PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF NILI-RAVI BUFFALOES UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS OF PAKISTAN - H. M. Warriach; D. McGill; R. D. Bush; P. C. Wynn (Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 2012)
The objective of the longitudinal study was to evaluate the production and reproductive performance of buffalo on small- holder dairy farms in Pakistan. The data were collected from 207 farms located in the districts of Okara and Bhakkar. Milk production and reproductive parameters were recorded on a weekly basis by trained extension workers in specifically designed herd books for 18 months from November 2007. Preliminary, results indicate that the average milk production per lactation was higher (P<0.05) in buffaloes (1226.63±43.50 lit) than in cows (1027.04 ± 44.88 lit). The percentage of oestrus detection, A.I, natural service and pregnancy rate for buffaloes were (0.38%, 7.29%, 19.17%, 78%), respectively, during the whole year. We conclude that neither the Nili-Ravi buffalo nor cows are attaining their potential for milk production. The low reproductive efficiency of these animals is mostly likely related to both the poor technical acumen and the nutritional status of animals. Provision of appropriate extension services for these farmers will improve the productive and reproductive performance of buffaloes.
Keywords: journal article; Buffaloes; Production; Reproduction