Trends in the quality and hygiene parameters of bulk Italian Mediterranean buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis ) milk: A three year study

Effectiveness of near-infrared spectroscopy to predict the chemical composition of feces and total-tract apparent nutrients digestibility estimated with undigestible neutral detergent fiber or acid-insoluble ash in lactating buffaloes' feces

Following a comparison of nutrient total-tract digestibility estimates in lactating buffaloes using single-point undigestible NDF (uNDF) or acid-insoluble ash (AIA) as internal markers, the potential of fecal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to provide calibration equations for the assessment of the chemical composition of feces and nutrient total-tract digestibility estimated with internal markers was explored. Chemical analyses were performed on 147 fecal samples from lactating buffaloes reared on 5 farms in central Italy (Naples). Each farm fed a silage-based TMR to the buffaloes, and the TMR was sampled in the 2 d before the fecal collection. The TMR and individual fecal samples were collected and analyzed for DM, OM, ash, AIA, ether extract (EE), starch, fiber fractions (amylase-treated NDF without residual ash [aNDFom], amylase-treated NDF inclusive of residual ash [aNDF], ADF without residual ash [ADFom], ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose, ADL, uNDF), N, CP and CP bound to aNDF (NDICP) and to ADF (ADICP). The uNDF content was determined through a 240-h in vitro fermentation and employed, together with AIA as markers, to estimate the total-tract apparent digestibility and total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, ash, N, CP, EE, aNDFom, aNDF, NDIP, ADFom, and ADF, ADIN, ADL, hemicellulose, cellulose, starch, NFC, and the B3 fraction of N (NB3). No correlation was found between DM and OM digestibility estimated with AIA and uNDF as internal markers. Weak correlations were detected for all the other nutients digestibilities, and strong correlations were observed for EE, ADFom, hemicellulose, NDIN, ADIN, NB3, NFC, and starch. The sample set (n = 147) was divided in a calibration set (n = 111) and a validation set (n = 36) to "train" and "validate" the fecal NIRS curve through an external validation process. An estimation usable for preliminary or initial evaluation was obtained for N, CP, and aNDF fecal content. An excellent prediction was obtained for total tract digestibility of ADIN (R2 = 0.90) when estimated with uNDF as the internal marker. The NIRS technology was not able to accurately predict all the other traits and the estimated nutrient digestibility of lactating buffalo diets from fecal spectra.

Exploring the sources of variation of electrical conductivity and total and differential somatic cell count in Italian Mediterranean buffaloes

In the buffalo dairy sector, a huge effort is still needed to improve mastitis prevention, detection, and management. Electrical conductivity (EC) and total somatic cell count (SCC) are well-known indirect indicators of mastitis. Differential somatic cell count (DSCC), which represents the proportion of neutrophils and lymphocytes on the total SCC, is instead a novel phenotype collected in the dairy cattle sector in the last lustrum. As little is known about this novel trait in dairy buffalo, in the present study we explored the nongenetic factors affecting DSCC, as well as EC and total somatic cell score (SCS), in the Italian Mediterranean buffalo. The data set used for the analysis included 14,571 test-day (TD) records of 1,501 animals from 6 herds, and climatic information of the sampling locations. The original data were filtered to exclude animals with less than 3 TD per lactation and, for the investigated traits, outliers beyond 4 standard deviations. In the statistical model we included the fixed effects of herd (6 classes), days in milk (DIM; 10 classes of 30 d, with the last being an open class until 360 d), parity (6 classes, from 1 to 6+), year-season of calving (11 classes, from summer 2019 to winter 2021/2022), year-season of sampling (9 classes, from spring 2020 to spring 2022), production level (4 classes based on quartiles of average milk yield by herd), and temperature-humidity index (THI; 4 classes based on quartiles, calculated using the average temperature and relative humidity of the 5 d before sampling). Average EC, SCS, and DSCC vary across herds. Considering DIM, greater EC values were observed at the beginning and the end of lactation; SCS was slightly lower, but DSCC was greater around the lactation peak. Increased EC, SCS, and DSCC levels with increasing parity were reported. Year-season calving and year-season sampling only slightly affected the variation of the investigated traits. Milk of high-producing buffaloes was characterized by lower EC and SCS mean values, nevertheless it had slightly greater DSCC percentages. Buffaloes grouped in the highest THI classes (classes 3 and 4) showed, on average, greater EC, SCS, and DSCC in comparison to the lower classes, especially to class 2. Results of the present study represent a preliminary as well as necessary step for the possible future inclusion of EC, SCS, or DSCC in breeding programs aimed to improve mastitis resistance in dairy buffaloes.

