190 EFFECT OF THE PROPERTIES OF CERVICAL MUCUS ON PREGNANCY RATES IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS AND COWS AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 203
Author(s):  
T. Maekawa ◽  
S. Morita ◽  
O. Douchi ◽  
H. Koyama
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Evaluation Method ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Cervical Mucus ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Significant Difference

Selection of animals as recipients of embryo transfer is an important procedure of embryo transfer on farms. Most animals are evaluated for their acceptability as recipients based on the quality of their corpus leteum (CL). However, since rectal palpation is a subjective evaluation method, a more objective method of assessing the suitability of the recipient is required. Cervical mucus may be able to be used to evaluate the condition of the uterus indirectly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the properties of cervical mucus and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer in Holstein heifers and cows. Cervical mucus was collected using a swab off the ostium uteri externum and was stained with 5% Giemsa's solution for 20 min one day before embryo transfer. The stained cervical mucus were classified based on the type of staining pattern (Kitamura et al. 2003 Theriogenology 59, 307) into five groups: filiaceous (Type 1), taenia (Type 2), claustral (Type 3), nubecula (Type 4), or aqueous (Type 5). Proportions of the types of cervical mucus and pregnancy rates were analyzed by chi-square test. In Experiment 1, 113 heifers and 266 cows were examined for cervical mucus type. No significant difference was observed in the proportions of the types of cervical mucus between heifers and cows (heifers: 35.4%, 18.6%, 16.8%, 25.7%, and 3.5%; cows: 24.4%, 14.3%, 20.3%, 30.8%, and 10.2% for Types 1∼5, respectively). In Experiment 2, either a fresh or frozen-thawed embryo was implanted in vivo in 84 heifers and 163 cows 7 days after estrus. The heifers and cows were judged to have normal sized CLs (normal, 17 mm or more) and have no vaginal abnormalities such as cervical mucus contaminated with pus and urovagina as per vaginal examination. The proportions of acceptable Type 5 recipients was lower than that of Type 1 (P < 0.05). The pregnancy rates were 47.6% for heifers and 45.4% for cows (Table 1). The pregnancy rates of Types 1–3 (53.5%) were significantly higher than for Types 4 and 5 (29.9%) in the cows (P < 0.05). Although there was no statistically significant difference, the same tendency was observed in the heifers. Pregnancy was unsuccessful in Type 5 recipients, both heifers and cows. The total pregnancy rates of Types 1–3 were significantly higher than for Types 4 and 5 (53.5% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.001). These results suggest that cervical mucus type can serve as an objective selection criterion for embryo recipients. Further, embryo transfer should be avoided in Type 5 recipients. Table 1. Cervical mucus type and pregnancy rates (%) in dairy cattle

151 EFFECT OF RECIPIENT CATEGORY ON PREGNANCY RATES ON A BOVINE EMBRYO TRANSFER PROGRAM IN PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 155
Author(s):  
J. Villarreal ◽  
A. Garcia Guerra ◽  
G. M. Brogliatti
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Transfer Program ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Embryo Transfer Program ◽  
Condition Score

The fertility of the recipient is one of the more important factors conditioning the success of an embryo transfer (ET) program. Selection and management of recipients is a very important contributing factor to achieve high pregnancy rates (Stroud and Hasler 2006 Theriogenology 65, 65–76). From a reproductive point of view, a good recipient is a cow capable of receiving an embryo and taking it to term (Palma et al. 2001 Biotecnologia de la reproduccion, INTA). In beef and dairy cattle, recipients are categorized according to number of births, age, and condition score (Stroud and Hasler 2006). A retrospective analysis was done to confirm a relationship between recipient category, based on their physiologic and reproductive stage, and pregnancy rates. The analysis was done during January and February (2006–2007) based on data recovered from an embryo transfer program done in Chubut province (Patagonia) for the project ‘Polo Genetico Angus’ (Angus Association – Chubut government agreement). Two hundred and seven morulas and/or blastocysts, quality 1 or 2 frozen in 1.5 m ethylene glycol (IETS manual), were transferred randomly in 10 different farms. Embryos were thawed for 10 s at room temperature and 30 s in a water bath at 35°C and transferred by one single technician. Angus, Hereford, or its breeds were used as recipients. A reproductive exam was performed before embryo transfer and, based on it, recipients were classified into 4 categories: heifer (3–4 years old), lactating cow, weaned cow, and dry old cow (Table 1). The synchronization protocol used for recipients consisted of a single administration of D-cloprostenol and heat detection twice a day for 5 days. Data were analyzed by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test (chi-square). Results are shown in Table 1. There is a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in pregnancy rates among categories. Recipients with higher pregnancy rates were lactating cows and weaned cows 61.6% and 56.9%, respectively, compared to heifers, 45.3%; a lower pregnancy rate was founded in the dry old cows group. Dry cows were animals that failed to get pregnant during the last season. Heifers also were animals that failed the artificial insemination program. In both groups, the reduced fertility may explain their lower pregnancy rates. In conclusion, selection toward fertility of recipients is a very important factor to take into account to design a successful embryo transfer program. Table 1. Pregnancy rates for recipient categories in an ET program in Chubut (Patagonia), Argentina This research was supported by Centro Genetico Bovino Eolia.

