Reproductive and Productive Performance of Iraqi Buffaloes as
Influenced of Pre-Mating and Pre-Calving Concentrate Supplementation
Talal Anwer Abdulkareem*, Sawsan Ali Al-Sharifi, Sajeda Mahdi Eidan
and R.G. Sasser1
Department of Animal Resources, College of Agriculture, University
of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, 1BioTracking LLC, Moscow,
Idaho, USA *Corresponding author:
talal200320032000@yahoo.com
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to
investigate the influence of pre-mating and pre-calving concentrate
supplementation of Iraqi buffaloes on some of the reproductive (estrus, mating,
pregnancy and calving rates) and productive (daily milk yield and calves birth
weight) traits. This study was carried out in 4 Iraqi South-central governorates
using 596 pre-mating and 628 pregnant buffaloes (during the last two months of
gestation). Pre-mating buffaloes were divided randomly into 496
concentrate-supplemented buffaloes (Flushing)
and 100 control ones. Additionally, pregnant buffaloes were also divided into
528 concentrate- supplemented buffaloes (Steaming up) and 100 controls.Each buffalo within the flushing and steaming up groups were fed daily on
7 Kg of concentrate diet (13% crude protein and 1.70 Mcal of net energy) for 60
days. The control buffaloes were nourished only on low-quality roughages of the
area and wheat bran. Higher estrus (+15%, P<0.01), pregnancy (+23.8%, P<0.05)
and calving rates (+30.8%, P<0.01) were observed in concentrate-supplemented
buffaloes as compared with controls. An obvious increase in (P<0.05) calving
rate (+14.7%), daily milk yield (+44.8%) and calf birth weight (+25.6%) were
noted in steaming up buffaloes in comparison with control buffaloes. Results
indicated that improvement in feeding schedule of Iraqi buffaloes during
pre-mating and late gestation periods enhanced the reproductive performance and
increased milk production of subsequent lactation and calf birth weight. These
improvements increased owner income ($174=209,000 Iraqi dinar /buffalo) from the
sale of meat and milk.