State-of-the-art production, conservation and transfer of in-vitro-produced embryos in small ruminants

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Cognié ◽  
Nati Poulin ◽  
Yann Locatelli ◽  
Pascal Mermillod
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Defined Medium ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

Today, although not efficient enough to replace multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, in vitro embryo production for small ruminants is a platform for new reproductive technologies, such as embryo sexing, transgenesis and cloning. The in vitro embryo-production system developed for sheep and goats is more efficient now than 15 years ago, but could still be improved. Laparoscopic collection of oocytes in live animals treated with gonadotrophin indicates a promising future for the application of this technology to genetic improvement programmes. Oocyte maturation in defined medium with epidermal growth factor and cysteamine appears as efficient as oocyte maturation in follicular fluid-supplemented medium and allows future study of the effect of other factors involved in the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes from these species. Further efforts have to be made to standardise the semen-capacitating process and to improve the quality and freezability of in-vitro-produced (IVP) embryos. The optimisation of IVP procedures for deer species has required the study of the seasonal variation of oocyte competence and the development of a specific methodology to allow the culture of embryos up to the blastocyst stage.

159 IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION FROM HOLSTEIN CALF OOCYTES RECOVERED BY LAPAROSCOPIC OVUM PICKUP

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
H. Baldassarre ◽  
L. Currin ◽  
L. Michalovic ◽  
W. Glanzner ◽  
K. Gutierrez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Organs ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Veterinary Practitioner ◽  
Collection Tube ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

Oocyte competence and reproductive biology in prepubertal heifer calves are not fully understood. Multiple publications have reported high oocyte yields recovered from calves aged 2–6 months old but low embryo development rates following in vitro embryo production. The objective of this study was to characterise the developmental competence of oocytes from young calves. We report herein the oocyte/embryo yields obtained from 6 Holstein heifer calves that were subjected to gonadotropin stimulation and laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) every 2 weeks, starting at 2 months of age and ending at 5 months of age. The LOPU was conducted under general anaesthesia with the animal lying in dorsal recumbency on a table with a 45-degree angle to facilitate the visualisation of reproductive organs. Briefly, looking through the laparoscope, the ovarian surface was exposed by pulling from the fimbria with an atraumatic grasping forceps. The follicle contents were aspirated using a 20 G needle mounted on a pipette, which was connected to a collection tube and a vacuum pump. Media and procedures for aspiration, in vitro maturation (IVM), IVF, and in vitro culture (IVC) were standard in use for commercial adult bovine embryo production. Because of the small number of animals and the multifactorial variables in play (age, number of previous treatments and aspirations, etc.), in this preliminary study we focused on the overall oocyte/embryo yield and the potential effects of LOPU on ovarian integrity. A total of 766 follicles were aspirated (avg. 17/calf per session) resulting in 625 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) recovered (avg. 14/calf per session; 82% recovery rate). A total of 457 (73%) COC were graded eligible for IVM, of which 353 cleaved (77%) and 109 (24%) reached a viable blastocyst stage at the end of IVC, of which 42 (38.5%) were graded as freezable. In balance, ~2 viable blastocysts/calf per session were produced. No adhesions or sequels were observed in the animals up to the last LOPU session, as well as 2 weeks after the last LOPU when the animals were evaluated by rectal palpation by an experienced OPU veterinary practitioner. Further studies will look into other aspects of oocyte developmental competence to better understand this biological process.

scholarly journals In vitro embryo production in small ruminants

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (suppl spe) ◽  
pp. 409-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicente José de Figueirêdo Freitas ◽  
Luciana Magalhães Melo
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

This paper reviews the technical bases of in vitro embryo production in small ruminants with special attention to the results obtained by our group in Northeastern Brazil. The laparoscopic oocyte recovery in hormonally treated live animals indicates a promising future for the application of this technique to genetic improvement program. New molecular biology tools should provide information to improve the efficiency of in vitro maturation. Furthers efforts have to be made to improve the oocyte maturation and to standardize the semen-capacitating process.

scholarly journals Oocyte Competence Biomarkers Associated With Oocyte Maturation: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Batara Sirait ◽  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
Ahmad Aulia Jusuf ◽  
Dein Iftitah ◽  
R. Muharam
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Matrix Remodeling ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽  
Cumulus Oocyte Complex