Responses of Dairy Buffalo to Heat Stress Conditions and Mitigation Strategies: A Review

Increases in temperature and the greater incidence of extreme events are the consequences of the climate change that is taking place on planet Earth. High temperatures create severe discomfort to animal farms as they are unable to efficiently dissipate their body heat, and for this, they implement mechanisms to reduce the production of endogenous heat (reducing feed intake and production). In tropical and subtropical countries, where buffalo breeding is more widespread, there are strong negative consequences of heat stress (HS) on the production and quality of milk, reproduction, and health. The increase in ambient temperature is also affecting temperate countries in which buffalo farms are starting to highlight problems due to HS. To counteract HS, it is possible to improve buffalo thermotolerance by using a genetic approach, but even if it is essential, it is a long process. Two other mitigation approaches are nutritional strategies, such as the use of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and cooling strategies such as shade, fans, sprinklers, and pools. Among the cooling systems that have been evaluated, wallowing or a combination of fans and sprinklers, when wallowing is not available, are good strategies, even if wallowing was the best because it improved the production and reproduction performance and the level of general well-being of the animals.

The prevalence and risk factors of subclinical mastitis in water buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) in Bangladesh

Subclinical mastitis (SCM) in water buffalo is responsible for reduced milk yield and quality. This cross-sectional study was carried out to a) estimate the prevalence of SCM, b) identify risk factors associated with SCM, and c) identify farm-level risk factors associated with bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC). The buffalo farms included in this study represented five rearing systems: free-range, semi-free-range, household, semi-intensive, and intensive, providing a total of 3491 functional quarters of 880 lactating buffalo on 248 farms. The California mastitis test score was used to identify SCM. Bulk milk samples (n = 242) were used for farm-level BMSCC. Quarter and buffalo-level risk factors for SCM were measured using questionnaires and observations. The overall SCM prevalence was high at 27.9% at the quarter-level (25th and 75th percentiles: 8.3% and 41.7%) and 51.5% at buffalo-level (25th and 75th percentiles: 33.3% and 66.7%). The geometric mean BMSCC was 217,000 cells/mL of milk (ranging from 36,000-1,213,000 cells/mL), which is low on average, but some farms could improve substantially. The buffalo rearing system, udder location (left versus right), teat shape, udder asymmetry, number of milkers, and having a quarantine facility were associated with buffalo udder health. Our findings suggest that mainly using free-range rearing systems may help decrease the prevalence of SCM primarily by employing buffalo breeding and better farm biosecurity, and udder health control strategies can be designed based on our findings.

Role of Feeding and Novel Ripening System to Enhance the Quality and Production Sustainability of Curd Buffalo Cheeses

The buffalo dairy sector is extending its boundaries to include new buffalo cheese productions beyond mozzarella, overcoming some barriers that make cheeses expensive and unsustainable. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of both the inclusion of green feed in the diet of Italian Mediterranean buffaloes and an innovative ripening system on buffalo cheese quality, providing solutions capable of guaranteeing the production of nutritionally competitive and sustainable products. For this purpose, chemical, rheological, and microbiological analyses were carried out on cheeses. Buffaloes were fed with or without the inclusion of green forage. Their milk was used to produce dry ricotta and semi-hard cheeses, ripened according to both respective traditional (MT) and innovative methods (MI); these are based on automatic adjustments of climatic recipe guided by the continuous control of pH. Green feed enhances the nutritional profile of the final products (high content of MUFAs and PUFAs). As far as the ripening method is concerned, to our knowledge, this is the first study that tests aging chambers, commonly used for meat, for the maturing of buffalo cheeses. Results pointed out the MI validity also in this field of application, as it shortens the ripening period without negatively compromising any of desirable physicochemical properties and the safety and hygiene of the final products. Conclusively, this research highlights the benefits of diets rich in green forage on productions and provides support for the ripening optimization of buffalo semi-hard cheeses.

