In vitro embryo production in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) species: potentials and limitations.

In the last few years, there has been an increasing interest in the in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technologies for faster propagation of superior germplasm in buffalo, due to the low efficiency of multiple ovulation (MO) and embryo transfer (ET) programs. Early attempts to produce buffalo embryos in vitro have been made by using procedures that were proven effective in cattle. However, the acquisition of more specific information on oocyte and embryo culture requirements in vitro in this species has resulted in an improved efficiency over the years. Although the IVEP efficiency has enhanced, as indicated by competitive embryo yields, pregnancy rate and development to term are still poor. Furthermore, the optimization of embryo cryopreservation methods in this species is critical for the diffusion of ET procedures in the field. The present review intends to describe the state of the art of IVEP in buffalo species, emphasizing the advances achieved and the limitations still to overcome.