Abstract
Water buffaloes often experience reduced fertility during the summer due to factors like temperature, photoperiod, and nutrition. This seasonal decline in reproduction affects calf and milk production, impacting farm economics. This research focuses on creating a breeding program tailored to the summer conditions in the Philippines to improve artificial insemination (AI) conception rates and boost production. During the summer months (March-June), water buffaloes may experience decreased luteal function or persistent corpus luteum, lowering fertility. To address this, a timed AI (TAI) protocol was developed, utilizing CIDR + GnRH on Day 0, followed by CIDR removal + PGF2a on Days 7-8, and hCG injection with AI on Day 10. The summer protocol included a double PGF2a injection on Days 7 and 8, compared to the control protocol with a single PGF2a injection on Day 7. Results from the PCC Genepool farm showed a 52.63 % conception rate in 2023 with the summer protocol (10/19), compared to 27.27 % with the control (3/11). In 2024, the summer protocol alone led to a 57.14 % conception rate (20/35). Additionally, milk production per cow per day ranged from 5.16 to 5.45 liters in 2024, compared to 2.62 to 3.0 liters in 2023. The summer protocol's effectiveness in increasing AI conception rates contributed to higher milk production, supporting sustainable livestock farming year-round.