Reproduction-Nutrition Relationship in Dairy Buffaloes. I. Effect of Intake of Protein, Energy and Blood Metabolites Levels

Qureshi, Muhammad Subhan,Habib, Ghulam,Samad, Hafiz Abdus,Siddiqui, Muhammad Mohsin,Ahmad, Nazir,Syed, Mirajuddin Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.3

Fifty one Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes in their last two months of gestation were selected. After parturition, rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out until the occurrence of the first oestrus (PEI). Milk samples were analyzed for milk progesterone levels (MPL). Ovulation (POI) was confirmed by rectal palpation and MPL. Feed and blood samples were collected fortnightly and analyzed. Body condition score (BCS) was recorded on a scale of 0 to 5. Crude protein (CP) intake varied among different seasons and correlated positively with serum urea levels, POI (p<0.01) and PEI (p<0.05). Excess CPI was lower in the group showing oestrus as compared to those remaining as anoestrus (p<0.05). The dietary ratio of crude protein - metabolizable energy (CP:ME) in the oestrus animals was narrow and constant, while the anoestrus animals had a widely fluctuating one. In normal breeding season (NBS) calvers, mean serum urea level (SUL) was lower than the low breeding season (LBS) calvers. SUL was positively correlated with PEI and POI (p<0.01). Up to six months postpartum, SUL were constantly higher in anoestrus than oestrus buffaloes. Mean metabolizable energy (ME) intake was lower in the NBS calvers than the LBS calvers (p<0.01). BCS and postpartum ovulation interval were correlated with ME intake (p<0.01). Prepartum ME intake was higher in oestrous as compared to anoestrous animals (p<0.05). Higher and lower ME intakes were associated with anoestrus, while a moderate energy intake was associated with a PEI of less than 75 days. Buffaloes with poor BCS belonged to the LBS calving group and most of the NBS calving buffaloes had good BCS. BCS was negatively correlated with PEI (p<0.01) and was higher in oestrous buffaloes than anestrus. It was concluded that excess intake of crude protein, associated with higher serum urea levels and low energy intake, associated with poor body condition, are the key factors for low reproductive efficiency. It may be corrected by adopting a proper feeding strategy.

Variation in Milk Fatty Acid Composition with Body Condition in Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Qureshi, Muhammad Subhan,Mushtaq, Anila,Khan, Sarzamin,Habib, Ghulam,Swati, Zahoor Ahmad Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.3

Buffaloes usually maintain higher body condition and do not produce milk at the cost of their own body reserves under tropical conditions. The mobilization of body reserves for fulfilling the demands of lactation has been extensively studied in dairy cows while limited work is available on this aspect in dairy buffaloes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine variations in milk fatty acid profiles with body condition in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. A total of 24 Nili-Ravi buffaloes within 60 days after parturition, were selected from a private dairy farm in the district of Peshawar. All animals consumed the same diet during the experimental period. A total of 576 raw milk samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The study continued up to 6 months during 2008. Body condition score (BCS), milk yield and composition were recorded once a week. Means for milk fatty acid profile were compared for various levels of BCS. The mean milk yield and fat content were 9.28 kg/d and 5.36%, respectively. The total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were 64.22 g/100 g and the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) were 35.79 g/100 g. Of the SFA the highest amount was recorded for $C_{16:0}$, followed by $C_{18:0}$, and $C_{14:0}$. The total sum of hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (HCFA, $C_{12:0}$, $C_{14:0}$ and $C_{16:0}$) was 43.33 g/100 g. The concentrations of UFA were greater for moderate BCS followed by poor and highest BCS while SFA showed the opposite trend. The correlation analysis showed that milk yield was negatively affected by BCS and milk fat positively affected, though non-significantly. The present study suggests that Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes produce similar milk to dairy cows regarding availability of cardioprotective fatty acids, with the highest concentration of $C_{18:1\;cis-9}$. Two HCFA ($C_{12:0}$ and $C_{14:0}$) were associated with higher body condition. Buffaloes with moderate body condition yielded milk containing healthier fatty acids.

