In South Africa, the diagnosis of Theileria parva in cattle and buffalo has been complicated by the presence of mildly pathogenic and non-pathogenic Theileria spp. This can lead to inaccurate diagnostic results and confuse the epidemiology of theileriosis. The aims of this study were to identify and characterize the 18S rRNA genes of novel Theileria spp. of the African buffalo, as well as to test new gene targets that will allow for the development of more accurate diagnostic tests for the identification of T. parvainfections in cattle and buffalo. Buffalo blood samples originating from different geographical regions in South Africa and from Mozambique were screened for the presence of Theileria spp. by the reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay. A total of six Theileria spp., namely T. parva, Theileria sp. (buffalo), Theileria mutans, Theileria velifera and Theileria buffeli, were identified from the buffalo samples. These occurred mainly as mixed infections. Some of the samples hybridized only with the Theileria/Babesia genus specific probe that is used in the RLB assay, and not with any of the species-specific probes used, suggesting the presence of novel genotypes or species. The full-length 18S rRNA genes of parasites from selected samples were characterized by cloning and sequencing. In addition to the identification of 18S rRNA gene sequences that were similar to published Theileria spp. of cattle and buffalo, we identified Theileria sp. (bougasvlei), and novel 18S rRNA gene variants of T. mutans, T. velifera, T. bufJeli. This variation explained why the RLB hybridization assay failed to detect these species in some of the analysed samples. As extensive variation was observed within the T. mutan group, specific RLB oligonucleotide probes were designed from the V 4 hypervariable region of the T. mutans-like 1 and 2/3 18S rRNA gene sequences. Unfortunately these cross-hybridized with T. mutans target DNA and could not be used to screen buffalo samples to determine the occurrence of these genotypes in buffalo in South Africa. This problem could be solved by designing probes from a more variable area of the 18S rRNA gene of the T. mutans groups. Alternatively, a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay could be used for differentiation of these genotypes as it is more sensitive than the RLB assay. Despite the variation observed in the full-length T parva 18S rRNA gene sequences, the area in the V 4 hypervariable region where the T parva RLB and real-time PCR hybridization probes were developed was relatively conserved between sequences obtained in this study. The existing T parva-specific qPCR assay was able to successfully detect all T parva variants identified in this study and, although amplicons were obtained from Theileria sp. (buffalo) and Theileria sp. (bougasvlei) DNA, these species were not detected by the T parva-specific hybridization probes. The sequences of the other Theileria spp. and the novel genotypes identified in this study under the probes were also different from that of T parva and therefore these species do not compromise the specificity of the T parva 18S qPCR assay. In order to determine the sequence variation and phylogenetic positions of T buffeli spp. of the African buffalo, we cloned and sequenced their 18S rRNA gene and complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS). We identified novel T buffeli-like and T sinensis-like 18S rRNA and ITS genotypes from buffalo originating from two different geographical regions in South Africa. There was extensive sequence variation between these novel South African genotypes and known T buffeli-like and T sinensis-like genotypes. The presence of organisms with T buffeli-like and T. sinensis-like genotypes in the African buffalo is of significant importance, particularly to the cattle industry in South Africa as these animals might act as sources of infections to naIve cattle. Recently, a qPCR assay based on the cox III gene was developed for the diagnosis of Theileria spp. in cattle. This test detects and differentiates six Theileria spp. in cattle. We evaluated the use of this assay for the detection of Theileria spp. in buffalo. The results of the cox III qPCR were compared to those of the RLB and 18S qPCR for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of Theileria spp. of the African buffalo, and for the specific detection of T parva, respectively. The cox III genes from selected samples with non-specific melting peaks were characterized by cloning and sequencing. Extensive sequence variation in the cox III gene was observed between and within species. The T mutans group was the most variable. The qPCR assay could be further improved by designing new primers and probes using all known cox III gene sequences of Theileria spp. Of buffalo and cattle. This study highlights the complexity of the diagnosis of T parva in cattle and buffalo in South Africa. It provides invaluable information towards the development of an improved molecular diagnostic assay for T parva and co-infecting species in cattle and buffalo in South Africa which will assist the veterinary regulatory authorities in the control of Corridor disease in South Africa. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / Unrestricted

