Purpose of the Study: The use of calf sex-altering oral preparations (CSAOP) to increase female offspring can offer advantages in field applicability and affordability compared to other sex-manipulation techniques. The current study evaluated the effect of CSAOP (FemEXX®) on pregnancy rate and calf sex ratio in buffaloes. Methods: Parous buffaloes (N = 240) were selected and randomly divided into four groups (60 buffaloes per group). The groups received one of the following treatments: CSAOP alone, CSAOP combined with a special feed supplement, special feed supplement alone, or no treatment (control). At estrus, all buffaloes were bred naturally, and those in the CSAOP alone and CSAOP + special feed supplement groups were orally drenched with 300 mL of FemEXX®, 30 minutes after natural mating. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of treatment and other factors on pregnancy and female calf birth rates, and linear regression was applied for gestation length. Variables significant in univariable analysis were included in multivariable models, with statistical significance set at p< 0.05. Results: The overall pregnancy rate was 76.62%, and no significant difference in pregnancy rate was observed among treatment groups (p = 0.76). However, the proportion of female calves was significantly higher in the CSAOP (78.9%) and CSAOP with special feed (77.1%) groups than in controls (42.5%), with higher odds of female calf birth (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.68-12.78 and OR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.52-11.72, respectively). Pluriparous buffaloes had higher odds of producing female calves than primiparous animals (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.01-4.70). Gestation length did not differ among treatment groups but was shorter in female-bearing buffaloes (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion the use of CSAOP is effective in increasing the number of female calves without affecting pregnancy rate in buffaloes.

Dadih is a traditional, sustainable food made from fermented buffalo milk, passed down from generation to generation on the island of Sumatera for thousands of years. The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly increased demand for buffalo milk, including fermented buffalo milk/dadih in Sumatera due to its nutritional content. Until now, milk fermentation has been carried out using Bambusa verticillata bamboo tube containers. This fermentation process has varied consequences depending on the conditions of each bamboo. Furthermore, bamboo cannot be reused in making dadih, so efforts are underway to find alternative containers for producing dadih, including plastic containers with the addition of a starter culture. This study aimed to identify the optimal conditions for manufacturing dadih in plastic containers using bamboo dadih as the initial culture. The study utilised a factorial completely randomized design comprising two factors. The first factor was the fermentation period, which was 24 to 48 hours. The second factor comprised initial concentrations of 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%. At the beginning of the study, dadih was isolated to obtain a dominant culture, which was then purified and identified using the PCR 16S rRNA method-the study analysed chemical quality parameters, including pH, protein content, and total acid. In addition, it evaluated the biological condition by quantifying the overall number of bacterial colonies. The organoleptic characteristics were assessed based on aroma, color, texture, and taste. The PCR results showed that the dominant bacteria were Weissella cibaria. The pH levels across all treatments ranged from 4.53 to 4.62. Furthermore, the protein level decreased as the proportion of starter and the length of fermentation increased. In contrast, the overall acidity level rose as the proportion of starter and duration of fermentation increased. There was an interaction between the fermentation period and dadih concentration. The organoleptic test showed significant differences in texture and taste due to the treatment using a 3% starter and a fermentation time of 24 hours. The study results suggest that fermenting dadih in plastic containers with a 3% starter for 24 hours produces the most desirable organoleptic effects. The colony count of 2.4x108, which is dominantly by Weissela cibaria, indicates that the drink is classified as probiotic.

Abstract:Background: Buffaloes are integral to agricultural economies, particularly in regions that depend on them for milk production, labor, and income. However, their accurate visual identification in mixed-species environments, especially when co-existing with animals like elephants and rhinos, remains a technological challenge. Methods: This study explores deep learning-based image classification for species-specific buffalo detection using two convolutional neural network architectures: ResNet50 and EfficientNetB3. A balanced image dataset comprising four classes (buffalo, elephant, rhino, zebra) was curated, with training (80%) and validation (20%) splits. The models were fine-tuned using transfer learning, with custom dense layers added atop frozen base layers. EfficientNetB3 used higher-resolution inputs (300x300) and extensive augmentation, while ResNet50 operated on 300x300 images. Performance was evaluated using confusion matrices and key metrics, including validation accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, primarily focusing on buffalo classification. Results:ResNet50 achieved a validation accuracy of 47%, and EfficientNetB3 achieved 42%. However, ResNet50 misclassified buffaloes heavily, resulting in a buffalo recall of only 0.07 and an F1-score of 0.11. In contrast, EfficientNetB3 correctly classified 72 out of 200 buffalo images, achieving a buffalo recall of 0.36 and an F1-score of 0.32. These numerical results highlight EfficientNetB3’s superior ability to identify buffaloes accurately in complex visual contexts. Conclusion: EfficientNetB3 is more effective than ResNet50 for buffalo-focused image recognition tasks, offering higher sensitivity and precision in buffalo classification. This study supports the development of AI-powered species-specific monitoring tools, aiding in health tracking, ecological studies, and smart agricultural systems.

