Article

Effect of Body Condition Score at Calving on Reproductive Performance in Nili Ravi Buffaloes

by
Sayyad Hussain Magsi1,2,*, and Nisar Ahmad 2
1
Department of Livestock Management, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water, and Marine Sciences, Lasbela 90150, Pakistan
2
Department of Livestock Management, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
*
Correspondence: drmagsi82@gmail.com
Insights Anim. Sci. 2025, 1(1), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.69917/ias.01.01-02
Received: February 22, 2024 / Accepted: March 22, 2024 / Published online: June 01, 2024

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of body condition score (BCS) at calving on post-calving reproductive performance in Nili Ravi buffaloes. The study was conducted at the Livestock Experiment Station, Hasalpur, Pakistan. Thirty-six buffaloes were selected approximately 40 days before the expected date of calving and randomly divided into three study groups (12 buffaloes/group) based on their BCS. The BCS was assigned on a scale of 1–5 with 0.25 increment and the BCS groups were categorized as; 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25 to 3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75. The feeding allowance was given according to the requirements of individual animals to maintain their BCS till calving. Post-calving feeding was done according to their production level. The enrolled buffaloes were followed till 300 d of lactation. The results revealed that the body condition score (BCS) at calving significantly influenced reproductive performance in buffaloes. Buffaloes in the medium BCS group had 101 fewer days to first estrus, 1.5 fewer services per conception, and 87 fewer days open compared to the low BCS group (p < 0.05). However, the performance of the medium BCS group was only numerically better compared to the high BCS group for these reproductive measures (p > 0.05). The results suggested better reproductive performance in buffaloes with a medium BCS at calving (3.25-3.5) compared to those with low and high BCS.

Keywords: Calving BCS; dairy buffaloes; reproductive performance; services per conception

1. Introduction

Reproductive efficiency is a major determinant of dairy farm profitability. Reproductively efficient herds have cows with improved resumption of ovarian function, estrus detection, and establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Body condition score (BCS) at calving influences the resumption of ovarian function and conception rate in dairy cows [1].

Energy balance during early lactation has been associated with reproductive performance [2]. Many researchers proposed that controlling BCS at calving could minimize negative energy balance and improve reproductive performance in dairy cows [3]. Various studies have shown positive[4], negative [5], or no [6] association between BCS at calving and the probability of conceiving at first AI. High BCS in early days of lactation was associated with more days to first estrus with delayed ovarian activity [7]. Lopez-Gatius et al. [8] reported that low BCS at parturition affects pregnancy rate at the first AI. Low postpartum BCS was genetically correlated with a longer interval to commencement of luteal activity [9], a prolonged calving interval [10], and more days to first service and days open [11]. High BCS at calving also affects pregnancy rate at first AI [12]. A study in dairy buffaloes showed improvement in reproductive performance up to BCS 3.99 on a scale of 1-5 [13]. The buffaloes with higher BCS had delayed resumption of ovarian activity and more days to first estrous [13]. Further studies on buffaloes to investigate the association of fat reserves at calving with reproductive performance would help better understand the issue.

The objective of the current study was to investigate the association of BCS at calving with reproductive performance of dairy buffaloes. More specifically to evaluate the association of BCS at calving with post-calving BCS and body weight changes, and their relationship with ovarian function, days open, and pregnancy rate in Nili Ravi buffaloes.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Site, Animals, Housing, and Management

The trial was conducted at the Livestock Experiment Station, Chak Katora, Hasal-pure, Pakistan (29°42'43.9"N 72°33'19.1"E; elevation = 139 m). Thirty-six (36) buffaloes were selected in the study approximately 40 days before expected calving and were kept in a naturally ventilated shed with access to a loafing area. The dry cow feed consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 60% corn silage, 8% wheat straw, and 32% concentrate mix on a dry matter (DM) basis to maintain their respective BCS up to calving. The lactation diet consisted of lactation TMR with 40% corn silage, 5% wheat straw, and 55% concentrate mix. Buffaloes received similar diets to allow ad-libitum feed intake throughout the trail (with 10% refusals). The animals were provided with water troughs for free access to fresh water.

2.2. Study Design

The enrolled buffaloes were randomly divided into three study groups, each with an equal number of animals (12 animals per group). The study groups were categorized according to their BCS as follows: 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25 to 3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75 at the time of enrollment. The BCS was assessed using a scale of 1 to 5, with increments of 0.25, as validated in the study by Magsi et al. [14]. The concentrate allowance was adjusted according to the requirements of each animal to maintain its BCS until calving. Post-calving feeding was done according to their production level. The buffaloes were followed till 300 d of lactation.

2.3. Reproductive Measures

Reproductive measures included days to first estrus, days to first service, days open, interval from first artificial insemination (AI) to conception, and pregnancy rate. Estrus detection was performed twice daily, in the morning and evening, using a teaser bull. All inseminations were conducted through AI. The voluntary waiting period was set at 45 days according to the farm protocol. Post-calving BCS change was also monitored to assess the energy status of buffaloes.

