Reproduction characteristics of Simeulue Buffalo in Alafan district in Simeulue Island

The purpose of this study was to identify the female buffalo reproductive characteristics in Alafan district of Simeulue Regency in Simeulue Island. This research used survey method in four villages within Alafan district, namely: Lafakha, Lubuk Baik, Lewak, and Langi. Fourty respondents of buffalo breeders we selected based on purposive sampling method, with the minimum requirement of breeder keep two productive buffalos which have been given birth twice and breeder have experience more than one year. Data collection done by interview and was discussion techniques. The parameters observed were: (a) conception period; (b) the age of buffalo have the first child; (c) calving intervals; and (d) service period. The data obtained processed and calculated averaged and then descended and described descriptively. The results showed that the female buffalo reproductive characteristics in Alafan district of Simelue Regency in Simeulue Island was good enough. The conception period was 10.46 months, the age of buffalo have the first child at 3.8 years (45.6 months), calving interval was 17.3 months, and service period was 7.5 months.