Summer Buffalo Milk Produced in China: A Desirable Diet Enriched in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Amino Acids

The objective of the study was to compare and reveal differences in basic chemical parameters, fatty acids, amino acids, and lipid quality indices of crossbred buffalo (swamp x river type) milk produced in summer and winter. The buffalo milk samples were collected in summer (Jul-Aug) and winter (Dec-Jan) from Hubei province, China. The samples were detected by using CombiFoss apparatus, gas chromatography, and an automated specialized amino acid analyzer. The results showed that the basic chemical parameters, fatty acid profiles, lipid quality indices, and amino acid profiles of crossbred buffalo milk differed between summer and winter. Specifically, summer buffalo milk exhibited a higher content of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) than winter buffalo milk. Summer buffalo milk had a lower content of major SFA (saturated fatty acids), a higher content of ω-3 and DFA (hypocholesterolemic fatty acids), a lower ω-6/ω-3 ratio, a higher value of 3 unsaturated fatty acid indices (C14, C16, C18), and a lower value of IA (index of atherogenicity) and IT (index of thrombogenicity) than winter buffalo milk. Additionally, 17 amino acids, including 8 EAA (essential amino acids) and 9 NEAA (non-essential amino acids) were higher in summer buffalo milk. These results indicated that summer buffalo milk was more health-beneficial than winter buffalo milk. Therefore, summer buffalo milk might be a desirable diet option for human nutrition and health. Our findings provide valuable information for the research and development of buffalo dairy products in China or other Asian countries.

Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Milk Yield and Quality in Italian Mediterranean Lactating Buffaloes

Buffaloes are raised mainly to obtain milk that is nutritionally very rich. The technological characteristics of buffalo milk are optimal for processing into cheese, and it is mainly used to produce mozzarella cheese. Under stressful conditions, buffaloes, like other animals, produce milk qualitatively poorly. The stressors that can affect the quality of production are, in addition to other factors, deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. In this study, we evaluated the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the quality of buffalo milk. Sixty-six buffaloes were enrolled and subdivided into two balanced groups of 33 each. The ZnSe group received 0.2 kg/head/day of Bufalo Plus® containing antioxidants and barley meal, CaCO3 and MgCO3 mix; the control group was supplemented with 0.2 kg/head/day of barley meal, CaCO3 and MgCO3 mix. The two groups were fed ad libitum with a total mixed ration (TMR). The amount of diet distributed was recorded daily, and the residue in the trough manger was recorded three times per week. TMR samples were taken every two weeks for each group. Daily milk yield was recorded twice a week. Milk samples were collected every four weeks and analysed for chemical and technological properties. Furthermore, milk total antioxidant capacity was determined. The results obtained showed that the antioxidant supplement had no effect on feed intake, feeding behaviour, and feed efficiency. The treatment positively influenced milk production while it did not affect the chemical characteristics of the milk. In addition, the supplement of antioxidants improved the milk clotting properties (MCP). The supplement did not affect the antioxidant activity of the milk.

LC-MS/MS Based Metabolomics Reveal Candidate Biomarkers and Metabolic Changes in Different Buffalo Species

Consumers have shown more and more interest in high-quality and healthy dairy products and buffalo milk is commercially more viable than other milks in producing superior dairy products due to its higher contents of fat, crude protein, and total solids. Metabolomics is one of the most powerful strategies in molecular mechanism research however, little study has been focused on the milk metabolites in different buffalo species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of the fatty synthesis and candidate biomarkers by analyzing the metabolomic profiles. Milk of three groups of buffaloes, including 10 Mediterranean, 12 Murrah, and 10 crossbred buffaloes (Murrah × local swamp buffalo), were collected and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was used to obtain the metabolomic profiles. Results showed that milk fatty acid in Mediterranean buffalo was significantly higher than Murrah buffalo and crossbred buffalo. A total of 1837/726 metabolites was identified in both positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI±) mode, including 19 significantly different metabolites between Mediterranean and Murrah buffalo, and 18 different metabolites between Mediterranean and crossbred buffalo. We found 11 of the different metabolites were both significantly different between Mediterranean vs. Murrah group and Mediterranean vs crossbred group, indicating that they can be used as candidate biomarkers of Mediterranean buffalo milk. Further analysis found that the different metabolites were mainly enriched in fat synthesis related pathways such as fatty acid biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism, indicating that the priority of different pathways affected the milk fat content in different buffalo species. These specific metabolites may be used as biomarkers in the identification of milk quality and molecular breeding of high milk fat buffalo.

Microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of buffalo milk used for dairy products in southern Brazil

In Brazil, the buffalo milk market has been growing. However, identity and quality standards have not been established for this raw material, nor have proper distinctions between buffalo milk and bovine milk been defined. Currently, the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) has only three producers that supply raw material for officially marketed derivatives. The aim of this study was to determine the identity and quality standards of raw buffalo milk in this region. Samples were obtained biweekly from three farm cooling tanks between June 2017 and August 2018, to reach a total of 69 samples. The averages for the results of the physicochemical parameters fat, protein, lactose, total solids, SNF (solids-not-fat), calcium, density, FP, acidity and SCC were 5.5 g/100 g, 4.06 g/100 g, 5.07 g/100 g, 15.5 g/100 g, 9.96 g/100 g, 0.161 g/100 g, 1.034 g/ml, -0.527°C, 16°D and 95 × 103 cells/ml, respectively. With reference to the microbiological parameters, the mean of the Standard Plate Count (SPC) and thermotolerant coliforms were 9,0 × 104 CFU/ml and 1.6 × 102 MPN/ml, respectively. Regarding coagulase-positive staphylococci, 36 samples tested positive (52% of total). Neither Salmonella spp. nor Listeria monocytogenes, nor antibiotic or antiparasitic residues were detected in any sample. In conclusion, the buffalo milk used as raw material for dairy products in southern Brazil demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical and microbiological characteristics, in accordance with recent scientific literature.

On the Effect of the Temperature-Humidity Index on Buffalo Bulk Milk Composition and Coagulation Traits

Little is known about the effects of high levels of environmental temperature and humidity on milk yield and quality in buffaloes since this species is known to be more heat tolerant than cattle. However, the distribution of sweat glands and the dark skin color can negatively affect heat tolerance. Moreover, due to increased global temperatures, concerns regarding heat stress and thermoregulation in dairy animals, including buffaloes, have been extended to the northern hemisphere. In this study, the effects of both the temperature-humidity index (THI) and the maximum daily temperature-humidity index (MTHI) were estimated on bulk milk traits, namely fat, protein, lactose, urea content, pH levels, somatic cell score, coagulation properties, and bacteria count. The dataset consisted of repeated data from 99 Mediterranean water buffalo farms, and mixed models were used for the analyses. Supporting the negative correlations observed, bulk milk fat, protein, and lactose content were significantly lower when THI and MTHI were higher. Similarly, milk pH was lower when THI and MTHI were high; however, high levels of THI or MTHI seemed to not be markedly associated with the milk's coagulation ability. According to both analysis of variance and correlations, the somatic cell score was not significantly affected by the THI and MTHI. This is the first study based on a large dataset that evaluates the impact of high temperature and humidity in Italian buffalo milk and that provides correlations with traits of interest for the dairy industry, i.e., milk acidity and coagulation ability. In general, findings show that the effects of elevated THI and heat stress on bulk milk quality in buffalo is less evident than in cattle. These preliminary results intend to open debate on the issue of heat stress in dairy buffaloes that are reared in temperate regions. Further studies should focus on individual milk and performance and should investigate the relationship between high THI and buffalo fertility, behavior, and welfare.

Effects of animal versus vegetal rennet on milk coagulation traits in Mediterranean buffalo bulk milk

