Seasonality and photoperiod influence in vitro production of buffalo embryos

Abstract

Buffalo is considered short‐day breeder in tropical and subtropical part of the world and seasonality and photoperiodism impart major influence on its fertility. However, its impact on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of seasonal variations and photoperiodism on morphological and molecular parameters of IVEP in buffalo. For this purpose, we conducted two different experiments on the oocytes obtained by aspirating follicles from abattoir derived ovaries. In Exp. I, retrospective analysis was performed for oocyte recovery, blastocyst and hatching rate, during four consecutive seasonal periods (i.e. January–March, April–June, July–September and October–December). In Exp. II, oocytes from peak breeding and non‐breeding seasons were subjected to 24 hr in vitro maturation and evaluated for polar body extrusion to assess maturation rate. Results showed that embryo development was markedly low during second quarter (April–June) and maximum during fourth quarter (October–December) of the year; referred as non‐breeding and breeding seasons, respectively. Comparative data analysis demonstrated that poor oocyte quality is major reason for lesser efficiency of embryo production during non‐breeding season than peak breeding season as suggested by poor oocyte recovery (2.31 ± 0.10 vs. 3.65 ± 0.27) and maturation rate (33.32 ± 2.1 vs. 63.15 ± 7.31). Subsequently, comparative gene expression analysis of blastocysts during peak breeding season significantly upregulated pluripotency gene (OCT‐4) and downregulated heat shock protein 90, as compared to non‐breeding season. Therefore, it could be divulged from the present study that seasonal variations and photoperiodism have profound effect on oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development. It is recommended to find suitable additives for in vitro maturation that could mitigate seasonal effects.

Effect of Seasons on Ovarian Activity and Developmental Competence of Buffalo Oocytes and Embryos

“…These findings were consistent with those of Shahzad et al [34], who found that the nonbreeding season had poor blastocyst and hatching rate while the autumn season (Oct-Dec) had the highest efficacy of oocyte and embryo development parameters like oocyte maturation, blastocyst, and hatching rate. Abdoon et al [7] displayed that cleavage rates were decreased (P < 0.01) during the hot season than during the cold season.…”

In Vitro Production of Embryos from Prepubertal Holstein Cattle and Mediterranean Water Buffalo: Problems, Progress and Potential

“…In the specific case of buffalo, another factor potentially contributing to variation in results is season. Buffalo are sensitive to long photoperiods, with reproductive efficiency improving in the autumn and winter as daylight decreases, similar to sheep & goat [ 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 ]. Season has been reported to influence the age at puberty [ 115 ].…”

Factors Affecting the Efficiency of In Vitro Embryo Production in Prepubertal Mediterranean Water Buffalo

“…One distinct aspect of reproductive physiology in water buffalo compared with dairy cattle is their seasonality. Adult water buffalo are known to be photoperiod-sensitive, with season being an important factor affecting the success of breeding programs [ 25 , 26 ]. Seasonal animals can be broadly divided into short-day breeders, which are most fertile in the autumn and winter, and long-day breeders, which are most fertile in the spring and summer [ 27 ].…”