REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY BUFFALOES UNDER PERIURBAN COMMERCIAL FARMING IN NWFP, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Fifty one dairy buffaloes in their last two months of gestation were selected at seven peri-urban commercial farms located within a radius of 70km around Peshawar. These animals were monitored from parturition until 150 days post-partum. After parturition, rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out. Estrus detection was made through visual signs and use of intact bulls. Milk samples were collected and analyzed with radio- immunoassay for milk progesterone levels. The mean postpartum uterine involution (PUI) interval was 34.30 ± 1.33 days, ranging from 21 to 74 days. PUI interval was upto 35 days in 55% buffaloes and upto 50 days in 85% buffaloes. During 150 days after calving, 69% buffaloes were found in estrus and the remaining 31% animals remained anestrous. The overall mean postpartum estrus interval was 69.03 ± 6.03 days, the range being 21 to 147 days. Mean postpartum ovulation interval was recorded as 59.37 ± 4. 76 days, ranging from 24 to 150 days. The postpartum ovulation and estrus intervals were significantly longer (P < 0.05) in buffaloes calving during their normal breeding season than the low breeding season calvers. The occurrence of ovulatory, anovulatory and silent estrus was recorded as 43.9, 4.6 and 51.5%, respectively. Silent ovulation was more prevalent in low breeding season than normal breeding season calvers (70.6 vs 29.4% ). In true anestrous buffaloes, milk progesterone concentrations remained constantly low, however, silent ovulations were associated with increasing progesterone levels. It was concluded that postpartum reproductive performance in buffaloes under commercial peri-urban farming system remained lower than desirable levels which offers scope for further improvement through improvements in estrous detection efficiency and better feeding and management of buffaloes.