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Trans-inner Cell Mass Injection of Embryonic Stem Cells Leads to Higher Chimerism Rates
Published on: May 29, 2018
Chimerism in cattle through microsurgical aggregation of morulae
G Brem1, H Tenhumberg, H Kräußlich
1Institut für Tierzucht und Tierhygiene Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Veterinärstr. 13, D-8000 München 22 Federal Republic of Germany.
Theriogenology
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Researchers created a cattle chimera by combining four embryo halves from different breeds. However, combining only two halves resulted in pregnancies without chimeras, indicating a need for more genetic material for successful chimerism.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Embryo manipulation techniques are crucial for advancing livestock breeding and genetic research.
- Chimerism, the presence of cells from multiple zygotes, offers insights into developmental processes and potential for genetic improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of producing cattle chimeras by combining multiple embryo halves.
- To determine the minimum genetic contribution required for successful chimerism in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Embryos from different cattle breeds (Brown-Swiss x Braunvieh and Holstein-Friesian x Holstein-Friesian) were recovered at the 32-cell morula stage.
- Embryos were bisected, and either two or four halves were combined within a single zona pellucida.
- The reconstructed embryos were transferred non-surgically to recipient heifers.
Main Results:
- One chimera was successfully produced by combining four embryo halves from two different parent breeds.
- Five pregnancies resulted from combining two half embryos, but none of the resulting calves exhibited chimerism.
- Coat color served as the primary indicator for assessing chimerism in the offspring.
Conclusions:
- Combining four embryo halves from distinct breeds can lead to the successful production of cattle chimeras.
- A combination of only two half-embryos may not be sufficient to achieve chimerism in cattle.
- Further research is needed to optimize embryo combination strategies for efficient chimera production in cattle.
