Incidence of pregnancy failures in buffaloes with different rearing system

• Published in: Italian journal of animal science Vol. 8; no. sup2; pp. 619 - 621
• Main Authors: Di Palo, Rossella, Ariota, Barbara, Zicarelli, Fabio, De Blasi, Marina, Zicarelli, Gaspare, Gasparrini, Bianca
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.01.2009; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Buffalo; Buffalo, Swimming-pool, Fertility; Fertility; Swimming-pool
• ISSN: 1828-051X; 1594-4077; 1828-051X
• DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2009.s2.619

During a three year trial, 380 corpora lutea were found in lactating buffaloes and the ratios of not pregnant buffaloes/corpora lutea (NP/CL) were analysed by chi-square test between: years (1999 vs. 2000 vs. 2001), days open (<120 days vs. >120 days; DO1 and DO2 groups respectively), January-March vs. April-August calving periods, presence vs. absence of swimming-pool (G1 group vs. G2 group respectively). Data were analysed by chi-square test. NP/CL ratios increased throughout the years (7.53% A vs. 26.32% Bb vs. 41.73% Bc in 1999, 2000 and 2001 respectively) due to a progressive paddock overcrowding and were higher in DO2 groups and during the January-March period. The swimming pool presence was able to reduce significantly the NP/CL incidence (18.01% A vs. 33.14% B in G1 and G2 groups, respectively) with a significant effect only in the April-August period (18.62% A vs. 34.96% B in G1 and G2 respectively). NP/CL ratio, as expression of anomalous oestrous cycle and embryonic mortality, may be proposed as a specific tool for evaluating buffalo welfare.