Some growth and milk yield characteristics of Anatolian buffaloes and the effect of first calving age and calving interval on these characteristics

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of some non-genetic factors on the lactation milk yield and reproductive traits of Anatolian buffaloes and the effects of these environmental factors on the growth characteristics of buffalo cows. The study was carried out in 27 buffalo dairy farms (3295 buffalo cows and 3317 buffalo calves) managing buffalo breeding in Bafra district of Samsun province. The data were obtained from the records kept by the breeders and the Buffalo Breeders Association. The data includes birth weight (BW), 6th month live weight (LW) and 12th month LW values of buffalo cows born between 2013 and 2020, as well as parity and calving dates of buffalo cows. In addition, the study also includes calving interval (CI) and first calving age (FCA) values calculated from the data. The effect of the year on the LMY of buffalo cows were found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). In addition, the BW, 6th month LW and 12th month LW values of calves were different from year to year (P<0.001). Similarly, the effect of calving season (CS) on BW (P<0.01), 6th month LW and 12th month LW (P<0.001) values of calves were found to be significant. As the FCA value of buffalo cows increased, the BW, 6th month LW and 12th month LW values of buffalo calves increased. Similarly, it was determined that the LMY values of the buffaloes increased with the increase in the FCA values of the buffalo cows. As a result, due to the fact that buffaloes are mostly reared in extensive conditions, the evaluation of lactation yield characteristics and fertility affecting environmental factors will help determine herd management practices that will optimize these performance indicators.