Chromosome configuration during in vitro maturation of dromedary camel oocytes

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to examine the changes in the chromosomal configuration of camel oocyte during in vitro maturation [IVM] at different culture periods of 24, 30, 36 and 48 hours and to compare the influence of pregnant camel serum and fetal calf serum on IVM of camel oocytes at 24-30 hours. A total of 1978 oocytes was collected from 390 ovaries of slaughtered camels by aspiration method. The average number of camel oocytes per ovary was 5.30 +/- 0.22. The proportion of COC, POC and DO oocytes was 29.27%, 32.90% and 32.61%, respectively. In addition, 5.21% of oocytes were degenerated. A high percentage of maturation was obtained at 24-30 hours [47.70% and 48.35%, respectively]. At 48 hours post-maturation, all metaphases were undefined due to the degeneration of chromatin. It was found that the addition of pregnant camel serum had no beneficial effect on IVM of camel oocytes in comparison with the fetal calf serum [40.10% vs. 45.34%, respectively]