Enhancement of performance of farmed buffaloes pasture management and feed supplementation in Sabah, Malaysia

A buffalo-breeding farm run on an extensive grazing system without feed supplementation was selected for this study. Farm records between 2004 and 2011 were analysed for selected parameters, particularly calving rate, calving interval, average daily gain of calves and calf mortality. Following the analysis, interventions were implemented in January 2012, which included increase in pasture area from 399 to 441 acres followed by application of organic fertiliser. The selected breeder buffaloes were prepared for breeding by supplementing palm kernel cake-based feed at the rate of 1.5 kg/animal/day for two weeks before breeder males were introduced at the rate of one male to 20 females. Weaning age was reduced from six to three months. Prior to the intervention, proximate analysis of pasture revealed 7.6% crude protein content; approximately 79% of breeder buffaloes were found with a body score of >3; the average annual calving rate was 22%; the calving interval was 24±11.2 months; average daily gain of calves was 0.89±0.21 kg; the average birth weight was 28.31±3.26 kg; and calf mortality was 26.8±7.0%. Following intervention, proximate analysis of grass revealed 12% crude protein content. With feed supplementation, the percentage of breeder females with a body score of >3 increased to 95%, leading to an average annual calving rate of 50%. Average birth weight was significantly (p<0.05) improved to 35.4±5.39 kg, while the average daily gain was 0.95±0.32 kg. Subsequently, the average calving interval was reduced to 15.2±9.2 months. Similarly, calf mortality rate was significantly (p<0.05) reduced to 17.6±4.7%. In conclusion, improved management, particularly of pasture and feeding, significantly enhanced the performance of farmed buffaloes

Correlations between feed conversion efficiency, rainfall, nitrogen (N) application, and mobilised body energy (MELWL) of a cutand-carry feedlot cattle farming system at spt 16 Tawau, Sabah and implications for feedlot nutrient management?

Little is known about factors influencing pastoral systems in cattle production in Sabah. Metabolic energy budgeting (MEB) was introduced to assess feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of a cut-and-carry feedlot cattle farming system at SPT Tawau, Sabah and its correlations with rainfall, Nitrogen (N) application, and mobilised body energy (MELWL) were assessed. The results indicated that there is a trend that high farm rainfall, N application, and MELWL will improve FCE. The relationship, however, is complex where all three variables as well as the farm management procedures may act in synergy. High N application during low rainfall, for example, will not lead to high FCE, but when rainfall increases, the benefit of the N added will be apparent. High MELWL will lead to low FCE, but with nutrient correction (with supplement), the production cycle that has high MELWL may yield a better overall FCE. It is recommended that more research be done to establish farm management guidelines with better perspectives on N application, farm rainfall and pasture harvesting, as well as the understanding of the energetics and the role of dietary supplements on the recovery of body weight for improving beef production of the cut-and-carry feedlot cattle farming system in Sabah

Identification of bovine growth hormone (BGH) gene polymorphism using PCR-RFLP method in buffalo bulls

Growth Hormone (GH) is a single polypeptide chain synthesised and secreted from anterior pituitary gland by somatroph cells. The product of GH gene hastens metabolism and promotes the growth of many organs and tissues especially bone, muscle and visceral organs. It also regulates growth, mammary gland development and lactation. Polymorphism in this gene is associated with increase in growth and development of many tissues in the body. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene in buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) using the PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique. Design: Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 10 bulls, consisting of Murrah – Swamp crossbred and pure Swamp buffalo bulls. A The 446 segment of the bGH gene was amplified. The DNA amplicons were detected in 2% agarose gel following 45 minutes of electrophoresis. They were thereafter digesting with AluI endonuclease restriction enzyme, and the digested DNA were detected in 2% agarose gel following electrophoresis for about 45minutes in all samples Results: Similar bands of approximately 300 and 146-bp each, with no variation, were detected in 2% agarose gel following electrophoresis in all the animals tested. Conclusion: Based on the Alu1 digestion result, all samples produced the same allele of the gene, with no polymorphism detected