The aim of this study was to improve the official diagnostic test package in South Africa for detection of Theileria parva infections in cattle and Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and to investigate the presence of cattle-type T. parva parasites in buffalo and cattle in South Africa. To improve diagnosis of T. parva infections, a T. parva-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay based on hybridization probe technology was developed. Oligonucleotide primers and hybridization probes used in the assay were designed based on the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The primers amplify T. parva and Theileria sp. (buffalo) DNA but the hybridization probes specifically detect T. parva amplicons. Because of the high sequence similarity between the T. parva and Theileria sp. (buffalo) 18S rRNA genes, amplification of Theileria sp. (buffalo) DNA could not be avoided; no other bovine blood pathogens tested were amplified by these primers. The real-time PCR assay demonstrated superior sensitivity compared to other molecular tests used in detection of T. parva infections, reliably detecting the parasite in carrier animals with a piroplasm parasitaemia as low as 8.79x10-4% with minute template DNA input. The assay requires less time to perform with a low risk of contamination because of the closed-tube system that does not require handling of amplicons for post-PCR analysis. The presence of cattle-typeT. parva parasites in buffalo and cattle was investigated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiles of PCR products and sequences of the parasite genes which code for the antigenic proteins p67, p104, and the polymorphic immunodominant molecule (PIM). Cattle-type p67, p104 and PIM alleles were identified from three T. parva samples obtained from cattle from a farm near Ladysmith in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. These cattle-type alleles were identical to those previously identified from a cattle-derived T. parva stock, T. parva Muguga, a parasite stock that causes East Coast fever (ECF) in Kenya; however, ECF was not diagnosed in animals in this farm. Cattle-type alleles identical to those previously reported were not identified from T. parva buffalo samples, but variants of p67 allele 1 as well as p104 allele 1, both previously obtained from T. parva Muguga, were identified. It is not known if parasites that possess these variants can cause disease, and the risk of their adapting to cattle as in the case of ECF and January disease needs to be evaluated. Furthermore, these findings suggest that cattle-like alleles may not be exclusively associated with cattle-derived T. parva parasites. Most of the p67, p104 and PIM gene sequences obtained in this study were not identical to known sequences; furthermore, novel alleles were identified, demonstrating extensive genetic diversity in the South African T. parva parasite population in buffalo. The significance of the parasites that possess ‘novel’ alleles in the epidemiology of theileriosis in South Africa still needs to be determined. The identification of variants and novel alleles reveals that p67, p104 and PIM gene PCR-RFLP profiles are more complex than previously thought and the classification of buffalo- and cattle-derived T. parva parasites in South Africa based on p67, p104 and PIM gene profiles would not be possible. Identification of more reliable markers that can be directly associated with the theilerial disease syndromes remains a challenge. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

No description available.

Fifty Surti buffalo heifers between 17 and 42 mo of age (n = 24, < 24 mo; n = 26, > 24 mo) were used to study the changes in body weight, prolactin (Prl), progesterone (P₄) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as a result of supplemental lighting. Buffalo were randomly assigned to either natural day light + 4 hr supplemental light (S; n = 25) or natural day light (C; n = 25) groups on d 11 of the experiment. Data on individual body weights (BW) and ovarian structures were obtained weekly beginning from d 1 and d 14, respectively. Jugular vein blood samples were obtained on alternate days from d 1 to d 10, and twice weekly from d 11 to d 98 to determine serum Prl, P₄ and LH. Between d 99 and d 105 blood samples were obtained at -30, -15, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 240 min post gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) administration (30 µg) to determine LH response. Meteorological data were recorded throughout the study. Data on conception of heifers were obtained within 6 mo of the end of the study. Day-light ambient temperatures and relative humidity generally were > 27 C and < 70%, respectively. Heavy precipitation during the 11th and 12th wk interrupted the drought. S group animals had 5.8% heavier (p < 0.01) BW, 6.1 kg net BW gain (p < 0.01), higher mean Prl (42.6 ± 0.2 vs 40.1 ± 0.2 ng/ml; p < 0.01), a Prl increase (35.5 ± 2.0 ng/ml to 46.0 ± 1.8 ng/ml vs 41.7 ± 2.3 ng/ml to 42.8 ± 2.2 ng/ml; p < 0.01), higher P₄ (0.39 ± 0.02 vs 0.18 ± 0.02; p < 0.07), and higher mean LH (0.52 ± 0.01 vs 0.46 ± 0.01; p < 0.06) than C. Older heifers had 67% greater BW (p <. 0.01) during the treatment period, but a net BW loss (-7.8 kg vs 4.6 kg; p < 0.01), higher mean Prl (49.0 ± 0.2 vs 33. 