Descriptive epidemiology and treatment of postpartum anestrus in dairy buffalo under small farm conditions

Abstract

Three hundred and eighty-two preservice anestrous buffalo were examined between 60 and 90 d after parturition. These buffalo were randomly divided into two groups. Group I buffalo (n = 282) were examined per rectum and determinations of milk progesterone levels were carried out twice for each buffalo with a 10 d interval. Group 2 buffalo (n = 100) served as controls and did not receive the above examinations. Compatible results of palpation and milk progesterone levels revealed that the underlying causes of preservice anestrus in buffalo were substrus (206, 73.0%); true-anestrus (25, 8.9%); persistent corpus luteum (22, 7.8%); follicular cysts (15, 5.3%); luteal cysts (10, 3.6%); and pregnancy (4, 1.4%). Prostaglandin was used for treatment of subestrus (with active corpora lutea), persistent corpora lutea, and luteal cysts. Follicular cysts were treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and true anestrus was treated with a progestogen-pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) regimen. Success of the hormonal treatment was monitored by the determination of progesterone levels after the treatment. By this approach of diagnosis and treatment 62.7% ( 177 282 ) preservice anestrous buffalo conceived, with a parturition to conception interval of 86.8 ± 13.5 d. During this period in the control group, only 25% of the buffalo ( 25 100 ) conceived, with a parturition to conception interval of 88.1 ± 14.5 d. For the improvement of fertility in dairy buffalo under small farm conditions treatment is recommended.