Ovum pick-up interval in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) managed under wetland conditions in Argentina: Effect on follicular population, oocyte recovery, and in vitro embryo development

Abstract The excellent adaptation of water buffalo ( Bubalis bubalis ) to swampy environments means that animals are frequently managed in areas with restricted access for reproductive procedures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ovum pick-up (OPU) interval on follicular population, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production. Twelve Murrah buffaloes were subjected to two consecutive dominant follicle reductions, and randomly assigned to either 7-day (n = 6) or 14-day (n = 6) OPU interval groups. Although there was no significant difference in the average number of small ( 8 mm) diameter follicles available per OPU, a higher proportion of medium-sized follicles (3–8 mm) were observed in the 14-day interval group (5.129 vs 3.267; p