2.4. Statistical Analysis

All the statistical procedures were performed using SAS (SAS for Academics, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Proc GLM was applied to evaluate the association of reproductive measures with calving BCS. Post-calving BCS changes were subjected to repeated measures ANOVA using a mixed procedure of SAS where BCS at calving was taken as fixed effects and buffalo as the random effects in the model. The significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05.

3. Results and Discussion

The results are summarized in Table 1. The body condition score (BCS) at calving significantly influenced the days to first estrus and first service in buffaloes (p< 0.001; Table 1). The days to first estrus were 152, 51, and 69 in the low, medium, and high-BCS groups, respectively (Table 1). The low BCS group had significantly more days to first estrus and first service than the medium and high-BCS groups (Table 1).

These findings align with Dechow et al. [11], who reported a genetic correlation between low postpartum BCS and increased days to first estrus. Similarly, Anitha et al. [13] found that dairy buffaloes with a BCS ≥ 4 at calving experienced a longer interval to first estrus. In agreement with our study, Gobikrushanth et al. [15] observed that cows with greater BCS loss after calving took longer to reach first estrus. Additionally, Van Straten et al. [16] showed that cows with a medium BCS at calving had a shorter interval to first estrus compared to those with low or high BCS.

The BCS at calving influenced days open in a similar pattern to that of days to first service in buffaloes (p< 0.001; Table 1). Days open were 252, 165, and 186 in the low, medium, and high-BCS groups, respectively. Consistent with our findings, Ruegg et al. [17] found that cows with a BCS < 3.5 at parturition had fewer days open than cows with a BCS ≥ 3.5. Similarly, cows with a BCS ≥ 3.75 took 21 more days to conceive as compared to cows having BCS 2.75 to 3.5 [18]. Likewise, Stefanska et al. [3] found that cows with a BCS > 3.75 took 40 more days to conceive compared to cows with a relatively medium BCS (3.25-3.5).

The number of services per conception was 3.3, 1.8, and 2.6 in the low, medium, and high BCS groups, respectively (Table 1). The difference between the medium and low BCS groups was significant (p < 0.002; Table 1), while the high and low BCS groups had a similar number of services per conception (Table 1). These findings are consistent with those of Gobikrushanth et al. [15], who found that cows with a high BCS at calving required more services per conception. Similarly, Anitha et al. [13] reported that buffaloes with a medium BCS required fewer services per conception compared to those with low and high BCS.

The first artificial insemination (AI) to conception interval was 106, 54, and 90 days for the low, medium, and high-BCS groups, respectively (p < 0.001; Table 1). The medium BCS group had a significantly lower first AI to conception interval compared to the low and high BCS groups (Table 1).

Table 1. Effect of calving BCS on reproductive parameters of Nili Ravi buffaloes.
Items BCS groups 1 SEM p-Values
Low Medium High
Days to first estrous 152 a 51 b 69 b 9.2 <0.001
Days to first AI service 152 61 69 7.9 <0.001
Number of services per conception 3.3 1.8 2.6 0.46 <0.002
Days open 252 165 186 14.5 <0.001
First AI to conception interval 106 54 90 7.9 <0.001
1 BCS groups were categorized as; 1) low, buffaloes with BCS ≤ 3.0; 2) medium, buffaloes with BCS 3.25 to 3.5; and 3) high, buffaloes with BCS ≥ 3.75.

The post-calving change in BCS of buffaloes is presented in Figure 1. During the first 12 weeks after calving, the BCS continued to decrease for the high BCS group, while it stopped decreasing by week 6 for the low BCS group. The high BCS group in our study experienced a more significant decrease in BCS post-calving, indicating a greater loss of fat. This may explain the slightly delayed resumption of ovarian activity and poorer reproductive performance in our study compared to the medium BCS group. In agreement with current findings, Hoedemaker et al. [19] reported that cows losing more than 0.25 BCS had more days to first estrous. Further studies incorporating more physiological variables would help to understand better the relationship between BCS at calving, post-calving BCS change, and reproductive performance.

Figure 1. Average weekly body condition score (BCS) change in buffaloes during the first 12 weeks post-calving for three BCS groups; dotted line with solid square (BCS ≥ 3.75), dot-dashed line with solid square (BCS 3.25 – 3.5), solid line with solid triangle (BCS ≤ 3.0). Error bars represent standard error (SE).

4. Conclusions

In conclusion, this study revealed that BCS at calving has an impact on post-calving reproductive performance in buffaloes. The buffaloes with 3.25 to 3.5; BCS scale 1–5 with 0.25 increment at calving performed better concerning days to first estrus, number of services per conception, and days open.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, S.H.M. and N.A.; methodology, S.H.M. and N.A.; formal analysis, S.H.M. and N.A.; resources S.H.M. and N.A.; data curation, S.H.M.; writing—original draft preparation, S.H.M.; writing—review and editing, N.A.; supervision, N.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding This research received no external funding.
Acknowledgments The authors are grateful for the support of farm staff at Livestock Experiment Station, Chak Katora, Hasalpure, Pakistan.
Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Institutional Review Board Statement: The study was conducted in compliance with the Institutional Guidelines of the Ethical Review Committee and approved by the Advanced Studies and Research Board of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan (das/8352 dated 8 November 2019).

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