Metabolic profile in growing buffalo heifers fed diet with different energy content

Aim of this study was to verify the relation among the mediators and indicators of nutritional status like insulin, glucagon, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides and total proteins in growing buffalo heifers, fed diets with different energy density. 12 Murrah heifers were randomly allocated into two dietary treatments (High, Group H; Low, Group L) that differed in energetic levels (Group H: 5.8 UFL/d; Group L: 3.6 UFL/d). Every 30 days, for a total of five times, blood samples were collected at 08.00 h, before feeding, from the jugular vein in vacutainer tubes and analysed to determine metabolic profile. Data on haematic constants were analysed by ANOVA for repeated measures with treatment as the main factor. Low energy availability and low NSC reduced the glucose and insulin and increased glucagone and urea blood levels. The increase of NSC in the diet of group H during the experiment may caused a reduction of the fibre digestibility after the period of adaptation of the rumen microflora and, as a paradox effect, suffered for an energetic lack with a subsequent activation of lipolysis and mobilization of their body reserves. Liver and muscular synthesis increase in group with a high energy availability

milk protein and cheese yield in buffalo species

Buffalo milk samples differing significantly for cheese yield values were analysed by 2D electrophoresis in order to outline a protein profile, with specific regards to k-casein fractions. Four buffaloes, two of which showing high cheese yield and two with low cheese yield selected from a group of 135 subjects were chosen for the proteomic analyses. Six main spots in 2D gels were recognized as αs1-, αs2-, β- and k-casein, α-lactoalbumin, β-lactoglobulin. The main visible differences in the 2D gels between buffaloes with high vs. low cheese yield were found in the appearance of the four k-casein spots (spots numbers:20, 19, 16, 18) which differ in the number of phosphorilation and glycosilation. The area and the intensity of the four spots were calculated by using Melanie II (Bio-Rad) software. Samples with high cheese yield showed higher value of the by-products: area x intensity of spot 16, correspondent to k-casein with one phosphorilation site, and lower values of spots 19 and 20, of k-casein with more than one phosphorilation site and glycosilated

Buffalo beef production.

The growing rate of 240 male buffaloes fed ad libitum a diet characterized by 0.9 MFU/Kg dry matter (DM), 14% CP and 38:62 forage:concentrate ratio (Diet A) was evaluated starting from a mean age of 148 (Group 1), 218 (Group 2), 302 (Group 3), 320 (Group 4), 374 (Group 5) and 596 (Group 6) days. Data were compared at the weight of 400 kg and at the age of 550 days, values that were reached by all the subjects. The earlier administration of Diet A increased daily weight gain and reduced DM intake/die and feed conversion index compared to late administration. This trial further confirms the importance of satisfying nutritional requirements during the first months of life in buffalo species, due to the fact that these animals are not able to show a compensative weight gain like bovines

Estimation of the intercalving period in Italian Mediterranean buffalo.

Aim of this study was to estimate the average intercalving period of a buffalo herd/population, by using the percentage of subjects that are able to conceive within 90 days post-partum, and that, consequently, have an intercalving period lower than 400 days, in order to give a precocious judgment on its fertility. A total number of 8,845 intercalving periods were recorded in 4 farms and 4 Provinces of Campania and Lazio Regions. In all the farms the out of breeding season mating technique was adopted and a constant diet was administered throughout the year. Values were grouped for primiparous and pluriparous buffaloes and were divided in four calving periods: January-March; April-June; July-September; October-December. Within each group/farm ANOVA was performed and the means were analysed by t Student test. In each group the mean value and the percentage of subjects with an intercalving period lower than 400 days (% < 400 days) were calculated and the regression analysis was carried out between the values of the intercalving periods and the % < 400 days. Finally, an all-in regression analysis was performed by using the data of 55 groups, excluding those with less than 25 values. The regression analysis between % < 400 days and the mean value of the intercalving period was always significant, except in one case. The comparison between the real values and those calculated allows to affirm that, if the percentage of subjects with an intercalving period lower than 400 days is higher than 50%, an intercalving period lower than 450 days will be probably recorded