7 ± 0.2; p < 0.01), P₄ (0.39 ± 0.02 vs 0.18 ± 0.02; p< 0.07) and LH (0.54 ± 0.01 vs OA4 ± 0.01; p < 0.01) compared to younger heifers. Older light supplemented heifers had higher mean P₄ (0.39 ± 0.02 vs 0.18 ± 0.02; p < 0.07) than the other groups. Peak response to GnRH was reached at 30 min post GnRH. Older control heifers had highest peak response (p < 0.01) to GnRH. These weight and hormonal changes suggest that 4 hr supplemental light can stimulate body weight gain, pituitary function and ovarian activity in peri-pubertal buffalo under the existing planes of nutrition. High rainfall and humidity adversely affected (p < 0.01) BW. The S heifers had a greater rate of weight loss at rainfall above 60 mm than did C heifers. Rainfall had a negative effect on Prl and LH. Further investigations should be conducted to evaluate the optimum age range and environmental characteristics which affect supplemental light administration. / Ph. D.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the current managerial practices as used by African Savanna buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) farmers. Consequently, the best management practices would be combined to formulate a basic management plan to farm captive buffalo. The distribution of buffalo throughout South Africa was also investigated and each province was considered separately for different types of buffalo (Kruger also known as project; Addo and other) and different disease statuses (Foot and Mouth; TB; Corridor disease and disease-free or clean). The basic infrastructure of all farms studied was noted and evaluated to attain the most effective structures and layouts needed for basic captive buffalo farming. The reproductive capabilities of buffalo were assessed on different farms. These farms were divided into winter and summer rainfall areas to ascertain whether season or rainfall would have an effect on calving season. Additionally the reproduction data was analysed to set a benchmark for the reproductive performance of buffalo in herds as well as individually. This assisted in selection in captive breeding of buffalo. Buffalo are currently distributed throughout South Africa and occur in all nine provinces, with the highest quantity found in Limpopo with 1300 registered buffalo farms. Provinces that contain only disease-free buffalo include Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Freestate, North-West and Gauteng. Corridor infected buffalo are found in the Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal. Foot and Mouth disease is found in Limpopo and Mpumalanga and TB infected buffalo are found in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal. Factors to consider when managing captive buffalo herds are the herd dynamics and composition, feeding and nutrition and lastly parasite control. Management should be approached adaptively as different areas present different challenges. Infrastructure is divided into the farm and biomes thereof, feeding and parasite treatment. As with herd management these should be approached adaptively as the composition of each farm differs. Reproductive maturity of buffalo is reached between the ages of two and six years. Average intercalving period of captive buffalo was to be 443 days with optimal intercalving being below 400 days. Seasonal calving differences between summer and winter rainfall areas were found with calving peaks differing by two months between these areas. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die bestuurstegnieke wat tans deur Afrika Savanna buffel (Syncerus caffer caffer) boere gebruik word te evalueer. Gevolglik sal die beste bestuurs praktyke gekombineer word om ‘n basiese bestuursplan the formuleer om omheinde buffels te boer. Die verspreiding van buffels in Suid-Afrika is ook ondersoek en elke provinsie is afsonderlik oorweeg vir die verskillende tipes buffels (Kruger ook bekend as projek; Addo en ander) en verskillende siektestatusse (Bek-en-Klou seer; TB; Corridor siekte en siekte-vrye of skoon). Die basiese infrastruktuur van al die plase in die studie is genoteer en geivalueer op die mees effektiewe strukture en uitlegte vas te stel wat benodig word vir die boer van omheinde buffels. Die reproduktiewe vaardighede van buffels is geassesseer op verskillende plase wat verdeel is in winter en somer reënval streke om vas te stel of seisoen of reënval ‘n invloed het op kalf seisoen. Die reproduksie data is ook geanaliseer om ‘n riglyn te stel vir die reprodutiewe prestasie van buffels in ‘n kudde asook individueel. Dit sal help met die seleksie van teel diere. Buffels is tans wyd versprei oor Suid-Afrika and kom in al nege provinsies voor met die hoogste hoeveelheid in Limpopo (1300 geregistreerde buffelplase). Die provinsies wat slegs siekte-vrye buffels bevat is Wes-Kaap; Oos-Kaap; Vrystaat; Noord-Wes en Gauteng. Corridor-besmette buffels kom voor in Noord-Kaap; Mpumalanga en KwaZulu Natal. Bek-en- Klou seer kom voor in Limpopo en Mpumalanga en TB kom voor in Mpumalanga en Kwa- Zulu Natal. Faktore wat oorweeg moet word met die bestuur van omheinde buffeltroppe is kudde dinamika en samestelling, voeding en laastens parasiet beheer. Buffelbestuur moet aanpasbaar wees aangesien verskillende areas verskillende uitdagings bied. Infrastruktuur kan opgedeel word in die plaas en sy biome, voeding en parasiet toediening. Soos met kudde bestuur moet infrastruktuur ook aanpasbaar wees, aangesien die samestelling van elke plaas verskil. Reproduktiewe volwassenheid van buffels word bereik tussen die ouderdomme van twee en ses jaar. Gemiddelde interkalf periode vir omheinde buffels was 443 dae met optimale interkalwing van minder as 400 dae. Seisoenale kalwingsverskille tussen somer en winter reënvalstreke is opgemerk met kalf pieke wat verskil met twee maande tussen die streke.

