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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
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Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer and Embryo Vitrification at the Optimal Embryo Stage in Rabbit Model
Published on: May 16, 2019
Direct transfer of vitrified rabbit embryos
J S Vicente1, F García-Ximénez
1Laboratory of Reproduction, Departement of Animal Science, Polytechnical University of Valencia, 46071-Valencia, Spain.
Theriogenology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Directly transferring vitrified rabbit embryos (morulae) into does is feasible. While survival rates were slightly lower than fresh embryos, the high delivery percentage indicates suitability for storage and transfer.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Embryology
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Vitrification is a cryopreservation technique.
- Embryo transfer is crucial for assisted reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of direct embryo transfer after vitrification in rabbits.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a simplified vitrification and transfer protocol.
Main Methods:
- Compacted rabbit morulae were vitrified using 20% ethylene glycol and 20% dimethyl sulfoxide.
- Thawed embryos underwent direct transfer into recipient does' uterine horns without stepwise dilution.
Main Results:
- The survival rate at birth for vitrified-transferred embryos was 40%, compared to 55% for fresh embryos (P < 0.05).
- A high percentage of recipient does (94%) delivered offspring.
Conclusions:
- Direct transfer of vitrified rabbit morulae is a viable method.
- The simplified protocol is suitable for both storage and efficient transfer of rabbit embryos.
