In vitro fertilization in the horse. A retrospective study.

This research paper discusses the attempt to fertilize horse oocytes via in vitro fertilization. The study resulted in few segmented embryos but one successful full-term pregnancy in a recipient mare.

Objective of the Study

• The paper aims to investigate the possibilities of in vitro fertilization in horses. Following the initial successful collection of oocytes through non-surgical puncture, the study made numerous attempts to fertilize these oocytes. However, only a small portion of the oocytes resulted in segmented embryos, and the research sought to improve these results.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted follicular puncture to extract 159 oocytes for the study. They reported a damage rate of about 18% in the oocyte sample, attributing it to possible fragility pre-puncture.
• The fertilization process involved treating the semen with Ionophore A23187 before its introduction to the oocytes.
• The outcome of 60 oocytes followed a basic protocol, with an 18% result in embryo formation. Another eight percent were fertilized without segmentation, indicating a need for protocol modification.

Results and Conclusion

• The outcome indicated only a small number of oocytes underwent successful fertilization and segmentation. However, the modification of the basic protocol did not lead to improvements in the results.
• Despite the modest success rates, eight in-vitro fertilized embryos were transplanted into recipient mares’ ampulla (part of the fallopian tube). This method led to one successful full-term pregnancy and subsequent foaling, a first in equine pregnancy.
• Thus, the study demonstrates the potential for in vitro fertilization in horses, even though the results indicate room for improvements in the protocols and methods used.