Reproduction-Nutrition Relationship in Dairy Buffaloes. I. Effect of Intake of Protein, Energy and Blood Metabolites Levels

Abstract

Fifty one Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes in their last two months of gestation were selected. After parturition, rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out until the occurrence of the first oestrus (PEI). Milk samples were analyzed for milk progesterone levels (MPL). Ovulation (POI) was confirmed by rectal palpation and MPL. Feed and blood samples were collected fortnightly and analyzed. Body condition score (BCS) was recorded on a scale of 0 to 5. Crude protein (CP) intake varied among different seasons and correlated positively with serum urea levels, POI (p<0.01) and PEI (p<0.05). Excess CPI was lower in the group showing oestrus as compared to those remaining as anoestrus (p<0.05). The dietary ratio of crude protein -metabolizable energy (CP:ME) in the oestrus animals was narrow and constant, while the anoestrus animals had a widely fluctuating one. In normal breeding season (NBS) calvers, mean serum urea level (SUL) was lower than the low breeding season (LBS) calvers. SUL was positively correlated with PEI and POI (p<0.01). Up to six months postpartum, SUL were constantly higher in anoestrus than oestrus buffaloes. Mean metabolizable energy (ME) intake was lower in the NBS calvers than the LBS calvers (p<0.01). BCS and postpartum ovulation interval were correlated with ME intake (p<0.01). Prepartum ME intake was higher in oestrous as compared to anoestrous animals (p<0.05). Higher and lower ME intakes were associated with anoestrus, while a moderate energy intake was associated with a PEI of less than 75 days. Buffaloes with poor BCS belonged to the LBS calving group and most of the NBS calving buffaloes had good BCS. BCS was negatively correlated with PEI (p<0.01) and was higher in oestrous buffaloes than anestrus. It was concluded that excess intake of crude protein, associated with higher serum urea levels and low energy intake, associated with poor body condition, are the key factors for low reproductive efficiency. It may be corrected by adopting a proper feeding strategy.

Post parturient neonatal behaviour and their relationship with maternal behaviour score, parity and sex in Surti buffaloes

“…Further, greater extent of licking ano-genital area of calf in dams of group 2 than in 1 may be because of high maternal care as result of high MBS. More maternal licking confined to the perennial region (Qureshi et al 2000) might be attributed to the fact that dam promoted the emptying of belly to improve nursing as it stimulates the standing, defaecation and urination in newly born calf.…”

Improving the Reproductive Performance of Buffaloes in Sabah, Malaysia

“…Earlier study by Sule et al (2001) has concluded that dry or summer season is less suitable for mating. Therefore, breeder females must be prepared for breeding during the wet months and since nutrition is an important factor that influences the reproductive performance (Qureshi et al, 2002), breeders should be allowed to graze on improved pasture and provided with supplemented feed to improve the fertility (Sorio, 2010).…”

Improvement of Murrah Buffalo Milk Production Fed Palm Oil Solid Waste Containing Ration

“…Poor reproductive performance such as anoestrus and long calving interval in dairy buff aloes was reported by Qureshi et al (2002). Supplementation of palm oil solid waste in the diet of lactating buff alo cows may also Milk ME(MJ/kg)= 1.694 (0.0386 BF + 0.0205 SNF -0.236); buff alo milk BF= 80 g/kg; buff alo milk SNF= 94 g/kg.…”

“…These conditions may be improved by be er nutrition and management of heifers (Qureshi et al, 2002;Zicarelli et al, 2007) and male buff aloes (Sahoo et al, 2004;Wynn et al, 2009). Eff ect of inclusion of palm oil solid waste in the diet to increase MEI therefore should be studied to look at the eff ect on heifers as well as on male buff aloes.…”