204 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESPIRATORY ACTIVITY AND THE PREGNANCY RATE OF BISECTED BOVINE EMBRYOS IN VIVO

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Moriyasu ◽  
H. Hirayama ◽  
K. Sawai ◽  
S. Kageyama ◽  
S. Aoyagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Respiratory Activity ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Consumption Rates

Oxygen consumption is an important indicator of the metabolic activity of living cells, which may provide valuable information for evaluating embryo quality. We have found that the bovine embryos with high oxygen consumption possess stronger potential for further development. However, the relationship between respiratory activity and the pregnancy rate of embryos is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the respiration rates of bisected bovine embryos and the pregnancy rates of demi-embryos after embryo transfer. Compact morula-stage embryos were bisected evenly by micro glass needle. One hundred bisected embryos were incubated for 24 h in embryo culture medium (IVD101; Research Institute for the Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan) at 39�C under 5% CO2, 5% O2, 90% N2. After the incubation, demi-embryos were classified into 2 groups: blastocoel-formed (BC) and blastocoel-not-formed (CM) embryos. Oxygen consumption rates of demi-embryos were measured by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM; Hokuto Denko Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Within 3 h after the measurement, 80 demi-embryos were transferred into recipient cows (one demi-embryo/one recipient) at 7–8 days after estrus. Recipient cows were diagnosed for pregnancy by ultrasonography approximately 40 days after estrus. Statistical difference was analyzed by Tukey's post-hoc test and chi-square test. A total of 27 recipient cows became pregnant; the pregnancy rates for cows with CM and BC demi-embryos were 40.6% (13/32) and 29.2% (14/48), respectively. Mean oxygen consumption rates (� 10-14 mol s-1) in pregnant and non-pregnant cows were 0.47 and 0.39 for CM demi-embryos and 0.63 and 0.52 for BC demi-embryos, respectively. Retrospective analysis showed that the respiratory activity of demi-embryos in the pregnant group was higher than those in the non-pregnant group. In particular, the pregnancy rates for demi-embryos with respiratory activity higher than 0.35 in CM and 0.40 in BC groups were 52.0% (13/25) and 35.9% (14/39), respectively. On the other hand, cows with demi-embryos having an oxygen consumption rate under 0.35 in CM (n = 7) and 0.40 in BC (n = 9) groups did not become pregnant. These results demonstrated that bovine demi-embryos with higher respiratory activity showed a high pregnancy rate after embryo transfer. It is generally known that the pregnancy rate after the transfer of bisected embryos is lower than that of whole embryos. The measurement of oxygen consumption by SECM procedures is a useful tool to assess the quality of pre-implantation embryos and may contribute to the improvement of the success rate for bisected embryo transfer.

