Investigating the Pathological Classification of Reproductive System Lesions in Slaughtered Female Water Asian Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Background: Water buffaloes, crucial in agricultural systems, are valued for their milk and meat production; however, reproductive inefficiencies, including delayed maturity and long calving intervals, impact productivity. Limited data on reproductive tract pathologies in buffaloes, particularly those culled for abnormalities. Accordingly, this study examines these lesions in slaughtered buffaloes, offering insights into reproductive health challenges. Objectives: This study aims to identify, classify, and quantify reproductive tract lesions in female buffaloes slaughtered at the Al-Najaf abattoir, in Iraq, providing data on the prevalence and types of reproductive abnormalities to improve understanding and management of reproductive health in buffalo populations. Methods: Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed on the reproductive tracts of the slaughtered buffaloes to identify and classify the lesions. The reproductive organs, including the uterus, oviducts, and ovaries, were carefully examined, and the prevalence of various lesions was recorded. Statistical comparisons were made between different lesion types and locations within the reproductive tract. Results: Macroscopic screening revealed that 40.5% of the buffaloes had reproductive tract lesions. Uterine lesions were the most prevalent, occurring in 26.88% of the cases, with inflammation and abnormal growths being the most common. Microscopic examination identified various types of inflammation, including mucometritis (2.8%), suppurative metritis (3.7%), pyometra (2.3%), and endometritis (5.66%). Abnormal growths, such as endometrial hyperplasia (3.3%), subserosal fibroids (2.35%), and mucosal polyps (1.88%), were also noted. Vascular disorders like endometrial vascular clotting (1.4%) and vascular sclerosis (1.4%) were less common, while congenital anomalies were rare (0.4%). Ovarian lesions were observed in 13.67% of the buffaloes. The most frequent lesion was ovarian cysts (6.6%), followed by large persistent corpus luteum (2.8%) and luteal cysts (1.4%). Oviduct lesions were less frequent, with an incidence of 5.66%. Common oviduct lesions included congestion (2.3%), hydrosalpinx, and adhesions (1.4% each), with double oviduct being the least common lesion. Conclusion: The uterus is the most affected organ by abnormal changes in female buffaloes, with inflammation being the most prevalent type of lesion in macroscopic and microscopic examinations. These findings highlight the need for improved reproductive health management in buffaloes to prevent and treat such conditions effectively.