Oocyte developmental competence is one of the determining factors that influence the outcomes of an IVF cycle regarding the ability of a female gamete to reach maturation, be fertilized, and uphold an embryonic development up until the blastocyst stage. The current approach of assessing the competency of an oocyte is confined to an ambiguous and subjective oocyte morphological evaluation. Over the years, a myriad of biomarkers in the cumulus-oocyte-complex has been identified that could potentially function as molecular predictors for IVF program prognosis. This review aims to describe the predictive significance of several cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) biomarkers in evaluating oocyte developmental competence. A total of eight acclaimed cumulus biomarkers are examined in the study. RT-PCR and microarray analysis were extensively used to assess the significance of these biomarkers in foreseeing oocyte developmental competence. Notably, these biomarkers regulate vital processes associated with oocyte maturation and were found to be differentially expressed in COC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity. The biomarkers were reviewed according to the respective oocyte maturation events namely: nuclear maturation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, and steroid metabolism. Although substantial in vitro evidence was presented to justify the potential use of cumulus biomarkers in predicting oocyte competency and IVF outcomes, the feasibility of assessing these biomarkers as an add-on prognostic procedure in IVF is still restricted due to study challenges.

58 EFFICIENCY OF OVUM PICKUP AND EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN VITRO IN CLONED CATTLE

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
A. Lucas-Hahn ◽  
E. Lemme ◽  
K.-G. Hadeler ◽  
H.-G. Sander ◽  
H. Niemann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Transfer ◽  
Transvaginal Ultrasound ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Fetal Fibroblasts ◽  
Developmental Rates ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

The reproductive performance of cloned cattle was investigated by assessing the efficiency of transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovum pickup (OPU) and embryo production in vitro. Fetal fibroblasts from the endangered species, German Blackpied Cattle, had been used for nuclear transfer to produce three live cloned offspring (Lucas-Hahn et al. 2002 Theriogenology 57, 433). In the three cloned animals at 12–20 months of age, OPU was performed once per week and the total number of collected oocytes was recorded. In the case of Blondie, the procedure was terminated due to too small ovaries associated with insufficient function. Oocytes suitable for IVF were matured in vitro for 24 h and fertilized in vitro with the semen of a fertile bull. Oocytes derived from abbatoir ovaries were processed in parallel as controls. Embryos were in vitro-cultured in SOFaaBSA medium. Cleavage and developmental rates up to the morula/blastocyst stage were recorded in all groups. Statistical significance was tested using ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls test. The results are presented in Table 1. Embryos from clones had lower cleavage and blastocyst rates compared to those derived from abattoir oocytes. However, results may have been confounded by potential OPU effects. Some of the blastocysts produced from Blacky (n = 5) and Paula (n = 2) were transferred to recipients. Two pregnancies resulted from the Paula transfers. The two male calves were delivered normally. After the completion of this experiment, all three cloned animals were artificially inseminated, became pregnant, delivered healthy calves, and are pregnant again at present. Further studies are needed to explore the fertility of cattle derived from somatic cloning. Table 1. OPU and in vitro embryo production in cloned cattle

246 IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF SPRINGBOK (ANTIDORCAS MARSUPIALIS) EMBRYOS

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Krisher ◽  
A. Auer ◽  
K. Clark ◽  
K. Emsweller ◽  
S. Rogers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Genetic Management ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Antidorcas Marsupialis

The objective of this experiment was to develop in vitro embryo production (IVP) technologies in springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), a southern African antelope. Springbok, a fairly common species on game farms in parts of South Africa, may be used as a model species for gamete rescue and IVP techniques to be applied to the conservation of other threatened antelope species. Springbok belong to the family bovidae, subfamily antilopinae, tribe antilopini, which comprises about twenty species in genera Gazella, Antilope, Procapra, Antidorcas, Litocranius, and Ammodorcas. In this tribe alone, there are 4 species or subspecies that are critically endangered, 3 that are endangered, and 10 that are considered vulnerable, demonstrating the need for antelope conservation efforts. In addition, our studies contributed to the South African biological resource bank, so that banked springbok semen and embryos might be used in the future for managed genetic contribution to isolated captive or wild populations via assisted reproductive technologies. Oocytes were recovered (3 replicates) from ovaries obtained at supervised culls for management purposes in South Africa, and cultured in defined Gmat or undefined TCM-199 with FCS maturation medium for 28-30 h (Brad et al. 2004 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16, 223). Oocytes were fertilized with frozen-thawed springbok epididymal spermatozoa in modified SOF fertilization medium with caffeine (Herrick et al. 2004 Biol. Reprod. 71, 948–958). Eighteen hours after insemination, a randomly selected subset of the zygotes were fixed to determine fertilization success. The remaining zygotes were cultured in G1/G2 media. On Day 7 of culture, embryos were analyzed for development to the morula or blastocyst stage. A total of 259 selected oocytes were collected from 50 females (5.2 selected oocytes/female on average). There was no difference in the percentage of oocytes normally fertilized (2 pronuclei, PN) between oocytes matured in Gmat (n= 43; 12%) and those matured in TCM-199 (n= 42; 10%). There were significantly (P < 0.05) more oocytes penetrated (e2 PN) when matured in TCM (50%) compared to Gmat (23%). There were no differences in embryonic cleavage or morula/blastocyst development (of total oocytes inseminated) between treatments (Gmat,n= 89, 54%, 9.0%; TCM-199, n= 85, 68%, 9.4%, respectively). In both treatments, the average blastocyst grade was 2.125 using the standard bovine grading system (Curtis, Cattle Embryo Transfer Procedure, 1991). In conclusion, in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture to the blastocyst stage is possible in springbok. Importantly, blastocysts can be produced in vitro under semi-defined conditions, demonstrating that oocyte maturation without serum does support developmental competence. This is important for the potential international movement of IVP embryos to be used for genetic management in the conservation of antelope species.