Changes in postpartum metabolites and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows

Muhammad Najmus Saqib,Muhammad Subhan Qureshi,Rifat Ullah Khan 한국응용생명화학회 2018 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.61 No.1

The postpartum period in high-yielding dairy cows creates an enormous drain of nutrients in favor of milk yield which antagonizes the resumption of ovulatory cycles. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the association of changes in postpartum serum metabolites with resumption of ovarian cyclicity. A total of 24 clinically healthy, freshly parturated primiparous (P-1) and multiparous (P-2) Holstein Frisian cows was selected. Cows were further divided on the basis of body condition score (BCS) 1 and 2 having BCS 3 or above 3, respectively. Weekly blood samples were collected and serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, progesterone, and cortisol concentrations were determined for a period of 7 weeks. The glucose concentration was significantly (P\0.05) higher in cows in P-2 during week 7. Cows in parity 2 had significantly (P\0.05) high cholesterol during week 6 and 7. The serum triglyceride concentration in multiparous animals having BCS-2 during week 6 was increased significantly (P\0.05). Serum cortisol was significantly (P\0.05) high in P-1 during week 1 and 2 and significantly (P\0.05) high in P-2 during week 7. Serum progesterone was significantly (P\0.05) higher in cows during week 7 in P-2 having BCS-2. The increased serum progesterone concentration during postpartum period was associated with decreased levels of serum cortisol and more availability of cholesterol and glucose. The multiparous cows maintained the postpartum blood metabolite concentration and showed better adaptability to reproductive cyclicity during the postpartum period as compared to primiparous cows.

Changes in postpartum metabolites and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in primiparous and multiparous dairy cows

Saqib, Muhammad Najmus,Qureshi, Muhammad Subhan,Khan, Rifat Ullah The Korean Society for Applied Biological Chemistr 2018 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.61 No.1

The postpartum period in high-yielding dairy cows creates an enormous drain of nutrients in favor of milk yield which antagonizes the resumption of ovulatory cycles. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the association of changes in postpartum serum metabolites with resumption of ovarian cyclicity. A total of 24 clinically healthy, freshly parturated primiparous (P-1) and multiparous (P-2) Holstein Frisian cows was selected. Cows were further divided on the basis of body condition score (BCS) 1 and 2 having BCS 3 or above 3, respectively. Weekly blood samples were collected and serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, progesterone, and cortisol concentrations were determined for a period of 7 weeks. The glucose concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cows in P-2 during week 7. Cows in parity 2 had significantly (P < 0.05) high cholesterol during week 6 and 7. The serum triglyceride concentration in multiparous animals having BCS-2 during week 6 was increased significantly (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol was significantly (P < 0.05) high in P-1 during week 1 and 2 and significantly (P < 0.05) high in P-2 during week 7. Serum progesterone was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cows during week 7 in P-2 having BCS-2. The increased serum progesterone concentration during postpartum period was associated with decreased levels of serum cortisol and more availability of cholesterol and glucose. The multiparous cows maintained the postpartum blood metabolite concentration and showed better adaptability to reproductive cyclicity during the postpartum period as compared to primiparous cows.

The effect of vitamin E and selenium on physiological, hormonal and antioxidant status of Damani and Balkhi sheep submitted to heat stress

Shakirullah,Muhammad Subhan Qureshi,Sohail Akhtar,Rifat Ullah Khan 한국응용생명화학회 2017 Applied Biological Chemistry (Appl Biol Chem) Vol.60 No.6

The present study was conducted to find the effect of vitamin E and selenium (Se) on physiological, hormonal and antioxidant status of Damani and Balkhi sheep under high ambient temperature. Forty Damani and Balkhi healthy multiparous, non-pregnant sheep having similar initial body weight were selected. The sheep in each breed were further equally divided into control and treated groups. The sheep were fed a dietary plan recommended by the National Research Council (Nutrient requirements of small ruminants: sheep, goats, cervids, and new world camelids, National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2007). In addition, the sheep in the treated groups were supplemented with Se (0.3 mg) and vitamin E (50 mg) per kg of diet for 4 weeks. The results indicated that respiration and pulse rate decreased significantly (P\0.05) on day 28 compared to the first day of the study in the treatment groups. The concentration of T3 and T4 was significantly (P\0.01) high in Damani sheep compared to Balkhi. In addition, except follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone, T3 and T4 were significantly (P\0.01) high in the treated sheep compared to the control. Malondialdehyde (MDA), cortisol and heatshock protein (HSP-70) increased significantly (P\0.05) in Balkhi sheep compared to Damani. In the treated sheep, MDA, cortisol and HSP-70 were significantly (P\0.01) low, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (P\0.01) high in the treatment sheep. It was concluded that vitamin E and Se at the present doses improved the physiological, hormonal and antioxidant status in Damani and Balkhi sheep. In addition, Damani sheep were more tolerant to heat stress than Balkhi sheep.

