Two successful embryo transfers of mini-donkey embryos in Brazilian Northeastern jennies using an alternative method: Case report.
Abstract: Pregnancy rates after embryo transfer (ET) are disappointing in donkey species. This study aims to report two successful ET of mini-donkey embryos using Brazilian Northeastern jennies as recipients. Eighteen embryo flushes were performed 9 days post-ovulation in two non-pregnant mini-donkeys jennies (11 and 7 cycles per jenny). Eleven embryos (61%, 11/18) were collected and transferred to Brazilian Northeastern jennies 4-6 days post-ovulation by conventional (n = 6) or an alternative (n = 5) technique. The alternative method consisted of inserting a Polansky equine vaginal speculum smeared with lubricant in the vagina of the recipient jenny. The arms of the speculum were extended to allow the visualization of the cervix. Then, using an adapted crafted, elongated, toothed tissue grasping forceps, the external cervical os was held, and the cervix was gently pulled backward, aiming to straight the cervical canal. The ET gun was inserted through the vagina and cervix by visual inspection, and the embryo was released into the uterine lumen. All embryos collected were Grade 1 and classified as Expanded Blastocysts. No jennies become pregnant after conventional ET (0/6), whereas two recipient jennies (40%, 2/5) become pregnant and delivered offspring in the following year after ET using the alternative technique. In conclusion, Brazilian Northeastern jennies can be used as embryo recipients using the alternative method proposed in the present study. However, further investigations are needed to improve the knowledge and results of ET in donkey species.
© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Publication Date: 2021-08-15 PubMed ID: 34375469DOI: 10.1111/rda.14000Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research study examines a new technique in the successful transfer of two mini-donkey embryos in Northeastern Brazil. While conventional methods for embryo transfer have typically garnered low pregnancy rates in donkeys, this study aims to improve that statistic using a new technique.
Objective of the Research
- The primary aim of the research is to rectify the disappointing pregnancy rates achieved through traditional embryo transfer (ET) techniques in donkeys. It presents the successful results of an alternative method used to transfer mini-donkey embryos to Brazilian Northeastern jennies (female donkeys).
Methodology
- Two mini-donkeys jennies prepared for the study underwent a total of eleven cycles and seven cycles consecutively.
- A total of eighteen embryos were flushed out 9 days after ovulation.
- Out of these, eleven embryos (constituting 61% of the total) were collected and planned for transfer to the recipient jennies, post-four to six days of ovulation.
- The conventional technique was used for six of these transfers, whereas the remaining five utilized the innovative alternative method.
- The alternative method involved using a lubricated Polansky equine vaginal speculum inserted into the recipient jenny’s vagina.
- Specialized forceps were employed to hold the external cervical os. The cervix was then gently pulled backward to straighten the cervical canal.
- An ET gun was then carefully inserted through the vagina and cervix, with visual inspection, and the embryo was released into the uterine lumen.
Findings
- All collected embryos were of Grade 1 and were classified as Expanded Blastocysts.
- While conventional ET resulted in no pregnancies, the alternative method achieved a 40% success rate with two pregnancies that delivered offspring in the following year.
Conclusion
- Using an alternative method of ET—the introduction of the embryo into the recipient jenny’s uterus via an ET gun— achieves more successful results than traditional methods, based on this study.
- This demonstrates that Brazilian Northeastern jennies could potentially serve as viable recipients of embryos using this alternative method.
- Nonetheless, the authors suggest that further investigation is warranted to build on the findings of the study. It emphasizes the need for considerably more research to enhance the understanding and effectiveness of ET techniques in the donkey species.
Cite This Article
APA
Rodrigues LT, Segabinazzi LG, Oliveira SN, Frasson M, Papa FO.
(2021).
Two successful embryo transfers of mini-donkey embryos in Brazilian Northeastern jennies using an alternative method: Case report.
Reprod Domest Anim, 56(11), 1470-1474.
https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14000 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Embryo Transfer / instrumentation
- Embryo Transfer / methods
- Embryo Transfer / veterinary
- Equidae / physiology
- Female
- Pregnancy
Grant Funding
- Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
References
This article includes 16 references
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