SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE IN SUMMER ANESTRUS BUFFALOES AND CATTLE TREATED WITH ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROTOCOL

Summer anestrus is a major problem of dairy animals in tropical and subtropical countries. In such animals superovulation for embryo transfer is unsuccessful. This study was done to evaluate the superovulatory response in dairy animals during summer season after estrus resumption. In first stage of the study, four non-cyclic animals (two buffalo, two cattle) were given Progesterone (P4) exposure through Control Internal Drug Releasing (CIDR) device and were monitored for estrus resumption through ultrasonography. Out of four, three animals showed estrus signs. It was observed, at time of CIDR removal, the animals having 6mm or bigger follicles on ovaries expressed heat signs properly. In second stage, effect of FSH on follicular development was observed. In estrus resumed animals, from day 10 to day 13 of estrous cycle, twice daily FSH-p (5mg Armour units) was administered intramuscularly. FSH countered successfully follicular dominance and follicular development pattern was same in cattle and buffalo. Double insemination was done at 12 hrs intervals after observing heat signs. In third stage, embryo recovery was observed, 7 days after first AI. In Cattle four embryos were recovered but in buffalo no embryo could be recovered due to cervical abnormality. Ovulations were confirmed by observing 3 CL through ultrasonography. So, CIDR protocol could be used in summer anestrus animals and these animals could be used for superovulation and embryo collection.