Factors determining competence of in vitro produced cattle embryos

Concerns have developed in regard to problems associated with pregnancies and calves produced after use of cattle blastocysts made in the laboratory for embryo transfer. For both empirical studies and commercial purposes, there is a need for assurance that the product of these biotechnologies results in a normally functioning entity of its kind. Ability to use more genetic material from a donor female and in producing blastocysts needs to be improved to increase the efficiency of utilizing in vitro biotechnologies in animal production agriculture and for biomedical purposes. The role of gametes used as raw materials for laboratory production cattle embryos and adequacy of culture systems in supporting development of embryos are discussed in relation to competency of embryos produced in vitro.