Controlled breeding in the Asiatic buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Abstract

Recent developments in exogenous hormone therapy to control and facilitate breeding in domestic buffalo cows (B. bubalis) are reviewed. Oestrus in domestic animals was synchronized satisfactorily during the normal breeding season by both of the standard treatments with prostaglandins or progestagens initially developed for use in Bos taurus cattle. Anoestrous cyclic cows treated with prostaglandin showed synchronized oestrus and conception rates similar to those recorded in normal cyclic animals, though the responses may have depended to some extent on increased intensity of observation of oestrus. Seasonally acyclic animals treated with progestagens and pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin also showed synchronized oestrus and conception rates equivalent to those recorded in cyclic animals, but these observations did not include prepubertal heifers or cows in the early stages of post-partum anoestrus. Controlled breeding did not overcome a general problem of low conception rates at spontaneous oestrus. Further investigations of controlled breeding should incorporate other management strategies, such as better feeding and reduced heat stress, which are known also to improve buffalo reproduction.