scholarly journals Effect of epidermal growth factor-like peptides on pig cumulus cell expansion, oocyte maturation, and acquisition of developmental competence in vitro: comparison with gonadotropins

Reproduction ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 141 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radek Procházka ◽  
Michal Petlach ◽  
Eva Nagyová ◽  
Lucie Němcová
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Cumulus Cells ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Epidermal Growth

The aim of this work was to assess the FSH-stimulated expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like peptides in cultured cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) and to find out the effect of the peptides on cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, and acquisition of developmental competencein vitro. FSH promptly stimulated expression of amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG), but not betacellulin (BTC) in the cultured COCs. Expression ofAREGandEREGreached maximum at 2 or 4 h after FSH addition respectively. FSH also significantly stimulated expression of expansion-related genes (PTGS2,TNFAIP6, andHAS2) in the COCs at 4 and 8 h of culture, with a significant decrease at 20 h of culture. Both AREG and EREG also increased expression of the expansion-related genes; however, the relative abundance of mRNA for each gene was much lower than in the FSH-stimulated COCs. In contrast to FSH, AREG and EREG neither stimulated expression ofCYP11A1in the COCs nor an increase in progesterone production by cumulus cells. AREG and EREG stimulated maturation of oocytes and expansion of cumulus cells, although the percentage of oocytes that had reached metaphase II was significantly lower when compared to FSH-induced maturation. Nevertheless, significantly more oocytes stimulated with AREG and/or EREG developed to blastocyst stage after parthenogenetic activation when compared to oocytes stimulated with FSH alone or combinations of FSH/LH or pregnant mares serum gonadotrophin/human chorionic gonadotrophin. We conclude that EGF-like peptides do not mimic all effects of FSH on the cultured COCs; nevertheless, they yield oocytes with superior developmental competence.

scholarly journals 287IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF HOLSTEIN EMBRYOS USING SEX SORTED SEMEN

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
R.D. Wilson ◽  
K.A. Weigel ◽  
P.M. Fricke ◽  
M.L. Leibfried-Rutledge ◽  
D.L. Matthews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Cull Cows ◽  
Sexed Semen ◽  
Dairy Cattle Breeding ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production ◽  
Freeze Date

Our objective was to explore the synergy between sexed semen and in vitro embryo production and assess benefits of these technologies on commercial farms. Ovaries were collected from high genetic merit Holstein cull cows via colpotomy or at the time of slaughter. Oocytes were aspirated from the ovaries, fertilized 20–24h later, and matured to the morula or blastocyst stage. Embryos were transferred into recipient Holstein cows and heifers on the same farms. Seven Wisconsin herds participated, and 365 embryos were produced from 104 donor cows. Only 272 of these embryos were transferred due to limited availability of recipients. Sexed semen from three Holstein sires was used. On average, 3.5±0.37 transferable embryos were produced per donor, including 1.4±0.18 grade 1 embryos and 1.5±0.20 grade 2 embryos. Individual farms averaged from 1.6 to 5.8 transferable embryos per donor. Laboratory data also revealed interesting results. On average 43.7±4.0 oocytes were collected per donor, and the number of usable oocytes (33.9±3.4), and percent embryos cleaved (52.1±1.9), were significant predicators of the number of blastocysts developed. We divided the usable oocytes and embryos cleaved per donor into quartiles. The fourth quartile for embryos cleaved was significantly greater (P<0.05) than the lower three quartiles, and the usable oocyte quartiles all significantly differed from each other. Semen freeze date was also a significant predicator of the number of blastocysts developed, suggesting significant variation in the quality of sorted semen per ejaculate. To preliminarily test the effect of sorting on the percentage of embryos developing to blastocyst stage, oocytes were recovered from ovaries collected at a slaughterhouse and fertilized using non-sorted semen or sex-sorted semen from the same sires. Oocytes (n=3312) fertilized using non-sorted semen tended (P=0.06) to produce more embryos developing to blastocyst stage than oocytes (n=1577) fertilized using sex-sorted semen (20.1±2.9% v. 12.2±2.3%, respectively). Preliminary pregnancy results show strong farm and sire effects. Overall conception rate was 36% for heifer recipients and 18milking cow recipients. These results suggest that low cost in vitro embryo production may have promise as an early system for utilizing sexed semen in dairy cattle breeding programs.

