Management of photoperiod for improvement reproductive and productive performance of pregnant buffalo heifers
Abstract: Relationships between light exposure. growth performance. hormones concentration and reproductive traits in buffalo heifers were studied. Fourteen buffalo heifers were allocated in two equal groups. The first group (G1) was exposed to long photoperiod (16hr light and 8hr dark/day) during autumn and winter seasons. The second group (G2) was exposed to natural photoperiod (8hr light and 16hr dark /day). Feed intake as dry matter was not affected by the treatment. The growth during gestation period was increased significantly (P<0.05) by the exposure to long photoperiod. Melatonin (MLT) concentration was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in heifers of (G1). Serum prolactin. progesterone and estradiol 17β levels were increased when the melatonin concentration was decreased. Progesterone. estradiol and prolactin concentration levels increased significantly (P<0.05) in animals (G1) than animal in (G2). Body weight of buffalo heifers at first calving was significantly different (P<0.05) between treated groups (452.79±11.95 and 424.57±11.05). Calf birth weight. and placental weight were also heavier in animals in (G1) than (G2). Number of services per conception were reduced significantly (P<0.05) as affected by photoperiod.
Keywords: Buffalo. Photoperiod. Reproduction. Production. Hormones.
Calving.
Publication year 2008
Pages 15-25
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
serial title Egyptian Journal Basic Applied Physiology
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Reproduction
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Heifers. Management. Photoperiodicity. Production. Reproductive performance. Water buffaloes.
Publication Type Journal
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