Morphometric Analysis and Breeding Selection Potential of Tropical Swamp and River Buffalo in Indonesia
Wari1, V.M.A. Nurgiartiningsih1, and I. Novianti1*

1Faculty of Animal Science, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, Indonesia
*wariwaridoang[at]student.ub.ac.id

Abstract

Buffalo are an important contributor to meat production in Indonesia, yet their population has been declining, requiring structured selection and breeding strategies. This study analyzed morphometric traits of swamp and river buffalo from Bahal Batu, Rondaman Palas, and Silangit, considering the effects of sex, age, season of birth, and breeding region. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, t-tests, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that age significantly influenced body weight (F = 34.25, p < 0.001), body length (F = 18.72, p < 0.001), chest girth (F = 12.14, p < 0.01), and withers height (F = 9.65, p < 0.01). Sex differences were also significant, with males outperforming females in body weight (5.39 vs 5.16- p = 0.016), chest girth (5.01 vs 4.93- p = 0.008), and withers height (113.4 vs 107.4 cm- p = 0.013). Season of birth and breeding region contributed to variation (p < 0.05), with wet-season-born and Silangit buffalo showing superior growth. PCA revealed two principal components explaining 85% of variation, mainly associated with body weight and chest girth (PC1) and body length and withers height (PC2). These results highlight the importance of morphometric evaluation combined with fixed-effect analysis to strengthen breeding selection and improve buffalo productivity in tropical regions.

Keywords: tropical buffalo, swamp buffalo, river buffalo, morphometric traits, breeding selection

Topic: Animal reproduction and breeding