Effect of breeding season on in vivo oocyte recovery and embryo production in non-descriptive Indian river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The present study was carried out to examine the effect of season on in vivo oocyte recovery and embryo production in non-descriptive, Indian river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Ovum pick up (OPU) was conducted twice a week for 8 weeks during peak (October–March) and low (April–September) breeding season in live buffaloes (n = 6). OPU was performed using ultrasound equipment with a 5 MHz transvaginal transducer, a single lumen 18-gauge, 55-cm long needle and a constant vacuum pressure of 110 mmHg. The number and size of follicles was determined before puncture. The recovered oocytes were graded and only grade A and grade B oocytes were used for in vitro production (IVP) of embryos. The mean number of follicles observed per animal per session did not differed (P < 0.05) between animals or between puncture sessions in both low and peak breeding seasons. Higher (P < 0.05) number of follicles were observed (4.8 ± 0.2 versus 3.1 ± 0.3) and punctured (4.0 ± 0.2 versus 2.4 ± 0.2) during peak breeding season when compared to low breeding season. Oocytes recovered (1.6 ± 0.1 versus 1.0 ± 0.3) per animal per session were higher (P < 0.05) in peak breeding season than low breeding season. During the peak breeding season, the blastocyst yield per animal per session (0.3 ± 0.4 versus 0.18 ± 0.4) was higher (P < 0.05) than the low breeding season. However, season did not significantly affect the percentage of oocytes suitable for IVP (grade A + B) and blastocyst production rate. In conclusion, the efficiency of OPU combined with IVP was higher during the peak breeding season than the low breeding season in buffaloes.