| Dissertation note |
Buffalo is unique to livestock and dairy industry in Pakistan as its share is major (65%) in milk production major. Reproduction is crucial for profitable production in dairy sector. Buffalo reproduction is hampered due to small size ovaries, poor ovarian reserves, and less pronounced estrus intensity, ultimately leading to substandard fertility. Synchronization technology including CIDR based protocols are well established in cows and gaining popularity in buffaloes. However, this needs modifications based on estrous cycle physiology in buffaloes. It is hypothesized that addition of eCG at the time inducing luteolysis in CIDR based synchronization protocol will promote follicular growth, ovulation and pregnancy rates. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of addition of eCG to a CIDR based synchronization protocol on ovarian follicular dynamics, estrus rate, ovulation, and pregnancy rates in Nili-Ravi buffalo. Lactating multiparous suckled Nili-Ravi buffalo (n=63) milked twice daily were assigned in a CIDR (1.38 g progesterone Pfizer Co, USA) synchronization regimen. Animals were divided randomly to receive either saline (n=31) or 1000 IU eCG i.m. (n=32) (Chronogest PMSG, Intervet, Holland) concurrent with PGF2á (Dalmazine, cloprostenol, Fatro, Italy) treatment of the CIDR protocol (Day 6). Fixed time, two inseminations were performed at 48 and 60 hours after CIDR removal (Day 7). Number of follicles of variable size recruited at CIDR removal, dominant follicle size, its growth rate and ovulation time did not differ significantly between the groups. The estrus response was not higher significantly (P>0.14) in eCG group than control group but estrus intensity was significantly higher (P>0.001) in eCG group. Ovulation rate and 26 pregnancy per AI was higher (P>0.05 & 0.004) in buffaloes in eCG group. Therefore, It is concluded that eCG is helpful to improve estrus expression, ovulation rate and pregnancy per AI in FTAI program in Nili-Ravi buffaloes.
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