Characterization of reproduction of local female buffalo in the South West coastal region of Aceh Province

Abstract Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is native to hot and humid areas, especially in the northern hemisphere. The function of buffalo is that it can be used as meat-producing and milk-producing livestock. There are two groups of domesticated buffalo, namely mud buffalo (Swamp buffalo) and river buffalo (Reverine buffalo). Even though buffalo can adapt well, reproductive efficiency is often a problem, resulting in buffalo breeding tending to be slower compared to Bovine. This study aims to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of female buffalo located along the west-south coastal region of Aceh province with a stretch of 540 km. The research was carried out from August 2023 to June 2024 involving 208 farmer respondents and 757 female buffalo aged over 2 years (sexual maturity) in 4 sample areas, including West Aceh Regency, Nagan Raya, Southwest Aceh and South Aceh Regency. The results showed that female buffalo began to become sexually mature at the age (months) 35.56 ± 2.19, the age at first mating was 39.13 ± 4.50, the age at first calving was 50.47 ± 4.23, the length of the pregnancy period was 10.69 ± 0.37 and the calving interval was 16.20 ± 0.17.