Effect of Methionine supplementation on reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) treated with double Ovsycnch protocol of synchronization

Abstract

Estrus and conception are the two most important phases regarding the reproductive health of buffaloes. Estrus detection can increase conception rate, in this regard current research was designed to investigate the effect of methionine with double Ovsynch protocol on reproductive performance of Nili-Ravi buffaloes. The research was performed at Sar Buland Dairy Farm in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 40 animals were selected and divided into two groups labeled A and B. Group A was given methionine @25gram per animal per day up to the completion of double Ovsynch protocol of synchronization while Group B was subjected to synchronization protocol only. After completion of the protocol estrus intensity and preovulatory follicular size were monitored then timed artificial insemination (TAI) using frozen thawed semen was performed. Pregnancy rate and early embryonic mortality were checked through ultrasonography at Day 30 and 45 post-AI. Blood samples were taken at day 0 and day of AI then day 30 post-AI to determine serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations. Pregnancy rate, early embryonic death rate, serum estradiol at day 0, and serum progesterone at day 0 and 30 showed statistically non-significant differences between treatment and control groups (P>0.05) while pre-ovulatory follicular size, estrus intensity, and serum estradiol at the day of AI showed a statistically significant difference between treatment and control groups (P<0.05). Concludingly, research illustrates methionine in combination with double Ovsynch protocol improves estrus expression of Nili-Ravi buffaloes.