Selection tools of buffalos.

SELECTION TOOLS OF BUFFALOS
SUBMITTED TO:
Dr K. Surjan rao,
Professor and Univ. Head,
Dept. of LPM.

• India - 56.70 % of the world buffalo population
and they supply 68.21 % of the total milk
produced around the world.
• The river buffaloes - milk production, but all of
them are also dual purpose animals, exhibiting
good meat characteristics.
• India - 13 recognized breeds and the best
known breeds of buffaloes are Murrah, Nili-Ravi,
Jaffarabadi, Surti and Mehsana.

Process for Selection of best dairy
buffaloes is:
1. choice of breed. (murrah, nili ravi or mehsana)
2. Breed adviced - All 3 breeds can yield ˃2400 kg milk
in a lactation but murrah - best dairy breed (regular
breeder & adapt well in all conditions and also
performs well in absence of green fodder unlike nili
ravi).

3. In buffaloes –
 body structure,
 udder conformation,
 placement of teats,
 prominent milk veins,
 small face, tightly curled horns, slim neck region, bulky hump,
boat like body confirmation,
 size (it does matter), soft and strechable (loose skin), small
legs and bulky body.

Selection of she-buffaloes for milk production
• When purchasing of buffaloes for milk production we have to
select healthy animal known for economic milk production. We
have to take following steps in selecting a dairy animal
Breed characters
• Body confirmation
• Body weight
• Ancestors performance
• Capacity
• Health condition
• Age
• No. of lactations

• Past performance of the animal.
• Free of chronic disease.
• Cleanliness of teeth Legs and toes free of injuries.
• Good eye site.
• Whether animal is dry or lactating.
• Date of delivery.
• Month of pregnancy.
• If non-pregnant, how many times it came in to heat.
• Animal should follow owners instructions.
• The udder should be in good shape and easy to milking.

The animal should not have the following
• Poor growth
• Late maturity
• Not coming into heat
• Repeat breeder
• Long gap between two lactations
• Uncurable chronic diseases
• Retained placenta
• Low milk production
• Unable to give milk without calf

Criteria for selection:
selection methods/Tools:
Traditional- Individual performance testing,
Pedigree selection,
Progeny testing,
show ring selection.
advanced - Body condition score,
Marker assisted selection,
Genomic selection.

1. Performance testing:
 Performance test is a measure of the phenotypic value of the
individual candidates for selection.
 Since the phenotypic value is determined by both genetic and
environmental influences, the performance test is an estimate, not a
measure of the genetic value.
 The occurrence of this estimate depends upon the heritability of the
trait i.e. on the degree to which the genetic value is modified by the
environmental influences.

Advantages:
• Among simple procedures it is the most accurate.
• Environmental influences can be minimised by testing
candidates for selection in the same pen or in similar
environmental conditions.
• Generation intervals are usually short.
• Testing can usually be done on the farm under normal
managemental conditions.
Disadvantages:
 Accuracy become low when heretability is low.
 Phenotypes are not available for sex limited traits.
 Traits which are not expressed until maturity may become
expensive.

2) Pedigree selection:
• A pedigree is a record of an individual's ancestors. This
information is valuable because each individual possesses a
sample half of the genes from each parent.
• Pedigree considerations are useful when we do not have
sufficient accurate records of production of the individual.
• It is also useful for selection of males when the traits are
expressed only by the female such as milk production.

Advantages:
• It provides information to supplement performance test.
• It allows selection to be completed at a young age.
• It allows selection of bulls can be selected on the milk records
of their female relatives
Disadvantages:
• Accuracy is usually low compare with other selection
procedures.
• Too much emphasis on relatives, especially remote relatives
greatly reduces genetic progress.
• Relatives records make under quite different environments,
thus introducing non random bases into the selection system

3) Progeny testing:
Evaluate the breeding value by a study of the expression of
the trait in its offsprings. Individuality tells us what
an animal seems to be, his pedegree tells us what he ought to
be, but the performance of his progeny tells us what he is.
Progency testing is two-stage selection –
preliminary selection to produce progeny
then culling parents which produce poor progeny
Advantages:
High accuracy when many progeny are obtained.
Disadvantages:
a. Long generation interval.
b. Requires high reproductive rate.
c. Low selection intensity.

