MAXIMIZING IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN CATTLE

In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is used to develop high-quality genetics associated with intergenerational genetic gain. It is characterized by acquisition (in vivo or post-mortem) and maturation (MIV) of oocytes from donors, followed by fertilization (FIV) of matured oocytes and culture (IVC) of embryos, which are then sent to transferred or cryopreserved. Even with extensive knowledge on IVEP, some biochemical and hormonal regulations that involve embryonic development are still unknown, leading to a low overall efficiency of the biotechnological process. Although in vitro developed embryos have a lower quality than that produced in vivo, in terms of resistance to challenging events, IVEP presents itself as a potential biotechnology. In cattle breeding, reproductive biotechnologies are key to increase and improve the genetic improvement of the herd, associated with productive and reproductive efficiency. In this article, the steps and strategies of IVEP and its contribution to reproduction in the cattle sector are discussed.

An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II

As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.

Detection of Brucella abortus during in vitro bovine embryo production

The in vitro embryo production (IVP) technology has emerged as a potential biotechnological approach to multiply genetically high yielding dairy cows. Its commercial application is increasing in many developed and developing countries over the years. Bangladesh livestock Research Institute (BLRI) adopted in vitro embryo production protocol from bovine ovaries of slaughterhouse. However, the risks of transmission of contagious diseases like Brucella abortus with embryos are not evaluated so far. Considering these facts, the present experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of in vitro embryo production protocol with slaughterhouse ovaries as well as risk of contamination of produced embryos with Brucella abortus. To identify sources of contamination of embryos with Brucella abortus (if any), the laboratory water, different media used in the IVP process, semen, and follicular fluids were evaluated for confirmation of the organisms. In addition, vaginal swabs were collected from 2 buffaloes aborted due to suspected Brucella abortus infection. Molecular test were used to detect Brucella abortus contamination. Brucella abortus specific PCR product was not detected on agarose gel electrophoresis. The efficiency of IVP measured by cleavage and blastocyst development rates were 75.5±2.7% and 16.6±3.9%, respectively. The present study inferred that the in vitro produce embryos are free from Brucella abortus infection. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 105-112