Abstract

Background:
Suboptimal reproductive performance following artificial insemination (AI) remains a primary constraint to the profitability of buffalo farming in Bangladesh.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal bio-stimulation and clitoral massage in enhancing the post-AI conception rates in buffaloes.

Methods:
A total of 125 female buffaloes were randomly selected, and their age, parity, breed, body condition score, reproductive health, and calving difficulty were recorded. The buffaloes were divided into five groups (n = 25 in each group): group A (natural mating), group B (AI during observed estrus), group C (AI followed by penis-like device [PLD] application), group D (AI with clitoral massage), and group E (AI followed by PLD and clitoral massage). Group B (only AI) served as the control for the intervention groups (C, D, and E).

Results:
The overall conception rate was 46.4%, with group A having the highest rate (64.0%). The conception rate of group E (52.0%) was higher than that of groups C (44.0%), D (40.0%), and B (32.0%). Parity and previous calving difficulty significantly influenced the conception rates (p < 0.05). Buffaloes aged between 4.6 and 5.5 years were 4.3 times more likely to conceive compared with other age groups (p < 0.05). Correlation coefficient analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between age and parity (p < 0.01) and a significant negative correlation with the reproductive health of cows.

Conclusion:
Intravaginal bio-stimulation using a penis-like device (PLD) combined with clitoral massage post-AI significantly improves the conception rate in buffaloes.

Key words: Artificial insemination; Buffalo; Clitoral massage; Conception rate; Penis-like device.