Effect of management practices on the age of puberty in Murrah buffalo male calves

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effect of management practices along with different feed supplementation in the age of puberty of Murrah buffalo male calves. Thirty calves were divided into 5 groups, having 6 in each Group. Groups 1 to 3 were reared under routine management, while 4 to 5 were under better management practices. A basal diet was provided in Group 1. Group 2 had access to a 10% higher energy supplement (molasses) along with basal diet, Group 3 had access to a basal diet plus 10% higher energy till 12 months of age and thereafter roasted flax seed till the age of first semen ejaculation; Group 4 fed similar to Group 2, and Group 5 fed similar to Group 3. Growth performance, scrotal circumference, semen quality and quantity, testosterone concentration, and fatty acid profile of blood serum were measured fortnightly. In One-way Analysis of Variance, it was found that the provision of better management practices and a high-energy diet reduced the age of puberty (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum testosterone increased linearly with the increase in body weight. The semen quality and quantity (volume, concentration, motility, live %) were higher in Group 5 than that in Groups 1 to 4 (P < 0.01). This study concluded that the Murrah buffalo male calves have the potential to attain the age of puberty earlier with the provision of better management practices and an energy-rich diet than that of conventional.