THE PHILIPPINE WATER BUFFALO

Keywords: embryo, in vitro fertilization, in vitro maturation,
oocytes, water buffalo
*Proceedings of the 34 th Annual Convention, Philippines
Society of Animal Science, October 23-24, 1997, PICC.
Manila. p. 304-313. Also in Philippine Journal of Veterinary
Animal Science 1998. 24(1&2):54-64. Also in Annotated
Bibliography on Philippine Biodiversity: Livestock and
Poultry (Agrobiodiversity) 1949-1997, Carabaos. (2002)
p. 395.
R-13
STUDIES ON INCREASING THE YIELD OF IN VITRO
EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN WATER BUFFALOES*
D. H. Duran, Science Research Assistant II, PCC-CLSU, DA
M. Gunjima, JOCV Volunteer
P. B. Pedro, Senior Agriculturist, PCC-OED, DA
F. P. Aquino, Science Research Assistant, PCC-CLSU, DA
R. de Vera, Laboratory Aide, PCC-OED, DA
P.G. Duran, Supervising Science Research Specialist, PCC-CLSU, DA
L.C. Cruz, Executive Director, PCC-OED, DA
Studies were conducted aimed at increasing the yield of
preimplantation buffalo embryos in vitro. Method for efficient
oocyte retrieval from the ovaries, criteria for selection of
oocytes, and effects of different culture media were
assessed. Results revealed that significantly higher number
of oocytes could be retrieved from the ovaries using the
slicing method than aspiration method (7.33 vs. 3.54
oocytes/ovary, respectively). Similarly, higher number of
good oocytes could be retrieved in using slicing method
than in aspiration method (1.34+0.50 & 1.83+0.25 vs.
0.43+0.15 & 0.92+0.28 Rank A & B oocytes, respectively).
When in vitro development potential of the classified oocytes
were assessed, significantly higher (P