The Visual Guide to
Bubaline Reproduction
Reproductive Technology: Embryos
Early Morulas.
Stage 3, Code 1, early morulas collected on Day 5.5. No imperfections other than a few vacuoles.
Drost M (1984)
Morulae.
These three morulas were collected on Day 5.5 of pregnancy. Stage 4, Code 1. [Bubaline embryos tend to be darker than bovine embryos].
Drost M (1984)
Code 2 Morulas.
These Code 2 morulas [Stage 4] were collected on Day 5.5. The morula on the left shows a spherical area of compacted cells occupying about 50% of the perivitelline space. The mass is surrounded by degenerate blastomeres and debris. The morula on the right shows less compaction and several clear cells.
Drost M (1984)
Code 3 Morula.
Only about 25% of the blastomere has compacted; poor quality (Code 3). Several older, earlier blastomeres can be identified. An embryo of this quality cannot be successfully frozen and thawed.
Drost M (1984)
Expanded Hatched Blastocyst.
Collected on Day 7, this blastocyst (Stage 8) has re-expanded after shedding the zona pellucida (hatching). The inner cell mass is clearly delineated at the top of the image. Trophoblastic cells can be identified. Code 1 (excellent).
Drost M (1984)
Hatched Blastocyst.
This hatched blastocyst was collected on Day 7. There is no zona pellucida. The inner cell mass is the dark area in the lower portion of the picture. The blastocele has not yet re-expanded. Code 1.
Drost M (1984)
Reconstituted Hatched Blastocyst.
This hatched blastocyst has resumed its spherical shape. The darkened area at the upper right is the inner cell mass. The trophoblast is identifiable as a dark peripheral ring. The blastocoel in the center is lighter in color. Day 7.5.
Drost M (1984)
Hatched Blastocysts.
Collected on Day 7.5, the blastocysts (Stage 8) have shed their zonae pellucidae. The blastoceles have resealed and are in the process of refilling. Some debris clings to the outside of the embryos.
Drost M (1984)
7 Embryos and 3 UFOs.
Buffalo embryos were collected on day 6. There are 3 UFOs, 3 early blastocysts, and 4 morulae.
Zambrano-Varon J (2012)