363 FACTORS INFLUENCING PREGNANCY RATES FOLLOWING TRANSFER OF BOVINE IN VIVO EMBRYOS BIOPSIED FOR SEX DETERMINATION

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 297
Author(s):  
S. Li ◽  
W. Yu ◽  
J. Fu ◽  
Y. Bai ◽  
F. Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fresh Embryos

Data collected from commercial embryo transfer programs in 63 farms in China during June 2002 to December 2005 was analyzed to examine the effects of various factors (biopsy, freezing, sample size, embryo development and quality, in vitro culture, and recipient quality) on pregnancy rates of in vivo-biopsied embryos. Embryos were flushed from superovulated dairy cattle and subjected to a biopsy for sexing determination using protocols and sexing kits supplied by AB Technology Ltd. Fresh embryos were implanted on the same day or frozen with AG freeze medium (AB Technology Ltd., Pullman, WA, USA) for later transfer. Recipients were synchronized with CIDA + PG protocols. Embryos were cultured in 6-well dishes containing 1.3 mL of holding medium (AB Technology Ltd.) in each well at room temperature (20–25�C) for examination of embryo survival in vitro. The chi-square test was used in statistic analysis. The implantation of fresh embryos after biopsy did not affect pregnancy rates (49.6%, 257/518) compared to that of non-biopsied fresh and frozen–thawed embryo groups (52.9%, 47/140 and 46.6%, 177/380, respectively). However, for biopsied embryos subjected to frozen and thawed procedures before implantation, particularly for those subjected to the removal of a larger biopsy, a reduced pregnancy rate was observed (41.8%, 297/710; P &lt; 0.01). Pregnancy rates among biopsied embryos at 3 different development stages (morula-early blastocyst, blastocyst, and expanded blastocyst) were not different. Similar results were found between embryo groups of grade 1 and 2. A significant decrease in pregnancy rate (0/10) was observed with embryos held in vitro for a longer period of time (&gt;5 h), suggesting detrimental effects of in vitro conditions on embryo survival. The highest pregnancy rate (68.0%) was observed in recipients synchronized for the first time before being implanted with biopsied embryos. Significant decreases in such rates were found in recipients synchronized for the second or third times or those with an abortion history at the first or second synchronization-implantation treatment (P &lt; 0.01). Better pregnancy rates (45.6%, 41/90; 46.1%, 76/165; and 45.5%, 5/11) were obtained for recipients implanted with biopsied embryos at Days 7.5, 8.0, and 8.5 post-heat detection, respectively, compared to 16% at Day 7 (3/18, P &lt; 0.05). It is concluded that mechanical treatment (cutting) does not reduce the survival of biopsied embryos; however, cryopreservation reduces their ability to survive in vivo. The analyses also suggest that holding embryos in vitro should not be longer than 5 h unless more favorable in vitro conditions can be provided. To achieve better results of implantation of biopsied embryos, embryo transfer should be performed during 7.5–8.5 days post-estrus, and the healthy recipients synchronized for the first time should be used.

213 THE EFFECT OF eCG TREATMENT IN AN ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROTOCOL ON PREGNANCY RATES AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
T. Okazaki ◽  
E. Sasaki ◽  
K. Hasegawa ◽  
T. Takani ◽  
S. Abe
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Estradiol Benzoate ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Estrus Synchronization ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Synchronization Protocol

Recent studies have shown that the presence of accessory or multiple corpora lutea (CL) and increased progesterone (P4) concentrations reduced early embryonic mortality in cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) treatment on the number of CL, the P4 concentrations, and pregnancy rates after embryo transfer (ET). Holstein heifers (n = 120) from 7 dairy farms received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR; InterAg, Hamilton, New Zealand) and 2 mg IM of estradiol benzoate (EB; Gynandol®; Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan) at random stages of the estrous cycle. After 7 to 9 days, CIDRs were removed and 15 mg of prostaglandin F2α (PG; Pronalgon®; Pfizer Japan, Nagoya, Japan) were administered, followed by 100 µg IM GnRH (Conceral®; Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) 2 days later (Day 0). The heifers were placed at random into 3 groups for eCG treatment. The eCG was not administered in a control group (n = 53); heifers in other 2 groups received 1000 IU eCG (Peamex®; Sankyo, Japan) IM at the time (0 h group, n = 37) or 48 h before (48 h group, n = 30) PG injection/CIDR removal. On Day 7, heifers were examined by ultrasonography (Aloka SSD500; Aloka, Tokyo, Japan) for number of CL; heifers with at least one functional CL received an in vivo-derived frozen–thawed embryo by direct transfer. At the same time, a blood sample was collected to determine P4 concentration. Pregnancy rates were determined on Days 30 and 60 by ultrasonography and rectal palpation, respectively. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and means were compared with Fisher's PLSD. Proportional data were analyzed by the chi-square test. P4 concentrations (mean ± SD) on Day 7 were 1.8 ± 1.0, 5.6 ± 3.3, and 2.2 ± 1.1 ng mL−1 for the control, 48 h, and 0 h groups, respectively (48 h vs. control and 0 h; P &lt; 0.001). The number of CL on Day 7 were 1.1 ± 0.4, 2.5 ± 1.4, and 1.8 ± 0.9 for the control, 48 h, and 0 h groups, respectively (control vs. 48 h and 0 h, and 48 h vs. 0 h; P &lt; 0.01). Pregnancy rates did not differ between 0 and 48 h groups but both were higher than in the control group (Table 1). Results suggest that the estrus synchronization protocol with administration of eCG at the time of CIDR removal or 48 h earlier significantly increased the number of CL and the P4 concentration, and improved pregnancy rates in Holstein heifers after ET. Table 1.Pregnancy rates of Holstein heifers synchronized with CIDR and PG and treated with eCG

