms (MPN/g) 23.2; Staphylococcus aureus (log cfu/g) 1.57+or-0.11; yeasts and molds (log cfu/g) 2.29+or-0.07 and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (log cfu/g) 0.60+or-0.20. Sausage emulsion showed similar trend in microbial counts with minimal microbial contamination during the preparation of emulsion. Cooked buffalo sausage gave the following microbial counts: TPC (log cfu/g) 3.75+or0.31; coliforms (MPN/g) 0.2; LAB (log cfu/g) 0.07+or-0.01; yeast and molds (log cfu/g) 0.72+or-0.07. S. aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus were not detected in cooked sausages. These results indicate that steam cooking for 45 min followed in the study was effective in reducing the 939 microbial counts substantially. The investigation revealed that shelf life of cooked buffalo sausage was 31 days in either vacuum or CO2 at 4+or-1 degrees C. The results indicated that spoilage of vacuum packed cooked buffalo sausage was likely due to LAB while microflora other than LAB may be responsible for spoilage of CO2 packed cooked buffalo sausage. The study suggests that measures such as low initial microbial counts, hygienic precautions during preparation of sausage, steam cooking for 45 min, vacuum or CO2 packing and storage at 4+or-1 degrees C would control the microbial growth and provide wholesomeness and safety to the buffalo sausage. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Phenotypic variations among enterococci. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Haryana Veterinarian. 2001; 40: 34-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Randhir Singh; Garg, S.R Institution: Organization: Content : Enterococci were isolated from chevon, chicken meat, fish, raw milk, sewage and excreta of human beings, pigs and a buffalo in Haryana, India [date not given]. 90 isolates comprising Enterococcus faecalis (50), E. gallinarum (9), E. raffinosus (17), E. pseudoavium (7) and E. solitarius (7) were examined. Phenotypic variations were recorded among the isolates within species. E. faecalis differed in growth at 50 degrees C and fermentation of melezitose and sorbitol. Isolates of the other species showed variations in growth in 0.1% methylene blue milk. Type of haemolysis differed in E. gallinarum and E. solitarius isolates. Heterogeneity in carbohydrate fermentation was also recorded among the isolates of E. raffinosus and E. solitarius. High heterogeneity in phenotypic characters caused difficulty in identification of enterococci. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Aeromonads in foods of animal origin. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(9): 942-943 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Agarwal, R.K; Kapoor, K.N; Kumar, A; Bhilegaonkar, K.N Institution: Organization: Content : The results of a survey on the occurrence of Aeromonas sp. in 382 samples of fish, quail eggs, meat, milk (buffalo milk, goat milk) and other aquatic foods (edible snails, tortoise, crabs, frogs) are presented. Aeromonas was isolated from 40 (10.47%) samples. Fish contained the highest incidence of aeromonads. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Meat production potential in Murrah buffalo male calves under different systems of feeding management. Year of publication: 2000 940 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(7): 769-770 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bharadwaj, A; Sethi, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : Eight buffalo calves (11 months old) were divided into 2 groups and subjected to individual ad libitum stall feeding and group ad libitum stall feeding, respectively, for 6 months. Average DM intake was greater (3.17 kg) in individually-fed calves than in group-fed ones (3.11 kg). Average increase in body weight was also greater in individually-fed calves (541 vs. 534 g). Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Optimization of short term tumbling schedule for the processing of cured and restructured buffalo meat blocks. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(8): 684-688 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma,B.D; Sushil Kumar; Nanda, P.K Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo meat taken from round portion (75%) and trimmings as well as other low value cuts (25%) was sectioned into uniform chunks of 3-4 cm. It was blended with a 15% (w/w) pre-standardized curing solution and subjected to 1, 2 and 3 h tumbling. Continuous tumbling (3 h) at a speed of 11 rpm at low temperature (10+or-2 degrees C) brought about a significant increase in the extraction of salt soluble proteins, resulting in products with better binding, cohesiveness and tenderness as compared to non-tumbled (control) and 1 h and 2 h tumbled meat. The sensory characteristics of restructured buffalo meat slices were significantly better as compared to products from non-tumbled meat. Vacuum tumbling of meat at 0.4 bar for 3 h at the same speed gave significantly better extraction of salt soluble proteins and a product with better binding and cohesiveness as compared to 3 h aerobic tumbling, and improved the sensory characteristics of restructured buffalo meat slices. Vacuum tumbling for 3 h followed by massaging of meat for 10 min proved to be beneficial with respect to product yield, binding and tenderness. Further improvement in the product quality could be achieved by first 3 h vacuum tumbling and coarse mincing half of the chunk mass before subjecting the entire material to massaging for 10 min. This method drastically reduced spaces between the chunks in the restructured buffalo meat blocks and improved the general appearance in particular. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Development of monoclonal antibody indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for species identification of meat. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2000; 21(2): 136-139 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Zade, N N; Mandokhot, U V; Goel, M C; Saxena, A K 941 Institution: Organization: Content : To identify bufallo meat and differentiate it from beef meat, an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using buffalo specific Ig G2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was used. Initial exploratory assays using meat extract (ME) and press fluid extract (PFE) antigens revealed the ability of buffalo antigens to bind with buffalo IgG2 specific mAb, Colour development with both PFE and ME antigens of cattle was absent and optical density (OD) values ranged between -0.02 to 0.087, better OD values was observed with a diluent having a ph of 6.0 as compared to ph 5.0 and 9.6. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of gamma irradiation and organic acids on foot-and-mouth disease virus in buffalo meat. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases . 2001; 22(1): 33-35 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sontakke, S D; Majee, S B; Sherikar, A T; Waskar, V S; Sherikar, A A; Sambasivan, N Institution: Organization: Content : The virucidal effects of gamma irradiation with food grade organic acids (1% propionic acid, 2% acetic acid and 2% lactic acid) singly and in combination was evaluated. Treatment of meat with any of the acids alone remained partially effective in inactivating the FMDV whereas gamma irradiation alone could inactivate FMDV at the dose of 15 kGy. Further, a combination of 1% propionic acid with an irradiation dose of 10 kGy was by far the best with 100% efficacy in eliminating FMDV from meat with negligible effect on the sensory attributes of the meat. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Quality changes in buffalo meat during storage in dry ice pack. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(2): 166-168 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sen, A R; Sharma, N Institution: Organization: Content : Meat cuts from buffaloes (aged 8-10 years) were collected and stored in a feezer. Frozen meat (-18 degrees C) was kept in dry ice, and stored in an insulated box for 48 h. Mean pH values remained almost unchanged throughout the storage period, indicating minimal chemical changes due to better temperature control in the dry ice pack method. A significant increase in tyrosine value during storage in dry ice was observed; it was more pronounced (P<0.05) after 12 h of storage. Microbial counts exhibited increasing patterns over time. However, the counts never reached the maximum allowable level for fresh meat (107), throughout the storage period. Up to 36 h of storage did 942 not show significant changes in colour; however, a significant decrease in colour score was observed on further storage. No undesirable odour was observed throughout the entire storage period; odour score did not decrease below 2. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Identification of dog meat by serological tests. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(1): 29-32 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Renuka Nayar; Govindarajulu, M Institution: Organization: Content : The identification of dog meat among buffalo, cattle, sheep, goat and pig meat was performed using anti-dog antiserum raised in sheep against 3% saline extract of the fresh meat sample and dog serum and tested by the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and ELISA. It was shown that the anti-dog antiserum was monospecific in both AGID and ELISA, with a working dilution of 1:800. Both tests reliably and accurately revealed the presence of dog meat and could be used for certification of fresh meat and meat products exported for the global trade. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Quality changes in buffalo meat during storage in dry ice pack. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Feb 2003). v. 80(2) p.166-168. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sen, A.R.; Sharma, N. Institution: Organization: Content : Meat cuts from buffaloes were frozen in dry ice and stored for 48 hrs. Physico chemical, microbial and sensory analysis of the samples were carried out at 6 hrs. interval. It is evident from the study that dry ice pack storage exerted good temperature control and can be used for long term transportation without noticeable microbial and sensory changes. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: The role of irradiation on microbiological safety and shelf-life extension of non-sterile and sterile convenience meat products stored at ambient temperatures. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Documents IAEA TECDOCs. 2003; (1337): 153-166 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chander, R; Chawla, S P; Kanatt, S R Institution: Organization: Content : 943 The effect of gamma irradiation in combination with vacuum packaging on the microbiological and sensory quality of Intermediate Moisture (IM) buffalo, chicken or lamb meat cubes, and number of ready-to-cook ethnic meat products stored at ambient temperature (30+or-2 degrees C) was studied. Irradiation treatment (2.5, 5 and 10 kGy) resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the total viable count as well as levels of potentially pathogenic Staphylococcus spp. and these samples remained microbiologically superior to their non-irradiated counterparts upon extended storage. Irradiation (10 kGy) treatment of vacuum packed IM spiced lamb and chicken cubes resulted in a product in which no viable microorganisms could be detected for 12 months of storage at ambient temperature (30+or-2 degrees C). Initial analysis of nonirradiated samples showed total viable counts of >106 CFU/g, Staphylococcus counts of >105 CFU/g and mould counts of 103 CFU/g which upon 3 months of storage under similar conditions spoiled showing visible mould growth. Ready-to-use shelf-stable mutton and chicken sheek kababs, mutton and chicken chilli were developed by reducing the water activity either by grilling or by hot air-drying, vacuum packing and irradiation. Microbiological analysis revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the total viable count and in potentially pathogenic Staphylococcus spp. upon irradiation treatment (2.5, 5 and 10 kGy). The products subjected to irradiation at 10 kGy showed an absence of viable microorganisms and also had high sensory acceptability up to 9 months at ambient temperature. Amenability of various ready-to-cook and ready-toeat chicken, mutton and pork products for radappertization using locally available packaging material was evaluated. The sensory quality of all products without gravy was found to be acceptable. However, traditional gravy based products showed changes in the sensory attributes (colour and flavour) leading to lower acceptability of the products. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Detection and characterization of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) isolated from buffalo meat. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Journal of Food Safety. 2004; 24(4): 281-290 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Hazarika, R.A; Singh, D.K; Kapoor, K.N; Agarwal, R.K; Pandey, A.B; Rajkumar, D.N Institution: Organization: Content : The emergence of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) as zoonotic foodborne pathogens in recent years has become a public health concern because of its life threatening human diseases. In the present investigation, out of 87 strains of E. coli, 22 (25%) belonging to 13 different serotypes isolated from raw buffalo meat and its products were found to be verotoxic as tested by Vero cell cytotoxic assay. Serotype O26 followed by O153 and O157 were the predominant VTEC. All the VTEC strains were found positive for vt genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the vt genotypes, vt2 (77%) was most predominant followed by vt1 (14%) and both vt1 and vt2 (9%). Production of enterohaemolysin on washed sheep blood agar supplemented with CaCl2 showed 19 (86%) VTEC strains to be positive. Presence of VTEC in cooked buffalo meat products, namely shami kabab and kabab, appears to 944 be a matter of concern and a potential threat to public health. VTEC detection by different methods suggests that PCR can be useful to evaluate the distribution of virulence genes (vt1 or vt2 or both) in E. coli isolates from buffalo meat and its products. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Studies on occurrence and characterization of Clostridium perfringens from select meats. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Food Safety. 2005; 25(2): 146-156 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, R.V; Bhilegaonkar, K.N; Agarwal, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in meat and to characterize the isolates obtained through virulence factors. A total of 211 meat samples of different animals (70 each of buffalo and goat and 71 of poultry) were screened. The highest occurrence of C. perfringens was observed in goat (91.4%), followed by poultry (70.4%) and buffalo (65.7%). Among the 116 isolates (32 in buffalo, 37 in goat and 45 in poultry) of C. perfringens screened for the presence of enterotoxin gene by PCR, 9.3, 32.4 and 15.5% isolates of buffalo, goat and poultry, respectively, possessed the enterotoxin gene. Screening of 15 enterotoxin gene possessing isolates for verocytotoxicity revealed that 12 isolates exhibited cytopathic effect, whereas 3 isolates did not show any cytopathic effect in spite of the presence of the enterotoxin gene. A total of 115 C. perfringens isolates were screened for other virulence markers, such as lecithinase and haemolysin. Majority of the isolates expressed these activities. Antibiogram studies of C. perfringens isolates using 16 antibiotics displayed multidrug resistance. The isolates showed resistance to streptomycin, ceftazidime, colistin sulfate, cephalothin, ampicillin and gentamicin. The isolates showed 100% sensitivity to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and nitrofurantoin. Moderate sensitivity was observed with tetracycline and sulfatriad. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: A study on suitability of four enrichment broths for PCR-based detection of Listeria monocytogenes from raw meat. Year of publication: 2006 Journal: Journal of Food Safety. 2006; 26(1): 16-29 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Balamurugan, J; Bhilegaonkar, K.N; Agarwal, R.K Institution: Organization: Content : Four enrichment broths were evaluated for their compatibility with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Listeria monocytogenes from raw meat after single-step enrichment. Standardized PCR protocols for listeriolysin O (hlyA) gene were used for the species-specific identification of L. monocytogenes. Four broths, namely, modified University of Vermont broth (MUVM), Listeria enrichment broth (LEB), Fraser broth (FB) and 945 polymyxin, acriflavin, lithium chloride, ceftazidime, aesculin, mannitol, egg yolk broth (PALCAM), were inoculated with L. monocytogenes. The enriched cultures were subjected for PCR. Similarly, meat samples were artificially spiked with various concentrations of L. monocytogenes, these spiked samples were enriched in the above-mentioned four broths and subjected to PCR to determine the medium that was most compatible for PCR-based detection of L. monocytogenes. The aliquots taken during different incubation periods were subjected to three different procedures for the concentration of the target organism for use in PCR. Results revealed that MUVM was better than other broths for the detection of L. monocytogenes by both PCR and cultural method; moreover, it was able to support the growth of as low as 10 cfu/g of meat. Concentration of the target organisms by centrifugation and washing with PCR buffer was the most suitable method for improving PCR performance for detection of L. monocytogenes. Goat (n=67) and buffalo (n=45) meat samples from local markets were also screened by both PCR and cultural method to validate the results obtained from the spiking studies. Both results were in agreement in spiking studies as well as screening of market meat samples. Author’s name: Balamurugan,-J; Bhilegaonkar,-K-N; Agarwal,-R-K Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Assessment of storage stability of cooked low-fat buffalo meat balls in low-fat gravy. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Journal of Applied Animal Research. 2004; 26(1): 49-51 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Lokendra Kumar; Sharma, B D Institution: Organization: Content : Low-fat buffalo meat balls were packaged in LDPE pouches along with lowfat gravy and stored for 15 days at refrigerated temperature. Total plate count, psychrophilic count and TBA values showed an increase but remained within the acceptable limits during the entire period of storage. Coliforms were not detected. The sensory rating for flavour, juiciness, texture and overall acceptability remained between good to very good. These findings indicate that low-fat buffalo meat balls stored in low-fat gravy had very good acceptability during 15 days of storage in refrigeration in LDPE pouches. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of gamma irradiation on the lipid peroxidation in chicken, lamb and buffalo meat during chilled storage. Year of publication: 1997 Journal: Journal of food safety (USA). (Dec 1997). v. 17(4) p. 283-294. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kanatt, S.R.; Paul, P.; D'Souza, S.F.; Thomas, P. Institution: Organization: Content : Chicken, lamb and buffalo meat were subjected to low-dose gamma irradiation (2.5 kGy) and stored at 0-3C. Lipid peroxidation in terms of 946 thiobarbituric acid (TBA) number and carbonyl content were monitored during storage. While irradiated meat showed slight increase in TBA number and carbonyl content on storage as compared to nonirradiated meat, this did not affect the sensory qualities of meat. Free fatty acid content decreased markedly on irradiation. Irradiated meats were microbiologically safe and sensorily acceptable up to 4 weeks in the nonfrozen state (0-3C) while nonirradiated meat had a shelf-life of less than 2 weeks. Author’s name: Kanatt,-S.R.; Paul,-P.; D'Souza,-S.F.; Thomas,-P. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in detection and differentiation of cooked and raw pork from meats of other species. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2003; 40(3): 254-256 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jha, V K; Ashwani Kumar; Mandokhot, U V Institution: Organization: Content : Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was standardized to identify the cooked (autoclaved) and raw (native) muscle antigens of pig and their differentiation from muscle antigens of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and chicken. The unabsorbed antiserum (RAP) in rabbits against boiling resistant ethanol precipitable (BE) adrenal antigen of pig was found species specific and revealed promising results in indirect ELISA. It detected all the cooked and raw pork samples from field as pig meat and on the basis of cut-off ELISA values (0.14 for cooked, 0.10 for raw) differentiated them from the cooked and raw muscle samples of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and chicken. Indirect ELISA proved to be a sensitive test as it detected adulterant pig meat (cooked/raw) at a minimum level of 1% adulteration in meats of cattle/buffalo/sheep/goat/chicken. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of level of nutrition and stage of maturity on the quality of patties from the meat of male buffalo veal during frozen storage. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2000; 37(2): 116-120 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bawa, A S; Sekhon, K S Institution: Organization: Content : Effects of ages of male Murrah buffalo calves (8, 12 and 16 months) at slaughter and level of nutrition (100, 115 and 130%) on the quality of meat patties during frozen storage were evaluated. The frozen storage of patties had a significant effect on TBA, total plate counts, colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability scores. A significant increase in thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value and decreases in total plate counts (TPC), colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability scores were observed as the storage progressed. Ages 947 of the calves at slaughter had a significant effect on moisture, protein, fat and TBA values of patties. As the calves grew older, significant increases in protein, fat and TBA values and a decrease in moisture content were observed. Irrespective of age of calf and level of nutrition, good quality acceptable patties could be produced from male buffalo calf meat and frozen stored upto four months. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Identification of species origin of fresh, cooked and decomposed meats using brain antigens. Year of publication: Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2000; 37(2): 201-203 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Reddy, P M; Reddy, V S L; Rao, Z S; Murthy, G K Institution: Organization: Content : Antisera were raised in rabbits against fresh and heated brain antigens of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig, and those of rabbit fresh and rabbit thermostable brain antisera were raised in sheep and goat, respectively. These antisera were used to identify the species origin of fresh, cooked and decomposed meats, by conducting double immunodiffusion (DID), immunoelectrophoresis (IE) and counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) techniques. All the antisera, developed cross reactions except sheep anti-rabbit native, and goat anti-rabbit thermostable brain antisera and, rabbit anti-pig native as well as thermostable antisera, which proved species-specific. All the cross-reacting antisera after successful absorption and other natural species specific antisera were used to detect adulterated meats either fresh, cooked, or decomposed. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Survivability of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes against nisin and its combination with sodium chloride in raw buffalo meat mince. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2001; 38(2): 138-141 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pawar, D D; Malik, S V S; Bhilegaonkar, K N; Barbuddhe, S B Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to examine the anti-Listeria monocytogenes activity of nisin (Ambicin N) alone at concentrations of 400, 800 and 1200 IU/g, and in combination with 2% sodium chloride incorporated in raw buffalo meat mince stored at 4 degrees C for 16 days and 37 degrees C for 36 h. Initial microbial analysis of meat mince revealed pH, extract release volume, mesophiles and psychrophiles count as 5.76, 49 ml, 33 x 104 and 15 x 104 cfu/g of meat, respectively. All the combinations of preservatives significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the count of L. monocytogenes at both storage temperatures when 948 compared to the control. Addition of 2% sodium chloride increased the efficacy of nisin against L. monocytogenes in all the three combinations. The degree of inhibition was greater at higher concentration of nisin and lower temperature. The pH in treatment groups remained significantly lower than the control groups at 4 degrees C (P<0.01) and 37 degrees C (P<0.05). These results indicate that the combination of food grade preservatives could be an effective listeriostatic agent in minced meat. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in foods of animal origin. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2001; 38(1): 8284 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Banerjee, R; Kapoor, K N; Agarwal, R K; Ghatak, S Institution: Organization: Content : One hundred and nine samples of beef, chicken, mutton, kebab, pork and fish were collected from different localities of Bareilly, India [date not given]. Identification and serotyping of Escherichia coli and vero cell cytotoxicity assay were performed. Variations among the levels of verotoxin (VT) production were also recorded. Seven isolates (15.90%) were verotoxigenic, where 4 were from raw buffalo beef (28.57%) and one each from chicken (8.33%), mutton (12.50%) and kebab (16.66%) samples. Variations in the VT titres of different E. coli strains observed in his study were in agreement with previous reports that described the variations in VTEC isolated from animals and human. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Development of antisera to testicular antigens for identification of species origin of meats using DID, IE, CIE and RIE techniques. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2001; 38(1): 3237 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Reddy, P. Institution: Organization: Content : Antisera were raised in rabbits using native and heated testicular antigens from cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats. Double immunodiffusion test (DID), immunoelectrophoresis (IE), counter-immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) and rocket immunoelectrophoresis (RIE) techniques were standardized using the above sera. Cross reactions were noticed between different species of antigens and they were eliminated by making the sera monospecific, using glutaraldehyde treated immunosorbent of the heterologous antigens. To overcome the problem of absorption, to make the sera monospecific, antisera were also raised in phylogenetically related species, viz., cattle in buffalo, buffalo in cattle, sheep in goat and goat in sheep using native as well as heated testicular 949 antigens which proved monospecific directly. The sera samples could detect adulteration in fresh meat samples even at a low level of 1%, while in the case of cooked meat samples, the detection levels were 10 to 20%. The sera were lyophilized and could show specific reaction up to 2 years. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of microwave oven processing, hot air oven cooking, curing and polyphosphate treatment on physico-chemical, sensory and textural characteristics of buffalo meat products. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2002; 39(3): 240-245 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Hoda, I; Ahmad, S; Srivastava, P K Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of microwave (MW) processing, as compared to hot air oven (HAO) cooking, curing and polyphosphate (PP) treatment, on pH, cooking loss, sensory and textural characteristics of buffalo meat (controlled and treated) was studied. The products included shami kabab, boty kabab and patties. The results showed that the curing and PP treatment increased the pH (from 5.70 to 6.12) and reduced percent cooking loss (from 17.5 to 10.3%) in controlled meat. The processing methods had no significant effect on pH of the meat products. It was observed that colour and tenderness improved in the MW oven-processed meat; the sensory scores for colour on a Hedonic scale were 7.4, 7.3 and 7.8 for MW; and 6.4, 6.3 and 6.4 for HAO, for the three products, respectively. The positive peak forces were greater for HAO-cooked products as compared to MW oven-processed ones in textural analysis (by texture analyser. -HD, using guillotine knife). MW oven reduced the time of cooking as compared to HAO and it caused uniform heating of meat products (10 min for MW and 30 min at 180 degrees C for HAO). Curing and PP treatment further improved the tenderness of the three products over controlled samples. However, flavour was better in the HAO-treated product due to excessive heating effect. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of sodium acid pyrophosphate and sodium lactate on the viability of Listeria monocytogenes in raw buffalo meat mince. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2002; 39(2): 164-166 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pawar, D D; Malik, S V S; Bhilegaonkar, K N; Barbuddhe, S B Institution: Organization: Content : The inhibitory effect of sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) and sodium lactate (SL) against Listeria monocytogenes was studied in raw buffalo minced meat stored at 4 degrees C for 16 days and 37 degrees C for 36 h. The 950 minced meat was evaluated for physicochemical (pH, extract release volume) and microbiological (mesophiles, psychrophiles, Listeria sp.) qualities. The addition of SAPP (0.5%) to the minced meat significantly (P<0.05) inhibited L. monocytogenes after 10 days of storage at 4 degrees C, but favoured the growth of the pathogen at 37 degrees C. A mixture of SAPP (0.5%) and SL (2.5%) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the count of the pathogen at both the storage temperatures. This combination of food grade preservatives could be used as effective listeriostatics in minced meat stored at 4 degrees C, as well as at 37 degrees C. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Microbiological status of buffalo meat from slaughterhouses and retail outlets. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2002; 39(1): 7981 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tiwari, A K; Singh, S P; Arun Kumar Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to evaluate the sanitary quality of buffalo meat produced in municipal slaughterhouses and sold at the retail outlets located in Bareilly, Haldwani and Kichha, all in Uttar Pradesh, India. Meat samples (n=103) collected were subjected to standard plate count (SPC), staphylococcal, coliform, psychrophillic and yeast and mould counts. It was found that SPC (log cfu/g) of buffalo meat samples collected from slaughterhouses and retail shops varied from 6.3-6.7 and 7.0-7.9, respectively. Staphylococcal counts (log cfu/g) of the same samples were in the range of 4.8-5.4 in slaughterhouses and 5.3-6.5 in retail shops samples. Coliform counts varied from 3.6-4.4 and 3.6-4.5 in slaughterhouses and retails shops samples, respectively. The samples collected from slaughterhouses showed psychrophillic counts ranging from 3.6-4.4 and from retail shops 4.2-5.8. Yeast and mould counts of the samples obtained from slaughterhouses and retail shops ranged from 3.5-4.8 and 4.6-5.6, respectively. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Preparation of restructured buffalo meat rolls using calcium phosphate. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2002; 39(5): 534-536 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mendiratta, S K; Anjaneyulu, A S R; Suresh Devatkal; Geeta Chauhan; Lakshmanan, V Institution: Organization: Content : Quality and shelf life evaluation of emulsion and restructured buffalo meat nuggets at cold storage (4+or-1 degrees C). Thomas,-R; Anjaneyulu,-A-S-R; Kondaiah, N Meat Science. 2006; 72(3): 373-379 AB: The study was aimed 951 at comparing the physico-chemical characteristics and texture profile of emulsion and restructured buffalo meat nuggets (BMN) and assessing their shelf life at refrigeration temperature (4+or-1 degrees C). The stability of restructured batter was significantly lower than that of the emulsion form. Emulsion nuggets (EN) had significantly higher product yield, fat content and calories while restructured nuggets (RN) had significantly higher moisture and protein contents. Texture profile analysis revealed that RN had significantly higher cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and shear force values. Differences in TBARS values for emulsion and restructured nuggets were not significant at any particular storage time. Throughout storage, counts for mesophilic, psychrotrophic and coliforms did not exceed log10 3.09 and 3.44 cfu/g, log10 2.23 and 2.11 cfu/g, log10 1.30 and 1.30 cfu/g for emulsion and restructured buffalo meat nuggets, respectively. In spite of a higher overall acceptance for EN initially, panelists rated them considerably lower compared to RN during subsequent storage. Buffalo meat nuggets were acceptable for at least 20 days in cold storage (4+or-1 degrees C) under aerobic conditions in polypropylene bags. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Determination of efficiency of antiserum raised in rabbits and goats for serological identification of beef. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology Mysore. 2005; 42(1): 101-103 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prince, D I; Thulasi, G; Shanmugam, A M Institution: Organization: Content : The antiserum produced by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and freeze dried beef extract (FDBE) from rabbits and goats for serological identification of beef were evaluated. The potency was tested based on Passive Haemagglutination (PHA) titre value with homologous antigen (beef) and cross reaction with heterologous antigens (buffalo meat, mutton, chevon, pork and chicken). The antiserum produced using BSA and FDBE from goats as experimental animal showed a titre value of 1:2048 and 1:1024, respectively with homologous antigen (beef), when compared to antiserum produced from rabbits (BSA 1:1024) and beef (FDBE 1:512) antigens. The antiserum produced by using BSA from goats showed less cross reaction when compared to FDBE produced from rabbits with heterologous antigens. The studies indicated that for serological identification of beef, BSA is the best antigen compared to FDBE and goat is the best experimental animal compared to rabbits. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Hygienic quality of buffalo meat. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Research, Birsa Agricultural University. 2002; 14(2): 269-271 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anita Kumari; Yadava, R; Gupta, M K 952 Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to assess the hygienic quality of buffalo meat from 2 slaughterhouses (Doranda and Kantatoli) in India. 40 samples of raw buffalo meat were used in the study. The total viable count, coliform and faecal streptococcal and psychrophilic counts of the buffalo meat in Doranda were 7.730, 5.279, 4.665 and 5.815 per g, respectively. In the samples obtained from Kantatoli, the values were 7.511, 5.128, 4.816 and 5.873, respectively. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Effect of grind size and fat levels on the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of low-fat ground buffalo meat patties. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Meat Science. 2003; 65(3): 973-976 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Suman, S.P; Sharma, B.D Institution: Organization: Content : Two experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of grind size (3, 4 or 6 mm) and fat levels (6, 8, 10 or 20%) on the physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of low-fat ground buffalo meat patties prepared using a combination of carrageenan (0.5%) and sodium alginate (0.1%). At a constant fat level of nearly 8%, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the cooking yield, pH, proximate composition and dimensional changes of patties prepared at different grind sizes. However, shear force value increased significantly (P<0.05) with an increase in grind size. The sensory scores were significantly (P<0.05) higher for patties prepared using 3 mm grind size as compared to those prepared at 4 and 6 mm grind sizes and hence it was adopted as the optimum grind size for low-fat ground buffalo meat patties. At a constant grind size of 3 mm, cooking yield, moisture, protein and gain in height were significantly (P<0.05) higher and shear force values were significantly (P<0.05) lower for patties at all low-fat levels as compared to the control with 20% fat. Based on its significantly higher (P<0.05) sensory scores, 10% fat level was selected as optimum for low-fat ground buffalo meat patties, although even at 8% fat level sensory rating remained between good to very good. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Quality of buffalo meat burger containing legume flours as binders. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Meat Science. 2004; 66(1): 143-149 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Modi, V.K; Mahendrakar, N.S; Rao, D.N; Sachindra, N.M Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of addition of different decorticated legume flours, viz., soya bean, bengal gram, green gram and black gram, on the quality of buffalo meat 953 burger was studied. The burgers consisted of optimized quantities of roasted or unroasted legume flour, spices and common salt. Inclusion of roasted black gram flour registered the highest yield of 95.7%, lowest shrinkage of 5% and lowest fat absorption of 26.6% on frying. Protein content of 18-20% was highest in the soya flour formulation. Free fatty acid (FFA) values (as % oleic) increased from 14.3 to 17.3 in freshly prepared samples (before frying) to 16.0-19.4 in 4 m frozen (-16+or-2 degrees C) stored samples and fried samples had about 25% lower FFA values. Formulations with roasted flours registered lower thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values (mg malonaldehyde/kg sample) of 0.6-1.5 as against 0.6-2.1 for unroasted flours before frying. The burgers prepared with any of these binders were organoleptically acceptable even after storage at -16+or-2 degrees C for 4 months. However, the burger with black gram dhal (dehulled split legume) flour had better sensory quality attributes compared to other legumes. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Sequence analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene can identify meat species. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Meat Science. 2004; 66(3): 551-556 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Girish, P.S; Anjaneyulu, A.S.R; Viswas, K.N; Anand, M; Rajkumar, N; Shivakumar, B.M; Sharma Bhaskar Institution: Organization: Content : In this study, sequence analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA has been applied for meat species identification. The procedure involves polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a fragment of mitochondrial (mt) 12S rRNA gene and sequencing of amplicons. Amplified product of mt 12S rRNA gene was 456 bp in size. Species sequenced include cattle (Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra hircus) and mithun (Bos frontalis). Sequences were compared with the reported sequences of low land anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), yak (Bos grunniens) and pig (Sus scrofa). There was no effect of routinely used additives or cooking temperature (72, 90, 120 and 180 degrees C) on the efficacy of PCR amplification. The closely related species like cattle and buffalo, sheep and goat could also be differentiated decisively by sequence analysis. Sequencing and analysis of mt 12S rRNA gene was, hence, found to be an ideal, authentic and unambiguous qualitative method for meat species identification. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Tenderization of buffalo meat using plant proteases from Cucumis trigonus Roxb (Kachri) and Zingiber officinale roscoe (Ginger rhizome). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Meat Science. 2004; 68(3): 363-369 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naveena, B.M; Mendiratta, S.K; Anjaneyulu, A.S.R Institution: Organization: 954 Content : This study was conducted to develop a method for improving tenderness and overall qualities of tough buffalo meat using plant proteolytic enzymes from Cucumis trigonus Roxb (Kachri) and Zingiber officinale roscoe (Ginger rhizome). Their tenderizing efficacy was compared with the most popular enzyme papain. 3x3x3 cm chunks from Biceps femoris muscles of spent Murrah buffaloes (4-5 years age) were marinated with distilled water (control), 2% (w/w) powdered cucumis extract, 5% (w/v) ginger extract or 0.2% (w/w) papain for 48 h at 4 degrees C and subjected to various physicochemical, histological and sensory evaluations. An increase (p<0.01) in collagen solubility, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein solubility, and reduction (p<0.01) in shear force values were observed in all enzyme-treated samples compared to control. Electrophoretic pattern of muscle proteins also revealed extensive proteolysis and reduction in number of protein bands in all treated samples. Improvement (p<0.01) in flavour, juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability scores were observed in all enzyme-treated samples compared to controls. Ginger extract-treated meat samples received better scores for appearance, flavour, tenderness and overall acceptability. From these results, it is shown that ginger and cucumis can be used as an effective alternative to papain. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Physicochemical, functional and microbiological quality of buffalo liver. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Meat Science. 2004; 68(1): 79-86 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Suresh Devatkal; Mendiratta, S.K; Kondaiah, N; Sharma, M.C; Anjaneyulu, A.S.R Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo liver is an important edible meat byproduct. However, in developing countries including India, it has a low commercial value and is underutilized. The present investigation was conducted to provide basic information on physicochemical, functional and microbiological quality of buffalo liver. Proximate composition was: moisture - 71.92%, protein - 18.44%, fat - 5.60%, carbohydrate - 2.72%, total ash - 1.32% and total energy - 135 kcal. Mineral concentrations (mg%) in liver were: Na - 60.04, K - 274, Ca - 5.60, Mg - 6.20, Fe - 20.86 and Cu - 5.60. Mean glycogen (mg/g), total liver pigments (mg/g) and cholesterol (mg%) were 7.07, 8.49 and 283.88, respectively. The mean pH values of buffalo liver was 6.42, WHC - 38 ml per 100 g and cooking yield was 73.15%. Protein extractability studies indicated that liver contains higher amounts of water-soluble proteins (20-40%) than salt soluble proteins (7-15%) and presence of high molecular weight proteins in salt soluble protein fractions. The average microbial counts (log10 cfu/g) for different organisms were APC - 6.10; psychrotrophs - 4.30; Enterobacteriaceae counts - 4.97; staphylococcal counts 2.50 and total coliforms - 2.82. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Meat species identification by polymerase chain reaction955 restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Meat Science. 2005; 70(1): 107-112 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Girish, P.S; Anjaneyulu, A.S.R; Viswas, K.N; Shivakumar, B.M; Anand, M; Patel, M; Sharma, B Institution: Organization: Content : Adulteration of high quality meat and meat products with their inferior/cheaper counterparts is a problem in the meat industry. The present study investigated the use of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for identification of the origin of meats. PCR-RFLP was applied for species identification of beef, buffalo meat, mutton and chevon. PCR amplification yielded a 456-bp fragment in each of these species. The amplicons were digested with AluI, HhaI, ApoI and BspTI restriction enzymes resulting in a pattern that could identify and differentiate each of the above species. This technique did not yield satisfactory results with meat mixtures/meats. However, consistent results were obtained with both fresh and processed meat samples. Specialization: Meat and meat products Subject: Value added meat products and development of processed meat sector. Year of publication: Journal: Natural Product Radiance. 2004; 3(4): 281-283 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kondaiah, N Institution: Organization: Content : The production of meat from buffaloes, sheep, goat, chicken, pigs and cattle in India are discussed, as well as the manufacture of their respective meat products. Examples of these products that have value added to them include emulsion-based meat products, meat nuggets, meat combinations, restructured products, enrobed products and products with other ingredients, such as vegetables. Moreover, the purpose of meat processing, scope of value added products, relevant approaches and the economics of these value added products are discussed. 956 15. MEDICINE Medicine includes -Ethnoveterinary -Miscellaneous disease conditions -Pollution -Medicines Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of molybdenum induced copper deficiency on peripheral blood cells and bone marrow in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 15(4): 509-515 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Randhawa, C S; Randhawa, S S; Sood, N K Institution: Organization: Content : Copper deficiency was induced in 8 male buffalo calves by adding molybdenum (30 ppm wet basis) to their diet. Copper status was monitored from the liver copper concentration, and a level below 30 ppm (DM basis) was considered as deficient. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, total and differential leukocyte numbers were determined. The functions of peripheral neutrophils were assessed by in vitro phagocytosis and killing of Staphylococcus aureus. The effect of molybdenum induced copper deficiency on bone marrow was monitored. The mean total leukocyte count was unaffected, whereas a significant fall in the neutrophil count coincided with the fall in hepatic copper level to 23.9+or-2.69 ppm. Reduced blood neutrophil numbers was not accompanied by any change in the proportion of different neutrophil precursor cells in the bone marrow. It was hypothesized that buffalo calves were more tolerant to dietary molybdenum excess than cattle. It was concluded that neutropenia in molybdenum-induced copper deficiency occurred without any effect on their synthesis and maturation process. Bone marrow studies in healthy buffalo calves revealed higher percentages of neutrophilic myelocytes and metamyelocytes, as compared to cattle. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effects of garlic bulb extract and buffalo urine on the growth of Aspergillus niger and A. flavus. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Annals of Plant Protection Sciences. 2004; 12(1): 221-222 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Wani, M A; Kurucheve, V Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of garlic bulb and buffalo urine, as aqueous extract, hot water extract or autoclaved formulations, on the growth of A. niger and A. flavus were studied. Hot water extracts were obtained by heating the garlic bulbs and buffalo urine over a water bath at 80 degrees C for 10 minutes. Garlic bulb and buffalo manure at 40% were also incorporated into the potato dextrose 957 agar medium and autoclaved thereafter. Treated discs inoculated with A. niger and A. flavus were incubated for 7 days at 28+or-2 degrees C. The aqueous extract of garlic completely inhibited the growth of both fungi. The inhibitory effect of garlic was reduced by heating and autoclaving. The reduction in toxicity was greater with hot water extraction than with autoclaving. Buffalo urine at 40% completely inhibited the growth of both fungi, and was as effective as 0.2% thiram. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Changes in serum protein profile, cholesterol and blood glucose during endotoxic shock in buffalo calves supplemented with vitamin E and selenium. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 18(2): 192196 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Neeraj Sharma; Singha, S P S; Ahuja, C S Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to monitor the changes in serum protein profile, cholesterol and blood glucose during endotoxic shock in buffalo calves and also to assess the role of prophylactic supplementation of vitamin E and selenium in alleviating the endotoxic effects. Fifteen male buffalo calves (6-8 months of age) were divided into three groups: Group I (control)-infused with 0.9% saline solution; Group II-infused with E. coli endotoxin at 5 micro g/kg body weight in normal saline solution; Group III-supplemented prophylactically with 250 mg vitamin E and 7.5 mg selenium by i/m injections at weekly intervals for one month prior to the induction of endotoxic shock. The blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after the induction of shock. Endotoxin caused a significant (p<0.05) hypoproteinemia from 3-12 h post infusion in group II but this hypoproteinemia was less pronounced and only from 3-9 h post infusion in vitamin E and selenium supplemented calves. Hypoglycemia was observed in group II from 3-24 h and blood glucose level returned to normal at 72 h. However hypoglycemia was mild in group III and blood glucose returned to normal at 48 h. Hypocholesterolaemia and hypoalbuminemia were found in both groups II and III but these changes were less pronounced in group III, i.e. vitamin E and Se supplemented, calves. Serum electrophoretic protein patterns of group III were quite similar to those of the control group, but animals of group II had a different electrophoretic pattern. It was concluded that the antioxidant effects of vitamin E and Se prevent the liver against oxidative stress during endotoxic shock. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Successful treatment of hydrallantois in a murrah buffalo. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Blue Cross Book. 2004; (22): 29-30 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mouli, S P; Babu, S N Institution: 958 Organization: Content : A rare case of hydrallantois in a murrah buffalo heifer was reported and successfully treated during its first gestation with a course of antibiotics, milk fever formula. B-complex vitamins and continous use of mineral mixture, containing vitamin A, with plenty of dextrose and electrolytes. These routine nourishment resulted in a successful conception and normal parturition at the next gestation. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Therapeutic aspects of experimental hypomagnesaemia in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2000; 19(3): 67-71 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jayanthi, M; Sunder, N S; Karunanidhi, P S; Choudhuri, P C Institution: Organization: Content : Hypomagnesaemia is an important metabolic disorder of ruminants which commonly occurs during parturition or peak milk production and also during transport stress. Parenteral drugs containing magnesium available for treatment also contain calcium and glucose and are meant to treat hypocalcaemia, ketosis and hypomagnesaemia. Parenteral administration of 20% magnesium sulphate alone is recommended. Recurrence of symptoms after initial recovery is observed following injection of magnesium sulphate solution. The pathogenesis indicates that mortality from hypomagnesaemia is due to the production of inflammatory mediators like thromboxane - A2, prostaglandins and embolism in vulnerable organs especially in pulmonary microcirculation. The use of parenteral magnesium sulphate solution (15%) along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) diclofenac sodium was compared with the parenteral administration of 15% magnesium sulphate solution alone in the treatment of experimentally induced hypomagnesaemia in 12 buffalo calves, 14- to 18-months-old. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Urinalysis in experimental hypomagnesaemia in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2000; 19(4): 87-89 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jayanthi, M; Sundar, N S; Karunanidi, P S; Choudhuri, P C Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to estimate and precipitate urinary magnesium. Hypomagnesaemia was induced in 12 apparently healthy male buffalo calves, 14- to 18-months-old, by oral dosing with 15% solution of potassium chloride (1.3 g/kg body weight/day) and citric acid (1.1 g/kg body weight/day). The animals were divided into 2 groups. The symptoms observed were hyperaesthesia, constant movement of ears, grinding of teeth, bellowing, 959 inability to get up, staggering gait, exophthalmus, congestion of scleral vessels, hypertony of eyeballs, elevation of temperature, increase in pulse rate, diarrhoeic faeces, polypnoea and shallow rapid breathing. A significant decrease in the amount of urinary magnesium was observed with a slight decrease (P>0.05) in amount of precipitate present in the urine. A slight positive correlation (r=0.11) was found between the serum magnesium and urine magnesium levels. A positive correlation was found between urine magnesium content and the amount of precipitate. The correlation coefficient was 0.98 which was significant at 1% level. It is concluded that urine examination for magnesium can be used as a field test for the diagnosis of hypomagnesaemia along with clinical symptoms. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Some developmental abnormalities in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin . 2000; 19(3): 64-66 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Christopher, K.J Institution: Organization: Content : Three cases of developmental abnormalities of buffaloes are studied and reported at the health camp in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India [date not given]. These include cases of prolonged lower jaw, short tail and knuckling of forelegs. Their probable cause is discussed. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Plasma cortisol and other blood constituents in relation to age of disbudding with and without cornual block in Murrah buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(2): 217-224 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sarabdeep Singh; Saini, A L; Randhawa, S S; Jindal, R Institution: Organization: Content : Thirty healthy female buffalo calves from the dairy farm of Punjab Agricultural University, were subjected to disbudding (dehorning) at different ages. Calves in group 1 through group 4 were disbudded at 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and more than 12 days after birth without local anaesthesia whereas the calves in group 5 were disbudded at 10 to 12 days of age after birth with local anaesthesia. Significantly high glucose and plasma cortisol concentrations were observed immediately after disbudding in the first four groups as compared to the fifth group with anaesthesia whereas non-significant changes were observed in total plasma proteins in relation to age of disbudding, with and without cornual block. It was concluded that pain and discomfort to calves can be reduced by using local anaesthesia at 10-12 days of age. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Efficacy of dry-period teat canal antibiotic therapy for mastitis control in buffaloes. 960 Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 361-365 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tuteja, F C; Kapur, M P; Anshu Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : Teat canal (TC) swabs were obtained from 19 Murrah buffaloes prior to their dry period. The buffaloes were then divided into 2 groups. 33 udder quarters of 9 buffaloes were instilled with 0.2 ml ointment (13.3 mg cloxacillin sodium) into the TC thrice at 48-h intervals (Group 1) and 37 udder quarters of 10 buffaloes were left as untreated controls (Group 2). TC and quarter milk samples were collected before and after treatments. It was shown that the antibiotic ointment therapy could clear 80% of the bacterial infections during the dry period. Clearance rates were 100 (2/2), 63.64 (7/11), 100 (3/3), 100 (3/3) and 83.33% (5/6) for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Corynebacterium spp., respectively. In the TC treated animals, 60% (6/10) of the intramammary infections (IMI) were also eliminated. Clearance rates were 20 (1/5), 100 (1/1) and 100% (4/4) for Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Corynebacterium spp., respectively. There was an overall increase of 33.33% (5/15) in the IMI in the untreated controls, being 20 (1/5), 100 (3/3), 50 (1/2) and 66.67% (2/3) for Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and unclassified streptococci, respectively. 25% (1/4) of the infections due to Corynebacterium spp. and 100% (1/1) due to yeasts were self-cured. An overall increase of 36.36% (8/22) was noted in the TC infections, being 100 (1/1), 88.88 (8/9), 100 (1/1) and 50% (1/2) for Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae, respectively. Self-cure of TC infections was observed in 33.33 (2/3) and 20% (1/5) of the infections due to unclassified streptococci and Corynebacterium spp., respectively. These results show that dry period TC antibiotic therapy can be used for mastitis control in buffaloes. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Renal clearance of sodium sulfanilate and phenol red in normal and water deprived buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 179-190 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rastogi, S K; Ahmad, A H; Mohsin, M Institution: Organization: Content : Four female Murrah buffalo calves (mean body weight of 129.3+or-6.5 kg and age of 1-2 years) were subjected to renal clearance of sodium sulfanilate (SS) and phenol red (PSP) under normal hydration and water restriction state. Single dose SS (11 mg/kg BW. as 5% solution) and PSP (3 mg/kg BW as 1% solution) were injected i.v. separately. Blood and quantitative urine samples were collected. For SS clearance, samples were collected after 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, while for PSP clearance, the samples were collected 5, 10, 15, 961 20, 30, 45 and 60 min post-injection. Water deprivation resulted in significant (P<0.01) fall in urine flow rate from 4.12+or-0.31 to 2.81+or-0.21 ml/min. Clearance values of urea and creatinine also declined from 78.1+or-11.1 to 17.1+or-1.4 ml/min (P<0.01) and from 96.8+or-12.2 to 95.7+or-9.9, respectively. Sixty min after administration, PSP excretion fell from the normal value of 69.9+or-8.5% to 53.7+or-10.1% following water restriction. Corresponding decline in SS elimination values after 90 min were 31.2+or-3.8 to 29.4+or-6.9%, respectively. Water deprivation resulted in reduced urinary output and clearances of various endogenous and exogenous substances to a variable degree representing altered glomerular and tubular functions of kidney. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Use of a combination of hypertonic saline solution and PlasmexD-40 to resuscitate endotoxaemic buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(2): 169-178 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, D V; Singh, R V; Sodhi, S P S Institution: Organization: Content : Ten buffalo calves were divided into two groups and were given i.v. infusion of E. coli endotoxin at 5 micro g/kg/h for 3 h. The buffalo calves were then observed for the succeeding 4 h. One group was kept untreated while the other group was given hypertonic saline solution (7.2% NaCl) at 4 ml/kg rapid i.v. for 6.5 min followed by Plasmex-D-40 at 10 ml/kg as one time infusion. Untreated group revealed a steep fall in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and central venous pressure (CVP) with no change in body temperature and an elevated respiratory rate. The treated group had all these parameters close to normal pre-infusion values except for temperature that did not vary significantly and the respiratory rate that remained very high even after the treatment. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Variation in selected components of milk among different milk fractions and its relevance to diagnosis of mastitis in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(3): 213-224 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, R S; Bansal, B K Institution: Organization: Content : Milk composition pertaining to somatic cell count (SCC), electrical conductivity (EC), lactose and pH was compared in 3 quarter milk fractions (foremilk, mid-milk and strippings) and one udder composite milk from healthy and mastitic buffaloes. A total of 225 quarters from 57 lactating buffaloes were studied. All the components except pH showed a significant variation over the milk fraction and udder health. The EC and lactose decreased, whereas SCC increased in strippings compared to that in foremilk. 962 The levels of variation over the milk fractions were different for healthy and mastitic quarters. The increase in SCC over the milking was higher in specific mastitis quarters than that in healthy quarters. Mid-milk contained significantly lower SCC than foremilk in healthy quarters but not in mastitic quarters. The pH of foremilk and strippings did not differ significantly, neither in healthy nor in mastitic quarters. The decrease in the EC and lactose content of milk in strippings compared to foremilk was observed to be greater in healthy quarters than in mastitic quarters. The difference between foremilk and mid-milk for SCC, EC and lactose was significant in healthy quarters only. Mastitis at all levels, i.e. specific, nonspecific and latent, resulted in a significant alteration in one or more of the parameters studied. The comparison of various parameters in udder composite milk samples revealed a significant effect on milk SCC and lactose but not on EC and pH. The evaluation of selected parameters for the diagnosis of mastitis with respect to milk fraction showed that the highest level of discrimination was obtained for EC in strippings (66.0%) and for lactose in foremilk fraction (85.65%). Specialization: Medicine Subject: Evaluation of trace metal contents in food products within the network of shops and local markets of Agra, India. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2005; 74(1): 195-200 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, R; Chandreshwor, L; Lawrence, A; Taneja, A; Kumar, A Institution: Organization: Content : The metal contents (Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn) of different food products, viz. milk (goat, buffalo and cow), fruit juices, tea and alcoholic beverages (beers and whiskey), available in local markets in Agra, India, were determined. The results indicated that all products had levels of heavy metals within the maximum permissible limits, except for one brand of tea (Double diamond tea) which had maximum levels of Pb, Cd and Zn. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Clinico-haematological studies on experimentally induced chronic selenosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2001; 71(6): 511-514 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rattandeep Singh; Randhawa, S S; Dhillon, K S; Dhillon, S K Institution: Organization: Content : Clinico-haematological alterations in experimentally induced chronic selenosis by feeding selenium rich wheat straw (8.54 ppm) were studied in 18 non-descript buffalo calves. The clinical signs appeared after 35-45 days. The cardinal signs of induced selenosis were malformation of hooves and horns 963 along with inflammation of coronary band, anaemia, alopecia and emaciation followed by death. Haematological indices revealed macrocytic, normochromic anaemia. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Prophylactic supplementation of vitamin E and selenium influences the level of antioxidant vitamins during endotoxic shock. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(9): 766-769 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sandhu, T S; Singha, S P S Institution: Organization: Content : Male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves were used to study the effects of prophylactic supplementation of vitamin E and Se on the circulating antioxidant vitamins during endotoxic shock. Male calves (n=15), 6-12month-old, were divided into 3 groups of 5 animals each: Group 1, control; group 2, with induced endotoxic shock caused by Escherichia coli (5 micro g/kg body weight) but without vitamin E and Se supplementation and group 3, with induced endotoxic shock but supplemented with vitamin E (250 mg) and Se (7.5 mg) at weekly interval through intramuscular route, one month prior to induction of endotoxic shock. All the animals in groups 1 and 2 exhibited signs of endotoxic shock. Prophylactic supplementation with vitamin E and Se resulted in significant increase in normal (0 h) circulating plasma levels of vitamin E and beta -carotene whereas plasma vitamin C decreased. There was a significant increase in the lipid peroxidation levels during the shock. Lipid peroxidation level was lower in group 3 as compared to group 2 at every stage of the study up to 72 h. The circulating levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta -carotene decreased and then increased towards the 0 h value. Prophylactic supplementation with vitamin E and Se was successful in delaying the onset of oxidative damage during endotoxic shock as well as accelerating the recovery from shock by suppressing the free radicals. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of concurrent hypophosphorosis and molybdenosis on some mineral profile in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(4): 367-371 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ashwani Kumar; Randhawa, S S; Rajvir Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo calves were fed phosphorus deficient diet for 90 days, and in 1 group simultaneous feeding of molybdenum at 3 mg/kg body weight was also done to investigate the effect of concentration of molybdenum, phosphorus, iron and copper on different body fluids, viz. plasma, rumen liquor and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at different time intervals. Significant decline in plasma inorganic phosphorus was observed on day 45 in group T2 (fed on phosphorus deficient and molybdenum supplemented diet) and group T3 (fed 964 on phosphorus deficient diet alone) as compared to group T1 (healthy control). Animals of group T2 showed more gradual declining trend accompanied by intense fall on day 90. Plasma inorganic phosphorus decreased on day 45, which was followed by fall in rumen liquor phosphorus on day 60 in both the groups. Nonsignificant difference was noted in groups T2 and T3 regarding CSF and rumen liquor phosphorus concentration. In group T2 plasma molybdenum increased significantly and gradually after day 15 following feeding of molybdenum, whereas, plasma copper declined significantly on day 45. In molybdenum supplemented animals, copper concentration decreased initially (day 30) in rumen liquor followed by fall in plasma on day 45 and in CSF on day 90. Iron concentration in all the groups in different body fluids showed inconsistent and nonsignificant fluctuation. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of hypertonic saline, plasmex-D-40 and bovine serum albumin infusion on endotoxaemic buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(9): 998-1001 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, D V; Singh, R V; Sodhi, S P S Institution: Organization: Content : To investigate the effect of intravenous infusion of bovine serum albumin in combination with hypertonic saline and plasmex-D-40 on the various haemodynamic parameters' 2 groups of buffalo calves 5 each were shocked with intravenous infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin at 5 micro g/kg body weight/h for 3 h which resulted in significant fall in systolic, diastolic, pulse and mean arterial pressure (MAP), central venous pressure (CVP) but with a marked increase in respiration. The animals in group 1 were left untreated, the group 2 animals were subjected to an infusion of 7.2% saline solution at 4 ml/kg body weight followed by plasmex-D-40 at 10 ml/kg body weight and bovine serum albumin at 1 ml/kg body weight. This treatment successfully raised systolic, diastolic, pulse, mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure. Pulse pressure and central venous pressure increased to more than pre-infusion values at the end of treatment. Haematocrit and haemoglobin values which decreased significantly (P<0.05) during infusion of endotoxin showed still further decline due to haemodilution caused by infusion of various solutions. No significant changes in body temperature was observed. However, this combination of treatment had no effect on high respiratory rate. All the treated animals became quiet and lay with eyes open and survived during the 7 h period of observation. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Role of histamine and prostaglandin in thermal injury-induced vascular response of buffalo calf skin. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(3): 225-227 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Veenu Pande; Madhu Swamy; Katiyar, A K Institution: 965 Organization: Content : The objective of the study is to investigate the role of histamine and prostaglandin in increased vascular permeability occurring in the buffalo skin, by pretreatment with antagonistic drugs prior to experimentally induced thermal injury. In calves pretreated with promethazine hydrochloride, a marked suppression in permeability in the early time intervals indicated a significant role of histamine during initial stages of injury. In calves pretreated with piroxicam, the percent suppression at all intervals was more or less similar indicating the sustained role of prostaglandin from initial to 6 h stage. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of lactation parameters on the incidence of bovine mastitis. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(4): 379-381 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Thennarasu, A; Muralidharan, M R; Murugan, M Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of lactation stage and lactation number on the incidence of mastitis was studied in cattle and buffaloes. 122 cow and 31 buffalo milk samples were obtained from cows and buffaloes presented with mastitis in Tamil Nadu, India for 6 months [date not given]. It was shown that the incidence of mastitis decreased with increasing lactation stage, which was almost similar in all stages of lactation in both species. Mastitis incidence was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the third and fourth lactations (23.53 and 24.84%, respectively) compared to the first and second lactations. The incidence of mastitis in cows was highest during the fourth lactation (25.41%) whereas in buffaloes it was highest in the third lactation (29.03%). The number of udder quarters affected was inversely proportional than the number of animals affected. Mastitis incidence in single quarters was significant (P<0.01) in cows (72.13%) and buffaloes (70.97%) compared to multiple quarter infections. There was also a significant difference between 2- and 3-quarter but not between 3 and 4 quarter infections. Mastitis incidence was higher in the left fore and hind udder quarters compared to the right fore and hind udder quarters. The overall incidence of mastitis was higher in the hind compared to the fore udder quarters in both cows and buffaloes. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Alteration in macro and micro minerals in experimentally induced hypocuprosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(1): 8-10 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Soodan, J S; Randhawa, S S; Arora, C L Institution: Organization: Content : Hypocuprosis was achieved in 13 buffalo calves by administering varying doses of ammonium molybdate. The mean plasma and hair copper levels were 966 1.15+or-0.10 and 8.28+or-0.38 ppm respectively. Mo induced hypocuprosis resulted in a significant increase in plasma Cu concentration (1.43+or-0.18 PPM) associated with decline in hair (6.02+or-0.22 ppm) and liver (22.59+or10.01 ppm) Cu levels. In addition, increased Fe, phosphorus and decreased zinc concentrations were also observed. The Mo concentration in the plasma, hair and liver revealed a significant increase throughout the period of induction. Ca, Mg, Mn, K and S did not show any significant alteration. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Radiological and histopathological alterations in bones in molybdenum-induced hypocuprosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(1): 14-16 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Soodan, J S; Randhawa, S S; Sood, N K Institution: Organization: Content : Hypocuprosis was achieved in 13 buffalo calves by administering a 20% solution of ammonium molybdate in water at 15 mg Mo/kg body weight for 3 days, followed by 7.5 mg Mo/kg body weight for 4 days and then 5 mg Mo/kg body weight for another 38 days. The clinical findings observed in the bones were stiffness of limbs with enlargement of joints adjacent to long bone. Radiographically, marked widening of cartilaginous growth plate of metacarpal and slight lipping was recorded, while histopathological analysis of the bones revealed osteoporotic changes in the bony spicules along with irregular and disruptive development of growth plates at costochondral junctions. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Comparative evaluation of endogenous and exogenous creatinine clearance for assessment of glomerular filtration rates in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(10): 1144-1147 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rastogi, S K; Mohsin, M Institution: Organization: Content : Female buffalo calves (4) were studied for renal clearance of endogenous and exogenous (creatinine infused @ 15.0 mg/kg and 40.0 mg/kg body wt) creatinine clearance and compared with inulin clearance. Both dose rates provided better estimates with respective values of glomerular filtration rates (GFR) 187.7+or-9.0, 211.0+or-6.6 ml/min. Respective values for endogenous creatinine and inulin clearance were 203.0+or-8.8 and 180.1+or-7.0 ml/min. Creatinine clearance at low dose rate level gave better significant positive correlation (r=0.845) compared to higher dose rate level (r=0.187), which was non-significant. Data indicated that infusion of exogenous creatinine at 15.0 mg/kg body weight could be used to assess glomerular filtration rates in buffalo calves in place of more tedious and cumbersome inulin clearance. 967 Specialization: Medicine Subject: Prevalence of teat canal and intramammary infections in buffaloes at the time of drying-off. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2001; 22(1): 61-62 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tuteja, F C; Kapur, M P; Anshu Sharma; Manuja, B Institution: Organization: Content : As many as, 105 teat canal swab and quarter milk samples from 28 buffaloes were examined culturally at the time of drying-off. Prevalence of teat canal infections was found to be as high as 78.09 per cent. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequent isolate (43.18%) followed by Corynebacterium spp. (27.27%), unclassified streptococci (10.23%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (9.09%), Str. agalactiae (7.96%) and Staph. aureus (2.27%). Whereas, only 38.09 per cent of the quarters were found to be infected. Staph. epidermidis (37.50%) was the most common isolate followed by Corynebacterium spp. (27.50%), Staph. aureus (10.00%), Str. dysgalactiae (7.50%), Str. agalactiae (5.00%) and yeast (2.50%). Of the 40 infected quarter milk samples, 67.50 per cent were found to be infected with the same organisms as those infecting the teat canals. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of oral overfeeding of sulfadimidine on rumen function, haematological and biochemical parameters in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 1999; 52(6): 383-388 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sandhu, T S; Nauriyal, D C; Randhawa, S S Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of oral administration of sulfadimidine at 200 mg/kg body weight for 6 successive days on rumen function, haematological and biochemical parameters in buffalo calves (n=10) was studied. There were significant (P<0.05) increases in rumen fluid pH and methylene blue reduction time and significant decreases in total protozoal count and glucose fermentation rate and a decreased protozoal motility rate, after the completion of sulfadimidine treatment. Haematological studies revealed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in erythrocyte sedimentation rate after the end of the study period. Biochemical estimation revealed significantly (P<0.05) reduced blood glucose concentration, and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen levels, after the end of the study period. Semi-quantitative urine analysis showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in urinary total protein value after completion of sulfadimidine treatment. It is concluded that oral overfeeding of sulfadimidine in buffalo calves has effects on ruminal fermentation associated with hypoglycaemia, a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, azotaemia and proteinuria. 968 Specialization: Medicine Subject: Studies on serum selenium status and its relationship to somatic cell count in milk of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2000; 20(2): 61-63 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tuteja, F C; Kapur, M P; Ahalawat, V P Institution: Organization: Content : Serum selenium (Se) concentration was estimated in 60 buffaloes divided into 4 groups on the basis of bacteriological examination and somatic cell count (SCC) in milk. Serum Se concentration (mean+or-S.E.) in negative, subclinical, latent and nonspecific cases of mastitis was 142.45+or-11.73, 170.07+or-12.61, 129.86+or-8.30 and 222.03+or-31.41 micro g/litre, respectively. Mean SCC for these groups were 1.00x105, 9.80x105, 1.45x105 and 5.83x105 per ml of milk, respectively. For serum Se, standard error of difference of means and critical difference between the groups was 26.91 and 71.78 mg/litre, respectively, at a 1% level of significance. Mean+or-S.E. of serum Se status for animals having SCC of up to 2.0, >2.0-5.0, >5.0-10.0, >10.0-40.0 and >40.0 were 140.63+or-9.09, 138.41+or-8.31, 220.63+or-25.49, 139.86+or-7.55 and 148.14+or-18.28 micro g/litre respectively. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Influence of oral administration of oxytetracycline on biochemical and ruminal function parameters in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2001; 21(1): 10-13 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sandhu, T S; Nauriyal, D C; Randhawa, S S Institution: Organization: Content : Rumen fluid analysis and biochemical estimation in calves administered oxytetracycline at 20 mg/kg bodyweight (b.wt.) for 5 consecutive days revealed significant (P<0.05) reduction in protozoal motility, total protozoal count and glucose fermentation rate. No significant (P<0.05) changes were observed in rumen fluid pH, methylene blue reduction time and haematological values. Biochemical estimation revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity (30.80+or-2.9 IU/l) after oxytetracycline administration, but no significant (P<0.05) changes were observed in other biochemical parameters including glucose, urea nitrogen, aspartate amino-transferase, creatinine, and Vanden Berg test. Quantitative urinalysis also revealed no significant change. It was concluded that oral administration of oxytetracycline at 20 mg/kg b.wt. resulted in mild indigestion. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Trace element status of buffaloes from sub-mountainous region 969 of Punjab. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2004; 24(1): 23-27 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajiv Singh; Randhawa, S S; Kumar, A Institution: Organization: Content : Blood, fodder and soil trace elements were analysed to understand the problem of mineral imbalances among rural buffalo herds maintained in the sub-mountainous regions of Punjab, India [date not given]. 85 blood samples from buffaloes of different age groups along with 26 fodder (Trifolium alexandrinum, Sorghum spp., Pennisetum glaucum and Zea mays) and 20 soil samples from different areas were analysed. Based on plasma analysis, subclinical deficiencies in copper, iodine and cobalt along with excess molybdenum were observed at 10.13, 35.21, 7.59 and 25.88% prevalence rates, respectively. Thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were not sensitive indicators of iodine status. The mineral content of fodder varied with the soil status and type of fodder and was influenced by season. The levels of iron, cobalt and manganese in various fodders were adequate, whereas the majority of samples were deficient in copper and zinc. Soils in the studied area had normal mineral levels. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of lactation therapy on quarter infection and milk composition in specific mastitis of buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2004; 24(1): 16 18 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, R S; Bansal, B K; Randhawa, S S; Mavi, P S Institution: Organization: Content : Fourteen lactating buffaloes with 18 specific mastitis quarters (culturally positive and having a somatic cell count (SCC) of >5x105 cells/ml as per International Dairy Federation Reference System) were treated with amoxicillin and cloxacillin (Injection Intamox 2.5 g/Injection Megamycin 2 g) intramuscularly at 10 mg/kg body weight every 12 h for 3 consecutive days. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated based on the results of 3-day (days 18-21 after the last injection) testing of milk samples for cultural isolation and milk SCC. The other milk parameters studied were electrical conductivity (EC), pH, fat, total protein, lactose and solids not fat (SNF). It was shown that the therapeutic procedure could cure (culturally negative and SCC <5x105 cells/ml) 88.89% of mastitic quarters, including 90% of Staphylococcus aureus, 100% of coagulase negative staphylococci and 80% of Streptococcus spp. infections. Statistically significant (P<0.05) differences were observed in the pre- and posttreatment values for SCC, EC, pH, lactose, fat and SNF. In conclusion, the therapeutic procedure conducted during early lactation may be beneficial in limiting udder damage and restoring milk quality in buffaloes with specific mastitis. 970 Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effect of some agents on embryonation and viability of eggs of Toxocara vitulorum. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2005; 25(2): 106-107 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, V S; Chauhan, P P S; Agrawal, R D; Daya Shanker Institution: Organization: Content : The lethal effects of some physical and chemical agents, like boiling water, lysol, formalin and CDRI compound 81-470 (chemically known as methyl[54(2 pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl] carbonyl-1H-benzimidazole-2(yl) carbamate) on Toxocara vitulorum eggs were studied. T. vitulorum eggs were collected from mature female worms and positive faecal samples of buffalo calves. Ten ml of each chemical, formalin (1, 5 and 10%), lysol (2, 2.5 and 3%) and compound 81-470 (4.37, 8.75, 17.5, 35 and 70 mg/ml), as well as boiling water, were poured over the eggs and allowed to stand for 15, 30 and 60 min. The effects of these agents on egg embryonation and viability up to 25 days were examined. Results showed that boiling water was lethal to all the eggs of T. vitulorum. Formalin was ineffective even at 10% strength and 60 min of exposure. CDRI compound 81-470 also did not exert appreciable lethal effect on the eggs of T. vitulorum at all concentrations. Lysol at 2.5% killed 41% of the eggs in 30 min and 58% of the eggs in 60 min. At 3% concentration, 62% of the eggs were killed in 30 min and 100% of the eggs in 60 min. The study showed that boiling water and lysol at 3% were the most effective agents against T. vitulorum eggs. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Efficacy of therapeutic regimens against teat skin lesions in bovines. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2005; 25(2): 125 -126 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, S; Singh, K B Institution: Organization: Content : The present study describes the efficacy of lithiomony against papillomatosis and post-milking teat dips for the treatment of teat skin lesions in bovines. Various types of udder/teat skin lesions were treated with different drugs and their combinations and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated. Lithiomony was tested in four cases of cutaneous and seven cases of udder/teat papillomatosis and was given at 15 ml i.m. for udder/teat papillomas in adult cattle and 5-10 ml against cutaneous papillomas in calves on alternate days with a total of six injections. For the treatment of herpes, mammillitis, buffalo pox, pseudocow pox, teat chaps and foot and mouth diseases, mostly post-milking teat dips with wokadine-glycerin (8:1) or chlorhexidine (0.5%) were used. Teat dips were applied twice daily and in some cases, locally, and the response to treatment was evaluated. The efficacy of lithiomony was 75.0 and 57.1% 971 against cutaneous and udder/teat papillomatosis, respectively. The complete removal of papillomas was observed within 20 to 30 days in both groups. The overall efficacy of wokadine-glycerine and chlorhexidine teat dips was 88.0 and 81.13%, respectively. The drug combination cured 77.3% cases of herpes mammillitis within 25-35 days in cattle and 15-20 days in buffaloes. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Clinical and pathological studies on induced chronic selenosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology. 2000; 24(2): 102-104 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rattandeep Singh; Randhawa, S S; Banga, H S Institution: Organization: Content : Pathological changes were studied in tissues from five animals, which died following induction of selenosis by ad libitum feeding of selenium rich wheat straw. Gross pathological changes recorded were haemorrhage and oedema of abomasum and intestinal mucosa besides enlargement of gall bladder. Histopathological alterations were chronic hepatitis, nephritis and cystitis. The gastrointestinal tract revealed hyperplasia of rumen epithelium, mild abomasitis and chronic enteritis. Lung lesions were primarily seen as pleuritis. The hoof revealed degeneration of primary laminar necrosis of laminar corium along with degeneration of primary and secondary corium. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Effects of Semecarpus anacardium on nerve regeneration in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Surgery . 2004; 25(2): 102-103 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sunil Chaudhary; Harpal Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of oil collected from the nuts of Semecarpus anacardium on nerve regeneration were studied on 6- to 18-month-old buffalo calves. Group I animals were treated as the control, whereas Group II animals were treated with 5 ml S. anacardium oil, orally, for 60 days. The oil was also applied externally with gentle massage once a day along the course of the nerve at the shoulder region until day 60. The results showed that combinations of epineural suturing and supplementation with S. anacardium oil may be used for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries in farm animals. Specialization: Medicine Subject: A case of suspected copper deficiency in a buffalo neonate. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Nov 2001). v. 78(11) p.10411042. AB: Country of Origin: India 972 Author’s name: Rao,-P.P.R.; Devi,-V.R.; Kavita,-K.; Khan,-P.M. Institution: Organization: Content : Copper deficiency primarily occurs in young ruminants and is characterised by multiple clinical and sub-clinical syndromes such as unthriftiness, cost changes, diarrhoea, lameness, bone fractures, anaemia, neonatal ataxia, sudden death, low growth and fertility rates. The present communication deals with a case of suspected copper deficiency in a buffalo calf. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Quality changes in buffalo meat and liver during storage in ice pack Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Jun 2000). v. 77(6) p.517-521. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, N.; Sen, A.R. Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo meat has vast potential to cope up with increasing demand of meat for internal consumption as well as for export since good market for buffalo meat exists in gulf countries. Depending on the type of trade and length of journey, meat is transported by road in insulated or refrigerated vechicles. Usually dressed carcasses and offals are packed with ice and transported to processing plants. Various factors are responsible for changes in sensory and microbial quality of fresh meat during transporation. Lanier(1978) revealed that discoloration of insufficiently chilled beef occurring in transit. Bell and Garout (1994) conducted transport and storage trials of vaccum packaged beef carcasses and observed that beef of normal pH can be preserved upto 90 days. Sharma(1994) reported on quality changes in buffalo meat transportation under ice and changes due to repeated freezing and thawing of meat. The Present study was conducted to study the physio-chemical, microbial and sensory changes of buffalo meat and liver during storage in ice pack. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Identification of dog meat by serological tests. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Jan 2003). v. 80(1) p.29-32. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nayar, R.; Govindarajulu, M. Institution: Organization: Content : Experimental studies of rabies on Buffalo calves was carried out to find out the most sensitive diagnostic techniques for the detection of Rabies virus antigen at the stage of as early as 30 days post-inoculation (DPI). The rabies antigen was detected in all the brain tissues by ELISA, few by FAT and no antigen was detected by Seller's strain and Mice Inoculation Test. On comparison of these techniques ELISA was found to be the most sensitive 973 laboratory diagnostic techniques. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Vascular permeability induced by histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in buffalo calf skin. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. (Nov 2003). v. 80(11) p.1181-1182. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pande, V.; Swamy, M.; Katiyar, A.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Virtually, no information is available on experimentally induced inflammatory response in buffaloes. In the present experiment, the duration of increased vascular permeability induced by histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine was investigated in the buffalo calves, while carrying out studies on the acute inflammatory response in buffaloes using skin as a test system. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Fungicidal activity of buffalo (Babulus bubalis) urine: a new record. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Madras Agricultural Journal. 1999 publ 2000; 86(10/12): 614616 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Raja, J; Kurucheve, V Institution: Organization: Content : Different concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10%) of cold and hot water extracts of dung and urine from cow, buffalo, goat and carbenda were assayed for fungitoxicity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, the causal agent of tomato wilt. The cold and hot water extracts of buffalo urine at 10% exhibited complete inhibition of the mycelial growth. Physical properties like autoclaving at temperature 90 degrees C for 10 minutes did not alter the toxicity. Toxin and hydrolytic enzyme production was also inhibited by buffalo urine. Seed treatment with buffalo urine enhanced the seed germination, growth and vigour of tomato seedlings. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Variation in somatic cell count in relation to udder health and milk quality in cross bred cows and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: SARAS Journal of Livestock and Poultry Production. 2002; 18(3/4): 52-62 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, A; Saini, A L; Randhawa, S S Institution: Organization: Content : 974 A study was conducted on 3 types of dairy farming systems (organized farm (dairy farm of PAU, Ludhiana), commercialized farm (Haibowal Dairy Complex, Ludhiana) and traditional farm (cluster of dairy farms of Swadikalan village, Ludhiana)) in India. The management practices in these farms varied considerably. Milk samples were collected from crossbred cows and Murrah buffaloes within 6-10 weeks of lactation in during the hot, humid (July-September 2000) and cool (December 2000 to February 2001) periods. These samples were analysed for somatic cell count (SCC) and electrical conductivity (EC). Bulk milk was categorized as good, average and poor quality when the bulk tank SCC was up to 100 000, 100 000-500 000 and 500 000 cells/ml and above, respectively. The individual udder quarters were categorized as infected (SCC more than 500 000 cells/ml) and non-infected (SCC less than 500 000 cells/ml). It was shown that the percentage of infected quarters varied significantly due to effect of farm (P<0.01), season (P<0.01), species (P<0.05) and parity (P<0.05), whereas the difference was nonsignificant for milking technique and milk yield. EC of milk samples from infected vs. non-infected quarters was 4.02+or-0.00 and 3.64+or-0.05 at PAU, 5.10+or-0.34 and 2.93+or-0.06 at Haibowal Dairy Complex and 4.15+or-0.03 and 3.82+or-0.04 at Swadi-kalan for crossbred cows, respectively. These values were 2.98+or-0.12 and 2.72+or-0.03 at PAU, 4.90+or-0.33 and 3.39+or-0.09 at Haibowal Dairy Complex and 2.55+or-0.18 and 2.57+or-0.04 at Swadi-kalan for buffaloes, respectively. In conclusion, SCC can be effectively used as a management tool to predict the standard and type of measures adopted for quality milk production at a particular dairy farm. Specialization: Medicine Subject: The role of mammalian drugs in relation to health care among tribals in Jharkhand (Bihar) Part- I. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoology. 1999; 19(3): 179-187 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Azmi, H K; Prabha Pandey Institution: Organization: Content : A medico-ethnozoological survey was conducted in 4 districts (Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Ranchi and Sathal Pargana) in Bihar, India [date not given], to study the native use of medicinal mammals in the treatment of human diseases. An interview among 7 tribes in the area showed that different body parts of about 12 mammals have medicinal applications. These mammals include: barasingha, bat, bison, buffalo, crow pheasant, elephant, goat, jackal, monkey, porcupine, rat and tiger. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Blood selenium levels during different stages of selenosis in buffaloes and its evaluation as a diagnostic tool. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Veterinary and Human Toxicology. 2002; 44(5): 260-263 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Deore, M D; Srivastava, A K; Sharma, S K Institution: 975 Organization: Content : Selenium (SC) toxicity was experimentally induced in male buffalo calves following repeated oral administration of 0.3 mg selenourea/kg (providing 0.19 mg/Se kg) for 75 days. On the basis of the major toxic effects produced in the experimental animals, 10 additional clinical cases of selenosis were identified from field cases in India [date not given]. In experimental selenosis blood Se increased from 0.70+or-0.08 micro g/ml on day 0 to 3.12+or-0.01 micro g/ml on day 75. Hair Se rose from 2.42+or-0.6 ppm on day 0 to 22.91+or-2.6 ppm by the 11th w. The erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity increased from 5.35+or-0.94 Eu/mg Hb (0 day) to 18.81+or-0.46 Eu/mg Hb in the 11th week. Blood Se was of better diagnostic value than hair Se or erythrocytic GSH-Px activity. Signs occurred when Se levels were about 2.0 micro g/ml and were prominent above 2.5-2.6 micro g/ml; Se levels <more or =>1.5-1.75 micro g/ml were diagnostic of impending selenosis. The Se concentrations in blood from the field cases of Se toxicity in buffalo had excellent correlation with Se levels in the experimental cases. Specialization: Medicine Subject: Clinical management of sarcoptic mange in Indian buffalo calves with a botanical ointment. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Veterinary Record. 2005; 156(21): 684-685 2005 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Naresh, R; Swarup, D; Sharma, M C; Ranjan, R Institution: Organization: Content : Nine Murrah breed buffalo calves less than one year of age, 7 females and 2 males, showed non-pruritic clinical mange infestation. Seven exhibited severe skin lesions all over the body; the skin had thickened and large, dry, exudative crusts, and haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic fissures on the upper neck were present. Severe dermatitis and alopecia were observed on the skin of the face, upper eyelids, poll and ear. Acute dermatitis was observed on the lower neck, hind and forelegs and the thoracic, abdominal, inguinal and peri-inguinal regions, with red discoloration. The other 2 calves had painful lesions in the pastern area and interdigital space. Lesions were common on the upper part of the neck in all the animals. The affected areas were shaved and treated with a botanical ointment, applied twice daily at 09.00 and 16.00 h for 7-15 days until the disappearance of clinical signs. The ointment contained Allium cepa, Citrus medica, Curcuma longa, Camphora officinarum [Cinnamomum camphora], Allium sativum, Derris indica [Pongamia pinnata] and Sesamum indicum oil. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed based on healing of the skin lesions and the absence of mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis) on the skin. All 9 calves were free of clinical signs by day 15. The skin scrapings from all the animals were negative for mites on days 7, 15 and 30. Skin lesions were still present on 7 calves on day 7; the lesions on the upper part of the neck healed totally by day 15. Dermatitis on the skin of the face, upper eyelids, poll and ear disappeared, and there was fresh hair growth. The lesions on lower parts of the body showed complete recovery by day 15. The lesions of the pastern area and interdigital space of the forelimbs of 2 of the calves 976 disappeared totally by day 15. The animals remained free from skin lesions and mites up to day 30. Their recovery period ranged from 7 to 15 days, average of 12-33 days. 16. Microbiology Microbiology includes: Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Cutaneous streptothricosis in water buffaloes. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(3): 62-64 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pal, M; Rao, N M Institution: Organization: Content : Cutaneous streptothricosis was diagnosed in two of 28 water buffaloes having dermatitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by direct demonstration of thin, branched filaments with cocci and chains of Dermatophilus congolensis in the methylene blue stained smears of scabs from the udder, limb and neck areas of both the affected buffaloes. The pathogen was cultured from the infected clinical material on blood agar and brain heart infusion agar at 37 degrees C. Chemotherapy was done with parenteral administration of oxytetracycline and topical application of 2% tincture iodine solution. Interestingly, none of the family members who were attending sick animals contracted the infection. It is suggested that dermatophilosis may be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin diseases of buffaloes. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Studies on the occurrence of bovine herpes mammillitis in buffaloes. Year of publication: Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1998; 17(4): 79-81 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, S; Singh, K B; Oberol, M S; Sood, N Institution: Organization: Content : The occurrence of bovine herpes mammillitis (BHM) in buffaloes is described for the first time. The lesions were sporadic in occurrence and more common during the first two months of the first lactation. These lesions were mostly seen at the udder-teat junction of hind-teats. Raw ulcer or ulcer covered with thick blue-black scab was the most common presenting sign. Multiple syncytia formation containing intranuclear inclusions was observed. Characteristic of BHV-2 infection was observed and involvement of herpesvirus was confirmed by negative-stain electron microscopy. Specialization: Microbiology 977 Subject: Isolation of bluetongue virus from an aborted buffalo fetus of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in India. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 1999; 18(1): 20-22 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chandel, B S; Kher, H N Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was an attempt to isolate and propagate bluetongue virus (BTV) in BHK-21 cell culture following initial passage through an embryonating chicken egg (ECE) system. All the infected embryos showed the characteristic changes which were cherry red discoloration, oedema, cutaneous haemorrhages and stunted growth. Infected BHK-21 monolayers showed characteristic cytopathic effects, which were rounding and aggregation of cells, intracytoplasmic inclusions, vacuolations and granulation of cell cytoplasm. Some cells also showed degenerative changes and sloughed off from the glass surface. In order to facilitate an accurate diagnosis of BT, it is usually necessary to isolate the virus and correctly identify it by using a suitable in vitro test. In this study, direct fluorescent antibody test (d-FAT) was used to detect BTV group specific antigen in infected ECE and BHK-21 cell culture. The d-FAT detected BTV group specific antigen in different BHK-21 cell culture harvests at different intervals. The results indicated the presence of specific fluorescence in different virus isolates at 24 and 48 h post inoculation. The immunofluorescence in BHK-21 cells was predominately juxtanuclear position. The above findings suggest that bluetongue infection is prevalent in buffaloes in India. Isolation of BTV from an aborted fetus confirmed its association in causing abortion in buffaloes. This is the first report in this country. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Endometritis in a water buffalo due to Candida albicans. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2002; 21(1): 10-11 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pal M Institution: Organization: Content : Candida albicans, a medically important opportunistic yeast, was identified as the cause of endometritis in a 7-year-old water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) that had a history of abortion (India, date not given). The pathogen was demonstrated in the uterine discharge by potassium hydroxide and Gram's techniques. Repeated cultures of the clinical specimens yielded pure and luxurient growth of C. albicans on Sabouraud agar as well as Pal's sunflower seed medium. The morphology of the yeast was studied in "Narayan" stain. The isolates of C. albicans showed sensitivity against nystatin by in vitro disc diffusion test. The role of fungi in genital disorders of the buffaloes should be thoroughly studied. Specialization: Microbiology 978 Subject: Sero-prevalence of brucellosis and comparison of serological tests to diagnose it in buffaloes. Year of publication: Journal: Buffalo Journal. 1999; 15(3): 361-370 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prahlad Kumar; Singh, D K; Barbuddhe, S B Institution: Organization: Content : Seroprevalence of brucellosis was examined in buffaloes Using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), complement fixation test (CFT) and dot-ELISA. Of 296 serum samples collected at an abattoir in Delhi, India [date not given] 7.09, 2.70, 11.14 and 8.10% were positive in RBPT, STAT, CFT and dot-ELISA, respectively. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in Punjab was higher (21.39%) than in Uttar Pradesh (11.32%). RBPT showed the highest relative sensitivity (33.33%) using CFT as an indicator test. All the tests showed relative specificity of >90%. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Listeria monocytogenes - a cause of mastitis in an Indian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2001; 17(3): 425-427 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Subhash Verma; Katoch, R C; Chahota, R; Mahajan, A K Institution: Organization: Content : The isolation and identification of L. monocytogenes from mastitis in a female buffalo and its in vitro susceptibility to various antimicrobial drugs, was reported. Milk samples were collected from a 6-year-old female buffalo. Bacterial isolates were characterized based on their cultural, morphological, and biochemical features. An in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed. The California mastitis test indicated subclinical mastitis in the right fore quarter. There was bacterial growth in milk samples from the right fore quarter, of which L. monocytogenes was isolated and identified in pure culture. The samples from the other quarter yielded only 1 or 2 colonies of Staphylococcus spp. L. monocytogenes was also isolated from the same quarter 7 days later, whereas no organisms were detected from the other 3 quarters. The in vitro drug susceptibility profile of the organism revealed resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, ampicillin, cotrimazine, lomefloxacin, and penicillin. The organism was susceptible to chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline, and gentamicin. Based on the antibiogram, gentamicin was subsequently prescribed twice daily for 4 days as intramammary infusions, as well as intramuscular injections with success. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus species from intramammary infections in buffaloes. Year of publication: 979 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 355-360 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tuteja, F C; Kapur, M P; Anshu Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 115 Gram positive and catalase positive staphylococci were obtained from 420 quarter milk samples from 108 apparently healthy buffaloes. The isolates were then characterized up to the species level by physiological and biochemical tests. It was shown that 11 of the isolates were coagulase positive while 104 were coagulase negative staphylococci. Staphylococcus haemolyticus (37.48%) was the most frequently isolated, followed by S. saprophyticus (10.43%), S. hyicus (9.56%), S. gallinarum (7.83%), S. aureus (5.22%), S. auricularis (4.35%), S. arlettae (4.35%), S. warneri (3.48%), S. chromogenes (3.48%), S. cohnii (3.48%), S. intermedius (2.60%), S. capitis (2.60%), S. xylosus (2.60%), S. hyicus subsp. hyicus (1.74%), S. caprae (0.86%), S. hominis (0.86%), S. kloosii (0.86%) and S. sciuri (0.86%). Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Comparison of various indirect tests for the detection of subclinical mastitis. Year of publication: Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(2): 267-271 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vivek Saxena; Anshu Sharma; Ravinder Sharma; Ashok Kumar Institution: Organization: Content : In the present study, a rapid colorimetric assay based on tetrazolium salt (MMT) was used to detect subclinical mastitis (SCM) in buffaloes. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of 3 indirect tests viz. somatic cell count, electrical conductivity and MTT dye reaction reduction assay were compared, taking the cultural examination test as the standard. A total of 688 quarter milk samples collected from 175 apparently healthy lactating buffaloes were used. One hundred and forty-nine milk samples had an SCC of more than 500 000 per ml milk. Of these, 89 were culturally positive. The electrical conductivity test detected 143 milk samples with high conductivity levels, indicating SCM; of these, 91 were culturally positive. However, fifty-five milk samples having normal conductivity showed positive results in culture. One hundred and thirty-two milk samples were detected by the MTT reduction assay; of these, 118 were culturally positive. Out of the 556 quarter milk samples which were considered negative by the MTT assay, 515 were also found culturally negative, whereas 41 were culturally positive. False positive relations were more for the EC test (7.55%) compared to the MTT dye reduction assay (2.03%). MTT dye reduction assay had the highest sensitivity (74.21%), specificity (97.35%) and predictive value of positive test (89.39%). Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Bacteria isolated from nasal and lung samples of diseased and 980 clinically healthy buffaloes in Himachal Pradesh, India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2003; 19(3): 337-340 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vipasha Kapoor; Katoch, R C; Mandeep Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : The bacterial flora of the respiratory tract of buffaloes was determined based on 26 nasal swab samples and 6 lung tissue samples collected from diseased and healthy buffaloes. Forty-two isolates were recovered from all the nasal swab samples. The isolates included Staphylococcus aureus (30.76%), Streptococcus spp. (30.76%), Acinetobacter spp. (23.07%), Proteus spp. (23.07%), Bacillus cereus (15.38%), Staphylococcus spp. (15.38%), Escherichia coli (15.38%), Streptococcus pyogenes (7.69%) and Actinomyces pyogenes (7.69%). Three lung tissues samples were positive for Pasteurella multocida. Four blood samples from sick animals suspected for haemorrhagic septicaemia were also bacteriologically processed and a single isolate of P. multocida was recovered. The isolates were further tested using PCR and were serotyped as P. multocida A:1. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Bacteriology and comparative efficacy of LPS and CST based antibiotics in puerperal metritis in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(3): 271-278 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sidhu, S S; Kulbir Singh; Prahlad Singh Institution: Organization: Content : Bacteriology and treatment of puerperal metritis was investigated in 25 buffaloes (15 normal calving and 10 suffering from puerperal metritis) at the Dairy Farm and Veterinary Clinics of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Normal calving buffaloes (n=15) were divided into three sub groups: Group A (n=5, treated with 40 ml sterile normal saline, intrauterine, once only), Group B (n=5, treated with 250 micro g E. coli LPS dissolved in 40 ml normal saline as single intrauterine infusion) and Group C (n=5, given intramuscular injection of antibiotic based on culture and sensitivity test CST, for 7 days). Clinical group (n=10) was further divided into two sub groups D (n=5, given LPS as in Group B) and E (n=5, given antibiotics as in Group C). Bacterial load in sub groups A, B and C increased significantly (P<0.05) from day 0 to 3 (0.0054+or-0.0054x103 to 0.221+or-0.054x103, 0.006+or-0.006x103 to 0.0516+or-0.0132x103 and 0.0086+or-0.0086x103 to 0.0992+or-0.0098x103 CFU per ml respectively). After day 3, in Group A, decrease in bacterial load was significant (P<0.05), whereas, in Groups B and C the reduction in bacterial load on day 3 was non-significant. Bacterial load in clinical Group D was much higher than in normal calving buffaloes. Group D indicated a significant (P<0.05) decline in bacterial load from day 0 (76.42+or-18.98x103 CFU per ml) to day 3 (6.58+or-3.43x103 CFU per ml). In clinical Group E the significant (P<0.05) decline in bacterial load was 981 evident from day 3 (40.98+or-16.99x103 CFU per ml) to day 7 (18.34+or8.26x103 CFU per ml). Reduction in bacterial load on days other than specified was non-significant in both the clinical Groups D and E. Clinical group buffaloes revealed mixed infections with predominance of Coliform, Pseudomonas, and Corynebacterium (Actinomyces) organisms, besides some incidental microbes (Staphylococci, Streptococci and Bacillus). Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium persisted till later stages of infection in clinical group. It was concluded that the therapy initiated immediately at parturition in normally calving and puerperal metritic buffaloes enhanced expulsion of infection from the uterus. The therapy initiated with LPS was more effective than antibiotics for early clearing of uterine infections. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Normal somatic cell count and subclinical mastitis in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2004; 20(3): 261-270 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dhakal,I P Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to investigate the normal somatic cell count and to define subclinical mastitis in Murrah buffaloes. Data were collected from sixty clinically normal buffaloes stationed at five farms of Chitwan Nepal and Buffalo Research Center, Hissar, India. Somatic cell count was measured using the Newmann-Lampert staining technique. The upper limit of somatic cell count was determined >=200,000/ml of milk based on the mean+or-2sd of a total somatic cell count. Abnormal data of the somatic cell count was repeatedly removed which lie beyond the values of more than m+2sd until all the data come to lie within (m+2sd). Averages of somatic cell count of right front and right hind quarters were significantly higher than left front and left hind quarters. Subclinical mastitis was diagnosed on the basis of samples with somatic cell counts >=200,000/ml with positive bacterial cultures. Subclinical mastitis was found in 21.7% buffaloes and 8% of the quarter foremilk samples. Neutrophil counts were significantly higher in subclinical mastitis milk. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Experimental rabies in buffalo calves: a pathogenetic approach on early spread of street rabies virus. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(6): 509-511 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, C K; Grewal, G S Institution: Organization: Content : The symptoms, progressive spread of rabies virus, and patho-anatomical alterations in buffalo calves experimentally infected with street rabies virus were studied. Four buffalo calves were experimentally inoculated with 125 982 462 MICLD50 of street rabies virus via linear laceration on the muzzle. Analysis of tentative progression in quantum and direction of rabies virus indicated that hippocampus, cerebellum, pons and medulla oblongata are much more dependable sites to attempt isolation of rabies virus in buffalo species especially when a rabid buffalo has been killed during the early phase of the disease. On histopathological examination, typical non-suppurative encephalomyelitis was observed. The central neural transport mechanism of rabies virus was monitored by specific immunofluorescence histopathological findings, Seller's staining and mice inoculation tests on various central nervous tissues. Ocular involvement in the form of conjunctivitis was observed among the early symptoms of the disease. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Isolation of mycobacteria from suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in buffaloes slaughtered for food. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(6): 555-556 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, G S; Parihar, N S Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the incidence of tuberculosis in buffaloes slaughtered for consumption, and to identify the type of mycobacteria associated with tuberculous lesions in the lungs of buffaloes. The lungs and bronchial/mediastinal lymph nodes of 2028 slaughtered Murrah buffaloes and their crosses were examined, and the 12 specimens showing lesions suggestive of tuberculosis were collected for isolation of mycobacteria and histopathological examination. Out of the 2028 buffaloes, 17 (0.84%) had tuberculous lesions. Acid-fast bacilli were isolated from 8 cases. These isolates favoured growth at 37 degrees C and were slow growers requiring 3-4 weeks for the first appearance of visible colonies. Primary isolation was better on Stonebrink's medium though isolates grew luxuriantly in pyruvate containing L-J medium. The biochemical characteristics of these mycobacterial isolates confirmed Mycobacterium bovis and M. tuberculosis complex in 2 and 4 cases, respectively. The identification of 4 isolates as M. tuberculosis complex instead of M. bovis or M. tuberculosis indicated a possible modulation in the nature and speciation of mycobacteria from those normally characteristic to bovine infection. Caseous or caseo-calcified lesions varying in size from 2-3 cm were observed in the lungs. Distribution of tuberculous lesions in one or both lungs with predominant occurrence in the dorsocaudal aspects of the diaphragmatic lobes was observed. The bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged 3-10 times. Microscopically, lung samples showed many caseonecrotic granulomatous foci of varying sizes. The bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes revealed changes mainly in the cortical regions. Sections of lungs and lymph nodes revealed acid-fast bacilli within macrophages, Langhan's giant cells, and in the necrotic mass. Results indicated that there is a perceptible decline in the prevalence of tuberculosis among the buffalo population in the Rohilkhand region, Uttar Pradesh, India. The isolation of M. tuberculosis complex adds a new dimension in the epidemiological approach of studying tuberculosis in animals and man. 983 Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Development of a new dot-ELISA kit for detection of antibodies in bovine brucellosis. Year of publication: 1998 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1998; 68(5): 458-459 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Batra, H V; Agarwal, G S Institution: Organization: Content : A comparative evaluation of the Dot-ELISA kit, for the diagnosis of brucellosis, in relation to routinely used serological tests, was done. A total of 663 blood/serum samples were obtained from various cattle and buffalo farms in India (Haryana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh), where brucellosis is endemic. Results show that the sensitivity of the Dot-ELISA kit was similar to that of complement fixation test (CFT); both methods detected 53 animals that were positive. The sensitivity of the serum agglutination test (SAT) was lower, as compared to the 2 other methods; SAT detected only 33 cases that were positive for brucellosis; 4 of these, tested negative when the kit and CFT were used (false positive results). Furthermore, the specificity of the Dot-ELISA kit was found to be comparable to CFT, considered to be a confirmatory test. The Dot-ELISA kit is thus suggested for use under field conditions, since it is also easy and convenient to use. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Clinico-pathological and pathomorphological changes of induced rabies in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(12): 1014-1017 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, C K; Grewal, G S Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo calves (n=15) experimentally inoculated through different routes with varied doses of street rabies virus showed high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), leukocytosis due to high lymphocyte counts and hypohaemoglobinaemia. A significantly high leukocyte count was observed in CSF. Rabies virus was detected in all natural secretions. Pathomorphological lesions suggesting non-suppurative encephalitis with evidence of neuronal degeneration, gliosis and intracytoplasmic inclusions were observed. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Pathogenetic studies on rabies in peripheral nerves and nonnervous tissues. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(12): 1028-1031 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, C K; Grewal, G S Institution: 984 Organization: Content : The aim of this study was to record the histopathological, histoenzymatic, histochemical and immunofluorescent alterations in the peripheral nerves and non-nervous tissues of buffalo calves along the progression of the disease, wherein the spread of the rabies virus in the various tissues is based on findings of fluorescent antibody technique (FAT). The buffalo calves were divided into 3 groups (5 animals per group); 4 buffalo calves were inoculated with 10% infected mice brain tissue suspension, whereas the fifth buffalo calf received 10% normal mice brain tissue suspension (control). Group 1 buffalo calves were inoculated with 6, 27, 310 MICLD50 of street rabies virus (SRV) i.m.; the control buffalo calf received 5 ml normal mice brain tissue suspension. Group 2 buffalo calves were given orally 3, 76, 386 MICLD50 of SRV; the control was given 3 ml normal mice brain. Group 3 buffaloes were inoculated with 1, 25, 462 MICLD50 of SRV; control buffaloes received 1 ml normal mice brain tissue suspension. Hyperplasia of Schwann cells and myelin was observed in the musculo-cutaneous and sciatic nerve. The musculo-cutaneous and sciatic nerves exhibited moderate nonspecific esterases (NSE) activity, whereas the hepatocytes and acinar cells of the parotid salivary gland presented weak NSE activity. In all the experimentally inoculated buffalo calves, immunofluorescence was observed at 14 days post inoculation and the rabies virus did not spread to any visceral organ until the 7th day postinoculation. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Detection of bovine rotavirus in diarrhoeic samples using polyclonal antibody based sandwich-ELISA, a commercial one-step test and RNA polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 1999; 69(11): 938-941 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Grover, Y P; Patnayak, D P; Pandey, R Institution: Organization: Content : A sandwich polyclonal antibody based ELISA was developed for the detection of rotavirus in faecal samples. The method was compared with RNA-PAGE and a commercially available monoclonal antibody based one-step test kit. Diarrhoeic faecal samples, 65 from calves and 18 from buffalo calves, were collected from various farms in and around Hisar and Ambala in Haryana and Meerut in Uttar Pradesh (India) and were tested using all the 3 methods. In ELISA, 41 samples were detected positive, whereas 42 were detected negative. The RNA-PAGE analysis also detected 41 positive samples, all of which were typical Group A rotavirus, and 42 negative samples. The results of ELISA corresponded well with that of RNA-PAGE. The relative sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA was 100% when compared with RNA-PAGE. Similarly, the positive and negative predictive values were 100%. The onestep test, although more simple to perform, detected only 38 samples as positive. Only, 37 samples were positive using the one-step method when compared with RNA-PAGE; one sample was positive by the one-step test but was negative in the RNA-PAGE test. The false positive sample had a very low 985 absorbance (0.098), which was even less than the pooled negative control in ELISA. The sensitivity of the one-step test, when compared with RNA-PAGE and ELISA were 90.2 and 97.0%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 97.7 and 91.0%. In conclusion, the described method for polyclonal antibody based ELISA was effective. It can be used in the initial screening of diarrhoeic samples, so that positive samples can be further tested by RNA-PAGE. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Efficacy of vaccines prepared from Pasteurella multocida cells grown in chemically defined media. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(2): 114-117 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Srivastava,S K Institution: Organization: Content : The immunogenicity of Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2 (strain P52) was studied after growth in chemically defined medium (CDM), CDM supplemented with iron (CDM.Fe) and brain heart infusion broth (BHIB). Cells grown in CDM expressed maximum outer membrane protein (OMP) as demonstrated by congo red binding of the bacterial cells. These cells, when used as a vaccine, protected 100% of mice, as compared with 78% and 72% for cells grown in CDM.Fe and BHIB, respectively. In buffalo calves, the CDM.Fe and BHIB vaccines elicited higher anti-protein passive haemagglutination antibody responses than the CDM vaccine. Cells grown in CDM.Fe induced more agglutination than those grown in CDM or BHIB. It is suggested that P. multocida cells grown in CDM or CDM.Fe media possessed different antigens, resulting in higher seroreactivity. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Detection of rabies antigen in experimental buffalo calves by DAS-ELISA. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(11): 963-964 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Archana ; Singh, C K; Senthil, V S Institution: Organization: Content : Street rabies virus isolated from a spontaneous case in a dog was experimentally inoculated into buffalo calves (n=6) via oral and intra-thecal routes. DAS-ELISA detected rabies antigen in all brain tissues, except the cerebrum in one group and medulla oblongata in the other group at 30 days post-inoculation (DPI). However, at 60 DPI, all the brain tissues were positive for rabies. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Effect of foot-and-mouth disease vaccination on the semen quality of buffalo bulls. 986 Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(12): 1319-1323 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, R; Verma, H K; Kumar, S Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of FMD vaccination on the various seminal attributes of buffalo bulls (n=4). Seminal attributes were studied by observing the spermiogram such as concentration, motility, live sperm count and sperm morphology. Biochemical parameters, viz. methylene blue reduction test and hypoosmotic swelling tests were also studied. FMD vaccination produced adverse effects on the semen quality of the buffalo bulls and the effect was observed up to 1 month after vaccination. To avoid the failure of conception, semen collection should be avoided for 1 month after FMD vaccination. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Confirmation of Chlamydia psittaci isolates by dot-enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (dot-ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IMIF). Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(5): 506-507 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Joshi, V B; Nagal, K B; Katoch, R C; Batta, M K Institution: Organization: Content : Dot-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IMIF) tests were used for the examination of 169 isolates of Chlamydia psittaci recovered from different conditions like pneumonia (n=57), enteritis (n=7), conjunctivitis (n=6), mastitis (n=2), septicaemia (n=1), apparently healthy animals (n=3) and abortions (n=93) from cattle (n=16), sheep (n=34), goats (n=111), wild birds (n=3), yaks (n=2) and one each from buffalo, pig and horse, from Himachal Pradesh, India, using group-specific monoclonal antibodies [date not given]. The results showed that dot-ELISA can be performed for the confirmation of C. psittaci when other highly sophisticated and expensive equipment are not available in the laboratory. AP-Micro PCR based diagnosis of an outbreak of haemorrhagic septicaemia.Dhand,-N-K; Arora,-A-K; Virmani,-S; Sandhu,-KS Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(11): 1124-1125 AB: An investigation of an outbreak of haemorrhagic septicaemia in a buffalo farm in Moga district of Punjab is reported in which high cumulative incidence (0.6 in young and 0.42 in adults), cumulative mortality (0.4 in young and 0.15 in adults) and case fatality (0.67 in young and 0.36 in adults) was recorded (April 2003). The disease was provisionally diagnosed as haemorrhagic septicaemia based on the history and clinical symptoms and was treated accordingly. The confirmation of the disease was done by isolation and identification of Pasteurella multocida. The organisms were also characterized by PCR using P. multocida B:2 specific primers and the organisms typically showed the presence of two bands corresponding to approximately 460 bp and 590 bp. 987 The pathogenicity of the organisms was studied by mice inoculation test. It caused mortality in mice within 24 h indicating high pathogenicity of the strain. The organisms were again isolated in pure form from the mice and bipolar organisms were demonstrated in the smears made from the heart blood of the dead mice. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Antibacterial activity of buffalo polymorphonuclear cationic peptides on Pasteurella multocida. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(10): 1114-1117 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Roy, S C; More, T Institution: Organization: Content : An assessment of the non-oxidative microbicidal system of buffalo polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) against P. multocida was conducted (India). In this study, our observations suggested that bacterial incorporation of cationic peptides formed one of the bases of antibacterial activity of PMNs. These studies with the partially purified peptides yielded a valuable insight into the potential antimicrobial constituents of PMNs against P. multocida. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Pathogenicity test of Pasteurella multocida A;1 in mice. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(5): 495-496 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vipasha Kapoor; Katoch, R C; Mandeep Sharma; Asrani, R K Institution: Organization: Content : The pathogenic potential of four isolates of Pasteurella multocida A:1 from cattle and buffalo lungs was tested in 4 mice. The mice died within 24-36 h, proving that all the isolates were pathogenic. Gross changes in the vital organs are noted and histopathological changes are presented. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Suitability of Lander's transport and enrichment media for isolation of Campylobacter fetus. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(10): 1037-1038 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Joshi, K; Sharma, N S Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the suitability of the Lander's transport and enrichment media for the isolation of Campylobacter fetus from preputial 988 samples. Out of 20 samples of preputial washings from cattle and buffalo breeding bulls, collected and transported in Lander's transport and enrichment media, 6 samples were positive for C. fetus. Out of the 20 samples of preputial washings collected without TEM, only one sample was positive. Samples for isolation of C. fetus should be collected in Lander's TEM, because it improved the diagnostic efficiency of samples containing few C. fetus organisms and large number of resistant contaminating organisms. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: PCR based detection and analysis of Pasteurella multocida isolates causing haemorrhagic septicaemia in India buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences (India). (Jun 2004). v. 74(6) p. 577-580. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dutta, T.K.; Gautam, R.; Singh, V.P.; Kumar, A.A. Institution: Organization: Content : In India, haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) in buffalo is caused by serotype B:2 of Pasteurella multocida. A total of 32 P. multocida isolates from buffalo with the symptoms of HS were tested for their detection by PM-PCR and HSBPCR assays. Except 1, all the isolates were of serotype B:2 as confirmed by conventional serotyping and HSB-PCR assay. PCR was conducted using various preparations as template DNA for its application in the field conditions. All the 32 isolates were experimentally inoculated in mice and rabbit and the spleen, bone marrow, as well as heart blood were applied as template for both PCR assays after simple processing. Inoculated organisms were reisolated in pure culture from all the experimental animals after death. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Carryover and persistence of maternal antibodies against brucellosis in buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2005; 75(2): 194-195 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dhand, N K; Randhawa, S S; Singh, G Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was conducted to determine the ideal time of persistence of Brucella antibodies in buffalo calves. The results revealed that maternal antibodies are present in colostrum of dams vaccinated against brucellosis and transfer of these antibodies to calves starts from the day of birth. It is recommended to vaccinate the buffalo calves any time after 3 months of age. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Antibiotic resistance of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC): a matter of public health concern. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and 989 Infectious Diseases. 2001; 22(1): 87-88 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Banerjee, R; Kapoor, K N; Ghatak, S; Dutta, T K Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 173 E. coli isolates from 222 faecal samples from cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs and chickens and 109 food samples including buffalo meat, chicken meat, pigmeat, kebab and fish in India [date not given] were obtained. Verotoxin production of 36 isolates was confirmed using Vero cell cytotoxic assay. Resistance against ampicillin, cefalexin, co-trimoxazole, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid, norfloxacin, streptomycin and tetracycline were tested. The highest resistance was found against ampicillin (69.44%), followed by streptomycin (61.11%), co-trimoxazole (44.44%), cefalexin (41.67%) and tetracycline (38.89%). 31 VTEC isolates showed resistance to 2 or more antibiotics, of which one strain (O86) from cattle was resistant to all 9 antibiotics and 2 others were resistant to 7 antibiotics. None of the VTEC strains belonged to the O157 serotype. An immediate check on improper and indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment of human and animal diseases besides their use as growth promoters in livestock and poultry is needed to avoid the emergence of drug resistant microbes. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Correlation between enterohaemolysin production and verotoxicity of Escherichia coli. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2001; 22(1): 96-97 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Banerjee, R; Kapoor, K N; Ghatak, S Institution: Organization: Content : In the present study, 41 verotoxin producing E. coli (VTEC) strains isolated from man, cattle, buffaloes and food of animal origin in India [date not given] were tested for their enterohaemolysin (E-Hly) production. Ten other nonverotoxic E. coli were tested for comparison. Sheep erythrocytes were used as substrates for the haemolysis experiments. It was shown that a significant percentage (68.29%) of the VTEC isolates, representing 17 serotypes, produced E-Hly. The highest percentage positive of E-Hly was from human diarrhoeal isolates (75.0%), followed by cattle (72.72%), food (71.43%) and buffalo (63.64%) isolates. None of the non-VTEC isolates produced E-Hly but 3 of them showed alpha -haemolysis. None were positive for alpha haemolysin. It is suggested that E-Hly may be a virulence factor. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Enterohaemolysin production: an important screening test for detection of verotoxic Escherichia coli. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2002; 23(2): 197-198 AB: 990 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rathore, R S; Bachhil, V N; Agarwal, R K; Kapoor, K N Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was undertaken to examine enterohaemolysin (E-Hly) production in verotoxic Escherichia coli (VTEC) recovered from various cases of human diarrhoea, urinary tract infection (UTI), diarrhoeal and asymptomatic healthy cattle and buffaloes and from foods of animal origin (raw beef, buffalo meat, goat meat and kebab). The isolates were characterized culturally and biochemically. Serotypes showing cytopathic effects (CPE) in ?50 cells were considered verotoxic. Out of the 37 VTEC tested, 33 (89%) samples from human, animals and foods of animal origin, were found positive for E-Hly production. A close association and significant correlation between verotoxicity and enterohaemolysin was observed. The study suggest that enterohaemolytic property of verotoxic E. coli may be used as a virulence marker for screening VTEC in diarrhoeal and asymptomatic healthy cattle, as well as from foods of animal origin. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Mastitis pathogens from apparently healthy buffaloes and their relationship to somatic cell count of milk. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. 2001; 22(2): 162-163 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tuteja, F C; Kapur, M P; Sharma, A; Manuja, B Institution: Organization: Content : The relationship of different mastitis pathogens with somatic cell count (SCC) of milk in buffaloes was studied. 420 quarter milk samples from 108 apparently healthy buffaloes of an organized herd were examined culturally. SCC of all milk samples was determined. 153 quarters were culturally positive and only 42 quarters had an SCC >500 000 per ml of milk. Of the 161 isolates obtained, 7 different mastitis pathogens were identified. Of these, 100% of Streptococcus dysgalactiae were from quarters having an SCC of >500 000 per ml of milk, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (54.4%), S. epidermidis (23.59%), Corynebacterium spp. (20.0%), unclassified streptococci (16.66%), and micrococci (5.20%). The mean SCC of quarters with different infections was highest for Streptococcus dysgalactiae (32.32x105), followed by S. aureus (13.96x105), S. epidermidis (5.67x105), unclassified streptococci (2.38x105), Corynebacterium spp. (2.12x105), Streptococcus agalactiae (2.08x105), and micrococci (1.87x105). The mean SCC for major mastitis pathogens except Streptococcus agalactiae was found to be more than 5x105 per ml of milk. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Dot-ELISA for detection of rabies antibodies in experimentally inoculated buffalo calves. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology 991 and Infectious Diseases. 2002; 23(2): 157-159 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Asha Rani; Singh, C K; Kumar, V S S Institution: Organization: Content : Dot ELISA has been standardized for detection of anti-rabies antibodies in buffalo calves experimentally inoculated with street rabies virus by intrathecal and oral routes wherein nitrocellulose sheet was used as a solid support for absorbing the antigen. Dot-ELISA detected antibodies earliest at 14 DPI in orally inoculated buffalo calves and at 10 DPI in those inoculated intrathecally. The study emphasizes the significance of dot-ELISA for potential application as a simple and inexpensive field test for rapid detection of rabies antibodies for analysis of bulk sera samples to assess the prevalence of antirabies antibodies as well as for ante-mortem diagnosis of rabies in animal population. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Vaccination trial in ruminants with Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxoid. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2001; 21(1): 32-34 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rahman, M S; Rahman, M M Institution: Organization: Content : A vaccination trial was conducted in ruminants with Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxoid to determine their antibody level. Maximum neutralizing antibody titre of log 102.10+or-0.03 was recorded on day 21 post-vaccination in sheep. Minimum antibody titre of log 101.20+or-0.06 was observed in the above mentioned period in buffalo. Statistically significant (P<0.01) rise in antibody production was observed from day 14 to day 21 post-vaccination. The precipitating antibody was detected by agar gel immunodiffusion test on day 21 post-vaccination in cattle, sheep and goat. Better level of humoral immune response of the vaccine was observed in small ruminants than the large ruminants used in the study. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Indirect ELISA for detection of rabies antibodies: an experimental study. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology. 2002; 26(1/2): 22-23 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Asha Rani; Singh, C K Institution: Organization: Content : An experimental study was carried out in 6 buffalo calves that were divided into two groups of three animals each. Two buffalo calves from each group were inoculated with street rabies virus either via oral or intra-thecal route. 992 Serum samples were collected and the presence of rabies antibodies was determined using indirect ELISA. Rabies antibodies were detected earliest at 10 DPI in orally inoculated buffalo calves and at 7 DPI in intra-thecally inoculated buffalo calves. Feasibility of this approach for ante-mortem diagnosis was discussed. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Sensitivity of indirect tests in detection of subclinical mastitis in buffaloes. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 1999; 76(10): 912-915 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tijare, D B; Singh, A K; Chaturvedi, V K; Dhanesar, N S Institution: Organization: Content : The 467 quarter milk samples collected from 119 apparently healthy buffaloes in Jabalpur were assessed for subclinical mastitis by the strip cup test, the bromothymol blue indicator card test, the modified Whiteside test (MWT), the modified Aulendorfer mastitis probe (MAMP) test, the California mastitis test, the chloride test, and cultural examination; 210 quarter milk samples from 54 animals were assessed by the electrical conductivity test (ECT). Taking cultural examination as the standard, the most accurate indirect test was the electrical conductivity test. The percentage prevalence of subclinical mastitis among the samples was 70.37 by ECT, and 70.59 by the MW and MAMP tests. The predominant organisms isolated were Staphylococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: SDS-PAGE analysis of an Indian isolate of cowpox virus soluble antigens. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2000; 77(8): 727-728 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jana, D; Mehrotra, M L Institution: Organization: Content : SDS-PAGE was used to analyse cowpox virus (CPV) soluble antigens. Soluble antigens prepared from the processed field isolate of CPV were negative for the presence of infectious virus particles in developing chick embryos, rabbits and buffalo and cow calves. SDS-PAGE of the soluble antigens revealed more than 15 visible bands of polypeptides of varying molecular weights ranging from 113.5 KD to 14.3 KD out of which 5 polypeptides were similar to those of soluble extracts prepared from the healthy uninfected CAMs in the same way. Polypeptide profile The scanning of the slab gel of the solouble eanitigens showed more than 20 polypeptides, out of which a few proteins were found to be membrane derived. The SDSPAGE analysis of the soluble antigens . It is suggested that the soluble antigens could be safely used. 993 Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Rapid diagnosis of haemorrhagic septicaemia by PCR assay. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(2): 101-103 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shivshankara, N; Saxena, M K; Singh, V P Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted to study the efficacy of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in identification and differentiation of Pasteurella multocida isolates. Haemorrhagic septicaemia specific PCR was performed by using KTSP 61KTT 72 oligos. These oligos amplified the genomic DNA from only B:2 serotypes from cattle, buffaloes and swine. The amplified product was approximately 590 bp. The oligos did not amplify the other serotypes viz. F:3,4 (cattle), A:3 (buffalo, sheep and goat), A:1 (calves), A:3,4,12 (goat), D:3 (sheep) and A:3,4 (sheep), confirming that oligos are specific to only B:2 serotypes since only DNA from B serotypes have been amplified. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Studies on the efficacy of Haemorrhagic septicaemia vaccine prepared from conventional infusion broth and papain digest medium. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(7): 647-648 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rafeek, S M; Srinivasan, E V R; Asokan, G V; Rajendran, M P Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to assess the suitability of papain digest medium as an alternative to the infusion broth for the production of haemorrhagic septicaemia vaccine (HSV). The optical density of the conventional meat infusion broth haemorrhagic septicaemia cultures ranged between 0.14 to 0.24. Out of the 9 batches of HSV produced, all 3 vaccinated animals survived the challenge in 5 batches and 2 animals out of 3 batches. One batch did not pass the potency test as all the 3 animals died. Optical density values of papain digest haemorrhagic septicaemia cultures ranged between 0.08 to 0.60. Of the 9 batches tested, 3 animals survived in only 2 batches and 2 animals in 4 batches. Three batches did not pass the potency test. Out of 27 buffalo calves subjected to challenge, 23 survived with conventional infusion broth HSV, whereas only 17 survived with papain digest HSV. It is concluded that the papain digest medium is not suitable as an alternative to infusion broth for HSV. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Comparative efficacy of indirect tests for the detection of mastitis in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2001; 78(9): 801-803 AB: Country of Origin: India 994 Author’s name: Praveen Kumar; Thakur, D K Institution: Organization: Content : Three indirect tests: MAUM test, MCMT and BMB indicator card test were utilized in 442 milk samples to determine their accuracy in detecting buffalo mastitis. MAUM test detected a maximum of 46 positive samples (10.41%), whereas MCMT 38 (8.60%) and BMB indicator card test detected 34 (7.69%) positive samples. The discrepancy in positivity between cultural examination and MAUM test was least. All the three indirect test were suitable for diagnosis of mastitis, but MAUM tests was the best among the three because MCMT and BMB indicator card test failed to detect 10.8% and 19.57% positive cases, respectively. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Counter-Immuno Electrophoresis for detection of rabies antibodies: an experimental study. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(11): 1127-1128 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Asha Rani; Singh, C K; Monika Institution: Organization: Content : An experimental study was carried out in six buffalo calves that were divided into two groups of three buffalo calves each and were infected with rabies virus by oral or ivitrathecal route. Antibodies were detected earliest to 20 DPI in the former and at 17 DPI in latter. Feasibility of this approach for simpler, rapid, inexpensive and reliable detection of antirabies antibodies has been discussed. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Mycotic causes of otitis externa in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(11): 1209-1210 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kiran Phutane; Joseph, E Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to identify mycotic causes of otitis externa in buffaloes. 40 specimens were collected from buffalo otitic ears and 10 from apparently healthy ears. Moulds and yeasts were identified following standard procedures. Fungal isolates from buffalo otitic ears comprised both moulds and yeasts, whereas in apparently healthy ears, only moulds were isolated. The predominant species of moulds isolated belonged to the genus Aspergillus. As for yeasts isolated from otitic ears, the predominant species belonged to the genus Candida. Of these, C. albicans comprised 53.33%, C. tropicalis 33.33%, and C. krusei 13.34%. The yeasts Candida, Trichosporon, and Geotrichum isolated from otitic ears in the present study had not been reported by earlier workers. Direct smears prepared from otitic ears showed the presence of 995 yeasts along with bacteria. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Counter-immuno electrophoresis for detection of rabies antibodies: an experimental study. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Nov 2002). v. 79(11) p.11271128. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rani, A.; Singh, C.K.; Monika Institution: Organization: Content : Different workers have employed different techniques for the detection of rabies antibodies viz. Rapid Fluorescent Inhibition Technique and Enzyme Linked Immuno sorbant Assay. However, since RFFIT needs cell culture facilities and ELISA requires sensitive ELISA plates as well as specific conjugates, present study a relatively much simpler, rapid, inexpensive and reliable technique viz. Counter Immmuno Electrophoreses has been standardised and utilized after conducting a systematic experimental study in buffalo calves. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Comparative study on early detection on Rabies antigen in buffalo calves experimentally infected with street rabies virus. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2003; 80(1): 26-28 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Archana ; Singh, C K; Monika Institution: Organization: Content : Street rabies virus (SRV) isolated from a dog in India [date not given] were used to infect 2 buffalo calves, while 1 calf remained as an uninfected control. Fluorescent antibody technique (FAT), Seller's staining, mice inoculation test (MIT) and double-antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA) were used to detect the rabies virus antigen in the calves and were compared for their sensitivity of detection at 30 days postinoculation. It was shown that the rabies antigen was detected in all the brain tissues by DAS-ELISA, in a few samples by FAT and was not detected in any sample by Seller's staining and MIT. In conclusion, DAS-ELISA is the most sensitive laboratory technique for rabies diagnosis. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Comparative study on early detection on rabies antigen in buffalo calves experimentally infected with street rabies virus. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal (India). (Jan 2003). v. 80(1) p.26-28. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Archana; Singh, C.K.; Monika 996 Institution: Organization: Content : Experimental studies of rabies on Buffalo calves was carried out to find out the most sensitive diagnostic techniques for the detection of Rabies virus antigen at the stage of as early as 30 days post-inoculation (DPI). The rabies antigen was detected in all the brain tissues by ELISA, few by FAT and no antigen was detected by Seller's stain and Mice Inoculation Test. On comparsion of these techniques ELISA was found to be most sensitive laboratory diagnostic techniques. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Characterization of capripox virus isolated from field outbreak in goats. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(3): 241-244 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sanjay Shakya; Rao, V D P; Rajesh Chandra Institution: Organization: Content : A field isolate of Capripoxvirus (CPV) from goats was characterized in this study. This was designated as the Pantnagar isolate. The virus was sensitive to heat, pH and lipid solvents and showed marked decline in residual infectivity titres. It did not infect sheep, chicken, rabbit, mice and buffalo calf. The virus failed to agglutinate the erythrocytes of sheep, goat, pig, rabbit, dog, chicken and human type O cells. On chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs, the virus produced non-haemorrhagic pock lesions of about 2.0 mm in diameter. The histopathological examination of infected skin showed hydropic degeneration and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in epidermal cells. The indirect fluorescent antibody technique (FAT) revealed intense fluorescence with homologous serum, whereas weak fluorescence was recorded with heterologous sera against the Sambalpur and Uttarkashi strain of CPV. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Comparative analysis of nitric oxide induction in blood mononuclear cells obtained from buffalo calves immunized with foot-andmouth disease+haemorrhagic septicaemia combined vaccine or FMD alone vaccine. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal-of-Immunology-and-Immunopathology. 2002; 4(1/2): 5761 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajesh Chhabra; Sharma, R; Kakker, N K Institution: Organization: Content : The present study describes the comparative immunogenicity of FMD virus antigens in buffalo calves vaccinated either with combined FMD+HS vaccine or FMD vaccine alone. The immune response was monitored by nitric oxide 997 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. Considerably higher nitrous oxide production was observed in the group of calves vaccinated with combined FMD+HS vaccine as compared to calves immunized with the FMD vaccine alone, with the difference being significant on 21 DPV in the case of FMD virus types A and Asia 1. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: The occurrence of pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes and antibodies against listeriolysin-O in buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B. 2002; 49(4): 181-184 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Barbuddhe, S B; Chaudhari, S P; Malik, S V S Institution: Organization: Content : The occurrence of L. monocytogenes in meat and milk samples, and antilisteriolysin-O (ALLO) antibodies in sera of buffaloes were studied. Isolation of the pathogen was attempted from the samples by selective enrichment in University of Vermont Medium and plating onto Dominguez-Rodriguez isolation agar. The pathogenicity of the isolates was tested by Christie, Atkins, Munch Petersen test and mouse inoculation test. Of 167 meat samples, 2.4 and 10.17% were positive for L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp., respectively. Of the 64 milk samples, 6.25 and 26.13% were positive for L. monocytogenes and Listeria sp., respectively. A total of 284 serum samples were tested by listeriolysin O (LLO)-based indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, of which 25.35% were found to be seropositive. The culture positivity for L. monocytogenes and detection of ALLO did not show any agreement ( kappa =0.035). The prevalence of pathogenic L. monocytogenes in milk and meat and the occurrence of anti-LLO antibodies is of concern from the public health point of view. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Presence of predacious fungi in fresh faeces of ruminants from Western India. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Journal of Veterinary Parasitology. 2000; 14(2): 133-135 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sanyal,P.K Institution: Organization: Content : During January-December 1998, one hundred faecal samples were obtained per rectum from 19 sheep, 5 goats, 23 native cattle (Bos indicus), 23 crossbred cattle (B. taurus X B. indicus) and 30 buffaloes in west India (Gujarat and Rajasthan). About 5000 Haemonchus contortus larvae were added to agar plates of each sample as prey for predacious fungi. The plates were examined twice weekly for 4 weeks. A total of 4 isolates of Arthrobotrys oligospora and 2 of Duddingtonia flagrans were recovered, primarily during the monsoon and postmonsoon months (July to November). 4 isolates were from sheep, and one 998 each of A. oligospora and D. flagrans were from crossbred cattle and buffalo, respectively. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Seroprevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica in selected cattle and buffalo population. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Mysore Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2001; 35(1): 72 -76 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rao, M S; Shrikrishna Isloor Institution: Organization: Content : Screening of cattle sera by rapid plate test (RPT) showed that 32 out of 600 samples reacted with coloured 'OH' antigen of Y. enterocolitica 0:9, 0:8, 0:3 and 0:5, 27. Although, 15 out of these 32 gave 40 international units (iu) antibody titres with Y. enterocolitica 0:9 (OH) and B. abortus S-99 plain antigens by Standard Tube Test (STT), only 9 of 15 sera had 40 iu titre with Y. enterocolitica 0:9 (H) antigen by STT resulting in 1.5 per cent (9/600) seroprevalence of yersiniosis in cattle. The remaining 6 of the 15 samples, were attributed to the Brucella antibodies. Furthermore, screening of buffalo sera showed 21 out of 200 samples reacting with coloured 'OH' antigens of Y. enterocolitica 0:9, 0:8, 0:3 and 0:5, 27. However, only 9 of these 21 samples showed a titre of 40 iu with Y. enterocolitica 0:9 (OH) and B. abortus plain antigens. Of these, only 6 showed predominant titres ranging from 40 to 80 iu when tested by STT using Y. enterocolitica 0:9 (H) antigen, resulting in 3 per cent (6/200) seroprevalence of yersiniosis in buffaloes. The remaining 3 of the 9 samples, were attributed to the Brucella antibodies. The present investigation indicated the prevalence of both yersiniosis and brucellosis in the same organized farm. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Genomic diversity and prevalence of Rotavirus in cow and buffalo calves in northern India. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Revue Scientifique et Technique Office International des Epizooties. 2000; 19(3): 871-876 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jindal, S R; Maiti, N K; Oberoi, M S Institution: Organization: Content : Faecal samples were collected from 78 diarrhoeic cow and buffalo calves between November 1998 and February 1999 to study the genomic diversity and prevalence of Rotavirus infection by ribonucleic acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (RNA-PAGE) and ELISA. In the organized dairy farm (where daily production and health records were maintained), the overall prevalence of infection with Rotavirus, recorded by RNA-PAGE and ELISA, was 27.02% (10/37) in both cow and buffalo calves. In unorganized dairy herds (where no production or health records were maintained), RNA-PAGE and ELISA detected infection with Rotavirus in 26.8% (11/41) of cow and 19.5% (8/41) 999 of buffalo calves. Five distinct electropherotypes were found to circulate in cow and buffalo calves. All were short electropherotypes except the single long electropherotype observed in a buffalo calf in an unorganized dairy herd. Some differences in RNA migration pattern were observed when these electropherotypes were compared with the neonatal calf diarrhoea virus strain of Rotavirus. Some electropherotypes were restricted to one farm while others were found in both organized and unorganized dairy herds and in both cow and buffalo calves. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus antibodies in India. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Revue Scientifique et Technique Office International des Epizooties. 1999; 18(3): 667-671 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sudharshana, K J; Suresh, K B; Rajasekhar, M Institution: Organization: Content : A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antibodies in bovine sera which tested negative for rinderpest and peste des petits ruminants virus antibodies. 439 samples (327 from cattle and 112 from buffalo from 17 states of India), collected between January 1996 and December 1997, were tested using a commercial ELISA kit. The mean prevalence of BVDV antibodies in cattle in 16 states was 15.29% (50/327) compared with 23.21% (26/112) in buffalo in 9 states, with an overall prevalence of 17.31% (76/439) in 17 states. This disease is of particular interest in terms of the differential diagnosis of BVDV from rinderpest, as India has been provisionally declared free from rinderpest disease. Active serosurveillance is to begin in 2000 to achieve certification of freedom from rinderpest infection by the Office International des Epizooties. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Development and field validation of an avidin-biotin enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kit for bovine brucellosis. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Revue Scientifique et Technique Office International des Epizooties. 2001; 20(3): 749-756 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Renukaradhya, G J; Isloor, S; Crowther, J R; Robinson, M; Rajasekhar, M Institution: Organization: Content : The avidin-biotin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (A-B ELISA) for use in surveillance for bovine brucellosis in India was developed and calibrated using the indirect brucellosis ELISA kit of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a reference. The reagents used in the A-B ELISA were as follows: the smooth lipopolysaccharide of Brucella abortus strain 99 (antigen); biotinylated anti-bovine immunoglobulin G (detection antibody); avidinhorseradish peroxidase (conjugate); and O-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride 1000 (chromogen). The test results were interpreted using the IAEA software EDI version 2.1.1 which was modified for use in the A-B ELISA. The cut-off percentage positivity value was established using 500 brucellosis-positive and 500 brucellosis-negative serum samples confirmed with reference to the sample data using the indirect ELISA kit. The overall specificity of A-B ELISA was 98.8% and overall sensitivity was 98.2%. Field validation of the A-B ELISA kit was undertaken in six laboratories in India. Screening of 7040 cattle and 678 buffalo serum samples from 12 states revealed serological evidence of brucellosis in 8.7% of cattle and 10.2% of buffaloes. This kit proved to be robust and performed with a similar sensitivity and specificity to the indirect ELISA. The kit can be supplied at a lower cost than current commercial ELISA kits. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Detection of anti-listeriolysin O and Listeria monocytogenes in experimentally infected buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2001; 33(4): 285-293 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chaudhari, S P; Malik, S V S; Rekha, G B; Barbuddhe, S B Institution: Organization: Content : The kinetics of antibody production against listeriolysin O (ALLO) and the recovery pattern of Listeria monocytogenes from bacteriological samples were studied following oral infection of buffalo calves with 3 x 109 cells each of pathogenic L. monocytogenes. Antibodies to LLO appeared by 7-10 days post infection (PI), with a shallow peak between days 16 and 36 PI, when tested by indirect plate-ELISA. The titres of ALLO in all the animals then declined slowly but remained detectable up to day 70 PI. In dot-ELISA, ALLO could be detected by days 5 to 7 PI, and with higher titres than with the plateELISA. The pathogen was recovered at low rates as ALLO first appeared but was absent in the faecal, nasal and blood cultures as production of ALLO peaked. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in intestinal and lymph node tissues of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) by PCR and bacterial culture. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Veterinary Microbiology. 2005; 108(3/4): 263 - 270 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sivakumar, P; Tripathi, B N; Nem Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The efficacy of bacterial culture and IS900-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was compared for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) from the intestinal and mesenteric lymph node tissues of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) showing lesions of paratuberculosis 1001 (Johne's disease). Out of 20 (4.9%) animals showing histological lesions suggestive of paratuberculosis, 14 (70%) and 6 (30%) were positive in the PCR and bacterial culture, respectively. The results of this study suggested that PCR was more sensitive than bacterial culture in detection of subclinical paratuberculosis in water buffaloes. The bacterial concentration from large amount of tissues by differential and density gradient centrifugation method was found to facilitate the diagnosis by smear examination and PCR. The specificity of the PCR was confirmed by the product size and restriction digestion pattern of the amplicons. The sequence analysis of the amplified products (626 bp of IS900 gene) from buffalo strain showed more than 97% homology with the published sequences. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Comparative analysis of the outer membrane protein profiles of isolates of the Pasteurella multocida (B:2) associated with haemorrhagic septicaemia. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Veterinary Research Communications. 2002; 26(7): 513-522 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tomer, P; Chaturvedi, G C; Minakshi ; Malik, P; Monga, D P Institution: Organization: Content : Outer membrane proteins (OMP) of P. multocida (serotype B:2) field isolates (n=6) and a vaccine strain (P-52) were extracted by a sarkosyl method and characterized using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. About 20 polypeptide bands were observed in the profile of the vaccine strain with MW ranging from 16 to 90 kDa and, based on band thickness and intensity of staining, three polypeptides of MW 31, 33 and 37 kDa were considered to be the major OMPs. The profiles of the field isolates showed minor differences when compared with that of the vaccine strain. The OMP of 33 kDa was only expressed by the vaccine strain. Four field isolates expressed an OMP of 39 kDa, which did not appear in the profiles of the remaining two field isolates and the P-52 strain. Similarly, an OMP of 25 kDa was exclusively seen in the profile of a single isolate. By immunoblotting studies, using anti-P. multocida (P-52) whole-cell hyperimmune serum raised in rabbits as well as buffalo immune sera, it became evident that the polypeptide of 37 kDa was the most antigenic OMP in the profiles of all the isolates, including the P-52 strain. Other polypeptides were either weakly antigenic or visible in the profile of only a few of the isolates. The study thus identified the major OMP of P. multocida (B:2) and suggested that this highly antigenic 37 kDa OMP has potential for further protective and immunodiagnostic studies. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Humoral and delayed-type hypersensitive responses against Listeria monocytogenes phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C in experimentally infected buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Veterinary Research Communications. 2004; 28(7): 569-579 AB: 1002 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Chaudhari, S P; Malik, S V S; Barbuddhe, S B Institution: Organization: Content : The kinetics of antibody production against phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and the isolation pattern of Listeria monocytogenes from bacteriological samples were studied following oral infection of buffalo calves with 3x109 cells each of pathogenic L. monocytogenes. Antibodies to PI-PLC appeared by 4-8 days post infection (PI), with a peak between days 7 and 16 PI, when tested by indirect plate-ELISA. Subsequently, antibody titres in all the animals declined and became undetectable on days 26-35 PI onwards until the study concluded on day 211 PI. Dot-ELISA could detect the antibodies to PI-PLC 1-2 days earlier and at higher titres as compared to plateELISA. L. monocytogenes could be recovered from faeces, nasal swabs and haemocultures from days 2 to 33, days 2 to 21 and days 11 to 17 PI, respectively. Antibodies to PI-PLC were detected during the course of active infection but their titres declined sharply once animals became culturally negative. Sonicated antigen elicited the highest delayed-type hypersensitivity response, followed by PI-PLC and listeriolysin O. Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Prevalent serotypes of Pasteurella multocida isolated from different animal and avian species in India. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Veterinary Research Communications. 2004; 28(8): 657-667 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, A A; Shivachandra, S B; Biswas, A; Singh, V P; Singh, V P; Srivastava, S K Institution: Organization: Content : Identification and estimation of the prevalence of Pasteurella multocida organisms in different animal and avian species in India during November 2000 to July 2003 was carried out. Out of 418 samples collected from different outbreaks suspected to be caused by P. multocida, a total of 206 bacterial cultures were identified as P. multocida on the basis of cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. All the 206 cultures were isolated from different domestic animal species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig and rabbit), avian species (chicken, duck, quail, turkey, goose) and wild animals such as leopard and deer. Serotyping of P. multocida cultures revealed the presence of various serotypes (A:1, A:3, A:1,3, A:4, B:2, D:1and -:1) among the livestock population. P. multocida polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay applied on different forms of bacterial cultures (bacterial culture lysate, direct bacterial colony and mixed bacterial culture lysate) yielded an amplified product of ~460 bp specific for P. multocida. The results of PCR assay correlated well with conventional methods of identification. The present investigation revealed the presence of varied serotypes among livestock and PCR assay was found to be useful for rapid, sensitive and specific diagnosis of pasteurellosis in animals and avian species. 1003 Specialization: Microbiology Subject: Cloning and characterization of tbpA gene encoding transferrinbinding protein (TbpA) from Pasteurella multocida serogroup B:2 (strain P52). Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Veterinary Research Communications. 2005; 29(6): 537-542 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Shivachandra, S B; Kumar, A A; Amaranath, J; Joseph, S; Srivastava, S K; Chaudhuri, P Institution: Organization: Content : The tbpA gene was studied in a standard vaccine strain B:2, 20 field isolates causing haemorrhagic septicaemia and 15 strains of P. multocida from different hosts (cattle, buffalo, chicken, duck, turkey, quail, goose, pig, sheep, goat, rabbit, lion and tiger) isolated from outbreaks of pasteurellosis in India [date not given]. Genomic DNA was analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and visualized by electrophoresis. The ~2334 bp product indicated that the gene was present in all strains regardless of the serogroup and host origin. The sequence of the tbpA gene of P. multocida serogroup B:2 showed 96.5% homology and 3.4% divergence of amino acid sequence between the TbpA protein from serogroups A:1 and B:2. The TbpA protein also had a very high antigenic index, hydrophobicity and surface probability. The mature protein had 777 amino acids accounting for a 89.16-kDa protein with a pI of 9.35. These findings suggest that recombinant TbpA has the desired characteristics of a subunit antigen and could be used as a candidate antigen in the development of vaccines against haemorrhagic septicaemia in cattle and buffaloes and other infections caused by P. multocida in other animal species. Sequence data for P. multocida serogroup B:2 tbpA has been deposited with the EMBL/GenBank Data Libraries under Accession Number AJ558182. 17.MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: A comparative gross and lipid composition of Murrah breed of buffalo and cross-bred cow's milk during different lactation stages. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Archiv fur Tierzucht. 2000; 43(2): 123-130 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, K C; Sachdeva, V K; Sudarshan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : A comparison of milk from buffaloes and crossbred cows showed that total lipid contents in buffalo milk were higher in early and mid-lactation and were 2 fold higher in late-lactation than in cow milk. Total protein, lactose and SNF contents were higher in buffalo than in cow milk. The calcium, phosphorus and mineral contents were higher in mid- and late-lactation than in early1004 lactation in both species. Triglycerides constituted the major fraction and phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin were the major phospholipids followed by phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol in both species and remained at similar levels during the whole of the lactation period. Short-chain fatty acids (C4-C10) were higher during mid- than early- and late-lactation, whereas total unsaturated fatty acids were lower during early and midlactation than late-lactation in both species. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Influence of milk yield, parity, stage of lactation and body weight on urea and protein concentration in milk of Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 16(9): 1285-1290 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Roy, B; Mehla, R K; Sirohi, S K Institution: Organization: Content : The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of test day milk yield, test day evening milk yield, parity, stage of lactation and body weight on milk urea and milk protein concentration. A total of 319 milk samples was collected from buffaloes over four month's period and subjected to urea and protein analysis. Milk urea concentration (mg/dl) was significantly (P<0.01) higher with increasing test day milk yield. The lowest value (57.03+or-1.13) was observed in the milk yield group <less or =>4.5 kg/day and the highest value (64.15+or-1.13) in the group 7.7-10.7 kg/day. However, test day evening milk yield had no significant effect on milk urea concentration. Milk protein did not vary significantly with the test day milk yield as well as test day evening milk yield. A clear decreasing trend of milk urea concentration (mg/dl) was found with increasing parity. The highest MU concentration (64.03+or-1.14) was found in the first parity and the lowest (55.67+or-1.22) was found in the sixth and above parity. Whereas, stage of lactation had no effect on milk urea concentration. Moreover, parity and stage of lactation did not have any significant effect on milk protein concentration. Body weight (kg) was also found negatively (P<0.05) related to urea content (mg/dl) in milk. The highest mean MU concentration (64.34+or-0.88) was found when body weight was between 532 and 598 ka and lower mean values (59.24+or0.94 and 59-33+or-1.23) were observed in 599 to 665 kg and <more or =>666 kg group. Body weight also had significant (p<0.05) effect on milk protein content. The highest milk protein content (%) was found in <more or =>666 kg group and the lowest in <531 kg group. It is concluded that proper interpretation of milk urea values to monitor protein nutrition status of the buffaloes parity, milk yield and body weight should be considered. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Importance of mycotoxins in food and feed in India. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Aspects of Applied Biology. 2003; (68): 147-154 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Waliyar, F; Reddy, S V; Subramaniam, K; Reddy, T Y; 1005 Devi, K R; Craufurd, P Q; Wheeler, T R Institution: Organization: Content : Various food and feed samples including groundnut seed, maize, sorghum, soyabean cake, groundnut cake, cotton cake, poultry feed, buffalo milk, cow milk and milk powders were collected from farmers' field, farmer's stores, oil millers storage, traders' storage, retail shops and supermarkets. More than 2000 samples were analysed by ELISA and most of the commodities, with the exception of sorghum seed, contained high levels of aflatoxin. Groundnut cake was one of the major cattle feed ingredient in the peri-urban area of Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh, India) and >75% of the samples contained >100 micro g kg-1 aflatoxin leading to a high level of aflatoxin M1, in milk samples. Strategies to reduce aflatoxin levels especially in groundnut with management interventions at preharvest, harvest and storage, are discussed. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Milk coagulant retention in Mozzarella cheese and curd [from buffalo milk. Year of publication: 1991 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1991). v. 46(2) p. 49-52. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gangopadhyay, S.K.; Thakar, P.N. Institution: Organization: Content In an investigation of various manufacturing parameters, the use of raw rather than pasteurized buffalo milk resulted in significantly lower coagulant in curd. Mozzarella cheese made with calf rennet had significantly lower retention irrespective of the fact that its curd had significantly higher coagulation retention. When the curd was plasticized using moulding water at 80 rather than 98 deg C, the resultant cheese contained significantly higher coagulant. Proteolysis of fresh as well as stored cheese, prepared by using either direct acidification or calf rennet, was significantly lower than in controls. Use of lower temperature moulding water for curd plasticizing resulted in significantly higher proteolysis in fresh and stored product. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Influence of manufacturing parameters on rheology of Mozzarella cheese made from buffalo milk. Year of publication: 1991 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1991). v. 46(2) p. 53-56. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Thaker, P.N.; Gangopadhyay, S.K.; Miyani, R.V. Institution: Organization: Content : In evaluations on 10 mm cubic samples, the products from raw milk or calf rennet in comparison with heated milk or Meito rennet respectively, were 1006 significantly harder, and more gummy and chewy. Raw milk cheese was also more cohesive and springy. Whey drainage at 0.5-0.52 percent acidity rather than at 0.40-0.42 percent produced cheese with significantly lower hardness, springiness and chewiness. Direct acidification compared to the use of starter gave significantly lower hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. When curd was plasticized at 80 rather than at 98 deg C, the resultant cheese was significantly more springy. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: The effect of homogenization conditions on the textural and baking characteristics of buffalo milk mozzarella cheese. Research paper. Year of publication: 1991 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (May 1991). v. 46(1) p. 27-30.AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jana, A.H.; Upadhyay, K.G. Institution: Organization: Content : Homogenation led to a significant reduction in the hardness, cohesiveness, and textural qualities of the resulting cheese, and also reduced the fat leakage and meltability during baking. Compared to controls the cheese was inferior in stringiness. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of lactose hydrolysis on some nutritional characteristics of spray-dried lactose-hydrolysed infant formula. Year of publication: 1993 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1993). v. 48(2) p. 49-51. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Paul, S.C.; Mathur, B.N. Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of concentration of buffalo skim milk on the degree of lactose hydrolysis was studied with a view to establishing a suitable total solids (TS) level for the manufacture of lactose-hydrolysed infant formula (LHIF). Milk with 20 percent TS was found most suitable for achieving the desired levels of lactose hydrolysis and was subsequently used for manufacturing LHIF. Prepared samples of LHIF with 20, 35 and 50 percent lactose hydrolysis showed proximate compositions close to the target level of 3.0 percent moisture, 13.25 percent protein, 20 percent fat, 61.1 percent total carbohydrate and 2.65 percent total ash. The available lysine content decreased proportionally with the increase in the degree of lactose hydrolysis while hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) showed a corresponding increase. The loss of available lysine and the increase in HMF resulted in a decrease in the nutritive value of the prepared LHIF-samples with the greatest degree of lactose hydrolysis. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products 1007 Subject: Texture and microstructure of chhana and rasogolla made from buffalo milk. Year of publication: 1993 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1993). v. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Adhikara, A.K.; Mathur, O.N.; Patil, G.R. Institution: Organization: Content : Rasogolla, a popular Indian sweetened dairy product, was made from buffalo milk chhana (which is a soft cottage cheese analogue) by adding 2 percent wheat flour, 0.02 percent baking powder and flavouring. Chhana, in the form of balls was cooked in a 60 percent sugar syrup for 1 h and then stored overnight at 22 deg C. Textural studies demonstrated significantly higher hardness and gumminess, but lower springiness and chewiness in chhana than in rasogolla. Market rasogolla had textured properties closer to those of laboratory made samples. Moisture content was significantly negatively correlated with all the Instron textural parameters, while protein, ash and calcium contents exhibited significant positive correlation with all the textural characteristics except springiness for both chhana and rasogolla. No correlation was found with fat, lactose or sucrose contents and any of the textural parameters. Composition, texture and microstructure of both chhana and rasogolla were found to be interrelated. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effects of fungal rennet substitutes on flavour and biochemical changes in buffalo milk Cheddar cheese during ripening. Year of publication: 1994 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1994). v. 49(2) p. 82-85. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jha, Y.K.; Singh, S. Institution: Organization: Content : The effects of three commercial fungal rennet substitutes (Marzyme, Noury, Modilase) in the manufacture of Cheddar cheese from buffalo milk were studied. Flavour development and biochemical changes in the trial cheeses were compared with those of controls made with calf rennet during ripening at 8deg C. Cheese prepared using Modilase showed superior flavour as compared to those made using Marzyme or Noury rennet. The flavour development in all microbial cheeses was faster than in the controls. The biochemical changes in terms of glycolysis, proteolysis and lipolysis over 10 months of ripening were greatest in cheese made with Modilase. The titratable acidity, lactic acid, soluble protein and free fatty acids in Modilase cheese were 1.34, 0.074, 7.56 percent and 26.18 microM fat per g whereas the control sample showed 0.97, 0.72, 5.48 percent and 19.36 microM fat per g, respectively. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products 1008 Subject: Effect of processing variables on the quality and shelf-life of processed cheese from buffalo milk Cheddar cheese. Year of publication: 1994 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1994). v. 49(2) p. 75-78.AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sachdeva, S.; Singh, S.; Tiwari, B.D.; Ram, J. Institution: Organization: Content : Processed cheese was made from a blend of microbial rennet buffalo milk Cheddar cheese of different ages. Among different emulsifying salts, a mixture of trisodium citrate and disodium hydrogen phosphate in the ratio of 1:2 and added at the rate of 3 percent was found to be the most suitable. Commonly used commercial formulations of emulsifying salts yielded an acidic and coarse product when used in buffalo milk processed cheese. Potassium sorbate, Delvocid and Nisaplin were added as preservatives to processed cheese packed in cans and stored at 30 deg. C. No marked effect of preservatives on the shelf life was observed; the cheese remained acceptable for 4 months at 30 deg. C and more than 12 months at 8 deg. C. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Physico-chemical properties of native and reassembled casein micelles from buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) milk. Year of publication: 1994 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (Nov 1994). v. 49(2) p. 79-81. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Varindra; Singh, S.; Sood, S.M. Institution: Organization: Content : The physico-chemical properties of native and reassembled casein micelles from submicelles of skimmed buffalo milk were compared. Submicelles were prepared from both native large casein micelles (LCM) and small casein micelles (SCM) and were used for the formation of reassembled LCM and SCM, respectively. The solvation values of reassembled LCM and SCM were 2.82 and 3.80 while that of the native LCM and SCM were 2.47 and 3.34 g H2O per g micellar casein respectively. The corresponding values for calcium content were 61.2, 60.0, 90.0 and 75.0 mg per 100 mL suspension. The inorganic phosphorus content of reformed casein micelles was lower than that of native casein micelles. The data suggest that during the reassembling process the micellar equilibrium is disturbed resulting in casein micelles which significantly differ in composition, properties and also may be smaller in size than the native casein micelles. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of soymilk supplementation and additives on sensory characteristic and biochemical changes of yogurt during storage. Year of publication: 1994 Journal: Australian Journal of Dairy Technology (Australia). (May 1994). 1009 v. 49(1) p. 34-38. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Yadav, V.B.; Jha, Y.K.; Garg, S.K.; Mital, B.K. Institution: Organization: Content : Soyogurt samples prepared from different buffalo milk and soymilk blends were analysed for their sensory attributes and biochemical changes during storage. Soyogurt made from buffalo milk supplemented with soymilk in the ratio 65:35 was rated acceptable by sensory panels. Addition of sodium alginate at the level of 0.2 percent improved the textural characteristics compared to carboxymethyl cellulose and control. Potassium sorbate at 0.03 percent increased shelf-life of soyogurt up to 15 days at 7 plus or minus 1 deg. C influencing biochemical and microbiological aspects and showed a positive relationship with sensory characteristics. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: A novel pentasaccharide from immunostimulant oligosaccharide fraction of buffalo milk. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, General Subjects. 1999; 1428(2/3): 433-445 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rina Saksena; Desh Deepak; Anakshi Khare; Ragini Sahai; Tripathi, L M; Srivastava, V M L Institution: Organization: Content : A processed oligosaccharide mixture of buffalo milk induced significant stimulation of antibody, delayed-type hypersensitivity response to sheep red blood cells in BALB/c mice. This also stimulated non-specific immune response of the animals measured in terms of macrophage migration index. A novel pentasaccharide was isolated from the oligosaccharide containing fraction having immunostimulant activity of buffalo milk. This compound was isolated by a combination of gel filtration chromatography, silica gel column chromatography of derivatized oligosaccharides while the homogeneity was confirmed by HPLC. The results of structural analyses, i.e. proton nuclear magnetic resonance, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, chemical transformations and degradations are consistent with the following structure: GlcNAc beta (1->3)Gal beta (1->4)GlcNAc beta (1->3)Gal beta (1->4)Glc. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: New Asian products threaten the "Mozzarella di Bufala Campana" denomination. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Bubalus Bubalis. 1999; 5(4): 79-82 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Petrone, M A; Clemente, I M-de Institution: Organization: Content : 1010 An account is given of the characteristics of imitation Mozzarella cheeses made using blends of soya milk + buffalo milk. Such products may pose a threat to traditional Italian Mozzarella cheeses. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Composition and mineral levels of the milk of Kuttanad dwarf buffaloes of Kerala. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin. 2003; 22(3): 67-70 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anilkumar, K; Mohan, K M S; Ally, K; Sathian, C T Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the composition and mineral contents of milk from Kuttanad dwarf buffaloes in Kerala, India. Milk samples were collected from 41 dwarf buffaloes in different phases of lactation. The milk parameters assessed were fat, total solids, protein and lactose. The minerals estimated were calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. The average fat and solids not fat in milk samples analysed were 6.1 and 9.68, respectively. The protein content in buffalo milk was 3.9 g%. The average total solids and lactose content of the analysed milk samples were 17.4 and 3.2 g%, respectively. Low levels of Ca (between 0.124 to 0.162 g%) were observed in milk samples. The levels of P in the buffalo milk estimated were between 0.097 to 0.150 g%. The Mg level in the milk was 0.023 g%. The levels of Zn, Cu and Fe were 5.0, 0.2 and 1.7 mg%, respectively. The composition of milk from the dwarf buffaloes in the Kuttanad region was similar to that of other water buffaloes. Variations observed in some parameters were mainly due to poor nutrition and local conditions. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Various body measurements and their correlation with milk yield and fat percentage: 2. Studies in surti buffaloes. Year of publication: 1990 Journal: Buffalo Bulletin International Buffalo Information Center (Thailand). (Jun 1990). v. 9(2) p. 35-38. AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Jogi, Kumar R.V.; Patel, G.U. Institution: Organization: Content : Study was carried out to find out the association between physical traits and production characteristics in 25 Surti buffaloes. Out of the six traits studied only height at withers (r=-0.446) and distance between pin-bones (r=+0.455) were found to be significantly related the milk yield but their regression coefficient was of little practical value. None of the other characters studied showed any association with milk yield or fat percent in Surti buffaloes. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of replacement of buffalo skim milk by sweet butter milk on the quality of shrikhand. 1011 Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(1): 31-40 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Karthikeyan, S; Desai, H K; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : Shrikhand is an important summer dessert in many Indian states with a good shelf-life. Investigation of the possibility of partial and total replacement of buffalo skim milk (BSM) with sweet butter milk (BM) in the manufacture of shrikhand was conducted in an attempt to improve the textural and flavour characteristics. Compositional analysis indicated that as the proportion of replacement by BM increased the moisture and the reducing sugar contents increased significantly while the protein content decreased significantly; no significant differences were noted in fat, non-reducing sugar contents and acidity. The composition of experimental shrikhand complied with the requirements of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and the Bureau of Indian Standards. Their consistency as measured by penetration, however, was weakened with increasing levels of replacement. A BM replacement level of 50% was organoleptically superior to controls and other experimental replacement levels. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of replacement of buffalo skim milk by sweet buttermilk on storage changes of Shrikhand. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(3): 307-322 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Karthikeyan, S; Desai, H K; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of buffalo skim milk replacement (BSM) by sweet buttermilk (SBM) on quality of the Shrikhand during 30 days storage at 7 +or- 2 degrees C was investigated. A significant (P<less or =>0.05) increase in titratable acidity and decrease in pH were recorded at and above 50% replacement while tyrosine content decreased significantly (P<less or =>0.05) at above 25% replacement. The titratable acidity and the tyrosine content also increased as the storage time increased from 0 to 10, 20 and 30 days. Significant (P<less or =>0.05) increase in free fatty acid contents with increasing storage time, and at and above 75% replacement was also noted. Colour and appearance, body and texture and flavour scores did not vary much with the SBM replacement, neither with the storage time except for body and texture scores. All Shrikhand samples remained acceptable organoleptically up to 30 days of storage, with 50% SBM replacement being the most superior. Microbiologically, all Shrikhand samples were free from coliforms during the 30 day storage, while the yeast and mould counts increased significantly at the end of 30 day storage. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Improvement in quality of reduced-fat paneer from buffalo milk 1012 through sodium chloride incorporation. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2000; 16(2): 153-162 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sanyal, M K; Yadav, P L Institution: Organization: Content : Attempts were made to improve the quality of reduced-fat paneer through incorporation of sodium chloride into milk. Reduced-fat paneer was prepared from buffalo milk (2% fat, 9% SNF) after separately adding 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% sodium chloride to milk prior to coagulation at 60, 60, 70 and 80 degrees C, respectively. Yield and moisture content in the products ranged from 15.64 to 17.22% and 60.42 to 64.12% respectively. Addition of 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75% sodium chloride to milk increased the yield of the products by 11.70, 9.08, and 10.10%, respectively over and above that of the control. Levels of sodium chloride added to milk highly significantly (P<0.01) influenced yield, contents of moisture, fat, protein, lactose ash, sodium chloride, calcium and phosphorus as well as shear force value, flavour, body and texture and significantly (P<0.05) affected content of fat on dry matter basis (FDM), solids recovery and pH of the products. Addition of sodium chloride to milk caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in solids recovery in the products, increase in loss of milk solids in whey and improvement in flavour, body and texture of raw as well as fried and cooked samples of the products as compared to the control. Frying and cooking of the samples enhanced the sensory quality of raw products. On sensory evaluation, raw as well as fried and cooked samples of reduced-fat paneer made from milk added with 0.25 and 0.50% sodium chloride were rated as good while those mof controls were rated as fair. The product made by adding 0.75% sodium chloride to milk was rated as fair in its raw form and good when fried and cooked. Addition of 0.25% sodium chloride to buffalo milk (2% fat, 9% SNF) prior to coagulation at 60 degrees C was recommended for making ma good quality reduced-fat paneer containing about 30% FDM. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Detection of cytolysin producing coagulase negative Staphylococci (CNS) of buffalo intramammary origin by synergistic Haemolysin assay (SHA). Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Buffalo Journal. 2002; 18(3): 367-369 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vivek Saxena; Anshu Sharma; Ravindra Sharma; Ashok Kumar Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 108 CNS were collected from 688 quarter milk samples from 175 Murrah buffaloes and were tested for cytolysin production using the synergistic haemolysis assay (SHA). It was shown that 26.85% of the strains were SHA-positive. Synergistic haemolysis was demonstrated in 12 Staphylococcus haemolyticus, 6 S. warneri, 2 S. chromogenes, 2 S. 1013 auricularis, 2 S. sciuri, 2 S. simulans, 1 S. saprophyticus, 1 S. hyicus and 1 S. epidermidis. S. haemolyticus, S. warneri, S. auricularis, S. saprophyticus, S. simulans and S. epidermidis contained a higher frequency of SHA-positive strains than S. hyicus, S. chromogenes and S. sciuri. This study shows that SHA allows the rapid screening of CNS strains for cytolysin production. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Studies on the performance of cultures of lactic acid bacteria in lactose hydrolysed buffalo skim milk. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Cheiron. 2001; 30(3/4): 81-84 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Geetha, R; Prasad, V Institution: Organization: Content : Seven selected cultures of lactic acid bacteria including simple and mixed strains were screened for their acid production, flavour production, pH, proteolytic activity and viable count in lactose hydrolyzed buffalo skim milk at the end of 24 h of incubation of 37 degrees C. L. bulgaricus and B. bifidum developed maximum acidity among single strains. All the three mixed strains of starters also performed well. S. thermophilus, B. bifidum and the other three mixed cultures produced an appreciable amount of diacetyl while L. bulgaricus produced the least. The mixed strain of cultures among single strains, L. bulgaricus and B. bifidum showed the best proteolytic activity. With regard to the viable count, the growth rate was found to be comparatively poor in mixed cultures than single cultures. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Studies on milk clotting property of Streblus asper. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Cheiron. 2002; 31(1/2): 51-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, C N; Kumar, S S; Sahayaraj, P A Institution: Organization: Content : The milk clotting activity of the crude extract of twigs/leaves of Streblus asper was studied (India). The twigs extract showed better clotting activity than that of leaves. The clotting activity was found to be superior in raw cow milk as compared to boiled or pasteurized cow milk. The clotting activity was higher in buffalo milk than that of cow milk. The extraction of the active principle was carried out by using 70% ethanol, 40% acetone or 5% sodium chloride. The 70% ethanol extractant exhibited higher milk clotting activity as compared to other extractants. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Preservation of milk samples with formalin - effect on milk constituents. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Cheiron. 2003; 32(1/2): 1-5 AB: 1014 Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Radha, K; Sathian Institution: Organization: Content : This study was undertaken to assess the effect of formalin on the percentage of fat, total solids, and solids not fat in cow and buffalo milk. Formalin was added at a concentration of 0.4%. Formalin treated cow and buffalo milk samples were preserved up to 90 days without curdling. No colour change was observed in the milk samples. The pH values of control samples were 6.58+or0.02 and 6.76+or-0.01 for cow and buffalo milk, respectively. The values decreased significantly (P<0.01) from day 0 to day 90 of storage. On addition of formalin, the titratable acidity of both cow and buffalo milk increased, and on subsequent storage, the acidity continued to increase slowly. At 90 days, the values became 0.27+or-0 and 0.25+or-0.01, with the change being significant (P<0.01). Both cow and buffalo milk samples remained clot on boiling test (COB) negative for the entire storage period of 3 months at room temperature. On addition of formalin, the fat percentage decreased to 3.32+or0.1 and 6.13+or-0.22 in cow and buffalo milk samples, respectively. At 90 days of storage, the values became 3.38+or-0.09 and 6.18+or-0.22 in cow and buffalo milk, respectively. This change observed through the Gerber method was insignificant. Using the Milko-Tester, a slight decrease in fat percentage was observed on addition of formalin (3.33+or-0.10 and 6.13+or-0.21). Up to 30 days of storage, there was no significant change in fat percentage. On addition of formalin, the total solids in cow and buffalo milk samples were 12.46+or-0.13 and 15.58+or-0.49, respectively. At 90 days of storage, the values were 12.51+or-0.12 and 15.59+or-0.49. The content of total solids did not show any significant change neither on addition of formalin nor during storage. On addition of formalin, the solids not fat percentages of cow and buffalo milk samples increased, with values of 9.14+or-0.12 and 9.45+or-0.29 on day 0, respectively. At 90 days of storage, the values were 9.12+or-0.10 and 9.41+or-0.28, respectively. However, the change was insignificant. On addition of formalin, lactometer reading decreased to 29.0+or-0.53 and 27.5+or-1.09 on day 0 in cow and buffalo milk, respectively. At 90 days of storage, the values became 28.67+or-0.42 and 27.50+or-1.09, respectively. Changes in lactometer reading were insignificant. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Studies on adultration in mixing of milk from different species. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Cheiron. 2004; 33(1/2): 37-44 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sathyan, S; Subramanian, V S; Narasimhan, R Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to detect and quantify the adulteration of cow milk with milk from other species using radioimmunodiffusion (RID), PAGE and gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Fresh milk samples were obtained from Tamil Nadu, India. Buffalo, sheep and goat milk were each mixed with cow milk at 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 50.0% levels. 50-ml samples were centrifuged 1015 at 3000 rpm for 15 min and stored at 4 degrees C, after which these were analysed using the 3 methods. It was shown that the accuracy and specificity of RID in detecting cow milk in buffalo and sheep milk was 10% and 5% in detecting cow milk in goat milk. The electrophoretic mobility of buffalo, sheep and goat milk casein fractions were slower compared to cow milk when PAGE was used; consequently, it only had a 5% accuracy in detecting adulteration. The accuracy of GLC, which was based on the lauric:capric acid ratio was about 2.5%. RID could not detect cow milk when it was 10% and below in sheep and buffalo milk. In terms of accuracy, GLC was better than PAGE. Although RID is the simplest technique to perform and requires no special reagents and equipment, PAGE and GLC are better in detecting adulteration in milk samples in terms of rapidity. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: In-vitro digestibility of acid casein from cow, buffalo and sour buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Egyptian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 32(1): 39-47 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, H K; Singhal, R S; Kulkarni, P R Institution: Organization: Content : The physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of cow, buffalo and sour buffalo milk from Punjab, India, were investigated in this study. It was shown that differences between the moisture, fat and protein contents of fresh cow and buffalo milk were small. The total ash contents of the casein samples from buffalo milk and 0.2+or-0.02, 0.3+or-0.02 and 0.4+or-0.02% acidified milk were 2.26, 2.28, 2.28 and 2.34%, respectively. The fat content increased while nitrogen content decreased in the acidified milks. Total plate and yeast and mould counts in fresh cow and buffalo milk were 14.21x103 and 14.28x103 and 14 and 14/g, respectively, and increased as the acidity increased. There were no significant differences in the in vitro protein digestibility and alpha -amino nitrogen content between cow and buffalo milk casein and between fresh and sour milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Studies on Shrikhand prepared by fortification of papaya pulp in buffalo milk Chakka. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Farm Science Journal. 2004; 13(2): 185-186 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kharag Sen; Maurya, M K; Satish Kumar; Dwivedi, H B Institution: Organization: Content : The sensory quality of fresh and stored shrikhand, an indigenous fermented milk product from India, was investigated in this study. Shrikhand was produced using a mixed starter culture (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, L. lactis subsp. diacetylactis and L. lactis subsp. cremoris at a 1:1:1 ratio) and buffalo milk chakka with the addition of 0 (P0, control), 20 (P1), 40 (P2) and 1016 60% (P3) papaya pulp and 30% ground sugar. The finished product was stored at 7+or-2 degrees C and the sensory attributes were measured at 4-day intervals up to the 20th day of storage. It was shown that the addition of 40% papaya pulp improved the organoleptic quality of shrikhand with respect to flavour, colour, appearance and overall suitability. However, the addition of papaya pulp at more than 40% decreased product quality, while addition of less than 40% did not result in a desirable quality. Average product colour and appearance scores were significantly higher in sample P2, while average body and texture scores significantly decreased with increasing papaya pulp levels and storage period. P2 shrikhand samples had the highest flavour scores; flavour scores significantly decreased with increasing storage period. Overall sourness scores increased significantly with increasing papaya pulp levels and storage period. P2 shrikhand also had the highest average overall suitability scores. In conclusion, papaya pulp can be utilized with buffalo milk chakka for the preparation of high-quality shrikhand. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Bacteriological analysis of different milk samples. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Flora and Fauna Jhansi. 2003; 9(2): 115-116 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Preeti Bandyopadhyay; Roymon, M G Institution: Organization: Content : Bacterial load were analysed in 7 milk samples using Methylene Blue Reductase Test (India). Results showed that powdered milk and condensed milk had less bacterial load than in cow milk and buffalo milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Heat stability and flow behaviour of buffalo milk added with corn starch. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Food Hydrocolloids. 2004; 18(3): 379-386 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nayak, S K; Makrariya, A; Singh, R R B; Patel, A A; Sindhu, J S; Patil, G R; Priyanka Tomar Institution: Organization: Content : In this study, heat stability and flow behaviour of buffalo skim milk and its concentrate added with corn starch and then gelatinized at 85 degrees C were evaluated with regard to level of corn starch (1 and 2%) and gelatinization time (10-80 min). Heat stability measured in terms of the heat coagulation time (HCT) at 130 degrees C of the starch-milk mixtures declined with increasing gelatinization time, the decline being slight in case of 1% starch but significant (P<0.01) with 2% starch. The apparent viscosity ( eta a, shear rate 500 s-1) of the heat-treated, i.e. gelatinized un-concentrated milk-starch mixtures was distinctly higher than that of heat-treated milk alone, but increasing gelatinization time from 10 to 80 min resulted in a relatively small rise in viscosity. However, in case of skim milk concentrate added with both 1 1017 and 2% starch, the increase in viscosity induced by gelatinization beyond 10 min was significant (P<0.01). The skim milk-starch systems showed a power law behaviour. An increase followed by a decrease in the consistency coefficient (K) with increasing gelatinization time was noticed in the unconcentrated system, whereas the concentrate-starch mixtures exhibited steadily increasing K with increasing gelatinization time at 85 degrees C. The flow behaviour index (n) of the mixtures was in the shear thinning range, but this characteristic was more prominent in un-concentrated system, the value of n decreasing with increasing gelatinization time. The heat treatment of milkstarch mixtures resulting into gelatinization-induced increase in viscosity was conceived to be due to water uptake by starch granules accompanied by increased concentration of the non-starch phase leading to rapid aggregation (coagulation of colloidal casein micelles during subsequent heating at 130 degrees C) and thus causing the HCT to decline. The HCT was directly correlated with pH, and negatively with apparent viscosity and consistency coefficient, the former correlation being highly significant (P<0.01) in the milk-based system, while the latter correlations were so in the concentratebased-one. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Current scenario of buffalo milk production. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(1): 19-24 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ganguli, N C Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo milk production in Asia is reviewed, with particular reference to India. The subject is discussed under the following broad headings: Buffalo backdrop; Milk production (the buffalo as milk producer; factors affecting lactation yield; feeding regime for milk production; lactation and factors affecting milk secretion); Milk enhancement - the prime factors (farming systems; milk quality; milk care at the farm; milk quality at the farm; environment and milk; protection through processing; testing facilities; international considerations). Recommendations for improving milk yields and quality are made. [This is a shortened version of a paper given at the 5th World Buffalo Congress, Caserta, Italy, October 1997]. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Modernization of traditional Indian dairy products and improving their quality. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(10): 9-15 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajorhia, G S Institution: Organization: Content : This article examines traditional products made in India by type of processing and type of product, discusses the role of buffalo milk in traditional products 1018 and then examines the problems involved in upgrading the technology used to produce these products. Methods of industrial processing of khoa, paneer, chhana, shrikhand, burfi, peda, rasogolla, sandesh and gulabjamun. Development of convenience versions of traditional milk products are examined, as is the question of ghee quality and of building quality into the total production system. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Technological advances in paneer making. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(10): 45-50 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kanawjia, S K; Singh, S Institution: Organization: Content : The availability of paneer on the Indian market is limited due to relatively high production costs and short shelf-life. In recent years, paneer-like products have been manufactured using different types of vegetable proteins and fats to increase availability and lower the production costs. A brief description is given of the following types of paneer: conventional (buffalo milk); low-fat; cow milk; recombined and reconstituted; filled; protein-enriched filled; vegetable; soya; groundnut; ultrafiltration; and long-life paneer; and paneer curry. The application of brine, H2O2 and pimaricin, or use of heatsterilization, to improve the shelf-life of paneer, is discussed. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Technological perfection for buffalo milk cheddar cheese. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 77-81 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Singh, S; Kanawjia, S K Institution: Organization: Content : The use of biotechnology in enhancing and accelerating the process of ripening or developing the charaacteristic flavour of cheese made from buffalo milk is presented. Cheese production, problems associated with the buffalo milk cheese, development of a process for cheddar cheese manufacture, sensory characteristics of cheddar cheese made by different methods and biochemical changes in buffalo milk cheddar cheese are discussed. The need for an accelearted ripening of cheese as well as the methods in achieving it are also discussed in the paper. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Mechanised processing of Indian dairy products: Chhana, Paneer, Sandesh and Rasogolla. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 83-85 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Das, H 1019 Institution: Organization: Content : The quality enhancement of Indian dairy products such as chhana, paneer, sandesh and rosogolla through hygienic mechanized processing is described. Detailed production flowcharts are given and the production of these dairy products are discussed. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Milk production in India: perspective 2020. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(1): 25-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kurup, M P G Institution: Organization: Content : Prospects for improving cow and buffalo milk production in India are examined, under the general headings: Introduction; Macroeconomic dimensions; Constraints facing milk production; Infrastructure for milk production and institutional set-up; Technology upgradation[sic] and quality assurance; Prerequisites for milk production enhancement; and Productivity and production enhancement. Particular emphasis is placed on improving selection and AI programmes. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: XXX Dairy Industry Conference, Calcutta, India, 8-9 December 2000. Year of publication: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 155 AB: Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2000; 52(12): 155 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Institution: Organization: Content : All the topics centred on one theme, the "Paradigm Shift in Dairying - Its Impact on the Dairy Industry". The following topics are included: sustainable milk production and productivity enhancement to match global competition; cost effectiveness of milk production vis-a-vis quality; chracterization of a novel-sperm motility-promoting glycoprotein from buffalo blood serum; futuristic technologies for amelioration of processing efficiencies and product attributes; technological protection for buffalo; milk cheddar cheese; mechanized processing of Indian dairy products and systemic design of dairy equipments. Other topics are: spinning cone column technology for deodourization of milk, cream and UHT milk; packaging challenges of liquid milk; quality challenges for sustenance of Indian dairy sector and industry; turn around process to face quality challenges for sustenance of Indian dairy industry; shaping rural India through electronics, renewable nergy and IT solutions; compatibility of Indian dairy industry with the global market; milking the market; and World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Indian dairy industry. 1020 Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Fat rich dairy products from buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2001; 53(3): 17-25 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Gokhale, A J; Upadhyay, K G; Pandya, A J Institution: Organization: Content : The fat composition of buffalo milk and cow's milk is compared and the dairy products made from buffalo milk are presented. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Ayurveda and milk. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2002; 54(12): 37-38 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vatsyayan, R Institution: Organization: Content : This article discusses the benefits and uses of milk and curd based on the Ayurveda (India). Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Cost effectiveness of various Khoa manufacturing methods. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Dairyman 2002; 54(5): 29-33 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Solanki, D C; Samit Dutta; Bandyopadhyay, P Institution: Organization: Content : The study was conducted to study the cost of labour and utility of various conventional methods along with the mechanized Khoa manufacturing method. All trials were conducted using buffalo milk. Results showed that the mechanized system of Khoa manufacturing has advantages that could enable the Indian dairy industry to cater the demand of national as well as international markets. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Ghee: a traditional nutraceutical. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2002; 54(10): 67-75 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pandya, N C; Kanawjia, S K Institution: Organization: Content : Ghee is a pure clarified fat derived solely from either milk, desi (cooking) 1021 butter or cream. In India, cow or buffalo milk is used in ghee production. Different methods of production have different effects on the nutritional properties of ghee, which ultimately gives different health benefits upon consumption. The health benefits from ghee can be fundamentally categorized as, those that are obtained from consuming ghee as a food and those that are obtained by using ghee as a medicine. This article discusses the health benefits from ghee, like its anticarcinogenic effects, hypocholesterolaemic effects, and other beneficial effects. The method of ghee production and preparation are also presented. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Significance of protein polymorphism in milk processing. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2002; 54(12): 51-55 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sindhu, J S; Sumit Arora; Nayak, S K Institution: Organization: Content : This article discusses the importance of protein polymorphism in milk processing. Topics include the following: benefits of variant specific milk; protein polymorphism in buffaloes and zebu cattle; and the need for producing variant specific milk in India. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Make your solid not fat (SNF) calculations easy. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2003; 55(4): 51-53 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sandhu, S S Institution: Organization: Content : The introduction of a new short form of solid not fat (SNF) chart in the Indian dairy industry and the modification of Richmond formula to accurately calculate buffalo milk fat percentage are discussed. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Milk production by forest dwellers: a case of Vangujjars of Uttranchal. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2003; 55(5): 49-51 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tanmay Samajdar; Mahesh Chander Institution: Organization: Content : The contribution of forest dwellers, such as the Vangujjars, on India's total milk production is discussed. Vangujjars reside in different parts of northern India; their livelihood depends totally on livestock rearing in forested areas. The Vangujjars of Uttaranchal (Uttar Pradesh, India) rear mainly buffaloes. 1022 Moves by the private sector to provide education and training to the Vangujjars in scientific milk production, in order for them to have sustainable lives in their areas, are described. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: XXXII Dairy Industry Conference, Chandigarh, India, March 79, 2003. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Dairyman. 2003; 55(3): 172 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Institution: Organization: Content : This issue of Indian Dairyman comprised the papers presented in the 11 technical sessions as well as those presented in the poster session of the 32nd Dairy Industry Conference. The macro and micro issues connected with positioning Indian dairying globally are deliberated, leading to the formulation of the final recommendations. Topics included in the 11 technical sessions are global image building, research and product development, international competitiveness in manufacturing and production system, building brand equity and promoting trade ethics, policy and regulations influencing milk producers, emerging issues in Indian dairying, global challenges faced by small holders and commercial milk producers, dairying in Asia and Africa, and policy imperative for building India's global dairy positioning. The following are discussed during the poster session: rheological properties of phosphorylated buffalo whey protein concentrate, role of probiotics in antibiotic-treated patients, calcium fortification of milk using calcium chloride, antioxidative activity of Lactobacillus spp., physicochemical quality of whole milk powder stored in tins and HDPE bags, quality of raw milk analysis on bactoscan and somatic cell count, antimicrobial drugs in milk from Southern India, evaluations of serological test procedures used to diagnose brucellosis in cattle, process standardization for production of low cholesterol khoa and khoa powder, standardization of a method for preparation of value added dairy-based confectionery product and probiotic dahi, development of a method for preparation of yoghurt and production of rossogolla with maximum sponginess, milk production scenario in India, need to strengthen marketing, effects of subsidies on prices of milk and milk products under World Trade Organization (WTO) regime, development of high therapeutic value added spiced buttermilk from yoghurt and bio-yoghurt fortified with fibre, compositional and physicochemical characteristics of crossbred cow milk with low SNF, progeny testing of crossbred bulls under field conditions, effect of various cooling rates on cryopreservation of Murrah buffalo semen in tris- and milk-based extenders, effects of feeding probiotic acidophilus milk on gastrointestinal microflora of tribal children, and pesticide residues in milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Seasonal variations in buffalo milk production in Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics. 2002; 57(2): 235-240 1023 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Prasad, D S Institution: Organization: Content : This paper examines seasonal variations in milk production of selected buffalo breeds (local, graded, and Murrah) in Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India, and suggests suitable measures to stabilize milk yields in different seasons. Primary data were obtained from 240 milk producers in the study area. The reference period for the study was 1990-91. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Modification of buffalo milk with two stabilizers for sandesh making. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 1999; 38(1): 51-55 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sen, D C; Rajorhia, G S Institution: Organization: Content : Among the 3 levels of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) used, sandesh samples made from milk with 0.08% CMC had the highest scores for body and texture (7.4) and overall acceptability (7.5). Incorporation of CMC at the same rate by weight of milk improved the yield of channa up to 3.0%. Similarly, sandesh samples made from milk treated with 0.05% guar gum secured maximum scores of 8.11 and 8.20 for body, texture and overall acceptability, respectively. Therefore, from the sensory scores of sandesh, it is concluded that the treatment of buffalo milk with guar gum produced better results than CMC, whereas, the control or untreated sandesh samples had the lowest ratings for body and texture including overall acceptability. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Quality of laboratory made cow and buffalo milk peda. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 1999; 38(2): 171-173 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ray, P R; Bandyopadhyay, A K; Ghatak, P K Institution: Organization: Content : Chemical, microbiological and sensory attributes of cow and buffalo milk peda were determined. The average TS, fat, protein, sucrose, lactose and mineral contents in cow milk peda were 83.75+or-1.25%, 23.83+or-0.85%, 15.86+or-0.15%, 29.32+or-1.10%, 14.67+or-0.55% and 2.46+or-0.02% respectively. Corresponding values for buffalo milk peda were 85.35+or1.03%, 31.74+or-0.93%, 16.79+or-0.12%, 21.54+or-1.53%, 15.83+or-0.38 and 2.87+or-0.01%. There was wide variation for standard plate count, yeast and mould count, and coliform count. Buffalo milk peda was slightly harder than cow milk peda. 1024 Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Comparative sensory evaluation of rasogolla made from cow and buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 2000; 39(1): 18-20 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Soumen Saha; Sen, D C Institution: Organization: Content : Rasogolla prepared from both cow and buffalo milk were compared on the basis of sensory evaluation. The sensory evaluation was done by a panel of six judges for appearance and colour, odour, body and texture and taste. It was noted that out of total score of 100, rasogolla made from cow milk (CM) and buffalo milk (BM) obtained scores of 83.5 and 70.33, respectively. In both cases chhana balls were cooked for 25 minutes in 500 brix sugar solution. Chemical composition of both CM and BM as well as rasogollas were were comparable. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Composition of milk yielding and young animals in dairies of central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Health. 2003; 42(2): 124-128 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tripathi, S C; Saraswat, B L; Singh, A K; Sharma, A K Institution: Organization: Content : The current status of milk production in Uttar Pradesh, India is presented. Data were obtained by surveying the milk producers in selected villages [date not given]. It was shown that the composition of milking animals shifted from cows to buffaloes irrespective of area. The overall mean cow and buffalo rearing was 14.79 and 62.54%, respectively. Urban dairy owners were not maintaining dry and long parturition animals for regular want of milk. Purebred animals were very few, and owners generally kept graded and nondescript animals because of their easy availability. The mortality of young animals was very high, particularly in urban dairies. This might be due to diseases, but were mainly because of poor management practices. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of fermented skimmed milk incorporation into buffalo milk on quality of reduced-fat paneer. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2000; 70(6): 628-631 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sanyal, M K; Yadav, P L Institution: Organization: Content : 1025 Reduced-fat paneer (RFP) was prepared from partially lipolysed buffalo milk (2% fat, 9% SNF) with 0.25% added sodium chloride after separately adding 0 (i), 2.5 (ii), 5.0 (iii) and 7.5% (iv) cultured skim milk (CSM) to milk prior to coagulation. Addition of (ii), (iii) and (iv) CSM to milk increased the yield of RFP by 3.65, 5.88 and 8.39%, respectively, over and above that of control (i). Level of CSM significantly affected yield, moisture, fat, protein, flavour, and body and texture of RFP and amount of coagulant used and also significantly influenced recovery of solids, colour and appearance of the products. Sensory quality of raw and fried and cooked RFP was good for (i) and (ii), and poor for (iv), while that of (iii) was fair in raw form and good upon frying and cooking. Addition of 2.5% CSM to milk is recommended for making a good quality RFP with increased yield. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of milk protein modification on some physico-chemical characteristics of fresh cheddar cheese made from buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2002; 72(8): 715-717 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Reddy, K V N; Bhat, G S; Kempanna, C Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of enzymatic modification of milk protein on some physicochemical characteristics of cheese made from buffalo milk was compared with those of cheese made from cow milk. The effect of milk protein modification on rennet clotting time, yield and hardness of buffalo milk cheese was also studied. Rennet clotting time decreased significantly in protein modified milk. There was no significant difference in the yield and composition of cheeses made from modified and control milk samples. Hardness of cheese as measured by rate of penetration were 67, 50, 60 and 73, respectively, for cow milk, control and modified buffalo milk cheese using immobilized and free neutrase enzyme. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Factors influencing major milk constituents in Murrah buffaloes. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2003; 73(1): 107-109 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Bhonsle, D; Chourasia, S K; Mohan Singh; Jain, R K Institution: Organization: Content : The overall fat percentage was 6.6+or-0.031% (average); the differences among seasons, stage of lactations and parities were statistically significant. Higher fat content was observed during spring (7.205) and lower (6.318) during autumn. The results also revealed that fat percentage of late lactation was significantly higher compared to early or mid-lactation. Fat content increased from 1st to 5th parity. The average value for solids not fat (SNF) was 10.183+or-0.055%. SNF percentage was higher during winter followed by autumn and spring. This finding indicated that like fat, SNF is influenced 1026 by non-genetic sources like climatological variations and management. The total solids (TS) percentage was 16.840+or-0.034; the differences due to season, stage of lactation and parity were significant. Overall mean protein content was 4.226+or-0.018%. Significantly higher protein content was observed during winter (4.317+or-0.029). Protein content also differed significantly among the stages of lactation and parity. Higher levels were observed during earlier and later stages of lactation; lower levels were observed during mid-lactation. The least squares mean values for parity ranged from 3.990+or-0.039% (1st parity) to 4.444+or-0.039% (5th parity). The lactose level was 5.029+or-0.37%. Highly significant and negative correlation was found between fat content and SNF (0.438), whereas significant and positive correlation was observed between fat and TS (0.04) and fat and protein (0.170). The correlation between SNF and TS (0.569) and SNF and lactose (0.148) were positive and highly significant. There was a positive and significant (P<0.05) correlation between protein and lactose. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Relationship of serum zinc and copper status with somatic cell count in buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(1): 54-55 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tuteja, F C; Anshu Sharma; Kapur, M P; Mehta, S C; Lal, D Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the serum zinc and copper status in different types of mastitis and their relationship to somatic cell count of milk in buffaloes (India). Results showed that mean serum zinc and copper concentrations in all the non-clinical mastitic groups did not vary significantly in buffaloes. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ascorbic acid or sorbitol on microbiological and sensory characteristics of buffalo meat. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 2004; 74(8): 899-901 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Uday Saha; Murthy, T R K Institution: Organization: Content : The study evaluates the possibility of extending the microbiological and colour shelf life of buffalo meat by using 1% EDTA (pH 5.8-6.1), 1% EDTA+1% ascorbic acid (E+A) (pH 3.8-4.0) and 1% EDTA+2% sorbitol (E+S) (pH 6.0). All the treated samples showed significantly lower microbial counts than the control during refrigerated storage. The colour and the microbiological shelf life of E+A treated samples increased by 5 days compared with the control at refrigeration temperature. 1027 Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of various heat processing treatments on vitamin C content in buffalo and cow milk. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 1999; 10: 113-116 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajan Sharma; Darshan Lal Institution: Organization: Content : The LTLT pasteurization, boiling (microwave as well as conventional) and inbottle sterilization of buffalo and cow milk resulted in the loss of total vitamin C ranging between 13.51 to 54.45%. Among the various heat processing treatments given to milk, losses of total vitamin C were least during pasteurization followed by microwave boiling, conventional boiling and inbottle sterilization. Losses of total vitamin C were relatively higher in cow than in buffalo milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Studies on the shelf-life of buffalo milk rosogolla in metallised polyester package. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 1999; 10: 38-43 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sur, A; Ghatak, P K; Bandyopadhyay, A K Institution: Organization: Content : A method was standardized for the manufacture of rasogolla from buffalo milk. Compositional analysis revealed that total solids, fat, protein, sucrose and ash were 44.83, 5.39, 6.32, 32.13 and 0.33% respectively. A gradual increase in syrup acidity, volatile fatty acidity and peroxide value and decrease in sodium chloride-soluble protein and sensory attributes were noticed with the increase in temperature and period of storage. The shelf-life of buffalo milk rasogolla in metallized polyester packaging was observed to be 14 days when stored at 30 degrees +or-1 degrees C and up to 28 days when stored at 7 degrees +or-1 degrees C. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Determination of fat in formalin preserved milk samples. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2000; 11: 138-141 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajan Sharma; Sarwar Institution: Organization: Content : The following study assessed whether treatment of formaldehyde-preserved composite raw buffalo and cow milk samples with proteolytic enyzmes (Rennin, Nutrase, Trypsin and Pronase) before the Gerber or Rose-Gottlieb test would facilitate fat separation and consequently result in the accurate 1028 estimation of fat. Both the Gerber test and Rose-Gottlieb method were found to give lower estimates of fat. Generally, enzymatic treatment did not improve the precision of the Rose-Gottlieb analysis of preserved milk samples. When homogenized milk was preserved with formaldehyde, enzymatic treatment also failed to give reliable and reproducible estimates of fat by both the Gerber and Rose-Gottlieb methods. An additional step of proteolysis achieved by incubating formaldehyde-preserved milk with pronase (50 mg/100 ml) for 30 min at 37 degrees C prior to fat estimation improved the ease and reliability of the Gerber but not the Rose-Gottlieb test. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Study on the quality of chakka made from the partial and full replacement of buffalo skim milk by sweet cream buttermilk. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2000; 11: 62-66 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Karthikeyan, S; Desai, H K; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : The influence of partial and full replacement of buffalo skim milk (BSM) by sweet cream buttermilk (SCBM) on the rate of syneresis, yield, quality and sensory aspects of chakka was studied. Five chakka samples including control (buffalo skim milk chakka) were prepared by replacing BSM with SCBM in different proportions. The curd samples were examined for rate of whey syneresis and the chakka samples were evaluated for chemical and organoleptic qualities. The rate of syneresis decreased significantly (P<less or =>0.05) as the level of replacement of BSM by SCBM increased and the control curd had the highest rate of syneresis. The average % yield, yield on dry matter and the recovery of total solids in chakka also decreased significantly with increased replacement of BSM by SCBM. A significant (P<less or =>0.05) decrease in total solids and protein contents, and an increase in fat content of chakka samples were observed with increases in the level of replacement. Chakka made from 50% replacement of BSM by SCBM had improved body with smoother texture and flavour, and no adverse effect on chemical composition. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: A comparative study of the quality of market and laboratory made burfi. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2001; 12: 32-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sarkar, K; Ghatak, P K; Bandyopadhyay, A K Institution: Organization: Content : Thirty five samples of burfi collected from different markets of Kolkata city and its suburbs, and 10 laboratory-made samples from each cow and buffalo milk were evaluated chemically, microbiologically and organoleptically. Market samples showed wide variations in the chemical, microbiological and 1029 sensory qualities. Overall quality of laboratory-made burfi prepared from buffalo milk was superior to that obtained from cow milk, as well as that collected from markets. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject:Calcium binding and solubilising abilities of caseinophosphopeptides isolated from neutrase hydrolysed caseins of cow and buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2002; 13(2): 43-47 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kumar, M D M; Jayaprakasha, H M; Bhat, G S Institution: Organization: Content : Caseinophosphopeptides (CPPs) were isolated from neutrase hydrolysed cow and buffalo milk whole casein. The yield of CPPs obtained at extensive hydrolysis (10% degree of hydrolysis) of cow and buffalo milk whole casein were 12.45 and 12.75%, respectively, whereas relatively lower yields were obtained at lesser degrees of hydrolysis. The calcium-binding ability of CPPs correlated well with the extent of hydrolysis of whole casein. The CPPs obtained by extensive hydrolysis of casein could show calcium-binding ability of about 0.4 mg per mg of CPPs. The calcium solubilizing ability of CPPs depended on the extent of hydrolysis of whole casein, as well as calcium ion concentration. Maximum calcium-solubilizing ability was observed at an added calcium concentration of 8, 10 mg and 12 mg per mg of CPPs obtained from whole casein hydrolysed to 3, 5 and 10% degree of hydrolysis, respectively. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of butylated hydroxy anisole on the stability of fat soluble vitamins in ghee during heating. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2002; 13(1): 35-42 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Samit Dutta; Darshan Lal Institution: Organization: Content : Stability of fat soluble vitamins (A, D and E) in buffalo ghee in the presence of the antioxidant, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) at three concentrations, viz., 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% by weight, in relation to thermal oxidation at 150, 175 and 200 degrees C was studied. Ghee samples containing BHA exhibited slower rates of peroxide development as compared to control. A progressive decrease in the content of all the three fat-soluble vitamins was observed during heating, the decrease being slow at lower temperatures (150 and 175 degrees C). Addition of BHA improved the stability of fat soluble vitamins during heating of ghee, increased the concentration of antioxidant in ghee, and decreased vitamin losses. Among the three fat soluble vitamins studied, vitamin D was most stable during heating, followed by vitamin E and vitamin A. 1030 Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Mechanization and process innovation of paneer making - a review. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2002; 13(2): 10-17 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Makhal, S; Bhavana Vashishtha; Shashi Prabha; Sen, D C Institution: Organization: Content : In recent years following a spurt in the production and consumption of paneer, there is a need for mechanization and innovations in paneer technology. With the increased scientific interest in paneer production due to its nutritional and economical importance, endeavours have been made on the mechanization and diversification of paneer-making with an aim to produce paneer on an industrial scale and to reduce its cost of production so that it can be made available to all segments of the population. Mechanization of paneer-making using the centrifugal process, ultrafiltered milk and in-package texturization concept has been developed. Process innovations in paneer manufacture such as use of buttermilk, caseinate-enriched milk, buffalo milk blended with whey solids, low fat milk, recombined milk, reconstituted milk, soya milk, coconut milk, milk fortified with vegetable fat, among others, have been discussed. New concepts and mechanized methods are being explored for lateral diversification of paneer-making. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Development of low-fat spread from safflower milk blended with buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2002; 13(2): 60-64 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Deshmukh, M S; Patil, G R; Sontakke, A T; Mitkari, K R Institution: Organization: Content : Good quality low-fat spread can be prepared from safflower and buffalo milk blend (50:50) with the addition of 1.5% common salt, 1.0% emulsifier and 10.0% ripened cheese and pH adjusted to 5.5. The resultant low-fat spread scored 8.11 for colour and appearance, 8.51 for flavour, 8.35 for body and texture, 8.21 for spreadability and 8.15 for overall acceptability on a 9-point Hedonic scale indicating high acceptability of the product. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Influence of ascorbic acid fortification and removal of oxygen on the stability of water soluble vitamins in buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2002; 13(1): 53-58 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Rajan Sharma; Darshan Lal Institution: 1031 Organization: Content : The influence of the fortification of buffalo milk with ascorbic acid at 400 mg/litre and removal of oxygen on the stability of water-soluble vitamins in milk during in-bottle sterilization and subsequent storage at 30 degrees C was studied. The losses of folic acid and vitamin C during in-bottle sterilization of buffalo milk and subsequent storage can be reduced either by removal of dissolved oxygen or by fortification of milk with ascorbic acid. The losses of thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 in milk during processing and storage were independent of the fortification of milk with ascorbic acid as well as removal of dissolved oxygen from the milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Manufacture of sapota-pulp burfi. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy and Biosciences. 2003; 14(1): 23-27 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Wakchaure, S K; Patange, U L; Karanjkar, L M; Khandare, NO Institution: Organization: Content : Interest in blending of milk with fruits to formulate cheaper and tasty milk based products is on the rise. In this study attempt has been made to standardize a formulation for the preparation of milk sapota (Achras sapota) burfi in India. Burfi was prepared from buffalo milk blended with sapota pulp at 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% by weight and compared with traditional burfi for sensory and chemical quality. Burfi prepared from 5% sapota milk blend was similar in acceptance to traditional burfi, but use of sapota pulp beyond 7.5% adversely affected overall acceptance. Increase in sapota pulp content was observed to increase the moisture content and decrease the carbohydrate content of burfi. The shelf life studies indicated that the superior blend of 5% sapota pulp remained acceptable for 4 days at room temperature (~30 degrees C). Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Calcium and magnesium ions activity in milk as influenced by processing treatments. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 1999; 52(5): 315-319 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Vandana Sharma; Sindhu, J S Institution: Organization: Content : Composite milk samples of buffalo, zebu and crossbred cattle were analysed to determine the calcium and magnesium ions (free Ca++ and Mg++) activity. The effect of heating, cooling and holding, concentration and homogenization on the calcium and magnesium ions activity in buffalo milk was also determined. The concentration of ionic calcium in mM/litre of milk was 4.19, 4.69 and 4.67 in buffalo, zebu and crossbred cows respectively. The ionic 1032 magnesium was higher in buffalo (2.16 mM/litre) than in zebu (1.29) and crossbred (1.09) cows. Pasteurization and preheating of buffalo milk caused a considerable decrease in the ionic calcium and magnesium, while cooling and holding at 4-6 degrees C for 24 and 48 h, concentration (2:1) and homogenization caused a considerable increase in the activity of these ions. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Optimisation of the processing parameters for manufacture of paneer from filled milk. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 1999; 52(6): 346-350 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Roy, S K; Singh, S Institution: Organization: Content : Paneer was made using filled milk (buffalo skim milk + vegetable oils). Homogenization did not yield an acceptable product. The use of a domestic mixer as well as a centrifugal pump were satisfactory for proper blending of vegetable oils and skim milk. Out of the 3 oils used, hydrogenated vegetable oil and groundnut oil were equally good, while soya oil resulted in an unacceptable product. Effect of fat level (3.5, 4.5 and 5.5%) revealed that the higher the fat level in filled milk, the better the product. A final heating temperature of 90 degrees C (without holding) was the most suitable for the manufacture of paneer. A lower final heating temperature (<80 degrees C) resulted in a product with poor consistency. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Biochemical changes in buffalo milk Cheddar cheese as affected by the incorporation of goat milk and goat milk fat fractions. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(1): 19-25 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sumit Arora; Rai, T Institution: Organization: Content : Goat milk fat was fractionated into liquid and solid fractions at 24 degrees C, and was incorporated into buffalo milk to improve the quality of resultant cheese. Addition of either goat milk or its fractions to buffalo milk resulted in lowering the initial pH but increasing the final pH of the cheese. Goat milk had a stimulatory effect whereas its fat fractions slowed down the changes in titratable acidity during ripening. Significant improvement in degree of proteolysis in buffalo cheddar cheese was brought about by incorporating goat milk, whereas the fat fractions slightly lowered proteolysis. Supplementation either with goat milk or goat milk fat fractions noticeably improved the lipolysis in buffalo cheddar cheese and also improved its flavour, body and texture. It is suggested that the addition of goat milk liquid fat fractionswas more effective than using goat's milk for improving the quality of buffalo cheddar cheese. 1033 Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Detection of non-starter lactic acid bacteria in milk and milk products. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(1): 67-70 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nageswara Rao, K; Malik, R K; Mathur, D K Institution: Organization: Content : 25 different milk and milk products (5 buffalo raw milk, 2 cream, 3 dahi and 15 Cheddar cheese samples) were analysed for the presence of non-starter lactic acid bacteria belonging to the genera Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc and Pediococcus. Of the 1030 colonies examined from Rosga (SL) acetate agar plates, 885 were lactobacilli (85.9%), 100 leuconostocs (9.7%) and 45 pediococci (4.4%). The lactobacilli predominated over the other 2 genera in all the products. Pediococci were absent in cream and dahi samples. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Restoration of buffalo milk constituents during mastitis treatment with tri-sodium citrate. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(4): 323-325 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dhillon, K S; Sudarshan Singh; Varindra ; Singh, T J Institution: Organization: Content : Ten well-nourished high-yielding buffaloes maintained for domestic milk production, but suffering from mastitis were each orally treated with 15 g trisodium citrate in 250 ml water, once a day until milk pH returned to the 6.5 level. As a result of treatment, total proteins and lactose in milk increased to 32.88 and 50.02%, respectively (P<0.05). There was a highly significant increase in milk citrate to 130.77% (P<0.01). Milk fat increased by 48.1% (P<0.05), and milk pH ranged between 7.5-8.5 before treatment and dropped to the normal value of 6.5 upon recovery in all quarters. Of all the constituents, milk citrate displayed the greatest increase, indicating its vital role in milk synthesis. Oral administration of tri-sodium citrate replenished citrate deficiency in the animals, and resulted in the restoration of milk constituents. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of heating and chilling of recombine milk on fatty acid composition of fat globule membrane lipids. Year of publication: 2000 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2000; 53(3): 231-234 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Janbandhu, T J; Khedkar, C D; Ajit Singh Institution: Organization: Content : 1034 Recombine milk was prepared from anhydrous milk fat (butter oil), buffalo skim milk powder (spray dried) and water. The effect of heating and chilling on fatty acid composition of the fat globule membrane (FGM) lipids of recombine milk was studied. It has been observed that the progressive heat treatment (pasteurization, boiling and sterilization) caused remarkable changes in the concentration of total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of MFGM lipids isolated from recombine milk. On the other hand, chilling caused mild changes. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Protein enriched rasogolla. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2001; 54(6): 305-310 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Mathur, G K; Singh, V B Institution: Organization: Content : Protein-enriched rasogolla were manufactured using soyaprotein isolate, deoiled soyaflour and skim milk powder added to cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk and mixed milk. Maximum chhana yield was observed through the addition of 1.5% incremental protein in the form of deoiled soyaflour to various milk types. The protein content of rasogolla increased by 47%, as compared with the control, when 1.5% soyaprotein isolate was added to mixed milk. The sensory attributes of the protein-enriched rasogolla was comparable with the control. The results suggests new dimensions in the proteinenrichment of filled rasogolla and rasogolla analogues, by overcoming the reported beany flavour when soyamilk is used. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Ripening behaviour of buffalo milk cheddar cheese made with different whey draining acidities. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2002; 55(3): 136-141 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, H G; Upadhyay, K G; Pandya, A J Institution: Organization: Content : The whey acidity at running did not significantly (P<0.05) influence the pH, MNFS (moisture in non-fat substance), MI (maturity index), PTA-soluble N (phosphotungstic acid soluble nitrogen), TVFA (total volatile fatty acid) contents, flavour, body and texture and total score during the ripening of the experimental cheese. The period of ripening did not significantly influence MNFS and body and texture score of the cheese. In contrast, the pH, SM (salt in moisture), MI, PTA-soluble N and TVFA content increased progressively with age except for the sensory scores which increased up to 6 months of ripening only. Increase in values was significant throughout the ripening in the case of MI and TVFA, whereas, for others it was significant at some stages only. The highest flavour, body and texture and total score was noticed in D2, C and D2 cheese at 6 months of ripening. 1035 Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Preparation of Kheer from safflower milk blended with buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(4): 197-202 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Narwade, S G; Patil, G R; Sontakke, A T; Patil, R A Institution: Organization: Content : The preparation of Kheer from different proportions of safflower milk and buffalo milk with different levels of sugar, 6, 7 and 8%, was studied. It was observed that Kheer prepared from 75 parts buffalo milk and 25 parts safflower milk was closer to the control in terms of acceptability. The Kheer prepared from 50 parts buffalo milk and 50 parts safflower milk was also acceptable, wherein it scored between like moderately to like very much, for all the sensory attributes. Sugar at 8% was found to be the most acceptable level. The cost of production of Kheer from 50:50 buffalo milk: safflower milk blend was 28.72% lower than the control. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Physico-chemical characteristics of sodium caseinate prepared from roller dryer at different steam pressures. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2003; 56(1): 54-55 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, H K; Singhal, R S; Kulkarni, P R Institution: Organization: Content : Sodium caseinate is mostly prepared by spray drying technique. Since the viscosity of sodium caseinate solutions is relatively high at moderate concentrations, the drying costs are also relatively higher. An alternative method for the manufacture of sodium caseinate is the roller drying technique. In the present investigation, some important physical and functional properties of sodium caseinate prepared from buffalo milk casein have been determined at different steam pressure using roller drier. The moisture content was found to vary from 6.92 to 5.82, 4.98, 3.91 and 3.0 at 13 to 16, 19, 23 and 26 psi steam pressure, respectively. Change in other parameters, like fat, protein, ash and lactose percent, were also observed at different steam pressure. The packed and loose density were found to be in the range of 0.380 to 0.287 and 0.310 to 0.241 for 13 to 26 psi steam pressure, respectively. The flow behaviour index and viscosity were not changed with the pressure. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Bronopol as milk sample preservative-effect on composition and physicochemical properties of cow and buffalo milk samples. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(4): 276-278 AB: Country of Origin: India 1036 Author’s name: Radha, K; Sathian, C T; Mukundan, M Institution: Organization: Content : Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitro-1, 3 propanediol) at 0.1% concentration was evaluated as a milk sample preservative. Cow and buffalo milk samples preserved with bronopol could be stored for 24 and 16 days at room temperature, respectively. No significant change was noticed in the fat, total solids and solids not fat percentages of both cow and buffalo milk samples. An increasing trend was observed in titratable acidity from day 0 to the last day of storage. Furthermore, this study revealed the short-term preservative effect of bronopol and its suitability for both conventional and instrumental methods to estimate fat percentage. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of sequence of homogenization on the quality of Basundi. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(3): 163-166 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, H G; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : This study was conducted to determine the beneficial effects of homogenization on the manufacture of basundi, an indigenous milk product from western India. Buffalo milk and/or its concentrate was homogenized at 75 kg/cm2 pressure and 65 degrees C temperature. The treatments comprised of no homogenization (control) and homogenization of milk after fore warming but before concentration and homogenization of basundi, which was prepared using previously standardized processes. It was shown that homogenization did not affect the composition of basundi except its ash content. The free fatty acids (FFA), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), viscosity and insolubility indices and organoleptic properties were significantly affected by homogenization. In conclusion, homogenization after concentration of milk could be advantageous for improving the viscosity of the product, with low browning and superior organoleptic characteristics and no adverse effect on the composition of basundi. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of tertiary butyl hydroquinone on the stability of fat soluble vitamins (A, D and E) in buffalo ghee during heating at high temperatures (150-200 degrees C). Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(1): 12-16 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dutta,S; Darshan Lal Institution: Organization: Content : The stability of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D and E) in buffalo ghee in the presence of tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), a synthetic diphenolic 1037 antioxidant, at three concentrations, viz., 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 percent by weight, during continuous heating at 150, 175 and 200 degrees C was investigated. Addition of antioxidant to ghee imparted considerable protection to ghee against thermal oxidation at lower temperatures of heating (150 and 175 degrees C) as assessed by the peroxide value. At 200 degrees C, the protection provided was less. Higher concentration of the antioxidant resulted to lesser peroxide development. During continuous heating, a progressive decrease in the content of all the three fat soluble vitamins was observed, the decrease being more at higher temperature of heating (200 degrees C). Addition of TBHQ considerably reduced the losses of fat soluble vitamins during heating at 150 and 175 degrees C but at 200 degrees C, the beneficial effect observed was less. Higher concentration of the antioxidant in ghee resulted to greater stability of the vitamins. Among the three fat-soluble vitamins studied in ghee, vitamin D was the most stable to heat, followed by vitamin E and vitamin A. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Heat stability of buffalo milk - a review. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(3): 153-162 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pandya, A J; Acharya, M R; Goel, B K; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : Cow milk is considered as a better raw material than buffalo milk because of its ability to withstand high temperatures involved in the production of concentrated milks, whereas buffalo milk poses various problems, particularly lower heat stability during the manufacture of concentrated milks. Research workers have tried their best to improve the heat stability of buffalo milk. This review highlights the research carried out on various aspects of heat stability of buffalo milk, such as pH, stage of lactation, season, compositional makeup, additives, processing treatments e.g. preheating, concentration, homogenization, etc.; possible causes for poor heat stability of buffalo milk and measures suggested for its improvement, so that buffalo milk can be utilized for the manufacture of concentrated milks. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Lipid composition of skim milk membranes isolated from buffalo milk during different seasons. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2001; 54(1): 9-13 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, K C; Jatinder Singh; Sudarshan Singh Institution: Organization: Content : The composition and properties of skim milk membrane lipids in buffalo milk during different seasons (3 buffaloes per season) were analysed. The protein to lipid ratios were 3.17, 4.7 and 3.34 during summer, monsoon and winter, respectively. The total neutral lipids and phospholipids were almost similar 1038 during summer, monsoon and winter. Triglycerides (TG) constituted the major fraction of neutral lipids, followed by diglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol, monoglycerides and cholesteryl esters during these seasons. The proportion of high melting (HMW) and low melting (LMW) TG were slightly higher during summer than monsoon and winter seasons. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin constituted the major phospholipids followed by phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol. The fatty acid distribution in total lipids of skim milk membranes revealed that C16:0 and C18:1 were the major fatty acids during these seasons. The other fatty acids detected in increasing order were C20:4, C10:0, C12:0, C14:1, C16:1, C18:0 and C14:0 during summer and monsoon, and C10:0, C12:0, C14:1, C20:4, C16:1, C18:0 and C14:0 during winter. The proportion of total saturated fatty acids were comparatively higher during monsoon than summer and winter. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Role of naturally occurring milk thiocyanate on activation of lactoperoxidase system. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(3): 177-180 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sharma, A D; Pailan, G H Institution: Organization: Content : Cattle and buffalo fed mustard cake (MSC) and groundnut cake (GNC)containing diets, for achieving varying levels of thiocyanate content in their milk, were evaluated for storage quality of milk at 30 degrees C. The milk samples were treated with 15 ppm H2O2 or 25:15 ppm SCN: H2O2 for activation of the LP-system. The storage quality of milk was tested on the basis of titrable acidity, clot on boiling test and methylene blue reduction test. The storage quality of LP-treated raw cow and buffalo milk was found to be extended by 6-8 h, in comparison to untreated milk. Naturally, occurring thiocyanate present in the milk activated the LP-system due to addition of 15 ppm H2O2, and therefore increased the storage quality of milk. Feeding of MSC-containing diet increased the milk thiocyanate content, which had some positive influence on the storage quality of raw milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Substitution of milk solids by sweet cream butter milk solids in the manufacture of Basundi. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(4): 272-275 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, H G; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : Sweet cream butter milk (SCBM), a byproduct of the butter industry, resembling skim milk except for its source and lower total solids content can serve as an alternate cheaper source of milk solids in the manufacture of the 1039 product. To ascertain whether it could serve the purpose, SCBM solids at 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels were used for replacing buffalo milk solids in the manufacture of basundi. Substitution of buffalo milk solids at all levels studied had no marked adverse effect on any major compositional attributes of basundi, except for a significant decrease in the lactose and ash contents. However, it adversely affected the physicochemical properties such as free fatty acid (FFA) and hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) contents, resulting to an adverse influence on its acceptance as well as shelf life. No substitution levels influenced any of the organoleptic properties. Therefore, keeping the level of substitution of buffalo milk solids with SCBM solids well below 25% was found to guard against adverse effect on these properties. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Standardization of processing parameters for the manufacture of Basundi - pre-heating of milk. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2004; 57(2): 89-93 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Patel, H G; Upadhyay, K G Institution: Organization: Content : The raw buffalo milk, fresh or chilled (stored overnight at 5+or-1 degrees C), was divided into three lots and subjected to preheating prior to concentration. The preheating treatment was studied taking raw standardized milk as control and other two treatments comprised of heat treating the milk at pasteurization (63 degrees C, 30 min) and forewarming (90 degrees C, 10 min) temperatures. These milks were further processed to get Basundi employing the process parameters standardized previously. The products obtained were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, ash, SNF, sucrose, total solids, acidity, pH, FFA, HMF, water activity, specific gravity, viscosity, insolubility index and organoleptic attributes, viz. colour and appearance, body and texture and flavour. It was observed that the preheat treatments studied did not alter major compositional attributes of Basundi made either from fresh or chilled milk. The most affected physico-chemical properties of Basundi were FFA, HMF, viscosity and insolubility index. Chilling of milk soon after receipt and thereafter processing minimized the extent of changes. However, organoleptic evaluation revealed that milk either fresh or chilled, forewarmed at 90 degrees C for 10 min. yielded a superior product owing to development of optimum viscosity and pleasant cooked nutty flavour. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of souring and neutralization on browning index of milk. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(5): 337-340 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Haresh Tharwani; Darshan Lal; Vivek Sharma Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of souring and neutralization on the development of browning in 1040 cow and buffalo milks during sterilization heat treatment (15 psi for 15 min) was studied. It was shown that in general, buffalo milk developed more browning during heating than cow milk when fresh, soured and neutralized (pre- and post) milk samples were compared. Souring of both cow and buffalo milk at 37 degrees C studied up to 9 h showed an increase in the acidity with a corresponding decrease in pH and concomitant decrease in browning index upon sterilization. Pre- as well as post-neutralized milk samples developed higher browning than control (fresh un-neutralized) milk samples. When soured milk was neutralized, the browning development such milk during heat treatment was faster as compared to un-neutralized sour milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Preparation of whey based milk drink. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Dairy Science. 2005; 58(5): 321-325 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Anil Kumar; Tiwari, B D Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to use whey in the production of refreshing beverages, with the objective of developing suitable technology for the manufacture of whey-based dairy drinks. The drink was prepared by admixing 60, 70, 80 and 90% of Cheddar cheese whey (made from cow milk) and 50, 60 and 70% paneer whey (made from buffalo milk) with milk. However, paneer whey required neutralization before use in the beverage. Guar gum was added at 0.025, 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1% to improve the consistency of the drink. It was shown that the drink made by admixing 80% Cheddar cheese whey, 70% paneer whey and 0.075% guar gum yielded an acceptable whey-milk beverage. The paneer whey-based drink kept well up to 9 days of storage and the cheese whey-based drink also remained good for up to 6 days at refrigeration temperature. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: A comparative study on the quality of channa podo prepared from cow and buffalo milk. Year of publication: 1999 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 1999; 36(7): 353-356 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Dash, D K; Ghatak, P K; Amiya Das Institution: Organization: Content : Channa podo prepared from cow and buffalo milk was examined for its chemical and sensory quality. Channa podo made from cow milk was preferred to that made from buffalo milk. The former had a soft body, smooth texture, good slicing properties, brown colouration and slightly cooked flavour. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products 1041 Subject: A review on types of milk used for preparation, yield, chemical composition and quality attributes of paneer. Year of publication: 2001 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2001; 38(2): 64-72 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Agrawal, A K; Das, H Institution: Organization: Content : A review of published reports on the suitability of milk used in the manufacture of paneer is presented. The traditional method of preparing paneer is described. The attributes of cow milk and/or buffalo milk used in the preparation of paneer are compared. Paneer yield is examined and its chemical composition is briefly analysed. The textural properties of paneer as well as the effect of frying and cooking on its quality and acceptability are evaluated. It is concluded that the standardization of composition and textural qualities of paneer is urgently required. In addition, the production process should be modified in such a way that it would produce high quality paneer at a lower cost. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of coagulation temperatures and strength of coagulant used on the composition of paneer. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2002; 39(12): 548-550 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tariq Masud Institution: Organization: Content : The effect of coagulation temperatures and strength of coagulant on the quality and quantity of paneer (an indigenous (Pakistan) coagulated milk product prepared by the addition of organic acid to milk) prepared from buffalo milk. The coagulation temperatures affects the amount of coagulant required for completing the coagulation process. The coagulation temperature also affects paneer with respect to its yield, cost of production and sensory characteristics. Coagulation temperature of 85 degrees C is recommended for acceptable yield and recovery of maximum milk solids in paneer. Paneer made at 85 degrees C had the highest organoleptic evaluation scores. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins on reduction in antigenicity (allergenicity) and enhancement of nutritional quality of milk. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2002; 39(12): 533-540 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Pushpa, B P; Shobha, B; Bhat, G S; Jayaprakasha, H M Institution: 1042 Organization: Content : The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis and heat treatment on the antigenicity and allergenicity of casein and whey protein in cow and buffalo milk is discussed together with the effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the nutritional characteristics of skim milk protein. Boiling reduced the allergenicity of whey proteins but casein was found to be more stable. Enzymatic hydrolysis reduced the allergenicity of proteins by 68%. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Enhancement of shelf-life of buffalo milk burfi with sodium and potassium metabisulphites. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2003; 40(5): 174-178 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sarkar, K; Sikder, B; Ray, P R; Ghatak, P K Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to explore the possibilities of further extending the shelf life of buffalo milk burfi by using sodium meta bisulfite (Na2S2O5) and potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5). At 30+or-1 degrees C, the net decrease in moisture content in control, Na2S2O5 and K2S2O5 added samples were 21.24, 21.55 and 21.06%, respectively on the 20th day, whereas at 7+or-1 degrees C, the decrease was 24.49, 24.53 and 24.16%, respectively on the 50th day. The initial titratable acidity of treated samples (0.675 and 0.685%) was also higher than the control untreated samples (0.450%). The free fatty acid content increased with increase in storage period irrespective of temperature of storage. It is concluded that optimum period of shelf life acceptable for safe commercial exploitation can be obtained by storing buffalo milk burfi for 50 days at 7+or-1 degrees C using sodium or potassium metabisulfite as preservative without showing any perceptible defects in texture, organoleptic attributes, mould growth and chemical changes. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Enhancement of shelf-life of kalakand with food additives. Year of publication: 2003 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2003; 40(6): 212-217 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Ghatak, P K; Sarkar, K; Moulick, S; Ray, P R Institution: Organization: Content : A study was conducted to investigate the effect of addition of nisin and potassium metabisulfite on the shelf-life of kalakand. The titratable acidity (TA) in nisin- and potassium metabisulphite-treated kalakand and control samples was found to increase with the increase in storage period and temperature. The increase in TA was observed to be higher at 30+or-1 degrees C than at 7+or-1 degrees C. Free fatty acids (FFA) content of all samples 1043 stored at 30+or-1 degrees C increased more sharply than those at 7+or-1 degrees C, irrespective of additives added. Among the treated buffalo milk kalakand samples, nisin (0.03%) showed less increase in FFA content over potassium persulphite throughout the storage period at both storage temperatures. The change in tyrosine value observed was found to be more rapid in the product stored at 30+or-1 degrees C than at 7+or-1 degrees C, suggesting that the proteolysis was directly related to storage temperature. The increase in peroxide value was significantly higher in the case of control than the treated samples throughout the storage period but the extent of increase was higher at 7+or-1 degrees C. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of activation of lactoperoxidase system (LP-system) on the keeping quality of raw buffalo milk. Year of publication: 2005 Journal: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2005; 42(1): 30-37 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Tapre, A R; Kadam, P S; Agarkar, B S Institution: Organization: Content : Investigations were made to study the effect of LP-system on the keeping quality of local (Marathwadi) buffalo milk in a view to standardize the level of KSCN:H2O2, titratable acidity, bacterial activities and heat stability for preservation of raw milk. LP-system activated at 70:30 ppm level of KSCN:H2O2 had exhibited maximum preservation effect (12 h) with titratable acidity 0.181 per cent, antibacterial effect and heat stability both at 30 degrees C temperature which increased from 3 h to 7 h and 4 h to 12 h, respectively. LP-system has thus proved to be an effective alternative method for the preservation of raw milk where lack of cooling facilities exist in rural areas. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Chemical properties of colostrum of Purnathadi buffaloes. Year of publication: 2002 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2002; 79(11): 1164-1167 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Kadam, P M; Pingle, S S; Deshmukh, A B; Atkare, V G; Bidwe, K U Institution: Organization: Content : The physicochemical properties of colostrum of the Purnathadi buffalo, which is the prominent milch breed of Akola district, were studied. Colostral milk as well as normal milk samples from 11 buffaloes were analysed for protein, lactose, ash, total solids, fat, and specific gravity. The protein, fat, ash, total solids, and specific gravity decreased as the day advanced after calving in contrast to lactose and water content, which were increased. Variations in specific gravity, water, total solids, fat, protein, lactose, and ash were all significant (P<0.05). It is concluded that a reduction trend from colostrum to normal milk can be observed except for lactose and moisture content, which increases as the lactation period advances. Moreover, about 8 to 10 days 1044 period is required for change of colostrum to normal milk. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Screening for antimicrobial residues in milk by disc assay. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(12): 1400-1401 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Sushrut Arora; Daljeet Chhabra Institution: Organization: Content : A total of 105 raw milk samples (45 cow milk, 45 buffalo milk and 15 goat milk) were collected from dairies in Mhow and Indore, India. Bacillus subtilis disc assay was used to analyse the samples. Results showed that 25 (23.80%) of the samples (13 (28.89%) in cow milk samples, 11 (24.44%) in buffalo milk samples and 1 (6.67%) in goat milk samples) were positive for antimicrobial residues. Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Excretion of aflatoxin B1 into milk as M1 in cows and buffaloes. Year of publication: 2004 Journal: Indian Veterinary Journal. 2004; 81(3): 334-335 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Garg, M R; Murthy, T N; Bhanderi, B M; Sherasia, P L Institution: Organization: Content : Sixteen mutiparous lactating buffaloes and crossbred cows were fed 5.0 kg compounded cattle feed, 0.5 kg groundnut cake, 4 kg paddy straw and 12 kg green maize fodder for three weeks. All feeds and fodders were analysed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The compounded cattle feed and groundnut cake contained 20 and 274 ppb AFB1, respectively. Total intake of AFB1 was 235 micro g/animal/day. After two weeks, milk samples were collected for three consecutive days and analysed for AFM1. AFB1 excretion in milk as AFM1 of cows and buffaloes ranged from 2.06 to 4.65% and 0.95 to 2.27%, with an overall mean of 2.61+or-0.14% and 1.56+or-0.14%, respectively. AFB1 excretion in milk was significantly higher in cows compared to buffaloes (P<0.05). Specialization: Milk and Milk Products Subject: Effect of chemical phosphorylation on solubility of buffalo milk proteins. Year of publication: 2006 Journal: International Dairy Journal. 2006; 16(3): 268-273 AB: Country of Origin: India Author’s name: Nayak, S K; Sumit Arora; Sindhu, J S; Sangwan, R B Institution: Organization: Content : Buffalo milk proteins (casein, co-precipitate or whey protein concentrate) were phosphorylated with phosphorus oxychloride (POCl3) at three different 1045 pH values (5.0, 7.0 and 9.0). The solubilities of phosphorylated milk proteins were examined over the pH range 3.0-9.0 in water and ionic (0.1 M NaCl or 10-70 mm Ca2+) systems. The solubili