Master’s Thesis at the University of Basrah Examines Changes During the Lactation Period in Buffalo
A master’s thesis at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, investigated certain physiological and genetic indicators associated with the lactation period in local Murrah buffalo females in the Qurna district, north of Basrah Governorate.
The thesis, submitted by student Fatima Basel Abdul-Zahra, aimed to study the impact of the mid-lactation stage on metabolic and hormonal changes and to compare these with dry (non-lactating) buffalo. It also analyzed genetic variation in the growth hormone gene and its relationship to blood hormone levels.
The study involved analyzing blood samples from 40 buffalo cows, including 30 lactating and 10 non-lactating animals. Biochemical tests were conducted for multiple hormones, including insulin, prolactin, thyroid hormones, leptin, kisspeptin, and adiponectin, in addition to evaluating milk components such as fat, protein, and lactose.
The thesis concluded that there was a significant increase in several metabolic and hormonal indicators in lactating buffalo. It also revealed genetic variation in parts of the growth hormone gene, with a clear correlation between genotype and hormone levels.
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