Protocol of polyovulation to donor buffaloes (Romanian Buffaloes)

Abstract

Buffalo has a significant role in the agricultural economy of many developing countries by providing milk, meat and draught power. The breeding season for Romanian Buffaloes in the major buffalo rearing countries appear to extend from September to March. Compared to cattle, buffaloes exhibit delayed puberty in both males and females, poor estrus expression in a greater proportion of females. The main problem affecting the productivity of buffaloes is the long calving interval due to delayed postpartum estrus and delayed puberty. This is due to the difficulty in detecting estrus in this species on account of poor signs of estrus, such as silent heat, quiet ovulation or subestrus. Polyovulation is an important step in embryo transfer biotechnology. Over the years, techniques associated with embryo transfer have had many uses, especially in research. The widespread use of this technology in animal breeding schemes, however, is relatively recent. Successful embryo transfer requires manipulation of oestrus and ovulation of the donor and synchronization of these events with those of the recipients. A brief review of the physiological and endocrinological aspects of the oestrous cycle will contribute to more effective use of gonadotrophins (FSH-P or PMSG) for superovulation. Polyovulation research has been applied to a 6-year, clinically healthy and sexually-known donor buffalo. On the 11th day of the sexual cycle, the superovulation protocol was applied. PMSG was used in the 2500 IU dose. At the onset of oestrus, a number of 8 pre-ovulatory follicles have been identified. The monitoring of follicular evolution until ovulation was performed ultrasonographically. Of the 8 follicles increased 3 developed on the left ovary and 5 on the right ovary. After 7 days of ovulation have been identified six corpora lutea (2 ovary left and 4 right).