Master's Thesis at the University of Basrah Investigates Changes During the Lactation Period in Buffaloes
A master's thesis at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, examined certain physiological and genetic indicators associated with the lactation period in local female buffaloes of the Murrah breed in Al-Qurna district, north of Basrah Governorate.
The thesis, presented by student Fatima Basil Abdul-Zahra, aimed to study the impact of the mid-lactation stage on metabolic and hormonal changes, comparing these with those in non-lactating (dry) buffaloes, as well as analyzing the genetic variation of the growth hormone gene and its relationship with serum hormone levels.
The thesis involved the analysis of blood samples from 40 buffaloes—30 lactating and 10 non-lactating—including biochemical assays for various hormones such as insulin, prolactin, thyroid hormones, leptin, kisspeptin, and adiponectin. It also included the evaluation of milk components like fat, protein, and lactose.
The study concluded that there was a significant increase in several biochemical and hormonal indicators in lactating buffaloes. Moreover, genetic variation was detected in segments of the growth hormone gene, with a clear association between genotype and hormone levels.
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