Extent of adaptation of high yielding murrah buffaloes to negative energy balance in response to various dry period lengths

Higher serum Non Esterified Fatty acid (SNEFA) concentration associated with negative energy balance (NEB) around calving has been used to predict dairy animals at risk for metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the SNEFA, Altered Non Esterified Fatty Acid percentage (ANEFAP) levels and Service period (SP) in forty eight dairy buffaloes allotted to three dry period lengths (> 60 d (n=16); 46 to 60 d (n=16); and 30 to 45 d (n=16)). The serum NEFA and ANEFAP levels were influenced by length of dry period and pre and postpartum periods of the entire experimental study. The NEFA concentration showed an increased trend from the time of drying to 60 days postpartum, followed by a decreased trend from 60 to 90 days postpartum, irrespective of the groups. The NEFA concentration has increased (P<0.05) with higher postpartum ANEFAP levels (P<0.05), either pre or postpartum in the buffaloes allotted to traditional dry period group. SNEFA concentration was negatively correlated with serum glucose (SG) concentration (P<0.01) and 6% FCM (P<0.05) at 30 and 60 d postpartum, respectively. The mean days required for postpartum conception were highest (P<0.05) in first group (144.38 ± 5.62) followed by second (105.00 ± 5.07) and third group (86.25 ± 5.39) buffaloes. Additionally, the success rate of insemination was less in group I compared to the other shortened dry period groups. In the present study, it is concluded that the buffaloes in shortened dry period groups adapt well to the negative energy balance compared to those allotted to conventional dry period lengths (60 or > 60 days).