A case-control study was conducted to identify the factors associated with the success or failure of artificial insemination (AI) of buffaloes in Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines. The cow-calf pair was used as the unit of interest in this study regardless of breed and number of buffalo cows the farmers own. Of the 24 selected barangays, an equal number of cases (38 failed AI) and control (38 successful AI) were selected from 78 farmercooperators of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) AI program and data were collected using a questionnaire. On the one hand, our study found that every year increment beyond the age at first breeding of the cow could predispose the animals to fail by as much as 2.5 times when compared to younger cows. On the other hand, a monthly increment in the calf weaning age may increase the likelihood of AI success by as much as 50 percent. These results imply that the age at first breeding must be conscientiously considered to allow optimal sexual and physical maturity of the breeding cows while ensuring that first breeding does not occur with too much delay. Moreover, while more mature calves have higher chances of success at weaning, provision of wallow during pregnancy also appears to support AI success as an effective method of cooling.

Udder length, width and height are very important parameters to identify good dairy animals. Udder measurements including length, width and height on 437 Nili Ravi buffaloes were recorded before and after miking with 1180 records at 6 Experimental Stations in Punjab, Pakistan. Heritabilities were estimated using Best Linear Unbiased Prediction techniques. Environmental factors viz age of the buffalo at scoring, stage of lactation, parity, herd and season were included in the model. Least square means for udder length, width and height before milking were found as 52.65+-6.87, 53.52+-6.19 and 54.34+-4.99 cm and after milking as 47.08+-6.57, 48.15+-5.79 and 55.39+-5.15 cm, respectively. Heritability estimates for udder length, width and height before milking were found as 0.08+-0.07, 0.22+-0.08 and 0.22+-0.09, while after milking as 0.14+-0.07, 0.20+-0.08 and 0.09+-0.08, respectively. All the factors significantly affected before milking udder length. A significant effect of herd, parity, season of scoring and age on udder width before milking was observed. Herd, stage of lactation, parity and age of the buffalo at scoring significantly affected udder height before milking. Significant effect of herd, parity, stage of lactation and age of the buffaloes at classification on most of the traits suggest that managemental factors are important. Moderate heritability estimates for these udder traits provide a fair scope for improvement through selection and breeding which will help to increase milk yield in Nili Ravi buffaloes.