Open Access
Research (Published online: 26-12-2021)
14. Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos
Mohamed M. M. El-Sokary, Al-Shimaa Al-H. H. El-Naby, Amal R. Abd El Hameed, Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud and T. H. Scholkamy
Veterinary World, 14(12): 3164-3169

Mohamed M. M. El-Sokary: Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.
Al-Shimaa Al-H. H. El-Naby: Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt.
Amal R. Abd El Hameed: Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I., Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud: Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I., Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
T. H. Scholkamy: Department of Field Investigations, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2021.3164-3169

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Article history: Received: 03-08-2021, Accepted: 01-11-2021, Published online: 26-12-2021

Corresponding author: Mohamed M. M. El-Sokary

E-mail: mohamed.alsokary@fvtm.bu.edu.eg

Citation: El-Sokary MMM, El-Naby AAH, El Hameed ARA, Mahmoud KGM, Scholkamy TH (2021) Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos, Veterinary World, 14(12): 3164-3169.
Abstract

Background and Aim: Despite many trials, buffalo embryos have poor cryosurvivability because of their high lipid content. L-carnitine was found to be a lipid-reducing agent when added to oocyte and embryo culture media. The study aimed to determine the most effective concentration of L-carnitine to improve the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos.

Materials and Methods: In vitro maturation and embryo culture media were supplemented with four concentrations of L-carnitine: 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM. Good-quality embryos on 7 days were vitrified using mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol at two concentrations (3.5 and 7 M).

Results: The result showed that the cleavage and morula rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the 0.5 mM group. Blastocyst rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher at both 0.5 and 1 mM. The rates of viable embryos directly after thawing were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 0.5 mM group. No significant difference was found in embryos cultured for 24 h after warming among all the groups.

Conclusion: The addition of L-carnitine at a concentration of 0.5 mM to the culture media improves the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos directly after warming but not after 24 h of culture. Nevertheless, further studies must identify how L-carnitine exerts its beneficial micromechanisms.

Keywords: antioxidant, buffalo embryos, cryotolerance, L-carnitine.