Given consumer interest in Mozzarella di latte di Bufala and other cheeses, and the growing interest of the cheese industry in offering products adequate for lactovegetarian consumers, this study aimed to compare clotting capacity of vegetal and animal rennet in buffalo milk. Milk coagulation properties of 1,261 buffalo bulk milk samples collected during milk quality testing were assessed by lactodynamography using commercial animal (75% chymosin and 25% bovine pepsin) and vegetal (Cynara cardunculus) rennets. Chemical composition of milk samples was predicted by MilkoScan (Foss Analytics, Hillerød, Denmark) calibrated with specific buffalo standards. Rennet effect (animal versus vegetal) was statistically analyzed with a paired t-test. Fat, protein, and lactose contents of milk samples were 7.94%, 4.52%, and 4.80%, respectively. A similar variability of milk coagulation properties was observed with both rennets, with the exception of greater variability of curd firmness at 30 min after the addition of vegetal rennet compared with animal rennet (73 and 26%, respectively). On average, when using plant rennet, milk started to coagulate and reached the 20-mm coagulum 12 ± 0.22 min and 1.9 ± 0.20 min, respectively, later than with animal rennet. Thirty minutes after rennet addition, curds were almost twice as firm in animal as in vegetal rennet (difference of 23.92 ± 0.66 mm). However, curd firmness at 60 min was only 1.21 ± 0.39 mm thicker with vegetal than with animal rennet. Moreover, when using animal rennet, 99.52% of samples started coagulating within the first 30 min of analysis, whereas only 70.42% did so when using vegetal rennet. We conclude that vegetal rennet has the capacity to coagulate buffalo milk, achieving a similar curd firmness to that of animal rennet at 60 min. Further studies are needed to evaluate the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptability of Mozzarella di latte di Bufala processed with vegetal rennet.

Milk somatic cell count and its relationship with milk yield and quality traits in Italian water buffaloes

In Southern Italy, buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk is mostly intended for the manufacture of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) cheese. Despite the economic boost of the last 2 decades, the buffalo farming system should be improved to maximize the efficiency of the dairy industry, improve yield and quality of milk and cheese, and work toward better animal welfare. Milk somatic cell count (SCC) is used worldwide as an indicator of udder health in individual milk and is useful for monitoring farm hygiene in bulk milk. Mastitis data are currently not available on a large scale in Italy; thus, SCC is essential for identifying animals with suspected udder infection and inflammation. Moreover, high milk SCC is associated with altered composition and acidity, and poor technological properties of milk. However, payment systems of the PDO area are based simply on the delivered volume of milk rather than on quality characteristics. Hence, currently there are no penalties for elevated SCC in bulk milk in the Italian buffalo dairy industry. In addition, SCC for buffalo milk is not mentioned by either the European Community regulations or the PDO protocol, evidencing a lack of rules for the maximum SCC limit. To provide a phenotypic characterization of SCC at the population level and to improve knowledge on buffalo milk quality, 876,299 test-day records of 70,156 buffaloes reared in the PDO area were analyzed. Data revealed that around 11% of herd-test-dates (≥5 animals sampled each) showed average milk SCC ≥400,000 cells/mL (i.e., above the threshold fixed by the European Community for bovine milk). This suggests that there is room to improve SCC at both the farm and individual level. Within first parity, more than 28 and 15% of lactations had average SCC ≥200,000 and ≥300,000 cells/mL, respectively. Both percentages increased with parity and were 39 and 25% in sixth parity, respectively. Supporting this, the proportion of lactations with average SCC ≥500,000 cells/mL increased from 6% in first parity to 12% in sixth parity. Milk yield and SCC were negatively correlated with each other, especially when SCC level was high. An ANOVA was carried out on test-day record milk yield and composition traits, with fixed effects of parity, lactation stage, class of somatic cell score (n = 6), month of calving, and their interactions; buffalo, herd-test-date, and residual were considered random effects. Significantly lower milk yield and lactose percentage were estimated in progressively higher classes of somatic cell score, whereas no significant differences were observed for fat and protein percentages. This is the first attempt to investigate milk SCC in a large data set of Italian dairy buffaloes. These findings may be helpful for defining reliable and effective SCC thresholds to be adopted whenever specific penalties for high SCC are included in milk payment systems. Finally, these results could be used in mastitis monitoring plans aiming to reduce SCC and udder issues at both the individual and farm levels in the Italian buffalo population.

Phenotypic Characterization of Milk Yield and Quality Traits in a Large Population of Water Buffaloes

Simple Summary

The buffalo dairy industry has deep roots in Southern Italy, due to the traditional link with Mozzarella di Bufala, a Protected Designation of Origin cheese with high economic value and market demand. At farm level, strategies aiming to improve milk yield and quality are essential to maximize profitability and dairy chain efficiency. In this study, we analyzed a large data set of Italian Buffaloes (around 70 thousands animals) in order to detect the phenotypic sources of variation of milk yield and quality traits, disclose exploitable favorable correlations among milk traits, and provide useful information for dairy buffalo chain stakeholders.