The Brahman Cattle Performances Through Genetic Improvement Program in Sabah, Malaysia

A greater understanding of livestock genetics is possible to increase reproductive rate and reduced generation interval of cattle. In Sabah, a genetic improvement program on Brahman cattle was initiated at Livestock Breeding Centre, Tawau using Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) with the collaboration with Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performances of the progeny from the Brahman cattle genetic improvement program in Sabah. There were 120 Brahman cows used in the breeding program. The cows were divided into five herds and each herd was mated with a single pedigree Brahman sire with known EBV. The average body weights of the male calves are heavier than the female calves at all stages of growth. The average weight of the male calves were 179.1; 203.2; and 259.1 kg and the female calves were 180.1; 197.6; and 246.4 kg at 200, 400 and 600 day respectively. The average age at first calving is 1290.8 days with ranges from 1190.9 to 1427.0 days. There was no significant different in the age at first calving among the heifers from all the sires. In addition, the time taken for the male calves to reach weight between 300 to 350 kg is on average 723.7 days and the average weight at that age was on average 316.67 kg. Indeed, the performances of the Brahman cattle using EBV technology in this study had shown big potential to be implemented in wider scale in Malaysia as to increase beef production

Synchronization of follicular development, oestrus and ovulation using oestradiol benzoate and progesterone in dairy cattle : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Veterinary Clinical Science) at Massey University

The aim of oestrus synchronisation in cattle is to achieve a close synchrony of oestrus and ovulation with high submission rates. The status of follicular wave development at the time of treatment has been responsible for a large portion of the variability in ovarian response to treatments employed. The control of oestrus and ovulation require firstly that the life span of the corpus luteum is reduced, and secondly that follicular wave emergence is synchronized so that a healthy, oestrogen active dominant follicle is present at the end of the treatment. A clinical trial was conducted to determine the effective dosage of oestradiol bezoate in combination with progesterone on follicular dynamics, oestrous behaviour and time of ovulation when treatment was administered intravaginally. Intravaginal treatment with 2 mg or 7 mg oestradiol benzoate and progesterone on day 3 of the oestrous cycle was effective in inducing atresia of the dominant follicle and a new cohort of follicles began to emerge, on average, 2.5 ± 0.93 days after treatment. However, the IBD Onsettl2TM drug adminstration device, failed to maintain the required progesterone output and plasma concentrations during the treatment period. This resulted in failure to synchronize oestrus and ovulation. IBD Onsett12TM, as a single application intravaginal drug delivery device for the purpose of controlling the oestrus cycle in cattle, was further evaluated in cycling and non-cycling cows and compared to the CIDR oestrus synchronization program. A total of 350 Friesian or Friesian cross cows in five herds were involved in the trial. The retention rate for the IBD Onsett12TM was significantly lower than the CEDR (65.12% vs. 99.44%, χ2 = 73.528, P = 0.001), and the synchronized conception rate from the CIDR protocol was significantly higher than the IBD Onsett12TM among cycling and non-cycling cows (χ2 = 15.087, P = 0.02). The IBD Onsett12 oestrus synchronization program was effective in inducing fertile synchronized oestrus in some cycling and non-cycling cows, but resulted in a low synchronized conception rate. Manipulation of follicular development and controlling the oestrous cycle length will synchronize oestrus more precisely and control the time of ovulation more exactly to allow a single fixed-time insemination. Controlling the time of new follicular wave emergence and synchronizing the follicular wave status in dairy cows at random stages of the oestrous cycle would provide a more practical and less variable method of synchronization than those of the past. A clinical trial was conducted to control both follicular development and luteal function. Twenty randomly cycling, non-lactating dairy cows were randomly assigned to two treatments; 1) 2 mg oestradiol benzoate injected intramuscularly and 200 mg of progesterone subcutaneously, 9 days before prostaglandin (500 μg cloprostenol) and a second injection of 1 mg oestradiol benzoate 24 hours after prostaglandin treatment (ODB, n = 10). 2) 10 μg busereiin injected 7 days before prostaglandin (500 μg cloprostenol) and a second injection of 10 μg busereiin 48 hours after prostaglandin treatment (GnRH, n = 10). An acute short-acting treatment with progesterone and oestradiol benzoate or busereiin was effective in inducing atresia of the dominant follicle. A new follicular wave emerged earlier in the GnRH treated group than in the ODB treated group (2.22±0.15 vs. 3.60±0.22 days, P = 0.001). An LH surge occurred earlier after a second buserelin treatment on day 9 than after a second oestradiol benzoate treatment on day 10 (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 22.80 ± 1.20 hour, P = 0.001). The mean time of ovulation after the second oestradiol benzoate or buserelin treatment was not significantly different between the ODB and the GnRH group (1.70 ± 0.30 vs. 1.56 ±0.18, P = 0.692). The proportion of cows that were observed in oestrus was higher in the ODB group than the GnRH group (100% vs. 55.6%, χ2 = 5.630, P = 0.018). In conclusion, progesterone and oestradiol treatment intravaginally or intramuscularlly was effective in synchronizing follicular wave emergence. Administration of oestradiol benzoate 24 hours after prostaglandin given 9 days after an initial progesterone and oestradiol treatment produced the oestrus synchrony, induced an LH surge and provide a degree of synchrony in the time of ovulation. This program showed potential in manipulating follicular development and luteal function and has the possibility allowing fixed-time insemination. However, the efficacy of the EBD Onsett12TM as a single application intravaginal drug delivery device to control the oestrous cycle or as progesterone-releasing device in cattle did not demonstrate satisfactory results when used in these trials. This might arise from the complexity of the drug delivery system. Nevertheless, the concept of delivering multiple drugs at different rates and times may have many benefits to the end user when current design and use problems arc resolved

