Effect of seasons on ovarian morphology and oocytes quality in slaughtered buffaloes [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Normal genitalia (242 out of 293) from healthy, non-pregnant slaughtered buffaloes were taken freshly and dissected. Ovaries were examined to determine the reproductive status of animals. Dimensions and weight of each ovary and Corpus Luteum (CL) were measured. Number of follicles per animal was counted and their diameter was measured, and then follicular fluid was aspirated using an 18-gauge needle, fitted with stopper glass bottle and electric suction pump. Pooled samples were examined under a stereomicroscope to identify and evaluate the oocytes. The results showed that ovaries with CL were significantly larger (P<O.OI). CL represents 30.1: t 0.81% of ovarian weight. Seasons have no significant effect on both criteria. Total number of follicles per ovary was higher during spring than other seasons (2.15 versus 1.9 summers, 1.8 autumns and 1.5 winters). Numbers of follicles (>0.9 cm) per ovary were much lower in summer than other seasons (0.27 versus 0.43 spring, 0.42 autumn and 0.37 winter). Total number of recovered oocytes was 563, and among them 477 was intact (good with cumulus 3-4 layers). The incidence of intact oocytes was higher in medium and large follicles than smaller ones (92.3 %, 88.9 % and 71.8 % respectively. The average recovery rate was 90.2% from 624 aspirated follicles without marked variations between seasons. It was suggested that summer seemed to be unfavorable for similar studies due to the lower number of medium and large follicles having high incidence of intact oocytes leading to further successful studies.

Summary in Arabic.