Causes of delayed conception in cattle and buffalo in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The study was undertaken to analyse the causes of delayed conception in cattle and buffaloes in Tamil Nadu. Primary data were collected from two districts with the help of a structured interview schedule by personally interviewing the farmers during the year 2022-2023 and Garrett’s Ranking Technique was used to draw conclusions regarding the farmers perception about delayed conception. In non-descript cows, the major reason for delayed conception was farmer's negligence, while in case of crossbred cows lactational anoestrus was the major cause. Peripartum disorders like dystocia, retained placenta, etc. and metabolic disorders like milk fever, ketosis, etc. were also considered to be major causes of delayed conception among crossbred cows. The major causes of delayed conception in buffaloes in the study area were seasonal anoestrus and silent heat. The major causes of delayed conception were malnutrition and farmer's negligence in non-descript and crossbred heifers, while silent heat as found to be a major cause of delayed conception among buffalo heifers. Improper heat detection, disease conditions and nutritional deficiency, poor insemination technique, poor genetic merit, and unavailability of timely veterinary and insemination services were perceived as the most important reasons for delayed conception.