Question

During summer season, who behaves as ‘Nocturnal Breeder’?

• A. Mare
• B. Buffalo
• C. Sow
• D. Ewe

Hint:

To improve summer conception rates in buffaloes, heat detection should be performed during the late night or early morning hours.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) have a dark skin with sparse hair and poorly developed sweat glands compared to temperate cattle.
These physical traits make them highly susceptible to heat stress, which negatively impacts their reproductive behavior during hot summer months.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
High ambient temperatures during the summer cause severe heat stress in buffaloes, leading to hormonal imbalances.
The secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen is often suppressed during the day, resulting in "silent heat" or unexpressed estrus signs.
To cope with this, buffaloes shift their reproductive and estrus behaviors to the cooler hours of the night.
During summer, they show estrus activity, standing heat, and mating behaviors primarily between dusk and dawn.
This behavioral shift has led to them being called "nocturnal breeders" during the hot season.
Mares are seasonal long-day breeders, ewes are seasonal short-day breeders, and sows show less pronounced nocturnal reproductive shifts.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The buffalo exhibits "nocturnal breeder" behavior during the summer to avoid daytime heat stress.