The study determined the socio-demographic profile of dairy buffalo farmers, health management practices of dairy buffalo farms, prevalence of trematode infection and established baseline information on the reproductive indices of dairy buffaloes in Cagayan Valley. Isabela has the highest number of dairy farms in Cagayan Valley. Majority of the respondents were literate, male and married. All farms practice deworming but only 22.27% apply rotational derworming strategy. The most commonly used dewormer was albendazole (78.57%). Majority of buffaloes sampled has a BCS of 3 (84.70%), were lactating (48.24%) and vaccinated (99.22%). Fecal samples from dairy buffaloes (n=255) were subjected to sedimentation and Baermann larval culture method to identify trematode eggs and larvae. To calculate reproductive indices, productivity records were collected from dairy farmers (n=21) through personal interview. A low level of infection was observed in the samples collected with 27 samples (10.59%) showing infection with at least one type of trematode, 14 samples (5.49%) were infected with Paramphistomum spp., and 13 samples (5.10%) were found positive with Fasciola spp. Evaluation of reproductive indices showed that during first service (n=93), fertility (49.46%) and conception rates (100%) were within standards. However, calving to first service interval (CFSI) (n=187) was extended with 43.31% of cows taking more than 90 days to return to heat. Calving to conception interval (CCI) (n = 187) was extended with 70.58% taking >190 days to get pregnant. Calving interval (CI) (n = 146) was extended with 45.89% of cows having 420-540 days interval. Improvement in health management is highly recommended to reduce or prevent trematode infection in dairy buffaloes.

Thesis (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

includes appendices and bibliographical references.