Ovarian dynamics of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) synchronized with different hormonal protocols

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Veterinary science
• Animal reproduction

Background:

• Hormonal protocols are crucial for synchronizing estrus and ovulation in buffaloes.
• Understanding ovarian dynamics and progesterone secretion is key to improving reproductive success in buffalo breeding programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of three distinct hormonal protocols (OVSYNCH, CIDR+EB, CIDR+eCG) on ovarian dynamics and progesterone (P4) secretion in pluriparous Murrah buffaloes.
• To compare the effects of these protocols on estrous response, ovulation time, follicular development, and P4 concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-nine Murrah buffaloes were assigned to three treatment groups: OVSYNCH (n=10), CIDR+EB (n=10), and CIDR+eCG (n=9).
• Hormonal treatments involved gonadorelin, cloprostenol, estradiol benzoate (EB), and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administered according to specific schedules.
• Ovarian structures were monitored via ultrasound, estrous detection was performed regularly, and blood samples were collected to measure P4 concentrations.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in follicular population, maximum follicle diameter, or P4 concentrations on days 7 and 10 across all groups.
• The CIDR+EB protocol showed 50% estrous response at 69.6 hours, while the CIDR+eCG group exhibited the shortest ovulation time (69 hours).
• Progesterone levels remained above 1 ng/ml on days 15 and 22 in the OVSYNCH and CIDR+eCG groups, suggesting sustained luteal function compared to CIDR+EB.

Conclusions:

• While all protocols induced ovulation, the OVSYNCH and CIDR+eCG protocols resulted in more favorable progesterone secretion patterns compared to the CIDR+EB protocol.
• These findings suggest that OVSYNCH and CIDR+eCG may offer advantages for reproductive management in buffaloes, particularly concerning luteal phase support.
• Further research could explore optimizing these protocols for enhanced fertility outcomes in buffalo populations.