ULTRASONOGRAPHIC BIOMETRY OF THE OVARY AND ITS RESPONSES DURING SUPEROVULATION IN TODA BUFFALOES

Eight superovulated Toda buffaloes were studied ultrasonographically to record the biometry of the ovarian structures and superovulatory response during superovulation and flushing programme, conducted in this breed as a breed conservation measure. Ovarian size (10 buffaloes) and structural changes (eight superovulated buffaloes) were monitored on a) the 10 th day post heat (before initiation of FSH) b) Post SOV heat (the 3 rd day of superovulatory heat) and c) on the day of flushing. The animals were subjected to superovulation with either 400 or 600 mg FSH (Folltropin V). The superovulation was initiated from the 10 th day of the estrous cycle, and embryos were collected on the 5.5 to 6 day of post superovulatory (SOV) heat. Before SOV programming, the average size of the left ovary was found to be 24.67 + 2.35 mm while the right ovary measured 26.11 + 1.71 mm and the average size of CL was 14.50 + 3.28 mm. There was significant increase in the length and width of ovaries post superovulation and on the day of flushing. A greater number of ovarian structures (CL/follicles) were found at the time of flushing than during post SOV heat indicating late/ an-ovulations (post heat). The average size of the follicle showed increase on the day of flushing, due to cystic ovarian condition in a few buffaloes. Late ovulation and a lower number of recruited follicles during superovulation may be the reason for lower response in Toda buffaloes than in other breeds of buffaloes.