Influence of Calf Weaning at Birth on Reproductive Performance of Murrah Buffaloes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of buffalo’s calf weaning and suckling on reproductive performance of dam. Sixteen down calver Murrah buffaloes were selected and divided into two groups of 8 buffaloes in each group as weaned (T1) and suckling (T2) on the basis of their similarity in lactation milk yield and parities and reproductive performance. The buffaloes from the group of suckling were allowed to suckle colostrum as well as milk however, Weaned group calves were weaned from their dams immediately after birth fed colostrum and milk artificially.Total experimental period was 180 days after calving.The days to first heat (72 vs. 53), days to first service (93.50 vs. 75.13) and service period (147 vs. 117 days) service per conception (1.50±0.19 and 2.75±0.39) were reported differ significantly (P<0.05) higher in between suckling (T2)in comparison to weaned (T1) group of buffaloes. Therefore, present study can be concluded that suckling of buffalo calf elongate days to first heat, days to first service and service period, however, increases the number of service per conception.