title: Ultrasonographic imaging to monitor early pregnancy and embryonic development in the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
abstract: Real time B-mode ultrasound was used to detect and monitor the early conceptus, its growth and its anatomical features in 26 buffalo between Days 18 and 62 of gestation. The buffalo were artificially inseminated, and the conceptuses were examined on alternate days beginning on Day 18. The embryonic vesicle and the embryo proper within the vesicle was first visible in 12 of the buffalo on mean Day (+/-SD) 19.00+/-2.1 and Day 19.0+/-1.69, respectively. The heartbeat of the embryo proper could be detected on Day 29.6+/-1.57. The heart rate of 203.8+/-9.0 beats per minute on the first day of detection decreased to 150 beats per minute on Day 62. The allantois, amnion, fore limbs, spinal cord and hind limbs were first identified on Day 30.0+/-1.14, Day 33.4+/-1.64, Day 34.6+/-1.34, Day 35.8+/-2.52 and Day 36.8+/-2.34, respectively. The optic area was first distinguished on Day 38.2+/-2.39. Split hooves, fetal movement, ribs and vertebra were identified on Day 46.0+/-2.64, Day 49.4+/-2.31 and Day 59.8+/-2.39, respectively. The mean length of the embryo proper was 4.2 mm on Day 19 which later increased to 53.6+/-2.1 mm on Day 62.
authors.affiliation: Embryo Biotechnology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110067, India.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pawshe
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Appa Rao
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Totey