Abstract

The buffalo milk industry has economic and social relevance in Italy, as linked to the manufacture of traditional dairy products. To provide an overview of the current status of buffaloes’ performances on a large scale, almost 1 million milk test-day records from 72,294 buffaloes were available to investigate milk yield, energy corrected milk, fat, protein, and lactose content, and somatic cell score (SCS). Phenotypic correlations between milk traits were calculated and analysis of variance was carried out through a mixed model approach including fixed effect of parity, stage of lactation, sampling time, month of calving, and all their interactions and random effects of buffalo, herd-test-date, and residual. Third-parity buffaloes were the most productive in terms of milk yield, while the lowest solid content was detected in sixth parity buffaloes. A considerable gap between primiparous and multiparous buffaloes was observed for milk yield, especially in early- and mid-lactation. Overall, SCS progressively increased with parity and showed a negative correlation with milk yield in both primiparous (−0.12) and multiparous (−0.14) buffaloes. Results suggested that, at the industrial level, milk of primiparous buffaloes may be preferred for transformation purposes, since it was characterized by greater solid content and lower SCS. Results of this study provide a picture of the Italian population of buffaloes under systematic performance records and might be beneficial to both dairy industry and breeding organizations.

Polymorphisms in major histocompatibility complex genes and its associations with milk quality in Murrah buffaloes

Animal breeding programs have used molecular genetic tools as an auxiliary method to identify and select animals with superior genetic merit for milk production and milk quality traits as well as disease resistance. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are important molecular markers for disease resistance that could be applied for genetic selection. The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in DRB2, DRB3, DMA, and DMB genes in Murrah breed and to analyze the association between molecular markers and milk, fat, protein and mozzarella production, fat and protein percentage, and somatic cell count. Two hundred DNA samples from Murrah buffaloes were used. The target regions of candidate genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing and identification of polymorphisms. Allele and genotype frequencies, as well as linkage disequilibrium between SNPs, were calculated. Genotypes were used in association analyses with milk production and quality traits. Except for the DMA gene, identified as monomorphic, the other genes presented several polymorphisms. The DMB, DRB2, and DRB3 genes presented two, six, and seven SNPs, respectively. Fifty-seven haplotype blocks were constructed from 15 SNPs identified, which was used in association analyses. All the studied traits had at least one associated haplotype. In conclusion, it is suggested that the haplotypes found herein can be associated with important traits related to milk production and quality.

Blood lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis, Mediterranean lineage): Reference intervals and influence of age and reproductive history

There is an increasing interest toward infectious diseases and mechanisms of immune response of water buffaloes, mainly because of the growing economic impact of this species and of its high-quality milk. However, little is known about the immune system of these animals in physiological conditions. Recently, a wide number of antibodies cross reacting with buffalo antigens has been validated for use in flow cytometry (FC), allowing detailed characterization of the lymphocytic population in this species. The aim of the present study was to describe the lymphocyte subpopulations in a large number of healthy water buffaloes, providing reference intervals (RIs), and to assess whether the composition of blood lymphocyte population significantly varied with age and reproductive history. Our final aim was to lay the ground for future studies evaluating the role of host immune response in water buffaloes. One-hundred-twelve healthy buffaloes from four different herds in the South of Italy were included in the study. All animals had been vaccinated for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Salmonellosis, Colibacillosis and Clostridiosis, and all herds were certified Brucellosis- and Tuberculosis-free. Venous blood collected into EDTA tubes was processed for FC, and the percentage of cells staining positive for the following antibodies was recorded: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD21, TCR-δ-N24, WC1-N2, WC1-N3 and WC1-N4. Absolute concentration of each lymphoid subclass was then calculated, based on automated White Blood Cell (WBC) Count. Reference Intervals were calculated according to official guidelines and are listed in the manuscript. The composition of the lymphocyte population varied with age and reproductive history, with animals <2-years-old and heifers having higher concentration of most of the subclasses. The present study provides RIs for the main lymphocytic subclasses in healthy water buffaloes, highlighting gross differences between young and old animals. Establishment of age-specific RIs is recommended in water buffaloes. The data we present may be useful as a basis for further studies concerning mechanisms of immune response toward infectious agents in water buffaloes.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Buffalo Milk δ-Valerobetaine

