A Review of Recent Developments in Buffalo Reproduction — A Review

Abstract

The buffalo is an important livestock resource in several countries of South Asia and the Mediterranean regions. However, reproductive efficiency is compromised due to known problems of biological and management origins, such as lack of animal selection and poor nutrition. Under optimal conditions puberty is attained at 15 to 18 months in river buffalo, 21 to 24 months in swamp buffalo and is influenced by genotype, nutrition, management and climate. However, under field conditions these values deteriorate up to a significant extant. To improve reproductive efficiency, several protocols of oestrus and ovulation synchronization have been adopted from their use in commercial cattle production. These protocols yield encouraging pregnancy rates of (30% to 50%), which are comparable to those achieved in buffaloes bred at natural oestrus. The use of sexed semen in buffalo heifers also showed promising pregnancy rates (50%) when compared with conventional non-sexed semen. Assisted reproductive technologies have been transferred and adapted to buffalo but the efficiency of these technologies are low. However, these latest technologies offer the opportunity to accelerate the genetic gain in the buffalo industry after improving the technology and reducing its cost. Most buffaloes are kept under the small holder farming system in developing countries. Hence, future research should focus on simple, adoptable and impact- oriented approaches which identify the factors determining low fertility and oestrus behaviour in this species. Furthermore, role of kisspeptin needs to be explored in buffalo.

Genome-wide identification of Diacylglycerol Acyltransferases (DGAT) family genes influencing Milk production in Buffalo

“…Water buffalo is an important livestock species for the agricultural economy, supplying milk, meat, and draught power [25]. As known, cattle and buffalo ranked as the first and second milk source worldwide.…”

Genome-wide identification of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGAT) family genes influencing milk production traits in buffalo

“…Water buffalo is an important livestock species for the agricultural economy, supplying milk, meat, and draught power [20]. As known, cattle and buffalo ranked as the first and second milk source worldwide.…”

Biochemical analysis of uterine fluid for identification of indicators for subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

“…For instance, buffaloes contribute to 51% of the total milk produced in India, indicating the significance of this species as dairy animal (DAHDF, ). Despite having several merits such as utilization of poor‐quality roughage, adaptation to harsh environments and resistance to several bovine tropical diseases, the buffalo has relatively poor reproductive efficiency irrespective of their location throughout the world (Warriach, McGill, Bush, Wynn, & Chohan, ). In case of Murrah buffaloes, it has been reported that the calving interval ranged from 441 to 466 days (Sanker, Kumar, Mal, Taggar, & Das, ).…”