Mother-Offspring Bonding after Calving in Water Buffalo and Other Ruminants: Sensory Pathways and Neuroendocrine...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Animal Behavior
• Neuroendocrinology

Background:

• Cow-calf bonding is critical, forming within six hours of calving.
• Sensory cues (olfactory, tactile, auditory, visual) are vital for maternal recognition.
• The limbic system, sensory cortices, and hormones like oxytocin regulate this bond.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of cow-calf bonding in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
• To examine the role of sensory stimuli in establishing maternal care.
• To discuss neuroendocrine factors influencing maternal motivation in buffalo cows.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on water buffalo calving and maternal behavior.
• Analysis of sensory cue integration in dam-newborn interactions.
• Comparative discussion using data from other ruminant species.

Main Results:

• Sensory inputs during calving facilitate exclusive bond formation.
• Maternal care is mediated by specific neural pathways and hormones.
• Water buffalo bonding shares mechanisms with other ruminants.

Conclusions:

• The initial hours post-calving are crucial for establishing water buffalo maternal bonds.
• Understanding sensory and neuroendocrine factors is key to supporting buffalo calf survival.
• This review highlights the importance of sensory-driven bonding in Bubalus bubalis.