THE PHILIPPINE WATER BUFFALO

It was noted that regardless of the stage of estrous cycle,
all the experimental animals responded to PRID treatment
as evidence by the progesterone profile. Upon the duration
of PRID insertion, all animals maintained a level of
progesterone, which is at the luteal stage (1.08 to 3.51 ng/
ml). One day after PRID withdrawal, progesterone value
declined to basal level (average of 0.55 ng/ml). These low
levels were maintained until 7 days after PRID withdrawal
for carabaos that did not become pregnant, and until 4
days for those that
became pregnant. In non-pregnant group, progesterone
level became elevated 5 days after AI and the level declined
17 days after AI. On the other hand, the pregnant group
exhibited an elevated progesterone level, commencing the
day after predetermined AI, and maintained it beyond 23
days after AI. The conception rate at first service with the
used of PRID to synchronize heat was 41% and could be
increased up to 65% if the PRID treated animals that did
not conceive will be closely monitored and inseminated
three to four cycles after the PRID heat include service.
These results indicate that PRID is also an effective heat
synchronizing agents for caracows.
Keywords: carabao cows, conception rate, estrus
synchronization, plasma progesterone, progesterone
releasing intravaginal device
*Abstracts of Completed Researches 1981-1995. (1986).
PCC-UPLB, College, Laguna. Also in Abstracts of Water
Buffalo researches in the Philippines 1981-1995. 1996.
PCC-DA. p. 57-58. Also in Annotated Bibliography on
Philippine Biodiversity: Livestock and Poultry
(Agrobiodiversity) 1949-1997, Carabaos. 2002. p. 300.
R-32
SPERM PRODUCTION OF PHILIPPINE CARABAOS
AND CROSSBREED BUFFALOES WITH OR
WITHOUT ULTRASTRUCTURAL ALTERATION IN
THE TESTES*
O. M. Nuñeza, Ph.D. Student, IAS-CA, UPLB
V. G. Momongan, Prof., IAS-CA, UPLB & Proj. Leader, PCRDC-PCARRD,
UPLB
S. S. Capitan, Assistant Professor, IAS-CA, UPLB
This research was conducted to evaluate and compare the
semen characteristics of Philippine carabao bulls, crossbred
buffaloes with normal testicular morphology and crossbreds
with ultrastructural alterations in the testes. Weekly
ejaculates obtained for a duration of one month were
assessed based on semen volume, initial motility, sperm
concentration, percentage of live and dead spermatozoa
and percent sperm abnormalities. Data were analyzed
using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for split plot in
REPRODUCTION
completely randomized design (CRD). Crossbred buffaloes
with testicular alterations were found to have inferior semen
quality compared to Philippine carabaos and crossbred
buffaloes without testicular alterations.
Keywords: Philippine carabao, crossbred bulls, semen
characteristics, testicular alterations
* Phil. J. Vet. Anim Sci. 1992. 18(4):331-338. Also in
Abstracts of Completed Researches 1981-1995. (1991).
PCC-UPLB, College, Laguna. Also in Abstracts of Water
Buffalo Researches in the Philippines 1981-1995. 1996.
PCC-DA. p. 61-62. Also in Annotated Bibliography on
Philippine Biodiversity: Livestock and Poultry
(Agrobiodiversity) 1949-1997, Carabaos. 2002. p. 354.
R-33
MINERAL STATUS AND ONSET OF POST-PARTUM
HEAT IN LACTATING PHILIPPINE CARABAOS
UNDER LUCBAN CONDITION*
A. R. Obsioma, University Researcher, PCRDC-PCARRD, UPLB
R. M. Lapitan, Science Research Associate, PCRDC-PCARRD, UPLB
A study was conducted to relate blood mineral status and
onset of postpartum heat in 24 lactating Philippine carabaos.
Blood samples were collected at 10-14 days interval for 5
consecutive days. Samples were analyzed for mineral
levels (P, Ca, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn) and for progesterone
levels to monitor ovarian activity. Results showed that
values of mineral levels were above the critical values set
for cattle. Values obtained were also either comparable or
higher compared to a previous study using those obtained
in concentrate fed carabaos. Levels obtained were 7.4
mg/100 mg, 10.64 mg/100 ml, 4.53 ppm, 0.162 ppm,
0.352 ppm and 1.79 ppm for P, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn,
respectively. Onset of postpartum heat started as early as
39 days and as late as more than 150 days. The results
suggested that under Lucban condition, mineral deficiency
is nor a problem during months of August to December. In
spite of the absence of the mineral deficiency among
experimental animals, variations in the onset of postpartum
heat were observed.
Keywords: lactating carabao, Lucban, Quezon, plasma
minerals, postpartum heat, progesteorne level
*Abstract of Completed Researches 1981-1995. (1992).
PCC-UPLB, College, Lagua. Also in Abstracts of Water
Buffalo Researches in the Philippines 1981-1995. 1996.
PCC-DA. p. 64. Also in PCC R & D Highlights 1994-
1996. p. 13-14. Also in Annotated Bibliography on
Philippine Biodiversity: Livestock and Poultry
(Agrobiodiversity) 1949-1997, Carabaos. 2002. p. 383.
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