Background: This study helps to evaluate the Ovarian potential of Cameroonian Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) slaughtered in Etoudi – Yaoundé for implementing Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ARTs). The aim was to enhance the productivity of the cattle sub-sector in Cameroon while conserving local genetic resources. Methods: A total of 144 cows, including 94 cycled cows and 50 pregnant cows, were included in the study. Live weights were determined by measuring the thoracic perimeter of each cow using a Rondo measuring tape. Age was determined postmortem through examination of dentition and horns, while the uterus and ovaries were removed, weighed, and classified based on physiological status (pregnant or nonpregnant). Follicles were counted, and their diameters were measured and categorized into small (Ø < 3 mm), medium (Ø 3-8 mm), and large (Ø > 8 mm). Results: The results revealed an average follicular population of 32.02 ± 9.31 per cow, with 22.43 ± 8.45 small follicles, 8.42 ± 3.87 medium follicles, and 0.76 ± 0.34 large follicles. The weight of the right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left ovary (p < 0.05), and cows aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a higher number of follicles compared to other age groups. Cows with medium (BCS = 3) and large (BCS = 4-5) body reserves had the heaviest ovaries. Additionally, pregnant cows had heavier uteri compared to non-pregnant cows, and cows with a body condition score of 3 or higher had higher uterine weights than lean cows (BCS = 1-2). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that age, body condition score, and pregnancy status influence ovarian weight. Body Condition Score serves as a reliable indicator of cow nutritional status, and cows with BCS of 3-5 are excellent candidates for in vitro production of embryos.

INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
    Study area
    Animal material
    External measurements
    Sample collection
    Statistical analysis
RESULTS
    Ovarian weight
    Follicular population
    Effects of breed and physiological status on thefollicular population
    Effects of breed and BCS on the follicular populationof non-pregnant cows
    Effects of breed and age class on follicular populationin non-pregnant cows
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Nsiyapnze Katte Yato Katte(Department of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Bio-Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang 188, Cameroon)
• Tchoffo Herve(Department of Animal Science, Animal Health and Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang 188, Cameroon) Corresponding author
• Azafack Kana Dorice(Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, University of Buea, Buea 63, Cameroon)
• Chongsi Margaret Mary Momo(Department of Animal Science, Animal Health and Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang 188, Cameroon)
• Ngoula Ferdinand(Department of Animal Science, Animal Health and Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang 188, Cameroon)