Impact of weaning age on post-partum reproductive performance and stress level in Murrah buffaloes

Abstract

The present study was conducted to see the impact of weaning ages on post-partum reproductive performance and stress level in buffaloes. Murrah buffaloes (42) were equally and randomly divided into three groups viz. group 1, suckling (control); group 2, Weaning of calves at birth and group 3, Weaning of calves at 45th day. Reproductive parameters were recorded from calving to 90 days postpartum. The average days of first post-partum heat and first post-partum artificial insemination (AI) were earlier in dams of group 2 than group 3 and group 1. However, the number of service per conception and first service conception rate were better in group 3 than group 2 and group 1. Keeping in view the early resumption of ovarian activity and better reproductive performance in weaned buffaloes, the weaning practice could be more successful at earliest possible time after calving (at birth).