Reproductive and Productive Performance of Romanian Buffaloes Under Temperate-Continental Conditions: A 30-Year Retrospective Study

This study evaluated key reproductive and productive parameters of the Romanian buffalo reared under temperate-continental conditions. Data collected over a 30-year period (1990–2020) from 310 female buffaloes raised at the Şercaia Buffalo Research and Development Station (Brașov County, Romania) were analyzed. Only animals that completed their first gestation and calving within the herd and had complete lifetime records were included. Buffaloes were monitored longitudinally from first calving until the end of their productive life, regardless of the reason for exit. The evaluated traits included age at first calving, number of lactations, milk yield, milk fat content, and the effect of calf sex on milk production. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and linear regression. Mean age at first calving was 51.6 ± 14.0 months, and females completed an average of 7.8 ± 3.0 lactations, indicating good reproductive longevity. Buffaloes calving male offspring produced significantly more milk per lactation (1272 ± 267 L) than those calving female offspring (1099 ± 244 L; p < 0.01). Milk fat content averaged approximately 7% and did not differ significantly between females giving birth to female offspring and those giving birth to male offspring (p > 0.05). Overall, the results indicate good productive stability and reproductive durability of the Romanian buffalo under semi-intensive management and confirm its adaptability to temperate environments.