Background: The present study investigates the specificity of lectin binding in the nasopharyngeal tonsil of six healthy adult buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), a species not extensively studied regarding its immune system. Lectins, proteins that bind specifically to carbohydrates, are used to identify and characterize different cell types that may have roles in immune responses. This study explores how lectins bind to various cells within the nasopharyngeal tonsil, shedding light on cellular differentiation, interactions, and the potential functional roles of these cells in mucosal immunity. Methods: A total of 21 biotinylated lectins, grouped into five categories based on their carbohydrate specificity (N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, glucose/ mannose, and fucose), were used to probe the nasopharyngeal tonsil tissue. Lectin histochemistry was applied to identify the binding patterns of these lectins to different cell types within the tissue, including epithelial cells, lymphoid cells, and specialized structures such as M-cells and P-cells. The study also involved the detection of vimentin filaments to explore potential immune responses within the tissue. Results: Lectin histochemistry revealed a dynamic epithelial composition of the nasopharyngeal tonsil, consisting of pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium and lymphoepithelium, with distinct adaptations in the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE). The FAE exhibited M-cells, which are believed to play a role in antigen processing. Additionally, a new class of cells, termed P-cells, was identified based on their lectin-binding patterns, which share similarities with M-cells but are distinct in their function. Lectins targeting N-acetylglucosamine exhibited varying affinities for M- and P-cells, while lectins recognizing N-acetylgalactosamine selectively bound to cilia and goblet cells. Lectins targeting galactose produced complex staining patterns in mucous glands and lymphoid tissues. Specific binding was also observed in lymphoid cells with lectins recognizing glucose/mannose and fucose groups. Vimentin filaments in lymphocytes and specialized epithelial cells suggest an involvement in immune response mechanisms. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into structural organisation landscape of the buffalo nasopharyngeal tonsil, highlighting the role of lectin-binding patterns in identifying specialized cells and tissues. The M-cells and discovery of P-cells and the detailed lectin-binding profiles may contribute to understanding the cellular dynamics of mucosal immunity. Additionally, the structural details uncovered in this study may serve as a valuable reference for comparative research on mucosal immunity across different species, advancing our understanding of antigen recognition and immune responses at mucosal surfaces.

This study aimed to survey the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in cattle and buffaloes in Luang Prabang province, Lao PDR (Laos). To determine the prevalence of Fasciola spp. a total of 100 individual fecal samples (50 from buffaloes and 50 from cattle) were collected from smallholder farms in seven locations within Luang Prabang province. The samples were examined in the lab using the Benedek Sedimentation method and Mc Master egg counting techniques. The results showed an apparent prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection of 12% across all herds, with 5 native swamp buffaloes (5%) and 7 native cattle (7%) infected. When comparing three age groups, it was discovered that 25% (5/20) of all buffaloes infected with Fasciola spp. were 1-3 years old, accounting for 10% of all buffaloes. Among the cattle, 7 infected individuals were 1-3 years old, representing 14% of the 50 cattle sampled. Specifically, 20% (3/15) of cattle aged 1-3 years were infected, 14.29% (2/14) of less than a year old were infected, and 9.52% of cattle older than three years were infected. The results indicate that the highest mean infection rate occurred in animals aged 1 to 3 years (P < 0.05). A comparison between species revealed no significant effect of species on the prevalence of Fasciola spp. (P > 0.05). Farmers in the seven villages raised large ruminants on a free-range basis in paddy rice fields post-harvest and on natural fodder and pasture grass. Therefore, further research on the comparative prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in cattle and buffaloes across different seasons and farm systems is recommended.

