Ovarian function in the buffalo and implications for embryo development and assisted reproduction

This review brings together information on ovarian physiology in buffaloes including folliculogenesis, ovulation, and the development and function of the corpus luteum. Features of embryonic development are also considered. The buffalo is classified as a short-day breeder but in equatorial zones can show oestrous cycles throughout the year provided that nutrition is adequate to maintain reproductive function. In sub-tropical zones and at higher latitudes, day length is often the major determinant of reproductive function including the occurrence of regular oestrous cycles, duration of oestrus, and the period to resumption of ovulation postpartum. Indeed, at higher latitudes buffaloes that give birth during the period of increasing day length may not show a resumption of ovulation until the following period of decreasing day length. This can have a major impact on the productive value of buffaloes and requires the development and utilisation of practical and effective assisted breeding technology for out-of-season breeding in buffaloes. Embryonic development in buffaloes occurs at a faster rate than in cattle and this has implications for the earlier establishment and functionality of the corpus luteum in buffaloes. It would appear that the interrelationships between the development of the early conceptus, corpus luteum function, uterine preparation, and maternal recognition of pregnancy, are more closely time-bound in buffaloes compared with cattle. The phase of embryonic attachment would seem to be a critical period for determining the reproductive outcome in buffaloes. © 2010 Elsevier B.V

The interval between the emergence of pharmacologically synchronized ovarian follicular waves and ovum pickup does not significantly affect in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and Bubalus bubalis

The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal phase of the follicular wave to perform ovum pickup (OPU) for in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in various genetic groups. For this purpose, 27 heifers-nine Bos taurus (Holstein), nine Bos indicus (Nelore), and nine Bubalus bubalis (Mediterranean)-were maintained under the same nutritional, management, and environmental conditions. Heifers within each genetic group were submitted to six consecutive OPU trials with 14-day intersession intervals, at three different phases of the pharmacologically synchronized follicular wave (Day 1, 3, or 5 after follicular wave emergence), in a 3 x 3 crossover design. When OPU was performed at different phases of the pharmacologically synchronized follicular wave (Day 1, 3, or 5), no differences were found in the percent of oocytes recovered (70.5 +/- 3.1%, 75.0 +/- 3.1%, 76.0 +/- 3.2%, respectively; P = 0.41) or blastocyst production rates (19.4 +/- 2.9%, 16.6 +/- 2.9%, 15.9 +/- 2.6%, respectively; P = 0.36). Comparing genetic groups, B indicus showed a higher blastocyst rate (28.3(a) +/- 2.8%; P < 0.01) than B taurus and B bubalis (14.1(b) +/- 2.9% and 10.2(b) +/- 2.0%, respectively). However, only B indicus heifers showed a variation in the number of visualized follicles and the total and viable oocytes along consecutive OPU sessions. In conclusion, different phases of the pharmacologically synchronized ovarian follicular wave did not affect OPU-IVEP in B indicus, B taurus, and B bubalis heifers. Additionally, B indicus heifers showed greater OPU-IVEP efficiency than did the other genetic groups, under the same management conditions.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP