Effect of climate on production parameters of surti buffalo

Present study was conducted to assess the effect of climatic changes on production performance of surti buffaloes in Gujarat state, India. Retrospective analysis of buffalo production records in relation to climatic data of the farm was thoroughly carried out. Decreased ambient temperature (4.67%) was observed to have positive impact on total lactation yield (24.88% increases). On the other hand, small increase in annual average temperature have resulted in corresponding small decreased lactation yield in the two successive years. Increased rainfall (27.27%) was observed to have positive impact on lactation length (increased from 247.13 days to 288.17 days) while decreased rainfall (31.08%) was observed to have negative effect on dry period (63.09% increase). Buffaloes are well suited to hot and humid climates and muddy topography, but they exhibit signs of great distress when exposed to direct heat stress or extreme climatic changes. Better performance can be achieved if remedial measures in terms of comfortable climate are provided. The results of the study give emphasis to correlate the effect of climate on the production performance.