Early weaning decreases calving intervals among buffaloes under ranch production systems

Reproduction performance of buffaloes in the Philippines particularly under ranch production system is relatively poor. Experiences of the Philippine Carabao Center at Ubay Stock Farm, where dairy and beef buffaloes are raised under ranch production system, showed that dam pregnancy was very low during the period when calves are still suckling. Late weaning at 8-10 months also resulted in major reduction in dam's body condition delaying the rebreeding period. Supplemental feeding to maintain body condition is very costly considering the high cost of concentrates, labor and facilitate required to practice concentrate feeding under ranch production system. Early weaning at 4-6 months is a feasible alternative. This will prevent reduction in the dam's body condition and enable early rebreeding. Hence, instead of supplementing the dam with feeds, the cost can be diverted to supplement the calves and ultimately reduce cost and ease management. To evaluate the reproductive performances of Murrah buffaloes in terms of calving interval as affected by calf weaning, Salces et al. (PCC-USF) [Philippine Carabao Center - Ubay Stock Farm] conducted a study from 2002 to 2005. The objective was to attain calving interval of 14 months for dairy buffaloes and 18 months for beef buffaloes. Mean calving intervals (CI) for dairy animals during the control year 2002-2003 was 21.18 months while for beef buffaloes mean CI was 25.25 months. Management practice of dairy buffaloes was single milking with calf suckling until 8 months, while calf weaning for beef buffaloes was at 8-10 months. During the experimental year 2004-2005, CI for dairy buffaloes was 17.27 months on the first year and 13.50 on the second year. For beef buffaloes CI was 23.67 on the first year and 18.06 on the second year. Calf weaning for dairy buffaloes was at birth and the dam was milked twice a day. Calf weaning for beef buffaloes was at 4-6 months. Rebreeding during the experimental years was possible within the next 4 months after early weaning, which was better than the 6-month rebreeding time with traditional weaning. Concentrate supplementation of the buffaloes prevented the deterioration in the body condition of the dams and made early rebreeding possible. Results shows that CI of 14 months for dairy buffaloes and 18 months for beef buffaloes under ranch production system can be attained on the second year of implementation provided early calf weaning is practiced. This improvement in CI may be due to the elimination of the suckling effect on the dams brought forth by early weaning. Suckling is known to cause hormonal changes that prevent secretion of reproductive hormones and delay rebreeding. Moreover, early weaning prevented the deterioration of the dam's body condition resulting in early rebreeding after weaning.