Thesis (M. A.)--Buffalo, SUNYAB, 1993. / Includes indexes. Bibliography: ℓℓ. 400-402. Also available in print.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:51:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5103.pdf: 2522813 bytes, checksum: aaa60270028197895f394bcdc0e29a4b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-28 / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais / This study aimed to analyze the drivers of competitiveness in the chain of water buffalo milk in the State of Sao Paulo. It also aimed to recognize the key players, distinguish and analyze the dynamics of the operation and characterize the strengths and weaknesses of the chain under study. Driven by strong demand for industrial products from water buffalo milk, water buffalo breeding the Brazilian has experienced significant growth. In Sao Paulo this situation is no different. The production of buffalo milk in São Paulo, despite representing 26.64% of the national total, cannot meet the market demand and most dairy work with idle production capacity. Given this situation, it becomes relevant to a search that will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the chain of buffalo milk in the State of Sao Paulo. The methodology uses drivers of competitiveness and assigns ratings ranging from very unfavorable to very favorable for a number of sub-factors for assessing each director. After extensive literature review, we selected the following drivers: chain coordination, market structure, institutional environment, firm's management, quality and food safety, technology and innovation inputs and infrastructure. These drivers were evaluated through semi-structured questionnaires applied to the key players involved in the production, processing and sale of water buffalo milk (water buffalo milk producers, dairy and distributors). It was concluded that the chain of water buffalo milk in the State of Sao Paulo is formed mainly by small and medium producers with low level of technology and management. In this segment the drivers quality and safety of food, supplies and infrastructure were receiving better assessment and market structure. Quality and safety of food, supplies and infrastructure coordination and chain were the drivers with better evaluation for the processing segment. There are several points of sales, however because it is a niche product market, can say the products are distributed primarily through grocery stores, restaurants, pizzerias and supermarkets. Shop, informal market and consumer direct sales occur on a smaller scale. For the distribution segment to better assess the drivers were institutional environment, quality and safety of food and management of the firm. / A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar os direcionadores de competitividade do complexo agroindustrial do leite de búfala no Estado de São Paulo. Também objetivou-se reconhecer os agentes chave, distinguir e analisar a dinâmica de funcionamento e caracterizar os pontos fracos e fortes do complexo agroindustrial em estudo. Impulsionada pela grande demanda de produtos industrializados a partir do leite de búfala, a bubalinocultura brasileira tem experimentado significante crescimento nas últimas décadas. No Estado de São Paulo essa situação não é diferente. A produção paulista de leite bubalino, apesar de representar 26,64% do total nacional, não consegue atender a demanda do mercado e grande parte dos laticínios trabalham com capacidade ociosa de produção. Diante desta situação, torna-se relevante um estudo que contribua para o aumento da competitividade do complexo agroindustrial do leite de búfala no Estado de São Paulo. A metodologia empregada utiliza direcionadores de competitividade e atribui avaliações que vão de muito desfavorável à muito favorável para uma série de subfatores que permitem avaliar cada direcionador. Após extensa revisão da literatura, foram selecionados os seguintes direcionadores: coordenação da cadeia, estrutura de mercado, ambiente institucional, gestão da firma, qualidade e segurança do alimento, tecnologia e inovação e insumos e infraestrutura. Tais direcionadores foram avaliados por meio de questionários semiestruturados aplicados aos principais agentes envolvidos na produção, industrialização e comercialização do leite de búfala (produtores de leite, laticínios e distribuidores). Concluiu-se que o complexo agroindustrial do leite de búfala no Estado de São Paulo é formado principalmente por pequenos e médios produtores com baixo nível de tecnologia e gestão. Nesse segmento os direcionadores qualidade e segurança do alimento, insumos e infraestrutura foram os que receberam melhor avaliação e estrutura de mercado. No elo agroindustrial constatou-se a predominância de pequenos laticínios que trabalham exclusivamente com leite de búfala. Qualidade e segurança do alimento, insumos e infraestrutura e coordenação da cadeia foram os direcionadores com melhor avaliação para o segmento de processamento. São vários os pontos de vendas, entretanto por se tratar de um produto de nicho de mercado, pode-se afirmar os produtos são distribuídos principalmente por meio de empórios, restaurantes, pizzarias e supermercados. Loja própria, mercado informal e vendas diretas ao consumidor ocorrem em menor escala. Para o segmento de distribuição os direcionadores com melhor avaliação foram ambiente institucional, qualidade e segurança do alimento e gestão da firma.