Jenny behaviour during machine milking

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of machine milking on behaviour, milk production and milk quality of jennies. Four Martina Franca and four Ragusana jennies were used. Five jennies had no experience of machine milking (group NE), whereas other three had (group E). Milking was performed by a portable milking unit once a week from 20 to 140 days in milk and residual milk was dripped by hand. Before milking foals were separated from the mothers at different time intervals. The behaviours, recorded from the attachment to the removal of milking cluster, were step (foot lifted less than 15 cm off of the ground) and kick (raised more than 15 cm off of the ground, even if a clear kick was not visible). In addition, defecation, urination and vocalisation were recorded as a single behavioural activity, but this activity was observed so rarely that was not included in the statistical analysis. Duration of milking, milk yield and quantity of dripped milk were also registered. Data were analysed by using the mixed procedure of SAS with day of lactation as repeated factor, experience as non repeated factor and time of separation of foal as covariate. The jenny was considered random. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to determine the correlation between variables. The number of steps (1.29±0.56 vs 1.61±0.43 n/min; for groups E and NE, respectively) and kicks (0.34±0.26 vs 0.56±0.20 n/min; for groups E and NE, respectively) expressed by jennies during machine milking was very low. These variables along with duration of milking were not affected by experience (2.87±0.29 vs 2.94±0.22 min; for groups E and NE, respectively). Conversely, time of separation from foals had a significant influence on duration of milking and number of kicks (P<0.01). Duration of milking increased with the time of separation (r=0.294; P<0.01), whereas, even if not significantly, the number of kicks decreased as the time of separation from foals increased (r=-0.147). It can be concluded that jennies rapidly habituate to machine milking, although their behavioural response may be affected by the time of separation from foals

Milk protein and cheese yield in buffalo species

Abstract: Buffalo milk samples differing significantly for cheese yield values were analysed by 2D electrophoresis in order to outline a protein profile, with specific regards to k-casein fractions. Four buffaloes, two of which showing high cheese yield and two with low cheese yield selected from a group of 135 subjects were chosen for the proteomic analyses. Six main spots in 2D gels were recognized as alpha s1-, alpha s2-, beta- and k-casein, alpha-lactoalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin. The main visible differences in the 2D gels between buffaloes with high vs. low cheese yield were found in the appearance of the four k-casein spots (spots numbers:20, 19, 16, 18) which differ in the number of phosphorilation and glycosilation. The area and the intensity of the four spots were calculated by using Melanie II (Bio-Rad) software. Samples with high cheese yield showed higher value of the by-products: area x intensity of spot 16, correspondent to k-casein with one phosphorilation site, and lower values of spots 19 and 20, of k-casein with more than one phosphorilation site and glycosilated

Incidence of pregnancy failures in buffaloes with different rearing system

Abstract: During a three year trial, 380 corpora lutea were found in lactating buffaloes and the ratios of not pregnant buffaloes/corpora lutea (NP/CL) were analysed by chi-square test between: years (1999 vs. 2000 vs. 2001), days open (120 days; DO1 and D02 groups respectively), January March vs. April August calving periods, presence vs. absence of swimming-pool (G1 group us. G2 group respectively). Data were analysed by chi-square test. NP/CL ratios increased throughout the years (7.53%(A) vs. 26.32%(Bb) us. 41.73%(Bc) in 1999, 2000 and 2001 respectively) due to a progressive paddock overcrowding and were higher in D02 groups and during the January-March period. The swimming pool presence was able to reduce significantly the NP/CL incidence (18.01%(A) vs. 33.14%(B) in G1 and G2 groups, respectively) with a significant effect only in the April-August period (18.62%(A) vs. 34.96%(B) in G1 and G2 respectively). NP/CL ratio, as expression of anomalous oestrous cycle and embryonic mortality, may be proposed as a specific tool for evaluating buffalo welfare

Milk flow traits in Mediterranean Italian Buffaloes

The aim of this study was to analyze the milk flow pattern in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes in relation to parity and oxytocin administration. A total of 330 milk flow recorders were collected during morning and evening milkings by using an electronic milk flow meters (Lactocorder&reg;). Milk flow curves were examined and subject were divided according milk flow pattern in: normal pattern, bimodal pattern and &ldquo;double pattern&rdquo;. Data were analysed by using ANOVA and Chi square test. Total milk yield per milking was significantly higher (P<0.01) in pluriparous and consistent with the average DIM of 205 days. No differences in milk yield and maximum milk flow were found between the oxytocin groups while both parameters were higher in bimodal and double pattern groups compared to normal milk flow pattern. Lag time was higher (P<0.01) in oxytocin treated group and in normal vs the other two pattern groups. Length of main milking phase was higher in pluriparous, oxytocin treated group (P<0.01) and in bimodal vs the normal one (P<0.05) while double pattern showed the highest value (P<0.01). Percentage of bimodal milk flow was 13.7% while a double flow pattern was 12.4%. A higher percentage of double pattern was found in oxytocin treated buffaloes vs normal and bimodal ones (18.1% vs 8.1% and 7.5% respectively; P< 0.05) and in pluriparous vs primiparous (74.4% vs 25.6%; P< 0.05)

Milk flow traits in Mediterranean Italian Buffaloes

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the milk flow pattern in Italian Mediterranean Buffaloes in relation to parity and oxytocin administration. A total of 330 milk flow recorders were collected during morning and evening milkings by using an electronic milk flow meters (Lactocorder (R)). Milk flow curves were examined and subject were divided according milk flow pattern in: normal pattern, bimodal pattern and "double pattern". Data were analysed by using ANOVA and Chi square test. Total milk yield per milking was significantly higher (P<0.01) in pluriparous and consistent with the average DIM of 205 days. No differences in milk yield and maximum milk flow were found between the oxytocin groups while both parameters were higher in bimodal and double pattern groups compared to normal milk flow pattern. Lag time was higher (P<0.01) in oxytocin treated group and in normal vs the other two pattern groups. Length of main milking phase was higher in pluriparous, oxytocin treated group (P<0.01) and in bimodal vs the normal one (P<0.05) while double pattern showed the highest value (P<0.01). Percentage of bimodal milk flow was 13.7% while a double flow pattern was 12.4%. A higher percentage of double pattern was found in oxytocin treated buffaloes vs normal and bimodal ones (18.1% vs 8.1% and 7.5% respectively; P< 0.05) and in pluriparous vs primiparous (74.4% vs 25.6%; P< 0.05)

Ca and P in buffalo milk: curd yield and milk clotting parameters.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral milk content and its relationship with the cheese yield and the rennet coagulation properties, Ca and P content, total and soluble, was determined on 70 milk samples along with the physic-chemical composition, cheese yield and coagulation parameters. Total Ca and P contents were 170,57 +/- 14,41mg.dl(-1) and 145,34 +/- 26,87 mg.dl(-1),with a Ca/P ratio of about 1.2. Fresh cheese yield was on average 261.7 +/- 25.4 gr.l(-1) of milk and was influenced by both milk quality and Ca and P contents (R-2=0.82). The average rennet coagulation parameters had the following values: R = 14,20 +/- 3,82; K-20= 1,73 +/- 0,97 and A(30) = 46,01 +/- 8,81. R values was influenced positively (R-2=0.68) by milk pH, protein and fat content and negatively by the Ca/P ratio while shorter K-20 value were linked to low micellar Ca and higher soluble P (R-2=0.46). The A(30) was negatively influenced by milk pH, fat/protein ratio and positively by soluble Ca and P content and micellar P % (R-2=0.50)