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Folliculogenesis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): a review
R S Manik1, P Palta, S K Singla
1Embryo Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India. manik_rs@rediffmail.com
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|December 7, 2002
Summary
Improving buffalo reproduction requires understanding ovarian follicular dynamics. Research highlights differences in follicular development and superovulation response compared to cattle, indicating areas for enhanced reproductive strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Buffalo reproductive performance needs improvement, necessitating a deeper understanding of ovarian follicular growth and development.
- Current challenges include suboptimal superovulation responses, conception rates, and high variability in ovulation rates and embryo loss.
- Ultrasonic imaging reveals follicular waves during the oestrous cycle, characterized by dominant and subordinate follicles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
- To identify reasons for lower superovulation responses in buffalo compared to cattle.
- To highlight knowledge gaps regarding factors influencing dominant follicle selection and environmental impacts on follicular dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrasonic imaging to observe follicular turnover and dynamics during the oestrous cycle.
- Compared follicular development and superovulation responses between buffalo and cattle.
- Reviewed existing literature on buffalo follicular dynamics and factors affecting reproductive performance.
Main Results:
- Buffalo exhibit two main follicular waves per oestrous cycle, starting around Day 0 and Day 9/10.
- Lower superovulation response in buffalo is linked to fewer primordial/antral follicles, slower follicle maturation, increased atresia, and ovulation failure, particularly with equine chorionic gonadotrophin.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding dominant follicle selection, functional dominance duration, and environmental influences on buffalo follicular dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Understanding buffalo ovarian follicular dynamics is crucial for improving reproductive efficiency.
- Differences in follicular reserve and response to superovulation protocols contribute to lower performance compared to cattle.
- Further research is needed on factors governing dominant follicle selection and environmental impacts on follicular dynamics in buffalo.