Farm ruminants are responsible for about 15 percent of total global methane emission due to enteric fermentation of feeds. Additives are being used to modify rumen fermentation towards reduced methanogenesis, however, hazards associated with feeding of antibiotics and other chemical compounds to livestock for improving animal performance and methane mitigation are growing public awareness and encourage the research towards exploiting natural products as feed additives. Therefore, an experiment was carried out to examine the potential of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaves essential oils in modulating rumen fermentation for reduced methane production in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Essential oils were extracted both from dried and fresh eucalyptus leaves, separately in Soxhlet's apparatus by organic solvent, hexane [15 g leaves extracted in 100 ml n-hexane (mol. wt. 86.18, assay 99.0 percent and density 0.658)] for 72 h and tested at three dose levels (0, 0.5 and 2.0 ml) in buffered rumen fluid (BRF). Oats hay (200+-5 mg) was used as substrate and incubated with 30 ml BRF in 100 ml calibrated glass syringes at 39 deg C for 24 h following standard in vitro gas production protocol. Gas production was recorded by displacement of piston in the syringe. Methane in the gas phase and volatile fatty acids in the fermentation medium were estimated by Gas Chromatograph (GC). The total gas production and dry matter digestibility was increased (P LT 0.05) at low dose (0.5 ml) of eucalyptus leaves extract, irrespective of nature of leaves however, these were reduced (P LT 0.05) at higher dose (2.0 ml). Methane production was reduced (P LT 0.05), irrespective of doses. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) production were increased (P LT 0.05) at low dose but higher dose detrimentally reduced it. Rumen ammonia - N was not affected at low dose however, it was reduced at high dose of extract. Extracts from both dried and fresh leaves behaved similarly in modulating all the rumen fermentation parameters at corresponding dose levels. Results of this study revealed reduced methane production with increased feed digestibility and volatile fatty acids production by dosing extract of eucalyptus leaves. Therefore, it suggests using of either extract of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) leaves (0.5 ml/30 ml rumen fluid) or its corresponding dose of leaves as feed additive in buffaloes.

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the alkaline indigestion syndrome in riverine buffaloes caused by inadvertent colostrum feeding, clinical pattern and its therapeutic management. Fifteen recently parturited buffaloes with history of feeding average 2.96 kg (1 to 5 kg) of colostrum immediately after parturition followed by sudden onset of anorexia, decrease in milk yield and nervous signs were investigated. Clinical examination showed normal body temperature (100.26+-0.42 vs 100.62+-0.18), respiration (23.73+-3.53 vs 24.13+-0.66) and heart rate (57.26+-3.30 vs 53.20+-1.79) compared to healthy buffaloes. Examination of rumen revealed impaction with highly significant (P LT 0.01) reduction in rumen motility (0.80+-0.24 vs 3.80+-0.17 per five minutes). Similarly, highly significant (P LT 0.01) increase in rumen pH (8.10+-0.16 vs 6.25+-0.07) and decrease in protozoal density (5.00+-0.88 vs 32.93+-1.72) with sluggish (+) to no (-) protozoal motility was observed in ailing buffaloes. Haematological analysis showed normal blood profile with significant (P LT 0.05) increase only in neutrophil count (51.60+-5.1 vs 42.06+-3.4). Prominent clinical signs of anorexia, congested conjunctival mucosae, decreased milk yield and varied nervous signs like restlessness, head pressing, staggering gait, incoordination, circling, convulsions, dummy syndrome, apparent blindness and coma were observed in affected buffaloes. Postural abnormalities like sternal / lateral recumbency and lateral deviation of neck were also observed in two buffaloes. All the ailing buffaloes were treated with Dextrose Normal Saline, single dose of preparation containing calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, vitamin B complex, antihistaminic, sedatives, laxatives, pre, probiotics, and oral antibiotics. All the treated buffaloes showed satisfactory improvement from 1st to 3rd day with complete clinical recovery by 4.93 (3 to 9) days of treatment. Buffalo owners should be made aware of unscientific practice of colostrum feeding in adult animals and accidentally intoxicated buffaloes could be successfully treated with the standardized treatment protocol.

