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Repeated endoscopic ovum pick-up in sheep
M Stangl1, B Kühholzer, U Besenfelder
1Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
Theriogenology
|March 29, 2000
Summary
Repeated endoscopic ovum pick-up (OPU) in sheep using PMSG/anti-PMSG treatment once weekly yielded the highest oocyte collection. This minimally invasive technique proved effective for repeated oocyte recovery in donor ewes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal science
- Veterinary medicine
Background:
- Endoscopy offers a minimally invasive approach for repeated ovum pick-up (OPU).
- Optimizing OPU protocols is crucial for efficient oocyte recovery in sheep.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare four distinct endoscopic OPU treatment programs in sheep.
- To evaluate the impact of different stimulation and collection frequencies on oocyte yield and quality.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of East Friesian Milksheep underwent different OPU protocols over 10 weeks.
- Protocols varied in puncture frequency (twice weekly, weekly, bi-weekly) and PMSG/anti-PMSG stimulation.
- Follicle aspiration and cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) recovery were meticulously recorded.
Main Results:
- A total of 1098 oocytes were recovered from 1978 aspirated follicles (55.5% collection rate).
- The PMSG/anti-PMSG stimulated group (once weekly) showed the highest average oocyte recovery (7.6 COCs/session).
- COC quality remained consistent across groups, with 65-70% suitable for in vitro embryo production; fertility was unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Weekly OPU combined with PMSG/anti-PMSG stimulation is the most effective strategy for oocyte collection in sheep.
- Endoscopic OPU is a viable method for repeated oocyte recovery with minimal impact on donor ewe fertility.
- This optimized protocol supports efficient ovine embryo production through in vitro methods.