4) Show ring selection:
Selection on the basis of show ring performance had
considerable value in the past. Essentially this selection has
been directed towards bringing the conformation of the
animal to some ideal conformation.
This improvement has been based on two goals:
(i) improvement conformation and
(ii) correlated response
Improvement of conformation has economic value because a
part of the sale price is determined by the conformation of the
individual and it is more profitable producer. .

Advantages:
• It enables breeders to exchange ideas and experience.
• It allows comparisons among within and between breeds.
• It allows new breeders to make contact with established
breeders.
Disadvantages:
• Emphasis is usually placed on traits of little economic
importance.
• Clever fitting and showmanship can mask defects of trits.
• Conformation and production traits usually have low genetic
correlations.

Body condition scoring
• Body condition is defined as the ratio of the
amount of fat to the amount of non-fatty
matter in the body of the living animals.
• BCS system is a subjective method to assess
the body fat reserves particularly over the
bony prominences like back and pelvic region.
• Gives an immediate appraisal of the body
state of the animal

Utility of BCS system:
• As a managemental aid in dairy production.
• Universally accepted, non-invasive, quick and
inexpensive method to estimate the degree of fatness.
• Helps to understand the present status animals -
accordingly feeding and managemental practices
suggested for optimal performance in future .

• Tool for the selection of dairy animals.
• Good predictor of weight loss or gain and success of
nutritional programmes.
• Helps to improve the reproductive performance.
• Helps to improve the productive performance.
• Helps in minimizing the incidence of clinical mastitis,
anoestrum and certain metabolic disorders like
ketosis.

Development of Body condition score (BCS)
• The skeletal check points were identified based
on the anatomical features and carcass fat
reserves.
• A new BCS chart with a 1-5 scale having 0.5
increments examining eight skeletal check points
was developed by ultrasonographic assessment
• Also asses by palpation
• It reflects the actual fat reserves.

Murrah buffalo showing the
skeletal check points for BCS
1.Tail head to pin bones
2.Spinous processes of the lumbarvertebrae
3. Depression between the spinous and
transverse processes
4. Transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
5. Between 12th and 13th ribs
6. Sacral crest
7. Depression between sacral crest and hooks
8. Depression between hooks and pins
1
5432678
7

• A score of
1- indicates emaciated,
2 - thin,
3 - average,
4 - fat and
5 - obese condition.

Tail head to pin bones
BCS 1 BCS 2
BCS 3 BCS 4 BCS 5

Spinous processes of lumbar
vertebrae
BCS 2
BCS 1
BCS 3 BCS 4 BCS 5

Spinous to transverse processes of
lumbar vertebrae
BCS 1 BCS 2
BCS 3 BCS 4 BCS 5

Transverse processes of lumbar
vertebrae
BCS 1
BCS 2
BCS 3 BCS 4 BCS 5

Between 12th and 13th ribs
BCS 1 BCS 2
BCS 3 BCS 4 BCS 5

Sacral Crest
BCS 1 BCS 2
BCS 4BCS 3 BCS 5

Between Sacral Crest and hooks
BCS 1
BCS 2
BCS 4BCS 3 BCS 5

Body Locations for
Ultrsonographic
measurements of
fat thickness

BCS in relation to reproductive
performance
• BCS at calving had significant effect on the reproductive
performance of buffaloes.
• The buffaloes of BCSc group 3.5 – 3.99 had
 earlier resumption of ovarian activity(29.33 days),
 less postpartum estrus period (46.66 days),
 less service period ( 58.83 days), number of services per
conception ( 1.5)
 higher 1st service conception rate (66.66 days) and
 higher breeding efficiency of 90.64 compared to buffaloes
of BCSc groups 2.5 – 2.99,3.0 – 3.49,4.0-4.49

BCS in relation to productive performance
• The buffaloes should be able to produce high milk prod,
yield persistency and high yields of milk components
which are the characteristics of ideal lactation curve.
• Achieved by maintaining - ideal BCSc of 3.5 – 3.99,
improving the plane of nutrition during 30-60 days of
lactation to maintain the buffaloes in a positive energy
balance even during the peak milk production and by
monitoring the plane of nutrition regularly such that the
buffaloes will not be depleted of their body reserves or
over conditioned.

• Buffaloes of BCS 3.5 – 3.99 had higher MY upto 18
weeks of lactation (kg), 305 day predicted LY (kg) and
peak MY (kg) of 1658.67, 3187.31 and 16.5 respectively.
• For every one unit increase in BCS
 an increase of milk fat per cent of 1.8 and 2.0 and
 milk protein / SNF per cent of 0.55 and 0.54 was
observed at 6-8 weeks after calving and 16-18 weeks
after calving respectively.
• As the BCSc increased beyond 3.99, the milk yield
showed a decline trend.

