# Buffalo Reproduction: Estrous Cycle, Silent Heat, Ovulation & Gestation (River and Swamp)

> Reproductive physiology of the water buffalo: 21-day estrous cycle, estrus 24 h (10–48) in river buffalo, ovulation about 11 h after estrus ends, silent ovulation, gestation 305–315 days (river) and 330–340 days (swamp).

- Source page: https://wevet.in/reproduction/buffalo/
- Type: Reproduction
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-01
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Key reproductive figures for river and swamp buffalo from the *Bubaline Theriogenology* chapters of the International Veterinary Information Service on estrus detection [1] and on gestation [2].

## Key figures

| Feature | River buffalo | Swamp buffalo | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estrous cycle | 21 days, similar to cattle | — | [1] |
| Duration of estrus | 24 h (10–48) | About 19.9 h | [1] |
| Ovulation | Approximately 11 h after estrus signs disappear | About 13.9 h after | [1] |
| Gestation | 305–315 days (Murrah 309.9 ± 6.5 days) | 330–340 days | [2] |

## Silent estrus and seasonality

- About 63% of buffaloes had silent ovulations, without overt estrus behaviour, during the postpartum period [1].
- Silent estrus is more common postpartum and during summer [1].
- Buffaloes in countries away from the equator show seasonal breeding activity; near the equator, well-fed buffaloes are polyestrous all year [1].

## Timing of insemination

- The chapter advises inseminating buffaloes after the end of bull acceptance [1].
- It reports conception rates of 40.4% to 60.7% in buffaloes inseminated after estrus had ended [1].

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the gestation period of a buffalo?

River buffalo carry for 305–315 days (Murrah 309.9 ± 6.5 days); swamp buffalo for 330–340 days [2].

### How long does a buffalo stay in heat?

About 24 hours (10–48) in river buffalo and about 19.9 hours in swamp buffalo [1].

### Why is heat detection difficult in buffalo?

Silent ovulation is common — about 63% of buffaloes had silent ovulations without overt estrus behaviour during the postpartum period, and silent estrus is more common postpartum and in summer [1].

## References

[1] Estrus Detection in Buffaloes (Bubaline Theriogenology) — Purohit GN, Rao TKS — International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) (2018). https://www.ivis.org/library/bubaline-theriogenology/estrus-detection-buffaloes
[2] Gestation and Fetal Development in the Buffalo (Bubaline Theriogenology) — Purohit GN — International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS) (updated 2016). https://www.ivis.org/library/bubaline-theriogenology/gestation-and-fetal-development-buffalo

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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