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Reproductive cycles of buffalo
1Department of Farm Animal Production and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. oswinp@pdn.ac.lk
Animal Reproduction Science
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Water buffalo reproductive efficiency is often reduced by harsh environments, leading to delayed maturity and long postpartum anoestrus. Improving nutrition and management is key to enhancing buffalo fertility and productivity.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Agricultural Economics
Background:
- Domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are vital livestock in developing nations, providing milk, meat, and power.
- Reproductive challenges in buffalo, such as delayed sexual maturity and prolonged postpartum anoestrus, impact agricultural productivity.
- Environmental factors like poor nutrition and climate stress significantly affect buffalo reproductive efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the reproductive characteristics of water buffalo.
- To identify factors influencing buffalo reproductive performance.
- To discuss strategies for improving buffalo breeding efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on water buffalo reproduction.
- Analysis of factors affecting puberty, oestrous cycle, and postpartum anoestrus.
- Comparison of reproductive parameters between river and swamp buffalo, and with cattle.
Main Results:
- Age at puberty varies (15-18 months for river, 21-24 months for swamp buffalo) influenced by genotype, nutrition, and climate.
- Oestrous cycle length averages 21 days, with less overt oestrus signs than cattle.
- Prolonged postpartum anoestrus is common, linked to poor nutrition, body condition, and environmental stress.
Conclusions:
- Water buffalo reproductive efficiency is sensitive to environmental conditions and management practices.
- Optimizing nutrition and mitigating climate stress are crucial for improving buffalo fertility.
- While hormonal treatments can induce oestrus, their success is limited during periods of low breeding activity.
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