Liver infections due to amphistomes in buffaloes cause significant economic losses in livestock sector. The present study investigated the classical morphological features of adult amphistomes combined with histopathology and molecular identity in slaughtered buffaloes from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Adult amphistome were collected and morphologically characterized as Gigantocotyle explanatum. Morphometric measurement (n=50) were obtained with 12.05+-1.68 mm in length and 5.77+-0.81 mm in width, and the values of sagittal section was 6.35+-1.03 * 2.98+-0.50 mm in size. Severe bile duct pathology was observed with fibrosis of the duct wall with an irregular epithelial border, hyperplasia and inflammatory response with numerous neutrophils and eosinophils. The molecular identity of G. explanatum within Paramphistomidae was confirmed by ITS-2 rDNA sequences phylogenetic analysis based on maximum likelihood method. The genetic data based on ITS-2 secondary structure of G. explanatum consisted of four helix, Helix I, II and IV were conserved as compared with other closely related reference taxa of family Paramphistomidae and Gastrothylacidae. Helix III expressed some variations. The study concluded that rDNA ITS-2 and secondary structure information provides a guide for other researchers to determine the molecular taxonomic position of Paramphistomidae trematodes, data will support future clinical studies and control measures to reduce the amphistomiasis in buffaloes.

The buffalo rearing is adopting faster rate in arid region of Rajasthan due to its multifaceted utility for both milk and meat. Despite of better management practice are adopted for buffaloes, they also depend upon grazing and poor quality of fodder to meet out their total dry matter intake. The concept of balanced feed with respect to mineral and vitamins are not aware by farmer's community. Thus, the alternative low cost balanced feed was adopted in buffaloes under field condition to augment the milk production with optimum reproductive efficiency. MNFB was developed at feed technology unit of CAZRI, as solidified block of wheat bran, guar meal, dolomite, -minerals and vitamins mixture powder, salt, molasses and urea solution. The study evaluated feeding effect of multi-nutrient feed block on milk production and reproduction performances of lactating buffaloes. The Buffaloes under treatment were divided randomly into two groups and assigned to two dietary treatments under village condition. After calving, all the buffaloes in treatment group were dewormed with albendazole 3 gms and feeding of MNFB 2 blocks (2 kgs each)/week for 3 months during March to May. The control group received diet containing bajara (Pearl millet) kuti, dry grasses, crushed cotton and til (sesame) cake. Milk production, peak milk yield were increased highly significant. Fat percentage was significantly increased. All Observations were monitored as per format. In reproductive performances were like sign of oestrus, conception and post partum reproductive complication 90 percent, 86.6 percent and 0.06 percent in treatment group and 70 percent, 60 percent and 30 percent in Control group respectively. It was concluded that MNFB feeding improved milk yield, milk fat, general health status and reproductive performance of buffalos, as it is a good source of protein, energy, and minerals. It is recommended that MNFB should be used as a supplementation in lactating buffaloes when they area fed with low quality fodder in arid and semi arid region.

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing temperature humidity index (THI) on lactating Murrah buffalo. The study was conducted on six lactating buffaloes which were offered the same basal diet and were blocked by days in milk, milk yield and parity. The study was conducted during May, June and July with average THI of 79.88, 80.57 and 85.36, respectively. Milk yield was recorded twice a day at 06:00 and 18:00 h and physiological parameters were recorded and blood was sampled on 30th day of each month at 14:30 h. The results showed a significant decrease (P LT 0.05) in milk yield in buffaloes only at a THI of 85.36 as compared to THI up to 80.57. The rectal temperature (RT) did not change (P=0.580) with increasing THI up to 85.36, however, the respiration rate (RR) and pulse rate (PR) changed (P LT 0.05) progressively with increasing THI. Leucocytopnoea, lymphocytopnoea and neutrophilia; and alteration in serum urea, alkaline phosphatase activity, reactive oxygen species and phosphorus concentration were observed only at a THI of 85.36 as compared to THI up to 80.57. Similarly, significant (P LT 0.05) alteration in serum T4, cortisol and prolactin levels were observed at a THI of 85.36 as compared to THI up to 80.57. It can be concluded that lactating buffaloes experienced mild heat stress up to a THI of 80.57 (May and June) and a moderate type of heat stress at a THI 85.36 (July).

The present study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of certain immunomodulators on recovery and conception rate in post partum endometritic buffaloes. Total 50 buffaloes were selected for the study and randomly divided into five groups. The buffaloes of Group 1 were given with a single dose of 100 micro g E. coli lipopolysaccharide as intrauterine, Group 2 buffaloes were treated with a single dose of 2 mg Lysozyme, Group 3 was treated with 4 g of Cephalexin for three consecutive days. While, Group 4 buffaloes were treated with a single dose of 2 mg Lysozyme + 4 g of Cephalexin and Group 5 was treated with 30 ml of normal saline and was kept as control. All therapeutics were infused into the uterus after dissolving in sterile water. The efficacy of treatment was assessed by declines in bacterial load and PMNL cell count after treatment. The overall conception rate was 88.88, 71.42, 66.66, 75.00 and 33.33 percent in Group 1, 2, 3, 4 and Group 5, respectively.

