Reproductive Performance of Dairy Buffaloes under Peri Urban Commercial Farming in Nwfp, Pakistan

Fifty one dairy buffaloes in their last two months of gestation were selected at seven peri-urban commercial farms located within a radius of 70km around Peshawar. These animals were monitored from parturition until 150 days post-partum. After parturition, rectal examination of reproductive organs was carried out. Estrus detection was made through visual signs and use of intact bulls. Milk samples were collected and analyzed with radioimmunoassay for milk progesterone levels. The mean postpartum uterine involution (PUI) interval was 34.30 ± 1.33 days, ranging from 21 to 74 days. PUI interval was upto 35 days in 55% buffaloes and upto 50 days in 85% buffaloes. During 150 days after calving, 69% buffaloes were found in estrus and the remaining 31% animals remained anestrous. The overall mean postpartum estrus interval was 69.03 ± 6.03 days, the range being 21 to 147 days. Mean postpartum ovulation interval was recorded as 59.37 ± 4. 76 days, ranging from 24 to 150 days. The postpartum ovulation and estrus intervals were significantly longer (P < 0.05) in buffaloes calving during their normal breeding season than the low breeding season calvers. The occurrence of ovulatory, anovulatory and silent estrus was recorded as 43.9, 4.6 and 51.5%, respectively. Silent ovulation was more prevalent in low breeding season than normal breeding season calvers (70.6 vs 29.4% ). In true anestrous buffaloes, milk progesterone concentrations remained constantly low, however, silent ovulations were associated with increasing progesterone levels. It was concluded that postpartum reproductive performance in buffaloes under commercial peri-urban farming system remained lower than desirable levels which offers scope for further improvement through improvements in estrous detection efficiency and better feeding and management of buffaloes.