scholarly journals Comparative Study Between Mock Embryo Transfer Prior To The Treatment Cycle and Real Embryo Transfer In In Vitro Fertilization

KnE Medicine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hilma Putri Lubis
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Treatment Cycle ◽  
Uterine Cavity ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy Rates

<p><strong>Introduction</strong><strong></strong></p><p>A trial or mock embryo transfer (ET) may influence pregnancy rates and it performed prior to ET allows the clinician to assess the uterine cavity and the utero-cervical angle. The aim of this study is to compare the consistency of the type of ET in mock ET with real ET.</p><p><strong>Material &amp; Methods</strong></p><p>A retrospective comparative analysis of  patients who underwent in vitro fertilization or ICSI cycle from January 2014 to December 2014 in Halim Fertility Center was done. The type of transfer was divided into two groups: ‘easy’ or ‘difficult’. An easy ET was defined as a transfer that occurred without the use of manipulation or other instrumentation and difficult ET was considered when additional instrumentation was required.</p><p><strong>Results</strong></p><p>From the study, 103 patients who underwent Mock-ET, we  found 58 patients (56.3%) with easy ET and 45 patients (43.7%) with difficult ET, which with hard catheter ET in 17 patients (16.5%), with osfander assistance in 20 patients (19.4%) and with stylet in 8 patients (7,8%). 58 patients with Easy Mock ET group were entirely easy real ET (100%) and 45 patients with difficult Mock ET group also entirely were difficult real ET (100%). The Statistical analysis shows no significant difference between the mock ET and real ET groups (p&gt;0,05). In easy real ET, clinical pregnancy rates were 32.8% and in difficult real ET, clinical pregnancy rates were 26.7% with no significant difference between the  groups (p&gt;0,05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong></p><p>Mock ET prior to the treatment cycle is consistent with real ET.</p>

132 SUCCESSFUL EMBRYO TRANSFER OF IN VIVO-PRODUCED RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS) EMBRYOS AFTER CRYOPRESERVATION BY SLOW FREEZING OR VITRIFICATION

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
J. P. Soler ◽  
G. G. Kaiser ◽  
N. Mucci ◽  
L. B. Ferre ◽  
R. H. Alberio
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Red Deer ◽  
Slow Freezing ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Embryo Cryopreservation ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cryopreserved Embryos

