title: Effect of seasonal conditions on oestrus occurrence and postpartum period in Anatolian water buffaloes.
abstract: Oestrus and calving records of Anatolian buffaloes were analyzed to investigate influence of climatic conditions on oestrus occurrence and postpartum period. Oestrus records showed a seasonal pattern concentrated between July and September which is the warmest period of the year. Likewise, more than half (52.7%) of the total calvings occurred between May and August. Month of calving significantly influenced the length of calving to first oestrus interval and open period (P < 0.01). The average length of open period was significantly shorter in autumn and summer calvers compared to those calved in spring and winter (P < 0.05) during long days. The humidity rate was negatively correlated with both calving to first oestrus interval and open period (P < 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to high environmental temperatures around 20 degrees C exerted no suppressive influence on ovarian activity in Anatolian buffaloes. Although humidity rate (P < 0.05) and ambient temperature (P < 0.01) was found to be correlated with the duration of postpartum period, day length might be the main factor regulating reproductive biorhythm and postpartum events in Anatolian buffalo cows.
authors.affiliation: Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Selçuk, Konya. aksoym@turk.net
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aksoy
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaya
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Uçar
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lehimcioglu
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tekeli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002020:Buffaloes / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004971:Estrus / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature