SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION AND FIXED TIME AI IN WATER BUFFALOES: Recent Development and Insights on Philippine Initiatives

The national genetic improvement program (GIP) is one major component of the Carabao Development Program in the Philippines. The main objective of which is to produce genetically superior buffaloes that will produce milk and meat to provide additional livelihood to the farming communities through dairy-based enterprise and to be able to contribute to the national dairy industry. The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is playing an important role in the genetic improvement program in the country, first and foremost of which is the artificial insemination (AI) technology. Along this line, the National Artificial Insemination Program has been developed for the strategic implementation of GIP. In more than two decades of the program, thousands of calves have been produced nationwide which contributed significantly in the increasing trend of carabao population in the country. However, looking at the current local demand for milk and related products, the local production largely does not match with the requirement for dairy. Thus, there is a pressing need to improve buffalo production in terms of both quality and quantity as we pursue the goal of the Program. Improving AI efficiency is targeted being the major breeding technology for buffalo reproduction. The appropriate application of Fixed time AI (FTAI) in the Program is being attempted. The paper provides insights on the current initiatives and efforts of the Philippine Carabao Center along FTAI technology. Specifically, it deals with the ovulation synchronization protocol optimized for buffaloes, its specific applications in the current GIP program, factors affecting or contributing to its efficiency, among others. Essentially, FTAI is part of the Intensified Reproductive Management Program through the controlled regulation of ovarian function in water buffaloes.