No description available.

This thesis examines the extent and intensity of the effects of impoundments on selected physical, chemical and biotic conditions in an impounded southern African river. Life-history characteristics and environmental requirements which determine the success of impoundment-outlet blackflies in southern Africa were studied. Difficulties with the identification of immature blackflies led to a search for additional diagnostic characters, the description of larvae of seven species previously unknown, and the development of new keys to the species of Simulium (larvae and pupae) in southern Africa. Distribution records for each species are presented, and their ecology is summarised. Three pairs of closely related species, which were formerly indistinguishable, can now be recognised by differences between the structure of their cephalic fan microtrichia. Monthly physical, chemical and invertebrate samples at 16 sites upstream and downstream of four impoundments in the Buffalo River, eastern Cape, were taken over a period of two years. The downstream effects of impoundments on these parameters depended on the variable examined, the position of the impoundment along the river profile, the depth from which water was released, and the quality of the inflowing water. Impoundments in the Buffalo River caused an upstream shift of the thermal and suspended organic conditions, and the distribution of blackfly species. Surface-release impoundments in the clean, upper-reaches of the river caused increases in water temperature (by as much as 8ºC) and chlorophyll a (by as much as 600%). Recovery to riverine conditions was within 2.6 to 18.4 km, depending on flow. A polluted, surface-release impoundment in the middle-reaches of the river had a slight dampening effect on river temperatures, converted the particle size spectrum of the river from small (<80 μm) to large (250-1000 μm), and improved the water quality of the downstream reaches (with the exception of nitrate concentrations, which were higher in the tailwaters compared to inflowing water). An impoundment in the lower reaches caused reductions in maximum temperature of up to 6ºC when releasing water from the surface, and up to 16ºC when releasing water from the bottom. Bottom-released water carried high concentrations (36 to 190 g m³) of small (<5 μm) and largely inorganic (86 to 93%) material.Twenty species of blackflies were found in the Buffalo River, of which 18 were distinguishable as larvae. They were divided into those which were widespread (5 taxa), those restricted to waterfalls and mountain torrents (2 taxa), those found in the foothill stony run zone (6 taxa), and rare taxa (5 taxa). Impoundments in the Buffalo River did not alter population densities of blackfly larvae, but did alter blackfly species composition, favouring five species commonly found in mid-order streams in southern Africa (s. meduseaforme, S. hargreavesi, S. nigritarse, S. adersi and s. damnosum s.l.) at the expense of upper-reach species (s. rutherfoordi, S. letabum and s. impukane). These five species are regarded as typical of impoundment-outlets, and were small, multivoltine flies whose larvae shared a generalised cephalic fan microtrichial structure, consisting of a single row of moderately differentiated microtrichia. A strong relation was found between cephalic fan microtrichial structure and larval habitats: Taxa found in fast-flowing, clear water had a more complex fan structure compared to those found in slow-flowing, turbid water. It is concluded that impoundment-induced changes to hydrodynamics and transported material (food) are important factors which have changed the distribution of blackflies in southern Africa in recent times. These changes are more severe downstream of upper-reach impoundments than middle or lower-reach impoundments.

The present study was conducted to assess selected heavy metal levels (Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni and Pb) in soil and plants that are irrigated by mixed industrial and domestic wastewater in the Buffalo City region. Three types of samples were studied: soil, water and vegetables (spinach and beetroot). Soil analysis showed that most of the heavy metals were found to be acceptable within the SEPA limits. Most of the heavy metal concentrations found in the wastewater indicate that the water is not suitable for irrigation or for livestock use, according to guidelines from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry of South Africa. The level of copper in the wastewater effluent exceeded the level specified by SEPA limits. In the wastewater the lead concentration averaged 3.24 and 1.98 ppm in Tshatshu (TS) and Mlakalaka (ML) respectively, which shows that both sites are not suitable for both irrigation and livestock usage. The heavy metal levels (Ni, Pb, and Cu) in both spinach and beetroot samples exceed the criteria specified by the WHO and SEPA standards. The study recommends terminating the usage of effluent for irrigation and further investigation or monitoring in these water sources.