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The current status of equine embryo transfer
E L Squires1, P M McCue, D Vanderwall
1Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Theriogenology
|March 23, 2000
Summary
Equine embryo transfer has advanced, enabling cooled embryo shipping. However, freezing equine embryos and in vitro fertilization remain challenging, requiring further research for widespread application.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- Equine embryo transfer (ET) has seen increased use but faces limitations compared to cattle.
- Unique biological factors and technical challenges hinder widespread equine ET adoption.
- Factors influencing embryo recovery and pregnancy rates require careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and challenges of equine embryo transfer.
- To identify key factors affecting embryo recovery and pregnancy success.
- To explore advancements and limitations in equine assisted reproductive technologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of factors affecting equine embryo recovery (e.g., day of recovery, ovulation number, donor age, semen quality).
- Analysis of factors influencing pregnancy rates post-transfer (e.g., transfer method, synchrony, embryo quality, recipient management).
- Evaluation of current techniques in equine oocyte collection, embryo storage, and cryopreservation.
Main Results:
- Embryo recovery is typically performed 7-8 days post-ovulation, or day 6 for freezing.
- Equine pituitary extract can induce multiple ovulations, but exogenous FSH is less effective.
- Cooled embryo transport to a central station is successful, but cryopreservation is limited to small, Day-6 embryos.
Conclusions:
- Advancements in cooled embryo shipping have improved equine ET logistics.
- Cryopreservation techniques for equine embryos require further refinement, especially for later-stage embryos.
- While transvaginal oocyte collection is promising, in vitro fertilization remains largely unsuccessful, with intracytoplasmic sperm injection showing potential.