Selection of cow buffalo and its effect on reproductive characteristic of swamp buffalo

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to understand the effect of cow buffalo selection on the characteristic of the reproduction of swamp buffalo. It was conducted in the center of buffalo development in District Bombana, South-east Sulawesi Indonesia. In this research, 65 heads of cow buffalo were used (aged 3-9 years), divided into two groups including (1) selected cow buffalo as many as 28 heads, and (2) unselected cow buffalo as many as 37 heads. Selected cow buffaloes had a higher body condition score (BCS), shoulder height, and body weight (fulfilling minimum requirements). The mating system was conducted through artificial insemination (AI). Before holding AI, all the cow buffaloes accepted the estrus synchronization by using the single dose of PGF2α (Capriglandin®Inj) hormone as much 5 ml/head. The result of the study demonstrated that the selection of cow buffalo could improve the reproductive characteristic of buffalo such as increasing estrus response and pregnant rate and shortening calving interval. Finally, the researcher recommends that farmers could utilize BCS, shoulder height and body weight as the criteria of selection to grow the animal production.