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Published on: August 21, 2017
Advanced reproductive technology in the water buffalo
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0136, USA. drost@ufl.edu
Theriogenology
|May 8, 2007
Summary
Embryo transfer in water buffaloes is less successful than in cattle due to lower fertility and poor superovulation response. In vitro embryo production, particularly Ovum Pick Up, offers a more effective alternative for improving embryo yields.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Embryology
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Embryo transfer (ET) techniques in water buffaloes are adapted from cattle but show lower success rates.
- Water buffaloes exhibit lower fertility, poor superovulatory response, and smaller ovarian follicle populations compared to cattle.
- Challenges in estrus detection further complicate buffalo embryo transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate alternative methods for improving embryo production in water buffaloes.
- To investigate the potential of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) and Ovum Pick Up (OPU) over traditional superovulation.
- To explore intergeneric embryo transfer possibilities and nuclear transfer applications.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of superovulation protocols versus Ovum Pick Up (OPU) for embryo yield.
- Investigation of intergeneric embryo transfer from water buffalo to cattle.
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using water buffalo nuclei into enucleated bovine oocytes.
Main Results:
- Superovulation yields less than one transferable embryo per donor, while OPU yields approximately 2.0 embryos per donor monthly.
- Intergeneric transfer of 13 buffalo embryos into Holstein heifers resulted in no pregnancies.
- Successful development of buffalo somatic cell nuclei into blastocysts within enucleated bovine oocytes was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Ovum Pick Up (OPU) is a more efficient method for water buffalo embryo production than superovulation.
- Intergeneric embryo transfer between water buffalo and cattle is currently not feasible.
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer shows promise for future applications in water buffalo genetic improvement.
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