Embryo transfer in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The use of assisted reproductive technologies, such as superovulation and in vivo embryo production and in vitro embryo production (IVEP), has increased rapidly in recent years and is now applied worldwide for genetic improvement in beef and dairy buffaloes. Although in vivo embryo production has been shown to be feasible in buffalo, low efficiency and limited commercial application has been documented. These results could be associated with low antral follicle populations, high levels of follicular atresia and/or failures of the oocyte to enter the oviduct after superovulation. Additionally, IVEP technology has been shown to be an important tool for multiplying genetic material from donors of superior merit, and promising results have been achieved with the use of ovum pick-up (OPU) along with IVEP in buffalo. However, several factors appear to be critical for successful OPU/IVEP, including circulating levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, antral follicle populations, sizes of the follicles available for the OPU, reproductive seasonality, semen (sire) used for IVEP, donor category and farm. Furthermore, technologies applied to control follicular wave emergence and ovulation at predetermined times, without the need for estrus detection in recipients, has facilitated management and improved the efficiency of embryo transfer programs in buffalo herds. Conclusively, with the considerable evidence of poor results with in vivo embryo production in buffaloes, the association of OPU with IVEP represents a new alternative for the exploitation of buffalo genetics.

Different times to perform timed artificial insemination when using a P4/E2/eCG-based protocol in buffalo / Momentos diferentes para executar a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo utilizando o protocolo à base de P4/E2/eCG em búfalas

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate different times for timed artificial insemination (TAI) in buffalo submitted to a P4/E2/eCG-based protocol. In this study, 204 buffaloes were distributed into one of two groups (TAI56, n=103 and TAI64, n=101). At a random stage of the oestrous cycle (Day 0 = D0), in the morning (TAI56, a.m.) or afternoon (TAI64, p.m.), buffaloes received an intravaginal progesterone device (P4; 1.0 g) plus EB (2.0 mg i.m.). On D9 a.m. (TAI56) or p.m. (TAI64), the P4 was removed and buffaloes received PGF2a (0.53 mg i.m. sodium cloprostenol) and eCG (400 IU i.m.). On D10 a.m. (TAI56) or p.m. (TAI64), 24 h after P4 removal, buffaloes were treated with EB (1.0 mg i.m.). Buffaloes from TAI56 and TAI64 were inseminated 56 and 64 h after P4 removal (D11, p.m. and D12, a.m., respectively). Ultrasound examinations were performed on D0 to ascertain ovarian follicular status, at TAI to measure the diameter of the dominant follicle (DF) and D42 for pregnancy diagnosis. The statistical analysis was performed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS®. There was no difference between TAI56 and TAI64 for the diameter of the DF at TAI and the pregnancy per TAI. It was concluded that TAI 56 or 64 h after P4 removal did not affect fertility in buffaloes submitted to the induction of ovulation with EB. The present research supports that is possible to perform TAI at any time throughout the day in buffalo synchronized during the non-breeding season.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar diferentes momentos para a realização da IATF em búfalas submetidas a um protocolo à base de P4/E2/eCG. Neste estudo, 204 búfalas foram distribuídas em um de dois grupos (IATF56, n=103 e IATF64, n=101). Em estágio aleatório do ciclo estral (Dia 0 = D0), pela manhã (IATF56, manhã) ou pela tarde (IATF64, tarde), as búfalas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal de progesterona (P4; 1,0 g) e BE (2,0 mg i.m.). No D9 pela manhã (IATF56) ou pela tarde (IATF64), a P4 foi removida e as búfalas receberam PGF2a (0,53 mg i.m. cloprostenol sódico) e eCG (400 UI i.m.). No D10 pela manhã (IATF56) ou pela tarde (IATF64), 24 h após a remoção da P4, as búfalas foram tratadas com BE (1,0 mg i.m.). As búfalas dos grupos IATF56 e IATF64 foram inseminadas 56 e 64 h após a remoção da P4 (D11, pela tarde e D12, pela manhã, respectivamente). Avaliações ultrassonográficas foram realizadas no D0 para verificar o status folicular ovariano, na IATF para medir o diâmetro do folículo dominante (FD) e no D42 para o diagnóstico de gestação. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o procedimento GLIMMIX do SAS®. Não houve diferença entre os grupos IATF56 e IATF64 no diâmetro do FD na IATF e na prenhez por IATF. Conclui-se que a IATF 56 ou 64 h após a remoção da P4 não afeta a fertilidade de búfalas submetidas à indução da ovulação com BE. A presente pesquisa evidencia que é possível realizar a IATF durante todo o dia em búfalas sincronizadas durante a estação reprodutiva desfavorável.