The efficiencies of Timed Artificial Insemination (TAI) protocols in post-partum riverine dairy buffaloes were evaluated in the present research work. In Study 1, GnRH-based ovulation synchronization for Fixed Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) protocol was evaluated for pregnancy. Buffaloes in Treatment 1 were subjected to the Ovsynch (GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH) protocol. Buffaloes in Treatment 2 were subjected to Controlled Internal Drug Release–Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (CIDR-Synch-GnRH) protocol, and buffaloes in Treatment 3 were subjected to CIDR-Synch-human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (CIDR-Synch-hCG) protocol. In Study 2, Prostaglandin-based estrus synchronization protocols were similarly evaluated for pregnancy. Buffaloes in Treatment 1 were treated with Prostaglandin hormone alone; buffaloes in Treatment 2 were subjected to Prostaglandin-GnRH protocol, while buffaloes in Treatment 3 were subjected to Prostaglandin-hCG protocol. Results in Study 1 revealed that supplementation of Ovsynch with CIDR in Treatment 2 and 3 resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rates compared with Ovsynch alone (T1). Meanwhile, the use of hCG as the final ovulatory hormone in FTAI protocol (T3) yielded a significantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rate than GnRH (T2). In Study 2, results showed that prostaglandin protocols enhanced with GnRH (T2) or with hCG (T3) resulted in significantly higher (P<0.05) pregnancy rates (31.88±3.39 and 34.62±1.53), respectively, compared with Prostaglandin alone (T1, 23.91±2.49). However, pregnancy rates in Prostaglandin-based protocols (T2) and (T3) were not significantly different (P<0.05). In sum, the present study demonstrated that supplementation with exogenous progesterone (CIDR) improved the efficiency of Ovsynch FTAI protocol while using hCG as the final ovulatory hormone is found to be the best among FTAI protocols. Meanwhile, a Prostaglandin-based protocol enhanced with ovulatory hormones, either GnRH or hCG, on the day of AI improved pregnancy rates in post-partum water buffaloes.

This study evaluates the KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© mobile apps designed for buffalo health and feeding management, particularly for agricultural extension professionals (AEPs) in selected Philippine municipalities. These apps aim to address challenges in buffalo management, such as limited access to veterinary expertise, personalized recommendations, organized data, communication channels, and difficulties in calculating ideal feed compositions and meeting the distinct needs of smallholder farmers and AEPs. Despite System Usability Scale (SUS) scores indicating marginal acceptability for both apps, weighted mean scores by AEPs for statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (1 as strongly disagree and 5 as strongly agree), demonstrate that AEPs reported high confidence in the accuracy of buffalo health diagnostics (Mean of 4.20) and health management recommendations (Mean of 4.17) provided by KBGAN iHealth©. Similarly, KBGAN iFeed© received favorable ratings, with AEPs expressing agreement on the accuracy of feeding recommendations (Mean of 3.89) and the facilitation of feeding ration computations (Mean of 4.00). These positive perceived performance outcomes, coupled with increased confidence (Mean of 4.03) and motivation (Mean of 4.00) among AEPs, suggest the potential for frequent and consistent app usage despite usability concerns. Chi-square tests examining the relationship between AEP characteristics and SUS scores for the apps reveal significant associations between AEPs' education and experience levels and SUS scores for KBGAN iFeed©. The choice of IT device also influences KBGAN iHealth© SUS scores. Proposed enhancements by AEPs include refining algorithms, improving the user interface for navigation, speed, and efficiency, and incorporating features such as photo uploads and geotagging.

