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Production of normal piglets from microsurgically split morulae and blastocysts
H Nagashima1, Y Katoh, K Shibata
1Research Center, Nisshin Flour Milling Co., Ltd. 5-3-1 Tsurugaoka, Ohi, Iruma, Saitama 354, Japan.
Theriogenology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Embryo splitting in pigs is a viable technique for producing piglets. A simple method of bisecting pig embryos without zona pellucida encasement resulted in viable offspring, demonstrating successful embryo splitting.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
- Embryology
Background:
- Embryo splitting is a technique used to increase the number of offspring from genetically superior animals.
- Previous methods often required complex procedures for handling split embryos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the developmental potential of split pig embryos using in vitro culture and embryo transfer.
- To determine the efficacy of a simplified embryo splitting technique in pigs.
Main Methods:
- Pig embryos (morulae, early blastocysts, blastocysts) were bisected using a micromanipulation needle.
- Split embryos were either immediately transferred or cultured briefly before transfer to recipient gilts.
- Half-embryos were transferred with or without zona pellucida encasement.
Main Results:
- In vitro culture and transfer of bisected pig embryos yielded viable fetuses and piglets.
- A simplified method, without zona pellucida encasement, proved satisfactory for producing viable half-embryos.
- One recipient gave birth to seven piglets from 12 zona-free half-embryos.
Conclusions:
- Embryo splitting is an effective method for piglet production.
- A simplified technique for pig embryo splitting, omitting zona pellucida encasement, is sufficient for generating viable offspring.
- This technique offers a practical approach to assisted reproductive technologies in swine.
