Effect of antioxidant ascorbic acid on in vitro maturation of Caprine oocytes under normal and elevated temperatures

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ascorbic acid on in vitro maturation of caprine oocytes under normal and elevated temperatures. Goat ovaries were collected at slaughter and both A and B grade cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were aspirated out and were matured in vitro under normal (38.5°C) and elevated temperatures (41°C). On the basis of cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation, the maturation competencewere compared with and without ascorbic acid supplementation (100 μM). Heat stress significantly (P≤ 0.01) reduced cumulus expansion, maturation rate and lowered metaphase stage II of nuclear maturation. Ascorbic acid improved developmental competence of oocytes during heat stress (41°C) and ascorbic acid supplemented COCs demonstrated significantly (P≤ 0.05) higher maturation rates when compared to non-supplemented groups.