Pasture management and supplemented feed enhanced the performance of farmed buffaloes in Sabah, Malaysia

A buffalo-breeding farm that practices extensive grazing system without supplementation was selected for this study. Farm records between 2004 and 2011 were analyzed for selected parameters, particularly the calving rate, calving interval, daily weight gain of calves and calf mortality. Following the analysis, interventions were implemented in January 2012, which included the increased in pasture area from 399 to 441 acres followed by application of fertilizer. The selected breeder buffaloes were prepared for breeding by supplementing palm kernel cakebased feed at the rate of 1.5kg/animal/day for 2 weeks before breeder males were introduced at the rate of 1 male to 20 females. Prior to the intervention, proximate analysis of pasture revealed 7.6% protein content, 79% of breeder buffaloes were with body score of >3, the average calving rate was 22%, the calving interval was 24±11.2 months, average daily weight gain of calves was 0.89±0.21kg, the average birth weight was 28.31±3.26kg and calf mortality was 26.8±7.0%. Following intervention, proximate analysis of grass revealed 12% crude protein. With feed supplementation, the percentage of breeder female with body score of >3 increased to 95% leading to an average annual calving rate of 50%. Average birth weight was significantly (p<0.05) improved to 35.15±5.39kg while the average daily weight gain was 0.95±0.32kg. Subsequently the average calving interval was reduced to 15.2±9.2 months. Similarly, the calf mortality rate was significantly (p<0.05) reduced to 17.6±4.7%. In conclusion, feeding intervention significantly enhances the performance of farmed buffaloes