δ-Valerobetaine (δVB), a constitutive metabolite of ruminant milk, is produced in the rumen from free dietary N^ε- trimethyllysine occurring ubiquitously in vegetable kingdom. The biological role of δVB is poorly known. Here, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of buffalo milk δVB was tested in vitro during high-glucose (HG)-induced endothelial damage. Results indicated that δVB (0.5 mM) ameliorated the HG cytotoxicity (0.57 ± 0.02 vs 0.41 ± 0.018 O.D. ( P < 0.01). Interestingly, buffalo milk extracts enriched with δVB showed improved significant efficacy in decreasing reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and cytokine release during HG treatment compared to milk extracts alone ( P < 0.05). It is noteworthy that δVB reduced the HG-activated inflammatory signal by modulating SIRT1 (0.96 ± 0.05 vs 0.85 ± 0.04 AU), SIRT6 (0.82 ± 0.04 vs 0.61 ± 0.03 AU), and NF-κB (0.85 ± 0.03 vs 1.23 ± 0.03 AU) ( P < 0.05). On the whole, our data show the first evidence of δVB efficacy in reducing endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting a potential role of this betaine as a novel dietary compound with health-promoting properties.

Carnitine Precursors and Short-Chain Acylcarnitines in Water Buffalo Milk

Ruminants' milk contains δ-valerobetaine originating from rumen through the transformation of dietary N^ε-trimethyllysine. Among ruminant's milk, the occurrence of δ-valerobetaine, along with carnitine precursors and metabolites, has not been investigated in buffalo milk, the second most worldwide consumed milk, well-known for its nutritional value. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analyses of bulk milk revealed that the Italian Mediterranean buffalo milk contains δ-valerobetaine at levels higher than those in bovine milk. Importantly, we detected also γ-butyrobetaine, the l-carnitine precursor, never described so far in any milk. Of interest, buffalo milk shows higher levels of acetylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine, butyrylcarnitine, isobutyrylcarnitine, and 3-methylbutyrylcarnitine (isovalerylcarnitine) than cow milk. Moreover, buffalo milk shows isobutyrylcarnitine and butyrylcarnitine at a 1-to-1 molar ratio, while in cow's milk this ratio is 5 to 1. Results indicate a peculiar short-chain acylcarnitine profile characterizing buffalo milk, widening the current knowledge about its composition and nutritional value.

Understanding Seasonal Changes to Improve Good Practices in Livestock Management

Background and Aim: Food quality control techniques based on process control methods are increasingly adopted in livestock production systems to fulfill increasing market's expectations toward competitiveness and issues linked to One Health pillars (environment, animal, and human health). Control Charts allow monitoring and systematic investigation of sources of variability in dairy production parameters. These parameters, however, may be affected by seasonal variations that render impractical, biased or ineffective the use statistical control charts. A possible approach to this problem is to adapt seasonal adjustment methods used for the analysis of economic and demographic seasonal time series. The aim of the present work is to evaluate a seasonal decomposition technique called X-11 on milk parameters routinely collected also in small farms (fat, protein, and lactose content, solids-not-fat, freezing point, somatic cell count, total bacterial count) and to test the efficacy of different seasonal removal methods to improve the effectiveness of statistical control charting.

Method: Data collection was carried out for 3 years on routinely monitored bulk tank milk parameters of a small farm. Seasonality presence was statistically assessed on milk parameters and, for those parameters showing seasonality, control charts for individuals were applied on raw data, on X-11 seasonally adjusted data, and on data smoothed with a symmetric moving average filter. Correlation of seasonally influenced parameters with daily mean temperature was investigated.

Results: Presence of seasonality in milk parameters was statistically assessed for fat, protein, and solids-non-fat components. The X-11 seasonally-adjusted control charts showed a reduced number of violations (false alarms) with respect to non-seasonally adjusted control chart (from 5 to 1 violation for fat, from 17 to 1 violation for protein, and from 9 to none violation for solids-non-fat.). This result was achieved despite stricter control chart limits: with respect to raw data charts, the interval of control chart allowed variation (UCL–LCL) was reduced by 43% for fat, by 33.1% for protein, and by 14.3% for solids-not-fat.

Conclusions: X-11 deseasonalization of routinely collected milk parameters was found to be an effective method to improve control chart application effectiveness in farms and milk collecting centers.