The productivity of Gayo buffaloes viewed from reproduction aspect in Linge Sub-District of Central Aceh District, Aceh Province of Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the productivity of female Gayo buffaloes in Linge Sub-District, Central Aceh District. Survey was used to obtain the primary data through direct interview techniques with buffalo owners based on a questionnaire that had been prepared previously. As many as 40 buffalo owners became the respondents in this study spread in four selected villages (Pantan Nangka, Delung Sekinel, Umang, and Gelampang Gading). The determination of respondents was done by using purposive sampling method with a minimum provision of breeders maintaining two female buffaloes that have bred at least two times and have a minimum experience of breeding for four years. The results showed that female Gayo buffalos had good reproductive productivity. Female Gayo buffalos experienced puberty at 33.8 ± 0.63 months old with the average age at first breeding was at 35.4 ± 0.67 months old, age of first calving was at 46.47 ± 4.44 months old, conception period was for 332.25 ± 26.64 days, average calving interval was at 14.82 ± 1.81 months, service period was at 3.42 ± 0.50 months, and percentage of calving rate was 67.92 %. It was concluded that female Gayo buffalos in Linge Subdistrict, Central Aceh Regency has good productivity.