The effect of season and ovarian storage time on oocytes recovery and quality in dromedary camel

Abstract

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the impact of season (in- and out of the breeding season), and ovarian storage time on oocyte quality and IVM rates.

Design: Randomized controlled experimental study

Animal: Camel ovaries were collected from El-Bassatin abattoir located in Cairo, Egypt during the period from October 2016 to July 2018.

Procedures and results: To investigate the impact of seasonal variations on oocyte recovery and quality, ovaries were collected (in- and out of the breeding season), and the recovered oocytes were graded (I, II, III, and IV). Higher percentage (P ˂0.05) of grade I & II oocytes was recovered in the breeding season group when compared to out of the breeding season group (74.76±4.69% vs. 42.40±9.96%, respectively). To investigate the effect of storage time on oocyte recovery, quality and IVM rate, ovaries were collected during the breeding season and then stored at 4 ^oC for up to 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, or 6-8 h. The highest recovery rate (P ˂0.05) of grade I & II oocytes was achieved in the first group (up to 2 h; 78.21±11.09%) and this rate declined with the advancement of storage time.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: In summary, the yields of grade I & II oocytes were greater in the breeding season in comparison to out of the breeding season. Moreover, the increase of time interval between animal evisceration and ovaries processing to obtain oocytes (storage time) has negatively affected oocyte quality.