Target condition scores suggested for better
reproduction and production performance
A BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS) SYSTEM IN MURRAH BUFFALOES
A. Anitha1, K. Sarjan Rao1*, J. Suresh1, P.R. Srinivasa Moorthy1
and Y. Kotilinga Reddy2
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2833424/
Stage Target score
At calving 3.5-3.99
At 3 months postpartum 3.25-3.5
At 8w of lactation 2.75-3
At 18w of lactation 3-3.25

BCS an indicator of milk yield and composition in
Nili-Ravi buffaloes during lactation under tropical
condition:
• 36 animals were offered green fodders ad-libitum and
concentrate at the rate of 1kg per 2 kg of milk
produced.
• Milk yield (kg/d) and BCS (scale 1-5) were recorded
weekly and milk samples (n = 1008) were collected for
analysis of fat, protein and lactose contents. The study
continued from calving to 7 months of lactation.

Changes in BCS during lactation
• Milk yield showed an increasing pattern up to 4th
week, and decrease in BCS.
• 4 weeks later the milk yield consistently decreased
and BCS increased upto the last week of lactation.
• The BCS and milk fat contents- A slight decline was
observed in fat contents up to 5th month
postpartum and later on a gradual and consistent
upward trend was recorded

BCS Fat (%) Protein (%) Lactose (%) 1 MY (kg/d)
2.5 5.01c ± 0.81 3.29b ± 0.24 4.21 ± 0.01 9.18a ± 1.87
(477) (477) (477) (477)
3.0 5.25b ± 0.80 3.28b ± 0.25 4.21 ± 0.07 6.78b ± 2.24
(289) (289) (289) (289)
3.5 5.60a ± 1.10 3.43a ± 0.25 4.20 ± 0.01 5.44c ± 1.31
(242) (242) (242) (242)
Changes in milk fat (%, vertical lines), protein (%, horizontal lines)
and lactose (%, dots) with BCS in Nili-Ravi buffaloes
months

• Moderate BCS (2.5) supported higher milk yield in Nili Ravi
• BCS correlated positively with fat and protein and negatively
with milk yield. Milk yield increased while BCS decreased in
early lactation and later on the trend was reversed.
• Waltner et al. (1993) hypothesized that with higher BCS may
display low appetite probably due to their increased
catabolism of body tissues and the succeeding effect of
circulating free-fatty acids on feed consumption
• http://prr.hec.gov.pk/Chapters/1162S-5.pdf

MAS:
• Utilizing the information of polymorphic loci as an aid to
selection.
• Identification of the marker loci that is linked to QTL of economic
importance trait.
GENOYYPING:
• 1. Assignment of the entire genome sequence.
• 2. Development of technology to measure DNA polymorphisms at
loci by ALFP microsatellites and SNPs
• 3.Using computer software and bioinformatics whole genome will
be scanned to identification of markers.
4. Using marker information QTL will be detected.
5. Analyse the phenotypic value to particular trait in testing
population

Procedure of MAS in selection or breeding programme:
1. Gene mapping: identification and mapping of genes and genetic
polymorphisms.
2. Marker genotyping: genotyping of large numbers of individuals for large
numbers of markers at a reasonable cost for both QTL detection and routine
application for MAS.
3. QTL detection: detection and estimation of associations of identified genesand
genetic markers with economic traits.
4. Genetic evaluation: integration of phenotypic and genotypic data in
statistical methods to estimate breeding values of individuals in a breeding
population.
5. MAS: development of breeding strategies and programmes for the use of
molecular genetic information in selection and mating programmes.

Molecular markers:
• Marker on DNA- specific location of genes on genome.
• These are identifiable DNA sequences, found at specific locations
of the genome, and transmitted from one generation to the next.
• molecular markers-DNA assay, morphological markers that are
based on visible traits, and biochemical markers based on proteins
produced by genes.

Steps involved in MAS
1. Validation of molecular markers: Extract the DNA from test
individuals and find out whether there is one-to-one relationship
with marker and the trait.
2. Extract the DNA of breeding population at the early stage and
apply MAS. Select the individuals on the basis of presence of
desired molecular markers for the concerned trait.
• Illumina designed cost-effective chips and provides the services to
evaluate the genetic merits Bovines.
• http://www.animalgenome.org/cgi-bin/QTLdb/index.