Comparison of Cow’s Breed on the Morphology of Ovaries Collected from Abattoir

In vitro production (IVP) of embryos is one of the popular animal reproductive biotechnologies to enhance the genetic improvement of livestock. However, insufficiency of good quality oocytes has become one of the major constraints in producing embryos from IVP. Thus, a preliminary evaluation of ovaries could provide information for further experiment regarding IVP of cattle embryos. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the morphology of ovaries from different breed of cattle, including surface follicles and follicular health status. Thirty two (32) ovaries from Kedah-Kelantan breed and 32 ovaries from crossbred cows were collected from an abattoir in Taiping, Perak. Follicles visible on the surface of each ovary were counted and the weight, length and width of the ovaries were measured. The ovaries were then fixed and processed for microscopic evaluation, where the number of healthy and atretic follicles were counted. The mean ovarian weight, length, width and number of surface visible ovarian follicles of crossbred cows were found significantly higher (7.81 ± 0.61 g, 3.30 ± 0.09 cm, 2.31 ± 0.07 cm and 29.66 ± 2.32, respectively) compared to KedahKelantan cows (3.22 ± 0.33 g, 2.60 ± 0.08 cm, 1.80 ± 0.07 cm and 20.97 ± 2.04, respectively). The mean percentage of healthy follicles in the ovaries of Kedah-Kelantan and crossbred did not differ significantly (41.12 ± 5.24 and 48.61 ± 10.15, respectively). In conclusion, breed of cows had statistically significant influence on the surface follicles, but not significant in follicular health status. Further studies of breed factor on oocytes are required for successful IVP of cattle embryos

Effects of concentrate and bypass fat supplementations on growth performance, blood profile, and rearing cost of feedlot buffaloes

This study investigates the effects of supplementation of the basal diet with concentrate and rumen bypass fat on the dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, blood metabolites and hormonal changes, and the feeding cost of feedlot water buffaloes. Thirty-six healthy, three- to four-month-old male Murrah crossbred (n = 18) and Swamp (n = 18) buffaloes with a similar average initial body weight of 98.64 ± 1.93 kg were each randomly allocated into three dietary experimental groups. Buffaloes were fed with Diet A, which consisted of 100% Brachiaria decumbens, Diet B, consisting of 70% Brachiaria decumbens and 30% concentrate, and Diet C, consisting of 70% Brachiaria decumbens, 26% concentrate, and 4% rumen bypass fat for a period of 730 days. Feed intake was measured daily, while blood samples were collected for every eight months. Furthermore, body scores were noted prior to and at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that the average daily gain for buffaloes fed with Diet C was the highest. The DMI, BCS, FI, and FCR for the three groups showed significant (p Diet B > Diet A. At the end of the two-year feeding trial, buffaloes fed with Diet B had significantly (p < 0.05) higher cholesterol levels than Diet A and Diet C. In addition, buffaloes fed with Diet C had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of serum total protein, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-I hormone compared to Diet A and Diet B. On the other hand, buffaloes fed with Diet B and Diet C showed significant (p < 0.05) decrease in glucose levels. Supplemented diet improved the buffalos’ weight gain to achieve the market weight in a shorter period of time, thus, giving farmers a greater return. In conclusion, concentrate and bypass fat supplementations in the diet of water buffaloes improved the growth performance without adverse effect on the blood metabolites, which enabled better farmer profitability

The impact of feed supplementations on Asian buffaloes: a review

With the increase in the global buffalo herd, the use of supplementation in the ruminant feeding has become an important area for many researchers who are looking for an isocaloric and isonitrogenous diet to improve production parameters. In order to improve the performance of the Asian water buffalo, the optimal balance of all nutrients, including energy and protein, are important as macronutrients. Dietary supplementation is one of the alternatives to enhance the essential nutrient content in the buffalo diet and to improve the rumen metabolism of the animal. Researchers have found that supplementation of concentrate and rumen bypass fat could change growth performance and carcass traits without causing any adverse effects on the buffalo growth. Some studies showed that dry matter intake, body condition score and some blood parameters and hormones related to growth responded positively to concentrate and rumen bypass fat supplementation. In addition, changes of feeding management by adding the supplement to the ruminant basal diet helped to increase the profit of the local farmers due to the increased performance and productivity of the animals. Nevertheless, the effects of dietary supplementation on the performance of ruminants are inconsistent. Thus, its long-term effects on the health and productivity of buffaloes still need to be further investigated