Embryo Production and Development from Superovulated Donors in Double-Muscled Cattle and Their Crosses

Abstract

Belgian Blue was introduced in Indonesia to increase the biodiversity of livestock genetic resources.  Belgian Blue was crossed with Ongole grade to increase the productivity of local cattle. Therefore, this study evaluates reproduction traits, especially the response to superovulation, embryonic development, and quality of Belgian Blue, Ongole grade, and their crosses. Estrous was synchronized with intravaginal progesterone Cue-Mate before artificial insemination (AI). Superovulation was performed with Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) intramuscularly with non-surgical embryo flushing.  In addition, embryo quality was assessed microscopically according to the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) criteria. The study was performed in a quasi-experimental design, and data were analyzed with an analysis of variance. After superovulation, oocytes/embryos were obtained from all donor breeds. Oocyte and embryo production from Ongole grade and Belgian Blue differed at 11.83±1.91 and 4.86±1.33, respectively, P0.05 (mean±SEM). In addition, there are differences in recovery rate (89.63% vs. 75.35%) and fertilization rate (77.35% vs. 68.22%) between Ongole grade and Belgian Blue, respectively (P0.05). There is no difference in embryo development quality and proportion of transferable embryos between Ongole grade, Belgian Blue, and their crosses. This study concluded that the cross-bred Belgian Blue x Ongole donor had identical oocyte and embryo production, recovery rate, fertilization rate, and degenerative embryos compared to its purebred.