Background: This study aimed to characterize the scenario of buffalo production in the northern part of Bangladesh and review the published scientific literature on buffalo from Bangladesh.
 Methods: The study was conducted from August to December 2022. A draft questionnaire was prepared and modified before the final one based on the study's objectives. Data were collected through personal interviews with individual respondents. In addition, the review article was collected on buffalo from Google, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Scopus, Bangladesh Journal-Online (BJO), and PubMed.
 Results: Data was collected from 1099 animals from the northern part of the Natore and Lalmonirhat districts of Bangladesh. Most of the farmers were illiterate, and the age was above 40 years. Regarding the purpose of buffalo production, 69.16% (n=83) of the farmers narrated that they are motivated to milk with calves selling. The average herd size was about 9 and consisted of indigenous and crossbred buffaloes. Most of the farmers kept their buffalo in the Bathan. The coat color was predominantly black, with brown hair. Farmers 94.16% (n=113) practice de-worming, and the frequency was thrice a year. Wallowing is performed at least once a day in the pond or river for the thermal regulation of the buffalo. Among the farmers, 67.50% (n=81) have no training in rearing buffalo. Farmers practice natural mating by their own or neighbor bull to serve the heated cow. Sometimes it’s free, or sometimes, with payment on an average of BDT 400-500 or 3.79-4.73 US dollars. In some areas, AI is being practiced in buffalo under different organizations (LAL Teer, BRAC), and the cost of AI was recorded as about BDT 600-700 or 5.68-6.63 US dollars per cow. The average daily milk yield was 3.0 liter, whereas the lactation length was recorded at 179.9±3.84 days. The major constraints were high feed price 91.66% (n=110), shortage of land 41.08% (n=51), and lack of suitable marketing facilities 50.82% (n=62). 100% of farmers stated that they need improved grass production technology and reduced feed and medicine price; 24.16% (n=29) need good quality semen. From 2004 to 2022, 51 studies were found related to buffalo, where the highest 27.45% (n=14) belonged to performance studies, and 54.90% (n=28) studies were carried out in the southern part of Bangladesh.
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that buffalo has great potential with different areas of improvement. Therefore, more research is needed from different perspectives on production, reproduction, nutrition, quality of milk/meat/products, health, and sustainability of buffalo farming in Bangladesh.

This study aimed to measure the efficiency scores of 75 dairy buffalo farms in the province of Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon, Philippines, using an input-oriented, variable-return-to-scale Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. The farmer-informants or decision-making units (DMUs) were categorized as smallholders, family modules, and semi-commercial in operations. Personal interviews using structured questionnaires were done to gather various information on the socio-economic and management practices of the DMUs. Output in the form of volume and value of milk produced and inputs such as quantities and costs of biologics, feeds, forage, and labor were also collected and evaluated among individual DMUs. The efficiency scores were computed using PIM-DEA software, which identified fully efficient DMUs lying on the frontier line (scores of 1.0) and those enveloped by it (inefficient DMUs with scores of less than 1.0). The overall mean Technical Efficiency (TE), Allocative Efficiency (AE), and Economic Efficiency (EE) scores among the DMUs were 0.80, 0.81, and 0.65, respectively. Most of the inefficient DMUs were in the smallholder category. In sum, smallholder DMUs classified under low and moderate TE clusters should reduce their inputs by 53.31% and 40.01%, respectively, to become fully efficient. Likewise, higher lambda values among efficient peer DMUs indicate the best practice frontiers that the inefficient peer DMUs can benchmark with. Extension and advisory services can help promote the best management practices of the frontiers to improve the TE, AE, and EE of the inefficient DMUs.

The tubal tonsils of 12 adult buffaloes of the local mixed breed were studied using light and electron microscopy.The tonsillar mucosa lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells was modified into lymphoepithelial, due to its association with underlying lymphoid tissue.The lymphoepithelial further modified into follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) characterised by absence of the ciliated cells, goblet cells and the presence of more lymphocytes.The FAE exhibited varying modifications and presented M-cells intimately associated with lymphocytes.At places, the change of the epithelium also showed the presence of specialised M-cell like cells without any association with lymphoid tissue.The lymphoid tissue was in the form of isolated lymphocytes, diffuse aggregations and follicles.The goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium and the glandular acinar cells showed positive activity for the different carbohydrate moieties like acidic and neutral mucopolysaccharides, glycogen, mucins, weakly sulfated acidic mucosubstances, hyaluronic acid and sialomucins.Scanning electron microscopy of the mucosal surface presented a dense mat of cilia, and the FAE exhibited a heterogeneous population of microvillus and M-cells.Transmission electronmicroscopy demonstrated the different cell organelles of the various epithelia as well as the cellular profiles of the propria-submucosa, including the high endothelial venules where lymphocytes migration by both inter-endothelial and transvascular routes was also observed.The structural features of the tubal tonsil suggest that new strategies are required to explore this tonsil for targeted delivery of drugs and develop more effective vaccines by the intranasal route.