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programs for red deer (Cervus elaphus) have been established commercially over the last decade, with embryo cryopreservation being a related practice necessary to enhance the use of valuable genetic information. The aim of this work was to establish alternative methods for red deer embryo cryopreservation by using slow freezing with ethylene glycol (SF–EG) and vitrification by open pulled straw (OPS) methods. After surgical flushing of 18 superstimulated donors, 54 transferable embryos were recovered; 28 were transferred fresh to synchronized recipients and the others were cryopreserved by SF–EG (n = 11) or OPS (n = 15), respectively thawed or warmed, and transferred to recipients. Fresh embryos were maintained in Dulbecco's PBS + 20% cow serum (holding medium, HM) until transfer (maximum 3 h after collection). SF–EG cryopreserved embryos were suspended in HM + 1.78 M EG + 0.1 M sucrose + 4 mg mL−1 BSA. After a 10-min equilibration, embryos were loaded individually into 0.25-mL plastic straws and placed into a −7°C methanol bath chamber. After seeding (5 min later), the straws were cooled from −7 to −35°C at a rate of 0.5°C min. Straws were plunged into and stored in liquid nitrogen. Thawing was performed by placing the straws in a 30°C water bath for 30 s; their contents were drained into HM until transfer. Embryos were vitrified using the OPS method with minor modifications. They were first incubated in HM + 1.78 M EG + 1.3 M DMSO for 3 min and then transferred for 25 s into a vitrification solution of HM + 3.56 M EG + 2.6 M DMSO + 0.5 M sucrose. Each embryo was loaded by touching a 1-µL drop with the straw, which was immediately submerged into and stored in liquid nitrogen. Warming was done by placing the narrow end of the straws into HM + 0.25 M sucrose for 5 min. Embryos were then transferred into HM + 0.15 M sucrose for 5 min and finally to HM until transfer. Both types of cryopreserved embryos were transferred a few hours after collection, immediately after thawing or warming. Before embryo transfer, the presence of corpus luteum (CL) of recipients was confirmed by laparoscopic examination. Each embryo was surgically transferred into the apical extreme of the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL of one recipient. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography 41 days after embryo transfer. The pregnancy rate between groups was compared with the chi-square test (P &lt; 0.05). No statistical differences were found between groups (Table 1). Our results show that both vitrification and slow freezing methods with EG are suitable to cryopreserve red deer embryos. Table 1. Pregnancy rates in recipient hinds after transfer of fresh, vitrified, or frozen red deer embryos

206 EFFECTS OF A COMBINATION OF A PRID, PGF2α AND eCG, ON ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION AND PREGNANCY RATE FOLLOWING EMBRYO TRANSFER IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Aoyagi ◽  
A. Ideta ◽  
M. Matsui ◽  
K. Hayama ◽  
M. Urakawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Bovine Embryo ◽  
Estrus Synchronization ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Day Of Embryo Transfer

Successful bovine embryo transfer requires synchronization of luteolysis, estrus and ovulation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of a PRID, PGF2� and eCG, on estrus synchronization and pregnancy rate in recipient heifers. A PRID� (ASKA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was inserted into the vagina at random days of the estrous cycle for 7 (n = 35) or 9 (n = 43) days. Two days before removal of the PRID, the heifers were injected with PGF2� IM (2 mL Resipron�-C containing 0.25 mg mL-1 cloprostenol; ASKA). About half of the heifers in each group received 250 IU eCG IM (Serotropin�; ASKA) at the time of PRID removal. Blood was collected several times from the start of treatment for 7 (n = 9) or 9 (n = 9) days and on the day of embryo transfer by jugular venipuncture; plasma was immediately separated and stored at -20�C until assayed for plasma concentrations of estradiol-17α (E2) and progesterone (P4). The E2 and P4 determinations were performed by enzyme immunoassay after extraction by diethyl ether. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography on Day 30 (Day 0 = estrus). The rates of successful standing estrus (no. in estrus/PRID inserted), embryo transfer (no. transferred/estrus), and pregnancy (no. pregnancy/transferred) were compared between groups. Data were analyzed by chi-square analysis or Fisher&apos;s PLSD test following ANOVA. Injection of eCG at the time of PRID removal had no significant effect on the rates of successful standing estrus, embryo transfer, or pregnancy (P &gt; 0.05). The proportion of heifers treated for 9 days that exhibited standing estrus (93&percnt;, 40/43) was significantly higher than the proportion of heifers treated for 7 days that exhibited standing estrus (66&percnt;, 23/35, P &lt; 0.01). Of the heifers that were treated for 9 days, the proportion of heifers exhibiting standing estrus within 2 days after the end of treatment was significantly higher (93&percnt;, 37/40) than for heifers that were treated for 7 days (65&percnt;, 15/23; P &lt; 0.01). Pregnancy rates of heifers treated for 9 days (84&percnt;, 32/38) and 7 days (81&percnt;, 17/21) were not significantly different. The E2 : P4 ratio normally increases during follicle growth and CL regression. The plasma E2 : P4 ratio between the time of injection of PGF2&alpha; and the time of PRID removal was significantly higher for heifers that were treated for 9 days than it was for heifers that were treated for 7 days (P &lt; 0.01). These results suggest that a combination of PRID treatment for 9 days and injection of PGF2&alpha; 2 days before PRID removal successfully synchronized estrus in recipient heifers and led to high pregnancy rates following embryo transfer.

