4.12. P8—Cytogenetic Screening of Male Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis, 2n = 50) Addressed to the Reproduction

In Italy, as part of the genetic control conducted by the National Buffalo Breeder Association (ANASB), the examination of the karyotype is routinely performed on all young males intended for reproduction to screen for chromosome abnormalities (Iannuzzi A. et al., 2021). This practice gained prominence following the identification of a complex chromosome abnormality in a well-known bull named Magnifico and its progeny (Albarella S. et al., 2013). This procedure significantly enhances the value of Italian buffaloes, particularly in the context of artificial insemination, both within Italy and in other countries importing semen. The GENOBU project, with one of its objectives being the screening of young males intended for reproduction, has examined 139 individuals from 15 different farms in the provinces of Salerno and Caserta. Peripheral blood cultures were conducted to obtain normal cultures as well as cultures treated for the late incorporation of 5-BrdU. C-banding (CBA-technique) and R-banding (RBA-technique) were employed, with the latter used for constructing the karyotype. For each animal, 100 cells were examined to verify the correct diploid number, and at least two banded karyotypes were generated for each individual. All the males studied exhibited normal karyotypes, except for one seemingly normal animal that presented an abnormal X-chromosome with negative C-banding, whereas a normal X typically exhibits a prominent C-banding pattern (the largest in the buffalo karyotype). Unfortunately, further investigation involving both parents and relatives to determine the origin of this abnormality was not possible, as they had been removed from the farm by the breeder.