The objective of the study was to identify immunosuppression peripartum indicators in dual purpose cows in the tropics and determine their effects on productive and reproductive parameters. The indicators used were: changes in leukocyte and neutrophils population, concentrations of energy metabolites (βhydroxybutyrate and glucose) and body condition scores (BCS). Blood sampling and BCS (scale 1 -5) were taken weekly during the peripartum. Uterine health was assessed (3 weeks postpartum) by ultrasonography and using a vaginal score (0-3) described by Sheldon et al. (2006). Cows (n=30) were classified as healthy or clinical endometritis (CE). CE prevalence was as high as 29.6%. Leukocyte and neutrophils populations diminished while in the peripartum and were lower (P<0.05) in cows suffering CE. Healthy cows had higher (P<0.05) daily milk production than those with CE (18.84±0.63 vs 14.76±0.84 kg). CE cows had lower (P<0.05) reproductive performance compared with healthy cows (open days: 244.40 ± 35.00 vs 178.00 ± 23.33 and services by conception 3.33 ± 0.51 vs 1.83 ± 0.34). BCS similarly (P>0.05) decreased following parturition in both groups. Concentrations of energy metabolites during peripartum fluctuated in a similar (P>0.05) manner in healthy and CE cows. In summary, dual purpose cows in tropical conditions, presented peripartum immunosuppression indicators, characterized by a decline in the leukocyte population, mainly neutrophils, as well as decreased glucose concentrations and BCS postpartum. In addition to it, there was a rise in the β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations and cows presenting CE had a negative effect in the productive and reproductive parameters.

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The purpose of this study was to compare the maturation, cellular division, and blastocyst production rates of water buffalo oocytes at 18, 21 and 24 hours of incubation. These oocytes were obtained through follicular puncture, assessed, and matured in BO-IVM medium at 38.5°C, and with a 5% of CO2, at 18 (n=31), 21 (n=34) and 24 hours (n=33). Fertilization was done in a BO-IVF medium at 38.5°C, and with a 5% of CO2, for 18 hours; the maturation rate was assessed a day after fertilization. The embryos were cultured in a BO-IVC medium, at 38.5°C, 5% CO2, 7% O2 and 88% N2, and the cell division rate and number of embryos were assessed at 5 and 7 days after fertilization, respectively. The maturation rate was comparable (P>0.05) among the three groups, while blastocyst production and cell division rates were higher in the group of oocytes matured for 18 hours (P<0.05) than in the 24-hour group. The blastocyst production and cellular division rates in oocytes that were matured for 21 hours were comparable (P>0.05) to the other groups. After 21 hours of maturation, oocytes started to degenerate, which resulted in lower cellular division and blastocyst production rates.