Reproduction and production in a buffaloes farm of the Marche region: a ten-year study

Abstract

Water buffalo milk reproductive and productive traits are fundamental to evaluate farm efficiency and dairy economy. Due to the buffalo cows’ long life these aspects are also important to assess the improvement of genetic animal potential and to reach optimal productive performance. Currently this knowledge is critical since the Italian cattle population is decreasing whereas the national buffalo sector is expanding; this trend is partially depending on the reconversion of some dairy cattle’ farms into buffalo cows’ farms. The present investigation was undertaken to study non-genetic factors affecting reproductive parameters and milk production traits in a farm located in a not traditional area for buffalo farming.

Keywords

• buffalo, milk, reproduction, production