Estrus response following PGF2_ and superovulation treatment(s) and its relationship with fertilization and viable embryo production in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

• Published in: Indian journal of animal sciences Vol. 73; no. 3
• Main Authors: Misra, A.K, Kasiraj, R, Rao, M.M, Reddy, N.S.R, Pant, H.C. (Sabarmati Ashram, Gaushala (managed by NDDB), Lali (India))
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2003
• Subjects: fertilization; oestrous cycle; prostaglandins; superovulation; water buffaloes
• ISSN: 0367-8318

Estrus in parous cyclic Murrah-type buffaloes (54) was synchronized with 2 im injections of PGF (2) alpha 11 days apart (PGI and PG2) and they were superovulated on days 9-11 of the cycle with 600 mg NIH-FSH-P1. Luteolysis was induced by administration of PGF(2)alpha at 72 (PG3) and at 12 hr intervals thereafter, up to 72 hr. Nonsurgical embryo collection was done on day 5.5 to 6 after the onset of superovulatory estrus. A significant higher proportion (54/54) of buffaloes was reported inestrus following PG3 compared to PGI (42/54) or PG2 (45/54). All animals showed standing estrus following PG3 compared to incidence of 90.5 and 75.5% after PGI and PG2 respectively. High degree of synchrony of estrus was achieved after PG3 as 90.7% of buffaloes exhibited estrus between 25 and 48 hr after treatment, compared to only 18.4 and 20.6% after PGI and PG@ respectively. The interval from PGF(2)alpha to onset of standing estrus decreased as the number of PGF(2)alpha treatments increased; but compared to PGI treatment, the duration of estrus was significantly longer after PG3. Intervals from PG3 to standing estrus had no influence on the superovulatory response and total embryo recovered. However, fertilization rate and viable embryo recovered were higher where the estrus occurred between 24 to 48 hr after PG3 that when it occurred after 48 hr.