Identification of a New Serovar of Salmonella enterica in Mediterranean Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

This case report describes for the first-time cases of severe gastroenteritis in water buffalo calves due to a new serovar of Salmonella enterica. The study was carried out on fecal matrix collected from live water buffalo calves that showed profuse diarrhea, severe dehydration and fever, exhibiting a systemic course. Culture and molecular investigations identified the pathogens isolated from intestinal contents as two Salmonella serovars, Salmonella enterica enterica O:35 and a new serovar of Salmonella enterica. The isolates showed multi-drug resistance. Timely diagnosis associated with a targeted antimicrobial treatment were found to be sufficient for the survival and recovery of the infected animals. Herd vaccines prepared from isolated pathogens were used to prevent further deaths of the calves.

Effect of Packaging Type and Aging on the Meat Quality Characteristics of Water Buffalo Bulls

The present study determined the effect of the packaging type and aging time on the meat quality of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls. A total of n = 36 longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles from n = 18 buffalo bulls were obtained. Half LL muscles were packed in modified atmosphere packaging (Hi-O2 MAP), vacuum packaging (VP), and oxygen-permeable packaging (OP) on day 1, while the other half were aged for 7 days. Meat instrumental color, cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) of the LL steaks were analyzed, both on unaged and aged buffalo meat. Color CIE L* and C* values on all display days and a* on the first 4 days of the simulated retail display under Hi-O2 MAP packaging were significantly higher than those of the VP and OP. WBSF and TBARS values were also higher under Hi-O2 MAP as compared to the other packaging. Steaks under OP exhibited lower cooking loss but higher TVB-N values than the MAP and VP. The 7-day-aged buffalo meat indicated higher instrumental color (L*, a* and C*), cooking loss, and lower WBSF values than fresh meat. This study concluded that Hi-O2 MAP improved the color; however, it negatively influenced the buffalo meat’s WBSF and TBAR values. Furthermore, VP and aging were the most effective in decreasing the WBSF values of buffalo meat.

Polymorphism detection of <i>DGAT1</i> and <i>Lep</i> genes in Anatolian water buffalo (<i>Bubalus bubalis</i>) populations in Turkey

Acyl-CoA: diacylglycerol–acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) enzyme plays a key role in controlling the synthesis rate triglyceride from diacylglycerol. Leptin (LP, OB, obese) is an important hormone that synthesizes mostly from adipose tissue and regulates glucose metabolism and homeostasis. DGAT1 and Lep genes are closely related to reproduction, growth, milk yield and composition in water buffalo breeds. This study aimed to identify genetic variation in the DGAT1 and Lep gene regions in 150 water buffalo individuals from five different provinces of Turkey using DNA sequencing. A total of 38 nucleotide variations and indels have identified 761 bp long partial intron 2 and exon 3 and 5′ UTR regions of the Lep gene in Anatolian water buffalo populations; 422 bp long partial exon 7–9 and exon 8 regions of DGAT1 gene were amplified and two mutations were defined in the point of 155 and 275 nucleotide that is three genotypes for S allele and Y allele of DGAT1 gene in intron 7 in Anatolian buffalo populations, respectively. These SNPs may have an effect on reproduction, growth, milk yield and composition in water buffalo populations and may prove to be useful for water buffalo breeding.

A review chromosome analysis comparison of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with different phenotypic characters in East Java, Indonesia

Chromosomal data on swamp buffalo especially in East Java province, is still lacking. For breeders, chromosomal analysis needs to be done to detect the possibility of hereditary genetic defects. In Malang Area, farmers lack of care and breeding programs for swamp buffalo also caused a decline in the genetic quality and performance. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of the chromosome analysis of swamp buffalo in Malang and another area in East Java province, which were selected based on differences in phenotypic characters. Chromosome analysis is very important for breeders because the results of this study can be used as a consideration for strategies to improve the genetic quality of swamp buffalo. The method used is standard karyotyping using whole blood with G banding staining. Chromosomal preparation using Karyo MAX medium, Colcemic Solution, Giemsa Stain, and KCl solution. Cell culture was performed according to the standard karyotyping method in mammals. The minimum number of 5 spreading chromosomes is the best was chosen, microphotographed, and then chromosome analysis is performed using Cytovision Image Analysis software. The results of this study did not find swamp buffalo with an abnormal number of chromosomes in East Java Province, Indonesia.

Genomic Identification, Evolution, and Expression Analysis of Bromodomain Genes Family in Buffalo

Bromodomain (BRD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein–protein interaction module that is critical in gene regulation, cellular homeostasis, and epigenetics. This study aimed to conduct an identification, evolution, and expression analysis of the BRD gene family in the swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). A total of 101 BRD protein sequences deduced from 22 BRD genes were found in the buffalo genome. The BRD proteins were classified into six groups based on phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, and conserved domains. The BRD genes were irregularly distributed in 13 chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed 20 BRD gene pairs that had remarkable homologous relationships between the buffalo and cattle, although no tandem or segmental duplication event was found in the buffalo BRD genes. Comparative transcriptomics using a 10x sequencing platform analysis showed that 22 BRD genes were identified in the Sertoli cells (SCs) at different developmental stages of buffalo. Further, the mRNA expression levels of bromodomain and the extraterminal (BET) family in SCs at the pubertal stage were higher than that at the prepubertal stage of buffalo. However, the SMARCA2, PHIP, BRD9, and TAF1 genes exhibited the opposite trend. The maturation process of SCs may be regulated by the BRD family members expressed differentially in SCs at different developmental stages of buffalo. In summary, our findings provide an understanding of the evolutionary, structural, and functional properties of the buffalo BRD family members, and further characterize the function of the BRD family in the maturation of SCs. It also provides a theoretical basis for further understanding in the future of the mechanism of SCs regulating spermatogenesis.

The first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from South Thailand

Background and Aim: Bartonellosis is an emerging worldwide zoonosis caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Bartonella. Several studies have been conducted on the prevalence of Bartonella infections from animals and humans, including reports from wild and domestic ruminants. However, there has been only one report of Bartonella infection in water buffaloes from the northeastern part of Thailand. Moreover, the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp. in water buffaloes still remains unknown. This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of Bartonella spp. among water buffaloes from South Thailand using molecular and serological techniques. Materials and Methods: A total of 312 samples (156 blood and 156 sera) of 156 water buffaloes from 29 farms in Phatthalung Province, South Thailand, were collected from January to March 2021. All samples were screened for Bartonella spp. using polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies against three Bartonella spp. was 16.03% (25/156, 95% confidence interval: 10.65-22.74%), and among 25 water buffaloes with seroprevalence, 56%, 20%, and 24% were positive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae, Bartonella vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and Bartonella tamiae, respectively. No significant difference was detected among seroprevalence, gender, age, and ectoparasite infestation. Conclusion: This is the first report of the seroprevalence of antibodies against B. henselae, B. vinsonii subspp. berkhoffii, and B. tamiae in water buffaloes from South Thailand. Further studies are required on the epidemiology of Bartonella infection among water buffaloes, related personnel, and ectoparasites.