Protective Effects of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) against Aflatoxin B1 in Broiler Chicks

Chand, N.,Muhammad, Din,Durrani, F.R.,Qureshi, M. Subhan,Ullah, Sahibzada S. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.7

Aflatoxin-contaminated feed cause mortality, suppression of the immune system, reduced growth rates and losses in feed efficiency. This research study was planned to investigate the immunomodulatory and growth promoting effect of milk thistle as feed additive against aflatoxin $B_1$ in broiler chicks at NWFP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan. Two hundred and forty (240) day old broilers chicks were randomly assigned into four major groups AfF, aflatoxin free feed; Aflatoxin $B_1$ was present in the feed at the levels of 80-520 ${\mu}g/kg$ of the feed in the remaining three groups. Aflatoxin contaminated feed was provided for 5 weeks. Group AfB was supplemented with toxin binder "Mycoad" at 3 g/kg of feed and group AfT was supplemented with milk thistle at10 g/kg of feed. Each group was further sub divided into two sub-groups, vaccinated against ND (Newcastle disease), IB (Infectious bronchitis) and IBD (Infectious bursal diseases) according to recommended schedule of vaccination or non vaccinated. Each sub group carried three replicates with 10 chicks per replicate. Chicks were reared in pens in an open sided house. Supplementary heat was provided to all the chicks during brooding period. Mean body weight gain and dressing percentage were significantly (p<0.05) higher in group AfF, followed by AfT, AfB and Af. Weight gain and dressing percentage was the same in group AfB and AfT, while it was significantly lower in group Af. Feed intake, breast, thigh and leg weight were found significantly (p<0.05) higher in group AfF, followed by AfB, AfT and Af. Significantly lower (better) FCR value was recorded in group AfT. Water intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group AfT and AfF as compared to other groups. Mortality was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group Af. Mean bursa and thymus weights were found significantly (p<0.05) higher in group AfF, AfB and AfT followed by Af, while higher spleen weight was recorded in group AfT. Mean antibody titer against ND, IB and IBD was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group AfT, as compared to other groups. It is concluded that milk thistle at 10 g/kg of feed could effectively be utilized as immunostimulant and growth promotant in the presence of immunosuppressant aflatoxin $B_1$ in the feed.

Effect of Pregnancy on Lactation Milk Value in Dairy Buffaloes

Khan, Sarzamin,Qureshi, Muhammad Subhan,Ahmad, Nazir,Amjed, Muhammad,Durrani, Fazali Raziq,Younas, Muhammad Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.4

Buffalo are a major source of milk production, contributing 12.1% in the World and 38.0% in Asia. The buffaloes are kept under peri-urban farming systems to produce milk for urban populations. Breeding is delayed in these herds to get more economic benefit because farmers believe that the pregnancy decreases milk production. The lactation milk value has been studied in this paper as an economic indicator. Complete milk yield records of 3,304 buffaloes was collected from a group of state farms. Economic traits including lactation yield, lactation length, calving interval (CI), dry period and milk yield per day of calving interval (MYPDCI) were derived from the data. The animals were grouped according to parity number (1-3), service period (G1 to G4, conceiving during <150, 150-200, 200-300 and >300 days post calving) and yield levels (HMY>2,500; MMY 2,001-2,500; and LMY 1,500-2,000 liters/ lactation). To study the effect of pregnancy on milk composition a research trial was conducted at a medium size private dairy farm, using forty lactating buffaloes of three yield levels and four service period groups, as described already. Milk was sampled on alternate weeks and analyzed for fat and protein contents (%). For quantifying the value of milk produced during a lactation period, the value corrected milk (VCM) was determined and converted to lactation milk value (LMV). Group means were compared for varicous parameters. Highest milk yield ($2,836.50{\pm}15.68$ liters/lactation) was recorded in the HMY animals of G4 group while lowest milk yield of $1,657.04{\pm}8.34$ liters/lactation was found in LMY of G1. Lactation was significantly increased with the extending of service period. The shortest dry period was recorded in HMY, parity 1, G1 animals and the longest in parity 2, MMY, G4.The CI was shortest in HMY, parity 1, and G1 animals and longest in LMY, parity 3, G4 buffaloes. The HMY, parity 2, G1 buffaloes showed the highest MYPDCI and the lowest value was recorded ($6.53{\pm}0.17$ vs. $2.76{\pm}0.04$ liter/day) for LMY, parity 1, G4 buffaloes. The VCM decreased with the delayed conception. This decreasing trend was higher in respect of the total yield but decrease in the VCM was smaller due to the increasing levels of fat and protein in the milk. The gap between the various production classes was reduced based on the VCM as compared with the yield per day of CI. LMV showed a consistent decline with extending service period in all three production groups. The study suggests that CI increased with delayed conception, showing a consistent trend in the low, moderate and high yielding buffaloes. There was a coherent declining pattern of milk yield with delaying conception, associated with prolonged CI. An animal conceiving at a later stage of lactation showed a decline in financial returns of 24 to 27% compared with those conceiving earlier.