Factors affecting embryonic implantation in buffalo

In mammalians following fertilization and fusion of gametes, the zygote undergoes subsequent mitotic divisions, which determines the formation of the blastomeres. These phenomena occur initially into the oviduct and subsequently into the uterus. Usually, embryos reach the uterus at morula stage and undergone continue divisions until blastocyst formation. The rupture of zona pellucida represents the event for a new stage of the embryo. In this moment the hatched blastocyst survival is strictly dependent by the uterine environment and the conceptus exposes the surface of trophectoderm directly to the uterus. Starting from this moment, the cross-talk between mother and embryo is fundamental in order to guarantee embryonic development and attachment. Several factors can affect these stages in all mammalian species, leading to the phenomenon of embryonic and foetal mortality. Buffalo species, because of its reproductive characteristics, can show a high incidence of embryonic mortality, in particular in some periods of the year. In this review the main factors involved in these phenomena in buffalo will be analysed and discussed.