Ultrasonic monitoring and biometry of ovaries and ovarian structures during superovulation following transvaginal follicle ablation in Murrah Buffaloes

Research Abstract

Five Murrah buffaloes were studied ultrasonographically to record the biometry of the ovarian structures and superovulatory response during superovulation (SOV) following follicle ablation. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration / ablation (FA) was carried out at the middle of the oestrous cycle (day 10) at follicle of over 10 mm diameter, using 5.0 MHz convex-array intravaginal transducer using a B-mode scanner. The animals were simultaneously subjected to superovulation with either FSH (Folltropin V) or FSH+PMSG. Ovarian size and ovarian structural changes of these five superovulated buffaloes were monitored on a) the 10th day post estrus (Day of Follicle Ablation and start of superovulation protocol,) b) 3rd day post FA+SOV (the 3rd day of superovulation programme) and c) 6th day post FA+SOV (Day before Flushing). Before FA+SOV programming, the length and width of the left ovary was recorded to be 29±0.1 and 21±0.1 mm while the right ovary measured 28±0.1 and 20±0.1 mm and the average size of CL and follicles was 18.50±0.28 and 11.50±0.5 mm, respectively. There was significant increase in the size of ovaries on 3rd day post FA+SOV and 6thday post FA+SOV (day before flushing). A greater number of ovarian structures (CL and follicles) were found at 6th day post FA+SOV than during 3rd day post FA+SOV indicating late ovulations and an-ovulations. The average size of the follicle showed increase on day before flushing due to cystic ovarian condition in a few buffaloes. Late ovulation and a lower number of recruited follicles during superovulation may be the reason for lower response in Murrah buffaloes.

Research Keywords

Superovulation, Buffaloes, Ultrasonic