Cytogenetic Studies on in – Vitro Fertilization in Buffaloes

Abstract

Fe1iilization in vitro has now been achieved in several mammalian species, with continual improvements in aspiration, maturation, fertilization and culture methods, tremendous potential exists for this technology. Moreover, the in vitro fertilization now offers the opportunity to study the karyotype of gametes and early embryos. Error during the process of germ cell proliferation, gametogenesis, fertilization and early cleavage division of the fertilized egg are all sources of one or more types of chromosomal abnormalities resulting m subsequent maldevelopment or death of the embryo.

Ovaries were collected from slaughtered buffaloes of unknown breeding history from Cairo and Giza abattoirs. At the laboratory, the follicular contents were collected by aspiration method from 2 to 5 mm diameter ovarian follicles. The recovered oocytes were classified into three classes (A,B and C) according to the presence ofthe cumulus cells.

. The recovered oocytes of class A and B were matured in vitro using Tissue Culture Medium-199 supplemented with I 0% fetal calf serum and antibiotics for 21 to 28 hours at 39 coin atmosphere containing 5% C02 and 95% relative humidity.