Financial losses due to fertility problems in Anatolian Dairy Buffalo

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the financial losses due to fertility problems in Anatolian Dairy Buffaloes. The study material was lactation average values of Anatolian Dairy Buffalo. Age at first calving and calving interval were evaluated as fertility parameters. The financial losses relevant to one-day extension of these parameters were calculated. Bull cost was determined as per pregnancy, due to natural mating usually occurs in Anatolian Buffalo. The prices of calf, milk and feed were used in calculations. Accordingly, financial losses of one-day extension per animal in age at first calving and calving interval estimated were US$ 8.88 and US$ 6.07, respectively. When bull cost per pregnancy (US$ 6.49) was included, total losses were detemined as US$ 21.44. As a conclusion, it was determined that fertility losses may be induced in age at first calving and calving interval according to the deviations of target values. It was emphasized that financial losses might be reduced with improving of environmental factors in buffaloes which have important fertility disadvantages according to dairy cattle.