135 Use and dose of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone for ovarian superstimulation prior to ovum pickup and in vitro embryo production in pregnant Holstein heifers

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
R. V. Sala ◽  
L. C. Carrenho-Sala ◽  
M. Fosado ◽  
E. Peralta ◽  
D. C. Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limited Information ◽  
Dominant Follicle ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Oocyte Recovery ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production

The benefit of superstimulation with exogenous FSH before ovum pickup for in vitro embryo production has been the subject of significant controversy. In addition, there is limited information on different dose regimens. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dose of porcine (p)-FSH during superstimulation before ovum pickup (OPU) on in vitro embryo production in pregnant heifers. Pregnant Holstein heifers (n=36) were assigned to a complete 3×3 crossover design. Three treatment groups were evaluated as follows: p-FSH 0mg (FSH0), p-FSH 160mg (FSH160) and p-FSH 300mg (FSH300). Three sessions of OPU were performed on each animal at 48, 62 and 76 days of gestation, with a washout interval between sessions of 14 days. Follicular wave emergence was synchronized by dominant follicle removal. Heifers in the FSH0 group received no further treatment, whereas the remaining groups received a total of 4 injections 12h apart as follows: FSH160 (48.0, 42.7, 37.3 and 32.0mg) or FSH300 (90.0, 80.0, 70.0 and 60.0mg), beginning 36h after dominant follicle removal. Ovum pickup was performed in all heifers 40h after the last p-FSH injection. Heifers were subjected to OPU for oocyte recovery, and number of follicles was determined. Recovered oocytes were processed and in vitro embryo production performed. Differences between treatment groups were evaluated by generalized linear mixed models. Data are presented (Table 1) as mean±standard error of the mean. There was no effect of days in gestation for any of the outcomes evaluated (P>0.05). Follicle numbers at the time of oocyte recovery were different (P<0.01) between groups. Heifers in the FSH300 group had a greater (P<0.05) number of medium, large and total follicles than heifers in the FSH0 group, whereas heifers in the FSH160 were intermediate. Total number of recovered, viable and cleaved oocytes were greater (P<0.01) in FSH300- than in FSH160- and FSH0-treated heifers. Cleavage rate and blastocyst development rate were not different (P>0.10) between groups. The number of grade 1 and 2 blastocysts was greater in FSH300- than in FSH160- and FSH0-treated heifers (P<0.03). In summary, the use of 300mg of p-FSH before OPU in pregnant heifers increases the number of follicles, oocytes and blastocysts produced per heifer with no detrimental effect on oocyte competence. Table 1.Ovum pickup and in vitro embryo production in pregnant heifers treated with different doses of porcine FSH

PSX-A-23 Late-Breaking: Supplementation of Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) in the maturation medium and efficiency of in vitro embryo production in cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 365-365
Author(s):  
Lucas Gonçalves ◽  
Muller C Martins ◽  
Natalia Arle ◽  
Rafaela T Torres ◽  
Luisa Migilo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Nerve Growth ◽  
Maturation Medium ◽  
In Vitro Embryo Production ◽  
Blastocyst Rate

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF) in the maturation medium in in vitro embryo production routines. Antral follicles were aspirated from ovaries of cows obtained from slaughterhouses and then oocytes were selected for quality (grades I and II) for in vitro maturation and subjected to 4 successive in vitro embryo production routines (IVEP). Supplementation of 100 ng of β-NGF was performed in the oocyte maturation medium 22 hours before in vitro fertilization. 48 hours after fertilization of the oocytes, an analysis was made of their cleavage rate by counting blastomeres with the aid of a stereoscopic microscope (cleavage rate = number of embryos / number of initial oocytes). Seven days after fertilization, the blastocyst rate was determined through the relation to the number of oocytes that started cleavage and reached this stage of development (blastocyst rate = number of blastocyst / number of oocytes that started cleavage). To verify the existence of a difference between the supplemented and the non-supplemented groups, the paired T test was applied, using the Excel / Action software (Microsoft). In vitro embryo production routines supplemented with β-NGF in the maturation medium had, on average, a higher cleavage rate (P = 0.0072) and a higher blastocyst rate (P = 0.0033) compared to non-supplemented routines with β-NGF. In this study was demonstrated that Nerve Growth Factor supplementation in the maturation medium improves the efficiency of in vitro embryo production in cattle, and this protein has a probable action in the oocyte maturation process.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document