Changes in Teat Morphology (Doka Phenomenon) and Estrus Prediction in Riverine Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to characterize the term Doka and to capture morphological changes in teat to find out the relationship between Doka and onset of estrus in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The Murrah buffaloes maintained at of Livestock Research Centre (LRC), ICAR-NDRI, Karnal were classified into two groups based on the lactation number for the study of Doka characteristics. In group I, twenty animals up to 3rd lactation were incorporated, whereas thirty animals from 4th to 5th lactation were included in group II. The period when buffaloes showed teat engorgement was called as Doka period, is the local term used by the farmers in North India that can be taken as a visual sign for prediction of estrus. The length and diameter of teats, before and after milking were measured, for both the groups during morning and evening milking and subsequently analyzed. The present study confirmed that the teat diameter (mm) before milking during Doka was significantly (plessthan0.05) higher as compared to pre Doka period in both the groups (group-I - 37.01 ±2.13 vs 28.42 ±1.64, group-II - 53.49 ±2.82 vs 41.096±2.16). The teat diameter (mm) during Doka period after milking was significantly (plessthan0.05) more in both the groups (group-I - 26.65 ±1.26 vs 24.44 ±1.16, group-II - 39.27 ±2.41 vs 35.31 ±2.17) as compared to pre Doka period. So, it can be concluded that the changes in teat diameter can safely be considered as a sign of Doka and the forthcoming heat in Murrah buffaloes. However, the difference in teat length between different stages of Doka was found to be non significant.