Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (COX-2 selective and non-selective) did not alter the luteal function and pregnancy rates of water buffalo embryo recipients

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the influence of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the duration of the luteal phase, progesterone concentrations and pregnancy rates in buffaloes undergoing embryo transfer. Twenty-nine buffaloes were synchronized. After estrus detection, the recipients were divided into three groups: Control (uterine manipulation), Flunixum Meglumine (manipulation + administration) and Firocoxib (manipulation + administration). Ultrasound evaluations and hormonal dosages were performed on days 6, 12 and 18 to determine the plasma concentration of P4 and the functional duration of the corpus luteum. The control group presented a larger CL area on day 0 than the FM group, there was a significant increase in plasma progesterone concentration between D6 and D12 (P < 0.05), and a significant decrease between D6-D18 and D12-D18. Additionally, 8 buffalo cows underwent in vitro embryo transfer and were divided into three groups: CONT (manipulation of the reproductive tract), FM group (manipulation + administration) and FIRO group (manipulation + administration). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 and 60 days. No statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates were observed between groups. It was concluded that a single application of FM and FIRO at the time of embryo transfer did not significantly increase conception rates.