EFFECT OF LIGHT ON BUFFALO HEIFERS AND COWS

Abstract

The Asian buffalo (Bubalusbubalis) is capable of breeding throughout the year. In many
countries a seasonal pattern of ovarian activity occurs. Longer days and stronger light-to-dark
ratio during the non-breeding seasons reduce estrus activity and ovulation. Large ruminants
benefit from sunlight and ultraviolet radiation in terms of their health and productivity,
provided that there are no exceptionally high ambient temperatures present. Increased
photoperiod enhanced growth until the onset of sexual maturity. At the age, animals utilised
ration more efficiently due to a lower protein recovery rate.In the dairy, a long photoperiod
speeds up growth and sexual maturity. The Photoperiod length is directly related to the
development of calves and heifers. It has been demonstrated that the long day photo
periodstimulates mammary parenchymal growth both before and after puberty.The wintertime
photoperiod of Murrah buffalo calves was prolonged by artificial light for 4 hours, which
resulted in earlier puberty and faster growth.The hormone melatonin, which is secreted by the
pineal gland at night, serves as the body's internal signal for the rhythm of light and dark.
Buffaloes are substantially more likely to be in oestrus when the days are shorter than when
they are longer. The periodicity of the oestrous cycle is significantly influenced by the species'
sensitivity to photoperiod as well as environmental influences. As their ovarian activity
resumes at the start of the short day-length phase, buffaloes giving birth in the autumn exhibit
shorter postpartum anoestrus