Morphological Evaluation of Gilt Ovaries in Relation to the Quality of Recovered Oocytes

The aim of the current study was to analyse the relationship between morphology of gilt’s ovary and the quantity and quality of recovered oocytes suitable for in vitro procedures. Forty ovaries of healthy 7–8 months old gilts from a local slaughterhouse divided into corpora lutea bearing (CL) and noncorpora lutea bearing (non-CL) ovaries were evaluated. Morphometric analysis (weight, length and width) of the ovaries was performed. Also, visual estimation of the number and size of follicles and presence of corpora lutea in ovaries was done. The developmental competence of recovered oocytes was evaluated by BCB test. It was found that the values of morphometric parameters of CL ovaries were higher compared to non-CL ovaries (P<0.05). Non-CL ovaries tended to bear a higher number of large and total follicles than CL, but the difference was not significant. More compact cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) and oocytes with corona radiata (POCs) were recovered from CL than from non-CL ovaries. The BCB test showed that both types of ovaries provided more than 55% BCBpositive oocytes. In conclusion, both CL as well as non-CL ovaries from gilts aged 7–8 months could be used for recovering the developmental competent oocytes for in vitro procedures.