Comparison of follicular dynamics, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery between estradiol based and conventional superstimulation protocol in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

• Published in: Veterinary World 2015-08, Vol.8 (8), p.983-988
• Main Authors: Singh, Narinder, Dhaliwal, G S, Malik, V S, Dadarwal, D, Honparkhe, M, Singhal, S, Brar, P S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: buffalo; embryo; estradiol-17β; ovulation rate; superstimulation
• ISSN: 0972-8988; 2231-0916
• DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2015.983-988

To evaluate the follicular dynamics, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery following superstimulatory treatment initiated at estradiol-17β induced follicular wave emergence and its comparison with conventional superstimulatory protocol in buffaloes. Six normal cycling pluriparous buffaloes, lactating, 90-180 days post-partum, and weighing between 500 and 660 kg were superstimulated twice with a withdrawal period of 35 days in between two treatments. In superstimulation protocol-1 (estradiol group) buffaloes were administered estradiol-17β (2 mg, i.m.) and eazibreed controlled internal drug release (CIDR) was inserted intravaginally (day=0) at the random stage of the estrous cycle. On the day 4, buffaloes were superstimulated using follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) 400 mg, divided into 10 tapering doses given at 12 hourly intervals. Prostaglandin F2α analogs (PGF2α) was administered at day 7.5 and day 8, and CIDR was removed with the second PGF2α injection. In superstimulation protocol - 2 (conventional group) buffaloes were superstimulated on the 10(th) day of the estrous cycle with same FSH dose regimen and similar timings for PGF2α injections. In both groups, half of the buffaloes were treated with luteinizing hormone (LH) 25 mg and other half with 100 ug buserelin; gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog at 12 h after the end of FSH treatment. All buffaloes in both protocols were inseminated twice at 12 and 24 h of LH/GnRH treatment. Daily ultrasonography was performed to record the size and number of follicles and superovulatory response. Significantly higher number of small follicles (8 mm), corpora lutea, and transferable embryos was higher in buffaloes superstimulated at estradiol-induced follicu