Present study was conducted on 40 pregnant Murrah buffaloes belonging to Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Animals were divided into two groups, Group I (n=10) consisting of clinically healthy animals and Group II (n=30) consisting of hypophosphataemic animals with a history of passing coffee colored urine, reduced appetite and decreased milk production. Serum biochemical parameters divulged high mean concentration of serum glucose, bilirubin, total bilirubin, ALT and AST besides serum alkaline phosphatase, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen while as notably decreased levels of serum albumin, enzyme glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and total serum protein. The blood mineral picture divulged elevated levels of potassium, molybdenum and iron whereas remarkably reduced concentrations of copper and phosphorous were recorded. Hematological studies revealed decreased red blood cells (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) with increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil and lymphocyte count.

The present study was conducted to identify specific acoustic features which could be used as possible indicators for early diagnosis of pneumonia in buffalo calves. In pneumonia, change in elasticity and resonance of vocal sound producing organs occur which eventually affects the vocal signature of calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves' voice was recorded during both healthy and pneumonia infected stage where pneumonia was confirmed by lung X-RAY radiography. From the recorded vocal sound, acoustic features viz. call duration (sec.), call interval (sec.), frequency (Hz), bandwidth (Hz) and peak amplitude (P) with their sub variants were extracted with the help of PRAAT 3.2.36 software. Out of these, call duration (sec.) (0.879+-0.29 v/s 0.689+-0.24), call interval (sec.) (0.288+-0.059 v/s 0.107+-0.047) and peak amplitude (P) (start (0.750+-0.118 v/s 0.435+-0.113), end (0.102+-0.045 v/s 0.508+-0.268) and maximum (0.938+-0.210 v/s 0.684+-0.480)) were found significantly (p LT 0.05) different between two groups. Rest acoustic features did not differ statistically between two groups. This study indicates that it is possible to discriminate pneumonia voice from normal/healthy voice by acoustic analysis and farmers can acquire an early warning of pneumonia infections in calves through this non-invasive method.

The data pertaining to variable reproduction traits in Surti buffaloes were collected from network project on buffalo, Livestock Research Station, Vallabhnagar Rajasthan to obtain the genetic parameters of various reproduction traits in Surti buffaloes. The least squares means of various reproduction traits were adjusted for significant non-genetic factors and from these adjusted data, genetic parameters namely heritability and repeatability estimates as well as genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated in the population. The estimates of least-square means for calving interval, dry period and service period were 491.58+-8.56, 195.57+-6.87 and 223.60+-8.75, respectively. Effect of season and periods were highly significant (P LT= 0.01) but the effect of sire and parity were non-significant in all three traits. Regression of reproduction traits on age at first calving was negative and non-significant for all traits. Among the reproduction traits, dry period, service period and calving interval had very low heritability estimates it was due to the low additive genetic variances. Fitting maternal effect to repeatability univariate model (Model 2), it increased the additive genetic variance in CI and SP but reduced in DP. Lower repeatability estimates were observed for all reproduction traits under study. Genetic correlations of calving interval with dry period and service period were not estimated and phenotypic correlations of dry period with service period and calving interval were very high and positive.

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of inclusion of palm kernel meal (PKM) in the diet on intake, mineral balances and nutrient utilization in buffalo bulls. In 4*4 LSD, four graded Murrah buffalo bulls were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments (T1 to T4) comprising of green fodder viz. Super Napier, paddy straw and concentrate mixture. In the concentrate mixture, palm kernel meal is incorporated at 0 (T1, Control), 10 (T2), 15 (T3) and 20 (T4) percent levels. All the concentrate mixtures were made iso-nitrogenous. Buffalo bulls in both the groups were fed to meet the nutrient requirements as per ICAR (2013) standards. Inclusion of PKM up to 20 percent level in the concentrate mixture had no effect (P GT 0.05) on the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF, hemi-cellulose and cellulose as compared to the control. All the buffalo bulls were in positive N, Ca and P balance. The average DMI of buffalo bulls expressed as g/kg W0.75 or as percent BW was comparable among the treatments. Inclusion of PKM at varying levels in the concentrate mixture had no significant effect (P GT 0.05) on DCP contents expressed as percent in the diet consumed or as g/kg W0.75. However, the TDN contents expressed as percent in the diet consumed decreased (P LT 0.05) with increased levels of inclusion of PKM from 0 to 20 percent level in the concentrate mixtures. Inclusion of palm kernel meal at 10, 15 and 20 percent level in the concentrate mixtures resulted in decreased feed cost by rupee 0.73, 1.09 and 1.46 as compared to the control. It is concluded that PKM can be included up to 20 percent level in the concentrate mixture of buffalo bulls without any adverse effects.