Influence of a swimming-pool on fertility in buffalo species.

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of a swimming-pool on reproductive efficiency in buffalo species. The trial was performed in a commercial buffalo farm, where lactating buffaloes were divided into two groups (G1 and G2), and only in G1 a swimming-pool was available. Data of a 4-years period (1999-2002) were analysed. Statistical analysis of calving-conception interval (CCI) of a first 3-years period (1999-2001), after logarithmic conversion, was performed by "t" Student's Test while the percentage data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Animals in G1 showed higher conception rate within 120 days post calving (53.7% us. 39.9%; P<0.001) in both deliveries of January-March and April-August. During the first 2 years (1999-2000) the CCI of buffaloes that delivered in January-March period was longer (P<0.001) than that of April-August. Furthermore, on the total of the 3 years the CCI was longer (P<0.01) in buffaloes of G2 compared to G1. Because of the presence of a swimming-pool also for G2 from 2002 May, the conception rate of not pregnant subjects characterized by more than 40 days open in 2001 and 2002 was also calculated and the favourable effect was confirmed. These results highlight the beneficial effect of a swimming-pool on fertility in buffalo species.