205 INCREASED PREGNANCY RATES OF POOR QUALITY BOVINE EMBRYOS BY ASSISTED HATCHING

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
A. Taniyama ◽  
Y. Watanabe ◽  
Y. Nisino ◽  
T. Inoue
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Zona Pellucida ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Assisted Hatching ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Production Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Rectal Palpation

Embryo transfer after superovulation is commonly used for efficient embryo and animal production and for genetic improvement in cattle. However, the quality of collected embryos varies greatly, which affects pregnancy rate. Usually, poor quality embryos are related to low pregnancy rates after embryo transfer and low viability after cryopreservation. Therefore, it is important to improve chances for survival of poor quality embryos after embryo transfer. The objective of this experiment was to improve pregnancy rates by applying the assisted hatching technique to poor quality embryos. Embryos were collected from Japanese Black cows after superovulation on Day 7 post-insemination. After being washed, embryos were morphologically classified. Embryos having more than 30% degenerated cells were assigned as poor quality embryos. The assisted hatching of embryos (cutting the zona pellucida) was performed under a stereoscope or an inverted microscope by making a cutting slit on the zona pellucida for about 20% of its circumference using a micromanipulator equipped with a cutting needle and holding pipette. After cutting, single or two embryos were transferred fresh to one uterine horn of recipient cows on Day 7 of the estrous cycle. Pregnancy and calf production rates were compared between 2 embryo transfer groups composed of fresh zona-cut embryos (ZC group) or fresh embryos with non-cut zonae pellucidae (NZC group). Pregnancy rates were determined by rectal palpation on Day 45, and calf production rates were calculated by the following formula: number of calves born/number of pregnancies. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test. Pregnancy rates of poor quality embryos in the double ET ZC group (60.3%; 44 pregnancies/73 transfers) were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) than those in the single ET NZC group (25.0%; 6 pregnancies/24 transfers) and in the single ET ZC group (44.0%; 37 pregnancies/84 transfers). Calf production rates were 67.3%, 45.5%, and 35.6% for the double ET ZC group, the double ET NZC group, and the single ET ZC group, respectively. Pregnancy rates of poor quality bovine embryos after double ET were remarkably improved by assisted hatching compared with those of single ET with non-assisted hatching. These results suggest that the combined methods of assisted hatching and double ET may be beneficial to produce calves from poor quality embryos.

289 EFFECTS OF YEAR PERIOD, TECHNICAL TEAM, AND BREED ON THE PREGNANCY RATES AFTER TRANSFER OF IVF BOVINE EMBRYOS IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF RIO DE JANEIRO

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
B. G. Moura ◽  
J. Almeida ◽  
F. L. Lima ◽  
G. Balbi ◽  
R. Calmerani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Rectal Palpation ◽  
Fresh Embryos

