A holistic review of buffalo productivity, reproductive efficiency, genetic improvement, and disease management in Bangladesh

Abstract

Buffaloes play a vital role in Bangladesh's livestock sector, contributing significantly to the nation’s milk and meat production. However, their productivity remains below potential due to limited genetic capacity, poor reproductive performance, and inadequate health and management practices. This review critically synthesizes findings from scientific literature, field studies, and national reports to assess the status of buffalo production, reproductive efficiency, genetic improvement efforts, and disease management strategies in Bangladesh. Major challenges include low milk yield (average 2.50-4.00 liters/day), imbalanced nutrition, reliance on traditional feeding systems, and minimal mechanization. Reproductive inefficiencies are characterized by low conception rates (below 40%), prolonged calving intervals (local:19.36 ± 2.39 months; crossbred: 19.37 ± 2.63 months), delayed onset of puberty (30 to 36 months), and ineffective estrus detection. Although crossbreeding programs with high-yielding breeds such as Murrah and Nili-Ravi have been introduced, progress has been limited due to inadequate record-keeping, lack of performance monitoring, and continued dependence on conventional breeding methods. Disease prevention and control are further impeded by insufficient veterinary infrastructure, low vaccination coverage, and limited farmer awareness. Structural barriers such as the absence of integrated development frameworks, restricted access to artificial insemination (AI), and a shortage of superior germplasm also hinder sectoral advancement. To address these multifaceted issues, the review advocates for enhanced farmer education, expansion of AI services, development of region-specific disease control strategies, and the implementation of systematic genetic improvement programs incorporating molecular technologies. Strengthened collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and farming communities is essential to foster a resilient, productive, and sustainable buffalo industry in Bangladesh.