The objective of this study was to assess the applicability of temperament tests commonly used in bovines for water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The tests for docility, reaction to a novel object, squeeze cage and social isolation were applied individually with 12 calves and their 12 mothers. Both calves and their mothers responded to all tests with a variety of behaviors. The tests that elicited the larger number of behaviors were the squeeze cage and the novel object. There were large individual differences (coefficients of variation of 32-51%) in the scores for all tests for calves and adults. The individual scores for the tests of isolation and novel object were significantly correlated for calves (rs = 0.66, P< 0.01) and adults (rs = 0.76, P< 0.01). Using the criteria of sensitivity (range of individual differences), responsiveness and applicability, the squeeze cage test and the isolation test seem well suited for water buffaloes.
buffaloes; handling; animal production; Bubalus bubalis
