Effect of breeding method on calf sex and postpartum reproductive performance of cattle and buffaloes

Successful farmers produce almost one calf per animal annually through natural and artificial mating in Pakistan. The Present study investigated the effect of mating method on calf sex and postpartum reproductive performance (PPRP) in cross bred cattle and buffalo. Data on 1591 animals including 795 crossbred cattle and 796 buffaloes were analyzed through SPSS 11. The results revealed overall 55 % male births in the cattle and buffalo population. Among the postpartum reproductive traits buffalo had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher incidence of assisted births (24 vs. 14 %), service periods (40.89 vs. 38.75 days) and number of services per conception (1.42 vs. 1.21). Breeding method had significant effect on calf sex ratio. Male births were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher as a result of artificial insemination (59 vs. 51 %) as compared to natural service (NS). Among PPRP indicators the incidence of assisted births was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher (23 vs. 15 %) in AI as compared to NS. Similarly the incidence of retained fetal membrane was also higher (P less than 0.01) in births resulted from AI (10 vs. 5 %). Service period (44.25 vs. 35.40 days) and number of services per conception (1.43 vs. 1.14) were also significantly higher in animals served through AI. Calf sex significantly affected service period and it was prolonged in the animals which gave birth to male calves. Number of services per conception had positive and significant (P less than 0.01) correlation with possibility of RFM (r 0.094) and service period (r 0.088). Present study suggested that buffaloes were more prone to postpartum reproductive problems and AI resulted to high frequency of male births ratio. Post partum reproductive problems were lower as a result of natural mating.