Reproductive management in buffalo by artificial insemination

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Animal science
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Artificial insemination (AI) is vital for buffalo genetic improvement and breeding control, with significant growth over 20 years.
• Buffalo present unique AI challenges including variable estrous cycles, reduced estrous behavior, and reproductive seasonality, leading to anestrus and embryonic mortality.
• Reproductive seasonality impacts buffalo fertility, necessitating advanced management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of estrus synchronization and AI protocols in buffalo.
• To provide practical suggestions for the field application of AI in buffalo.
• To highlight recent developments in estrous cycle control for buffalo reproduction.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on estrus synchronization and AI in buffalo.
• Analysis of protocols involving prostaglandins, progesterone, GnRH, hCG, eCG, and estradiol.
• Consideration of factors influencing protocol selection: animal category, reproductive status, and season.

Main Results:

• Estrus synchronization protocols have been developed to control the luteal phase and follicle development in buffalo.
• These protocols enable fixed-timed AI, circumventing the need for estrous detection.
• Protocol selection must account for heifer, primiparous, or pluriparous status, cyclic or anestrus condition, and season.

Conclusions:

• Developed estrus synchronization protocols offer effective management of buffalo reproductive cycles.
• Fixed-timed AI, facilitated by synchronization, enhances the practicality and efficiency of AI in buffalo.
• Strategic application of AI protocols, considering various factors, is key to successful buffalo breeding programs.