Buffalo ART
Advanced assisted reproductive techniques in buffaloes
With years of experience and continuous scientific research, we provide tailor-made solutions for farmers and breeding centres in the assisted reproduction of buffaloes, using advanced techniques such as Ovum Pick-up (OPU) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are essential tools for improving Mediterranean buffalo, a species with lower reproductive efficiency than cattle.
Avantea was a pioneer in this field by developing the OPU in buffaloes since 1997 and the birth of the world’s first buffalo produced from frozen embryos in vitro.
Buffalo ART
We discover step by step
the process of assisted buffalo
reproduction and its advantages.
OPU
Buffalo Ovum Pick-Up
OPU is the technique that allows to take immature oocytes directly from the donor buffalo’s ovaries, without the need for hormonal treatments.
How is the sampling done in buffaloes?
- The donor is placed in a confinement labor to ensure safety and stability.
- Your veterinarian will perform a transvaginal ultrasound using a fine needle to aspirate the ovarian follicles.
- The follicular fluid is immediately transferred to the laboratory, where the oocytes are selected and start maturing in vitro.
IVM
In Vitro Maturation
After collection, the immature oocytes are placed in controlled culture for about 24-30 hours, allowing them to complete the maturation necessary for fertilization.
Why is it important?
IVM allows the natural oocyte maturation process to be simulated in the laboratory. Approximately 70% of oocytes successfully complete maturation.
IVF
In Vitro Fertilization in Buffaloes
After OPU, the oocytes are matured and then fertilized in the laboratory with the semen of the chosen buffalo.
How does fertilization occur?
The mature oocytes are placed in specific culture media.
The bull’s semen is prepared and used for in vitro fertilization.
The fertilized oocytes are kept in incubation for about 7 days, until they reach the optimal embryonic stage.
The resulting embryos can be transferred to a recipient cow or frozen for future use.
Advantages of IVF Embryos in Buffaloes
Production of high genetic value embryos in a short time.
Ideal solution for the spread of valuable genetic lines.
No hormonal treatments required, reducing stress for the donors.
A repeatable technique on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, without interfering with reproductive physiology.
Suitable for all buffaloes from 18 months of age, including those in lactation or in early stages of pregnancy.
IVC
In Vitro Culture
The fertilized oocytes are placed in controlled culture for about 8 days, during which the embryos develop to the optimal stage for freezing or transfer.
Expected results:
The produced embryos can either be frozen or immediately transferred to a recipient buffalo.
Opzional
Embryo Freezing
Embryo Cryopreservation
The embryos can be frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, ready to be transferred at a later time.
Advantages of freezing:
- Allows scheduling of embryo transfers without the need to synchronize the cycles of recipient buffaloes.
- Facilitates the commercialization of embryos, similar to frozen semen.
- Optimizes herd management by enabling embryo production during less busy periods and targeted use later on.
Opzional
Embryo Transfer
Embryo Transfer into the Recipient Buffalo
The developed embryo (fresh or thawed) is transferred into a recipient buffalo, which will carry the pregnancy to term.
How does it work?
The embryo is loaded into a transfer pipette and gently deposited into the uterus of the recipient buffalo through a procedure similar to insemination.
After about 30 days, an ultrasound confirms the implantation and the beginning of the pregnancy.
Advantages of using a recipient buffalo:
- Maximizes the number of calves from a single buffalo.
- Improves genetic selection without affecting the donor’s productivity.
- Greater flexibility in embryo management and scheduling of transfers.