Advancements in large animal embryo transfer and related biotechnologies.
Abstract: Embryo transfer has been an inherent part of cattle breeding for more than 35 years and has also gained remarkable interest from the equine industry after several breeds allowed registration of more than one foal per year. In both large animal species, non-surgical embryo recovery and transfer are well-established techniques. However, success rates after superovulation and cryopreservation of embryos in horses are still lagging behind those of cattle, and more research is needed to address these areas. To address the problem of freezing large equine embryos, we offer a preliminary demonstration of a new cryopreservation method which involves reduction of the blastocoelic volume and microinjection of cryopreservative. Successful cryopreservation will improve the ability of practitioners to preserve and implant embryos in recipient mares. Recent advances in the use of equine FSH to induce superovulation in mares brings to the forefront the issue of how to best preserve the large number of embryos that are produced. Finally, the use of sexed semen after superovulation will provide the bovine and equine breeding industry the offspring of the desired sex.
Publication Date: 2008-01-22 PubMed ID: 18226021DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00921.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
- Animal Science
- Animal Studies
- Assisted Reproductive Techniques
- Blastocysts
- Cryopreservation
- Developmental Biology
- Embryo Transfer
- Equine Medicine
- Equine model
- Equine Research
- Equine Science
- Equine Studies
- Freezing Technique
- Pregnancy
- Pregnant Mares' Serum Gonadotropin
- Reproductive Technology
- Semen Preservation
- Veterinary Medicine
Summary
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The research is about the advancements in large animal embryo transfer, especially in cattle and horses. It sheds light on a new cryopreservation method for freezing large equine embryos. The study also explores the use of equine FSH to induce superovulation and the use of sexed semen to ensure the offspring of the desired sex.
Embryo Transfer in Large Animals
- Embryo transfer is a significant part of both cattle and horse breeding. For over 35 years in cattle breeding, it’s been essential, and it has gained more interest in the equine industry, specifically for breeds that allow a mare to have more than one foal per year.
- The techniques for non-surgical embryo recovery and transfer are well developed in these species, allowing for the harvesting and relocation of embryos with minimal stress to the animals.
Issue of Cryopreservation in Horses
- The challenge in the equine industry is the successful cryopreservation of embryos, which is currently lagging behind that of cattle. Cryopreservation is the process of freezing biological material at extremely low temperatures for preservation.
- This study presents a new method to address the problem of freezing large equine embryos, which involves reducing the blastocoelic volume (the fluid-filled cavity inside the embryo) and microinjection of cryopreservative. The cryopreservative is a substance used to protect biological tissue from freezing damage.
Superovulation and Cryopreservation
- Recent advances in use of equine FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) have made it possible to induce superovulation in mares. Superovulation refers to the release of multiple eggs in one cycle.
- This advancement poses the question of how to effectively preserve the high number of embryos produced during superovulation. The answer lies in further research and development of successful cryopreservation methods, such as the one presented in this study.
Gender Control in Offspring
- The study also touches on the use of sexed semen during superovulation. This practice allows breeders to control the gender of the offspring, ensuring the birth of the desired sex, which can be highly beneficial for both bovine and equine breeding industries.
In conclusion, this research provides insights into emerging strategies and technologies in large animal embryo transfer, particularly focusing on the equine industry. It highlights the need for further research to improve cryopreservation success rates in horses and discusses new possibilities in gender control and superovulation.
Cite This Article
APA
Scherzer J, Fayrer-Hosken RA, Ray L, Hurley DJ, Heusner GL.
(2008).
Advancements in large animal embryo transfer and related biotechnologies.
Reprod Domest Anim, 43(3), 371-376.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00921.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Population Health and Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Population Health and Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Population Health and Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Population Health and Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, AthensDepartment of Population Health and Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cattle / embryology
- Cryopreservation / methods
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Embryo Transfer / methods
- Embryo Transfer / veterinary
- Female
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone / pharmacology
- Horses / embryology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Rate
- Sex Determination Processes
- Superovulation / drug effects
- Superovulation / physiology
References
This article includes 35 references
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Eliyahu E, Shtraizent N, Martinuzzi K, Barritt J, He X, Wei H, Chaubal S, Copperman AB, Schuchman EH. Acid ceramidase improves the quality of oocytes and embryos and the outcome of in vitro fertilization. FASEB J 2010 Apr;24(4):1229-38.
- Barfield JP, McCue PM, Squires EL, Seidel GE Jr. Effect of dehydration prior to cryopreservation of large equine embryos. Cryobiology 2009 Aug;59(1):36-41.
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