Early embryo development in buffalo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the developmental changes in the buffalo conceptuses from 10-60 days of pregnancy using the crown rump methodology to diagnose the estimated age of those samples. Macroscopic examinations were carried out on 96 buffalo conceptuses; embryo/fetus was measured to determine its age. A stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to describe macroscopic external details of embryos. Samples were photographed to be able to identify main organs like heart, liver, gut, pharyngeal arches and lung, during the development. Fetuses were used for description of ossification points using the Alizarine technique. The obtained results revealed that mammal embryos until 5th weeks of gestation have too much similar characteristics and it is difficult to distinguish the species without checking the placenta features. Similarities between bovine and buffalo persist, except for fetal stages in which buffalos seem to have faster development than that of bovine. In conclusion, the overall data indicated the important characteristics that can be evaluated to verify the viability of buffalo embryos and help the evaluations by ultrasonographic exams.