EFFECT OF SEASON ON SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE OF MIA RAVI BUFFALO (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare the superovularoty response of buffalo in winter and summer. Four adult buffaloes were treated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during winter (November to January) and three buffaloes in summer (June and July). Superovulatoty response was determined by estimating the number of corpora lutea (CL) palpated per rectum on day 6 of the oestrus cycle (oestrus = day 0). The number and quality of embryos collected were also studied. A better ovarian response was observed in winter (5.8±0.3 CL) than in summer (2.7±1.2CL) (P<0.05). A mean (±SE) 1.3±0.9 embryos were recovered during winter compared to 0.5±0.4 embryos in summer. All the embryos recovered in winter were of good quality whereas only fair quality embryos were recovered in summer. Two pregnancies were achieved in winter after transfer of three embryos to three synchronized recipient buffaloes. The study showed a better ovarian response of buffalo to FSH in winter.