244 ABSTRACT The superovulatory responses using either 400 mg or 600 mg of FSH (Folltropin-V) in eight Pandharpuri buffaloes used repeatedly were studied. All buffaloes except one responded (minimum 2 CL / follicle) for superovulation in all seasons. Overall response (mean±SE) to superovulation was 61 ovulations (3.39±0.46), 21 follicles/cysts (1.40±0.41), 33 total embryos (1.94±0.39) and 24 viable embryo recoveries (1.41±0.32). The response was non-significantly higher in buffaloes injected with 400 mg (4.13± 0.52-total ovulations) than 600 mg (2.80±0.64). Use of different bull semen had no significant difference in viable embryo recovery. Keywords: buffalo, Pandharpuri, superovulation, embryo recovery INTRODUCTION Pandharpuri buffaloes, mainly found in Solapur, Kolhapur and Sangli regions of Maharashtra state, India, and typically have long sword-like horns, black body coats and comparatively medium-sized bodies. These buffaloes are famous for their high reproductive ability, producing a calf every 13 months. Under average management conditions and hot -dry climate these buffaloes yield 6 to 7 liters of milk per day and under good management they have been reported to yield up to 15 liters of milk per day (Ambardekar, 2000). Farmers are interested in more milk production with higher fat percent- age. This has resulted in increase in inseminations of Pandharpuri buffaloes by Murrah semen leading to reduction in the number of pure-bred Pandharpuri buffaloes. Considering the need of conserving Pandharpuri buffalo germplasm in the form of embryos and semen, the present study was undertaken to assess the superovulatory response to FSH and embryo recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Selection of animals and general management A total of eight pure bred, disease free, multiparous, non-pregnant and lactating, Pandharpuri buffaloes were selected from different parts of Pandharpur region of Maharashtra. The buffaloes were examined per-rectally before purchase to ascertain the normalcy of the reproductive organs. All the buffaloes were bred by using frozen semen of four elite Pandharpuri SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE TO FSH AND EMBRYO RECOVERY RATE IN PANDHARPURI BUFFALOES (Bubalus bubalis) D.V. Patel*, S.P. Singh, H.R. Shukla, C.P. Devanand and R. Kasiraj Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala, Bidaj Farm, PO- Lali, Dist, Kheda, Gujarat-387120, India *E-mail: ID-dvp@sagbidaj.org Original Article Buffalo Bulletin (December 2010) Vol.29 No.4