International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 305-314 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 305 Review Article Open Access Optimization of Reproductive Technologies in Water Buffalo: A Review of Current Practices Xiaoli Chen, Shiqiang Huang Tropical Animal Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572000, Hainan, China Corresponding author: shiqiang.huang@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0027 Received: 05 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 07 Dec., 2024 Published: 18 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Huang and Chen, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen X.L., and Huang S.Q., 2024, Optimization of reproductive technologies in water buffalo: a review of current practices, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(6): 305-314 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0027) Abstract This study provides a comprehensive overview of the biological and physiological basis of water buffalo reproduction, including reproductive anatomy, seasonal breeding, and hormonal regulation. It critically examines current reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, estrus synchronization, in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, and sex-sorted semen, while also exploring emerging technologies like genome editing, precision breeding, and reproductive biomarkers. A detailed case study highlights the application of embryo transfer technology for genetic improvement, emphasizing practical outcomes and lessons learned. Key factors influencing the adoption of these technologies, including socio-economic, infrastructural, and regulatory considerations, are discussed, alongside challenges such as biological constraints and technological barriers. Finally, the study proposes strategies for improving reproductive efficiency through training, infrastructure development, and policy support. This study underscores the importance of optimizing reproductive technologies to achieve sustainable water buffalo production and suggests future research directions to further enhance these efforts. Keywords Water buffalo; Reproductive technologies; Artificial insemination; Genome editing; Embryo transfer 1 Introduction Water buffaloes play a crucial role in global agriculture, particularly in regions such as South Asia and the Mediterranean, where they are a primary source of milk, meat, and draught power. They are well-adapted to harsh environments and can thrive on low-quality forage, making them invaluable in ecologically disadvantaged agricultural systems. In countries like Nepal, buffaloes contribute significantly to milk and meat production, underscoring their economic importance (Devkota et al., 2022). However, despite their adaptability, the reproductive efficiency of water buffaloes is often compromised due to various biological and management challenges (Bm, 2019). Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor in water buffalo production, as it directly impacts the economic viability of buffalo farming. Challenges such as delayed puberty, silent estrus, and prolonged postpartum intervals lead to suboptimal fertility rates, causing significant economic losses for farmers (Singhal et al., 2021). The reproductive performance of buffaloes is further affected by environmental factors like climatic stress and poor nutrition, which can delay puberty and extend postpartum anoestrus (Bm, 2019). Effective reproductive management strategies, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and hormonal protocols, are essential to enhance fertility and improve overall herd productivity (Warriach et al., 2015; Coman et al., 2024). This study attempts to explore the significance of reproductive efficiency in water buffalo production, discuss the challenges faced in optimizing reproductive technologies, and provide an overview of the effectiveness of various reproductive technologies and management strategies. By synthesizing recent developments and identifying areas for improvement, this review seeks to offer insights that can enhance the reproductive performance of water buffaloes and support the sustainability of buffalo farming globally.
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