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We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of infection with Neospora caninum, Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 and risk factors associated with these infections in water buffaloes in Veracruz State, Mexico. Through a cross-sectional study, 144 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in 5 ranches of Veracruz were examined for anti-N. caninum and anti-bovine herpesvirus type 1 antibodies by enzyme immunoassays, and anti-Leptospira interrogans antibodies by microscopic agglutination test.Of the 144 buffaloes studied, 35 (24.3%) were positive for N. caninum, 50 (34.7%) for Leptospira, and 83 (57.6%) for bovine herpes virus. The frequencies of leptospiral serovars in buffaloes were as follows: 18.7% for Muenchen (n = 27), 10.4% for Hardjo LT (n = 15), 9.0% for Pyrogenes (n = 13), and 4.8% for Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 7). Seropositive buffaloes were found in all 5 ranches studied. Logistic regression showed that cohabitation of buffaloes with cows was associated with infection with Leptospira (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–4.5; P = 0.03) and bovine herpesvirus (OR, 12.0; 95% CI, 4.0–36.2; P < 0.01).This is the first study that provides serological evidence of N. caninum, Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 infections in water buffaloes in Mexico. Our findings could be used to enhance preventive measures against these infections.

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The purpose of this study was to compare the maturation, cellular division, and blastocyst production rates of water buffalo oocytes at 18, 21 and 24 hours of incubation. These oocytes were obtained through follicular puncture, assessed, and matured in BO-IVM medium at 38.5°C, and with a 5% of CO2, at 18 (n=31), 21 (n=34) and 24 hours (n=33). Fertilization was done in a BO-IVF medium at 38.5°C, and with a 5% of CO2, for 18 hours; the maturation rate was assessed a day after fertilization. The embryos were cultured in a BO-IVC medium, at 38.5°C, 5% CO2, 7% O2 and 88% N2, and the cell division rate and number of embryos were assessed at 5 and 7 days after fertilization, respectively. The maturation rate was comparable (P>0.05) among the three groups, while blastocyst production and cell division rates were higher in the group of oocytes matured for 18 hours (P<0.05) than in the 24-hour group. The blastocyst production and cellular division rates in oocytes that were matured for 21 hours were comparable (P>0.05) to the other groups. After 21 hours of maturation, oocytes started to degenerate, which resulted in lower cellular division and blastocyst production rates.

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