Detection of early embryonic mortality through ultrasound scanning in water buffaloes

Abstract

The objective of present experiment was to detect embryonic mortality by ultrasound scanning in water
buffaloes during early stages of pregnancy. The uterus of freshly bred buffaloes (n=22) not returning to estrus 23 days after service were scanned by ultrasound scanner on days 23, 25, 28 and 30 post-service. The blood samples
were collected on day 23 post-breeding for estimation of plasma progesterone. The reproductive tract of these
animals was palpated per-rectum for confirmation of pregnancy between 60 and 70 days post-service. The early
embryonic mortality was recorded between days 23 and 25 in one animal, between days 25 and 28 in one animal
and between days 30 and 60 in one animal. Thus, total 3 cases of early embryonic mortality were recorded out of 17 early pregnancies yielding overall incidence of early embryonic mortality to· be 17.64%. It may be concluded
that early embryonic mortality may be detected through ultrasound scanning in water buffaloes.