Reproductive management of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Italy / Manejo reprodutivo da búfala (Bubalus bubalis) na Itália

ABSTRACT

Livestock products in tropical areas play a crucial role, which extends beyond their traditional supply of meat and milk. Unprecedented economic growth in developing countries, accompanied by the increases in income and purchasing power and by changes in food preferences, together with the growth of human population, has increased demands on the livestock sector. Livestock products, such as milk and meat, have undergone great modification in response to these recent developments. In Italy, buffalo population has grown from 12 thousand heads in 1947 to 397 thousand in 2017. On the national territory there are 2212 farms concentrated for 74% in the Campania Region, which allow Italy to position itself in the 7th place for the production of fresh buffalo milk in the world, generating an economic induced linked to the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP of 721 million euros for consumption. The Italian Mediterranean buffalo has undergone selection for efficiency of production in intensive dairy systems that aim to achieve milk production throughout the year. Continuous production of buffalo milk is required to meet the market demand for mozzarella cheese and other dairy food products derived from buffalo milk. In the Mediterranean region, female buffaloes show annual fluctuations in reproduction with distinct breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The decline in fertility during the transition from the breeding to nonbreeding seasons is associated with a greater incidence of anestrus, a decline in the function of the CL, and an increase in embryonic mortality Season affects oocyte developmental competence in buffalo, as indicated by higher cleavage and embryo yields recorded in autumn compared to spring, with intermediate results observed in summer and winter. The seasonal characteristic of this species, causes an increase in the phenomenon of embryonic mortality during the periods characterized by increasing daylight length. . In the farms that carry out TAI, absolute or associated with natural mated technique, different plans are used, based on the specific market needs of each farm, on the structures, the management and the reproductive season, preferring protocols such as ovsynch during the period of decreasing daylight length and protocols supported by progesterone during periods of anoestrous. The results obtained in the development and application of the most innovative techniques in the buffalo breeding sector, in synergy with the efficiency of the veterinary information systems, make of Italy a nation at the forefront in the international scene in the breeding techniques and health problems of the buffalo, to which many countries look as a model.(AU)