Quality and morphometry of goat oocytes in relation to follicular diameter and ovarian status

Successful in vitro fertilization in most species is dependent on many factors, including availability of good number of superior quality oocytes. The present study was undertaken to find a correlation between quality and morphometry of retrieved oocytes with the ovarian status and follicular size. Goat ovaries collected from the local slaughterhouse were used to harvest the oocytes. Maximum percentage of good quality oocytes was recovered from medium (2-5 mm) and large (> 5 mm) size follicles. Bad quality oocytes were more in small (< 2 mm) and medium follicles. The mean diameter of the oocytes increased with increasing size of the follicle. Diameter of retrieved large oocytes was significantly more in ovaries without CL as compared to luteal phase ovary with CL. The diameters of small and medium follicle's oocytes did not vary significantly with physiological status of the ovary. Maximum average recovery of oocytes was obtained from ovary without CL although the good and fair quality oocytes were more during the follicular phase ovary with CL. The study reports a direct relationship between the physiological status, stage of estrous cycle of ovary and follicular size, with the quality of retrieved oocytes in goat ovary.