The aim of the work was to study the effects of year period, technical team, breed, beef cattle and dairy cattle on the pregnancy rates in fresh embryos used in bovine transfer of IVF programs. The study was carried out at the fertilization laboratory In Vitro Nyltta Britto de Carvalho, in partnership with In Vitro Brazil, located at the Boa Vista farm, Barra do Pirai, during August 2007 to September 2008, seeking subsidies to improve the use of the technique in the field. During that period, aspirations and inovulations in 3 different periods I (August to December), II (January to April), and III (May to September) were carried out. The jobs were accomplished by 9 technical teams (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I) rendering services to the laboratory, by working with 2 beef breeds (Brahman and Nelore) and 3 dairy breeds (Gir, Girolando, and Holstein). The different breed receivers were synchronized, and in general, from 6 to 8 days after heat, they received embryo transfer, the cervical way, under low epidural anesthesia, where each female received 1 fresh embryo of IVF. All cows were submitted to gestation diagnosis by rectal palpation and ultrasonography, in general, 42 days after embryo transfer. The numbers of embryo transferred and pregnancy rates were submitted to the chi-square test, which presented significant differences (P < 0.05). There were pregnancy rates of 36.25%a (n = 960), 39.83%a (n = 1180), and 32.59%b (n = 919) in the I, II, and III periods, respectively. Among the 9 technical teams, there were verified pregnancy rates (%) of 33.51d (n = 1313), 30.30d (n = 330), 35.00cd (n = 405), 39.24cd (n = 1060), 59.25a (n = 7), 33.33d (n = 24), 53.57bc (n = 28), 43.31c (n = 157), and 58.33ab (n = 12) for A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I teams, respectively. Among breeds there were rates (%) of 36.89ab (n = 412), 34.68b (n = 1286), 35.13ab (n = 74), 38.94a (n = 1140), and 37.80ab (n = 82) for Brahman, Nelore, Gir, Girolando, and Holstein, respectively. In the study, pregnancy rates (%) of 35.21b (n = 1698) in beef cattle and 38.65a (n = 1296) in dairy cattle were observed. The differences in pregnancy rates with respect to the evaluated factors, may be explained by individual, breed, and nutritional variations of the animals. There are few data in the literature with results on the embryo transfer use of IVF bovine under field conditions.

86 Difficulty of Transfer of In Vivo-Derived Bovine Embryos and Route of Administration of Flunixin Meglumine at the Time of Transfer may Affect Pregnancy Rate

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 182
Author(s):  
J. Duran ◽  
D. Argudo ◽  
S. Bravo ◽  
C. Soria ◽  
G. Guevara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Transfer ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Prostaglandin F2α ◽  
Bovine Embryos ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Evaluation Systems ◽  
Flunixin Meglumine ◽  
Chi Square Test

Recipient handling during embryo transfer (ET) induces prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) production in 2 periods: an early transient and rapid increase around the time of ET, followed by another 2 to 4 h later. This PGF2α is associated with embryonic loss during early gestation by affecting both the embryo and the corpus luteum. To control this, antiprostaglandins such as flunixin meglumine (FM) have been applied IM at the time of ET with varying results. In such studies, the interaction of IM administration of FM and difficulty of transfer has not always been evaluated, possibly confusing the interpretation of the results. Furthermore, IV FM injection at ET and its relationship with pregnancy rates (PR) has not been determined. The objectives were (1) to determine the relationship between difficulty of ET and PR; and (2) to evaluate the efficacy of IM v. IV FM on pregnancy outcomes. One hundred and ten crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) heifers (18-24 months old) from 3 farms were used as recipients. Two evaluation systems of ET difficulty were used: (1) duration of transfer (objective determination of the elapsed time measured in seconds between the introduction of the catheter and embryo release), and (2) level of difficulty experienced by the practitioner (subjective determination; 1 = minimum and 2 = medium to extreme manipulation). Quality 1 and 2 fresh embryos from superovulated cows were transferred by the same practitioner. At ET, recipients were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) Control (no treatment, n = 31); (2) FM-IM (n = 39): injected IM with 2.2 mg kg−1 FM at ET; and (3) FM-IV (N = 40): injected with 2.2 mg kg−1 FM IV at ET. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 30 to 40 and 60 to 90 days after ET. Spearman’s test was performed to determine the correlation between duration and difficulty at ET and Chi-square test was used to compare PR. The mean duration of transfer for all heifers was 62.3 ± 57.5 s (11 to 357 s; median: 44.5 s). There was a high correlation (0.8; P < 0.001) between the ET difficulty evaluation systems. Overall, ET difficulty 1 had higher PR than ET difficulty 2 (64.2 v. 40.7; P = 0.013). The PR was significantly improved (P < 0.01) in the FM-IV group (75 and 70% at 30 and 60 days after ET) compared with control (45.2 and 32.3%) and FM-IM (33.3 and 30.7%). In conclusion, results indicate that the difficulty of transfer affects PR achieved following the transfer of in vivo-derived bovine embryos. Treatment with FM-IV following transfer resulted in significantly higher PR compared with control and FM-IM recipients. The IV injection of FM may antagonize the very early and transient increase of PGF2α caused by genital tract manipulation (even gently performed) at embryo transfer. Further research is necessary to confirm the results of the present study.

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