RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY CONDITION SCORE AND FERTILITY OUTCOMES IN GRAZING BUFFALOES

Abstract

The objective of this study is  to determine the body condition score (BCS)-reproductive outcome in grazing buffaloes in semi-intensive field conditions.  A standardized 5-point BCS system was utilized to record 200 multiparous Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffaloes at prepartum, postpartum, and first artificial insemination (AI) phases.  A complete reproductive record and analysis were made, including days to first estrus, days open, services/conception and conception rates along with metabolic profiles and diet intake.  The findings revealed that the reproductive performance of the buffaloes was better in the ideal range of BCS of 3.5 to 3.99. Their postpartum intervals were considerably shorter (35 days to first estrus), days open were less (75 days), services per conception were greater (1.5) and first-service conception rate was highest (66%).  Hormonal studies revealed that condition score (BCS) ideal was associated with elevated progesterone and IGF-1 concentrations, and reduced NEFA and BHB concentrations, which are indicators of a favorable metabolic status.  Nutritional analyses indicated that the adequate intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients permitted maintaining the desirable body condition score (BCS).  BCS and conception rates were aggravated by season of the year, with summer being the worst due to higher temperature-humidity index (THI) and heat stress.  The logistic regression revealed that buffaloes with optimal BCS were 3.2 more likely to become pregnant at the first service (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression indicated that BCS, IGF-1, NEFA and THI were all significant (predictive) variables in relation to predicting days open.  The research demonstrates that active observation and intervention of BCS in association with dietary and environmental techniques can significantly improve the reproductive performance of grazing buffaloes, which provides fundamental guidance on herd management strategies under varying climatic conditions.