Strategic development of a buffalo farming framework and optimization of the foraging behaviour using mathematical models.

Strategic development of a buffalo farming framework and optimization of the foraging behaviour using mathematical models. | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Strategic development of a buffalo farming framework and optimization of the foraging behaviour using mathematical models. Vinothkannan Anbazhagan, Avinash Natarajan, Jayaprakash Arul, and 4 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6859704/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 4 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study examined the foraging behaviour of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) on a private dairy farm in Southeastern India from April 2016 to March 2017. Foraging behaviour plays a major role in improving production, well-being, and sustainable buffalo farming practices. Using direct observation and focal animal sampling, data were collected daily across four seasons: summer, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon. Seasonal forage availability and the distances travelled for foraging were analysed to understand behavioural patterns and habitat preferences. The results indicated that buffaloes travelled varying distances depending on seasonal forage availability. The distances recorded were highest in summer (124.66 km) and progressively reduced during pre-monsoon (82.67 km), monsoon (79.00 km), and post-monsoon (82 km). This pattern aligns with forage availability, which was greatest in summer and declined through pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. The findings supported the application of optimal foraging theory, which highlights the dynamic dietary shifts buffaloes undertake to meet their nutritional needs according to forage composition. Additionally, the study identified a significant aspect of buffalo communication behaviour. Observations revealed that faeces and urine marking, containing pheromones, were crucial for group identification and maintaining social cohesion. These findings underline the complex interactions between foraging, communication, and ecological adaptation in buffaloes. The study concluded that creating artificial forage habitats could enhance forage accessibility and buffalo protection, contributing to sustainable farming and the global economy. By understanding and addressing foraging challenges, the agricultural sector can improve buffalo productivity and ensure their well-being, thereby fostering long-term sustainability Foraging behaviour Buffalo Strategic development Artificial foraging land Optimal foraging theory (OFT) Full Text Additional Declarations Table 1 and 2 are available in the Supplementary Files section. Supplementary Files Tables.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 27 Jun, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 26 Jun, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 14 Jun, 2025 First submitted to journal 10 Jun, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6859704","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":477148447,"identity":"615d9690-5d47-4135-b39c-0892087722a3","order_by":0,"name":"Vinothkannan 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