Handling and Physiological Aspects of the Dual-Purpose Water Buffalo Production System in the Mexican Humid Tropics

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of the dual-purpose water buffalo production based on the Mexican production system as a model in tropical wetlands. It includes a broad literature review emphasizing the most recent and specialized publications examining key findings to improve our understanding in the performance of the buffalo species (Bubalus bubalis). The complementary topics addressed include reproductive management, parturition, the dam–calf bond, milking routines, and models of confinement and management, in addition to aspects related to milk commercialization. This article summarizes the advances made to date in this production system and its current margins for improvement. The development of dual-purpose water buffalo production systems in Mexico’s tropical wetlands is a relatively recent phenomenon that has progressed and improved due to herd management. Buffaloes are an interesting alternative for dual purpose systems that offer several advantages. The lower milk production of this species compared to cattle is its main limitation. However, the properties of their milk allow one to obtain an added value and make this type of farms competitive. In synthesis, consolidating buffalo production in Mexico’s tropical wetlands will require broadening our knowledge of this species, and perfecting the most appropriate handling procedures. The activities of government agencies and processing enterprises will play vital roles in achieving the integral modernization of this potentially important economic activity.

Description of Four Dual-Purpose River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Farms in Tropical Wetlands in Mexico. Part 1: Social Aspects, Herd Distribution, Feeding, Reproductive, and Genetic Management

“…These factors help explain why they decided to incorporate an emerging species such as the river buffalo into their operations and integrate a certain technology level to potentiate their capacities. We found that one of these PUs recently went through a generational change that favored the continuity of these activities and facilitated continuous improvement in its buffalo-raising activity [22,23].…”

“…According to these figures, the DPBPS form a specific stratum within the framework of dual-purpose production units in Mexico's tropical wetlands. The larger production scale also reflects the producers' high socioeconomic level, increasing the probability that their operations will be viable financially and technically [20,23].…”

“…Therefore, these PUs are very large and contain a range of natural resources and biodiversity, including diverse strata of vegetation that combine trees, shrubs, and grasses in distinct proportions. These conditions increase the potential for successful buffalo-breeding because they allow buffaloes to express their thermoregulation mechanisms (wallowing in mud) while also offering shade trees to protect them from solar radiation [23,[25][26][27]. Finally, the vegetable cover helps preserve the favorable features of the soil; that is, the existing level of vegetable biodiversity is beneficial for both the buffaloes and the ecosystem [28].…”

“…The principal source of feeding consists of native grasses based on rotating grazing systems that limit or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers altogether by promoting the utilization of organic fertilization through the reintegration of the animals' own excreta. The main fodder species are native grasses like Camalote grass (Paspalum fasciculatum), Azuche grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis), and Aleman grass (Echinochloa polystachya) [23]. These plants are not very palatable for bovines of the genus Bos, but the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the river buffalo's digestive system allow them to digest this fodder efficiently [27,31,32].…”

“…Other desirable traits include the location and size of the teats to prevent problems with the milking process, especially if automated equipment is utilized. The characteristics of the animals' hooves and legs are also closely related to their permanence in production units [23,38]. This is particularly important in grazing PUs where buffalo have to move to paddocks to ingest their food.…”