To improve in vitro embryo production in buffalo by supplementation of L-ascorbic
acid during maturation and development (experiment 1) and combination with another
antioxidant as cysteamine (experiment 2). Methods: Two experiments were performed, the
first one aimed to evaluate the different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 μM) of L-ascorbic
acid on embryo developmental rate of buffalo oocytes. The L-ascorbic acid was added to the
maturation and culture media. In the second experiment, oocytes were cultured in media with
two type of antioxidant (ascorbic acid + cysteamine) or ascorbic acid only. Results: There
was significant increase in cleavage rate at 25, 50 μM than 100 μM and control group. But, the
blastocyst rate was higher at 50 μM ascorbic acid than other concentrations (0, 25, 100 μM).
Supplementation of ascorbic acid and cysteamineto maturation and cultured media improved
embryo development than ascorbic acid alone. Conclusions: Using of 50 μM L-ascorbic acid
during in vitro maturation and development improve the developmental competence of buffalo
oocytes, this effect was increase with the presence of cysteamine.