Embryo recovery in buffalo with timed ovulation and insemination subsequent to follicle superstimulation.

The aim of this study was to ascertain ovulation rate and non-surgical embryo recovery in buffalo treated with GnRH agonist-LH protocol, and injected with LH 12 or 24 hours after discontinuation of treatment with FSH. Mixed parity buffaloes (n=18) were randomly assigned to three groups: Groups 1 and 2 were implanted with GnRH agonist on Day -14 and injected with estradiol benzoate (10 mg) + progesterone (100 mg) on Day -6. Group 3 received an intravaginal progesterone device (PRID) with estradiol capsule on Day -6. Follicular growth was stimulated with FSH given as equal doses 2x daily in decreasing amounts from Day 0 to Day 4. On day 3 buffaloes were injected with PGF and PRID was removed from Group 3. Groups 1 and 2 were injected with 25 mg LH 12 h (Day 4, P.M.) and 24 h (Day 5, A.M.), respectively, after FSH. Buffaloes were mated by AI and embryo were recovered on Day 5 after AI. The number of follicles were similar among the groups. Group 1 had fewer ovulations and, consequently, corpora lutea compared to the other groups. Also embryo recovery was higher for Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1