Effect of ovum pick-up frequency on oocyte quantity, quality and subsequent embryo development in water buffalo

KONRAD, J.L.; CLÉRICO, G.; GARRIDO, M.J.; TAMINELLI, G.; YUPONI, M.; YUPONI, R.; CRUDELI G.A.; SANSINENA, M.

Buenos Aires

Congreso; 3er Congreso internacional de la Sociedad Argentina de Tecnología de embriones (SATE); 2016

Sociedad Argentina de Tecnologías Embrionarias

Oocyte quantity and quality are key aspects in the development of reproductive biotechnologies. Compared with cattle, the buffalo presents limitations in oocyte retrieval in vivo due to reduced numbers of primordial follicles in the ovary. In addition, small ovarian and follicle size makes transvaginal manipulation difficult during ovum pick-up procedures, ultimately reducing overall oocyte yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of OPU frequency (14 days vs. 7 appart) on ovarian structures, quantity and quality of oocytes and subsequent embryo development after in vitro fertilization. Twelve multiparous buffalo cows of excellent body condition and proven fertility were used in the study. A total of 61 OPUs were preformed in 6 consecutive sessions during the reproductive season; 3 sessions were conducted with 7-day interval and 3 with 14-day interval. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were in vitro matured in TCM199 supplemented with 10% bovine fetal serum, 5 μg/ml pFSH (Folltropin V, Bioniche) and 100 μM cysteamine for a 15-17 h period and were then co-incubated with 2-3 x 106 sperm in Brackett-Oliphant for 6 h. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOFaa medium in 5% CO2, 5% O2, 90% N for 7 days, results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p