The techniques of embryo transfer in
cows have been successfully applied in
buffaloes (Drost, 1983). There are, however,
differences between the two genera
which cause the results to be less
successful in buffaloes. Among the inherent
differences are:
- Generally lower fertility of
buffaloes. This is largely due to
lack of selection of breeding
stock for specific production
characteristics, e.g. milking
ability. Problems of delayed
puberty and prolonged calving
intervals can be overcome with
adequate nutrition, parasite
control and disease
management, as has been
shown in the excellent milk
buffalo herds in Italy and
Bulgaria.
- Superovulation is even less
predictable in buffaloes than in
cows. An optimal treatment
regimen with either FSH or
PMSG has not been
determined. The buffalo ovary
has been shown to have a
smaller population of
recruitable follicles at any one
time than the cow (Danell,
1987).
- Oestrus detection in buffaloes is
problematic because overt signs
are few. All available
techniques should be employed,
including: (a) frequent
observation; (b) use of
non-entry teaser animals (Drost,
Cripe and Richter, 1985); (c)
buffalo-side progesterone test.
Accurate determination of the
onset of oestrus is absolutely
necessary for accurate
determination of the stage of
development of the embryo,
because the onset of oestrus is
used as the reference point; and
(d) seasonality of the breeding
season to some extent restricts
the time for embryo recovery.
- Embryo development is more
rapid in the buffalo. The
consequence of this fact is that
buffalo embryos must be
collected between five and six
days after the onset of oestrus
(versus day 7 in the cow). The
negative implication of this is
that on day 5 the corpus luteum
has not yet reached full
development, is small and
relatively soft and hence
difficult to identity. This is in
addition to the fact that the
corpus luteum of the buffalo is
already smaller and more
deeply embedded (therefore
more difficult to palpate) than
that of the cow. This difficulty
extends to the proper evaluation
of synchronized recipients on
day 5.