Commercial companies are now offering DNA
markers for use in Marker-Assisted Selection
(MAS) for given traits
• Marker-assisted selection is the process of
using the results of DNA testing to assist in the
selection of individuals to become parents in
the next generation.

Applications of MAS:
• As the genetic gains are cumulative and eternal, application of
new technologies that increase the rates of genetic gain can be
highly profitable. Enhancement of productivity in buffalo is
presently achieved by propagation of small number of sires with
high genetic merit.
• progeny testing for milk production of daughters- yield a genetic
gain upto 1% per generation. The genetic gain can not be
increased beyond this level because of low heritability.
• The molecular markers can enhance the accuracy of selection of
sires and can increase the genetic gain beyond 1%. It can provide
an impetus to Buffalo improvement programs by reducing the
cost of rearing of bulls used in progeny testing. (DNA markers can
be scored at birth)
http://buffaloqtl.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Ite
mid=4

Limitations of MAS
• Cost.
• Requirement of technical skill.
• Automated techniques for maximum benefit.
• DNA markers are not affected by environment but
traits may be affected by the environment and show
G x E interactions. Therefore, while developing
markers, phenotyping should be carried out in
multiple environments.

• Timeline of a traditional artificial insemination breeding programme based on progeny
testing.
EBV = estimated breeding value
• Timeline of an aggressive artificial insemination breeding programme based on the
• use of genomic bulls as sires of sons.
GEBV = genomic estimated breeding value
EBV = estimated breeding value

GENOMIC SELECTION:
• Here whole genome will be sequenced.
• Determine the best DNA signature for the
production system under investigation – Require the
DNA sequence and accurate estimates of genetic
merit for many thousands of animals.
• Take a hair/blood/tissue sample a young animal.
• Send off to a laboratory to determine its DNA
sequence Compare the DNA sequence of the animal
to the best DNA sequence.

• Genomic selection is a form of marker-assisted
selection. The markers used for MAS can be linked to
the QTL but in linkage equilibrium with it; in linkage
disequilibrium (LD) and leads to genetic gain so large
amount of genotyping was necessary.
• To overcome these difficulties proposed a variant of
MAS called genomic selection. The key features of this
method are that markers covering the whole genome
are used so that potentially all the genetic variance is
explained by the markers.
http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/animalbiotech/Outreach/Marker
_Assisted_Selection_in_Beef_Cattle.pdf

• Microarray chips are now available for cattle that allow
for the simultaneous analysis of tens of thousands
genetic markers, This technology has opened the door
to genomic selection.
• National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP)
started
(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci for Milk yield,
Fat and Protein Percent in Buffaloes in India.

Advantages of Genomic Selection
• Increase genetic gain
– By increasing accuracy of selection
– By reducing the generation interval
• Lower rate of inbreeding per generation
• Once marker effects are estimated they can be used for a few
generations
– BUT accuracy will reduce in each generation if not
restimated

Illumina Infinium Bovine BeadChip
~ 54,008 SNP markers
across the bovine genome
- On average SNP every
<67,000 base pair
- Discovery SNP includes
many breeds
BARC
USMARC
University of Missouri
University of Alberta
(Van Tassell et al., 2008 Nature Methods)

Disadvantages
• New method, not fully proven and tested
• Need to genotype a sufficiently large set of animals for accurate
marker estimates.
• Genotypes still costly.
• Some species have no dense marker maps yet.
• When generation intervals are already low genetic gain due to
genomic selection will be less.
• In large litters accuracy can be gained from information on sibs,
less advantage of GS,

• Yuvraj is a perfect specimen of the Murrah breed.
• "It generates 3.5 to 5 ml of very high quality semen
everyday which is diluted to increase the volume to
35ml. Now, 0.25ml, which is one dose of semen used for
A.I Murrah buffaloes, costs close to Rs 1,500.
• So, ideally in a single day, a dairy farmer can earn
roughly about Rs 2,10,000. And since Yuvraj's mother
was a high yield buffalo, said to be producing close to 25
litres of milk a day.

THANK YOU
PRESENTED BY
V. Venkateswara Reddy,
I.D.No: RVM/14-21,
MVSc in AGB.

Selection tools of buffalos.

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