La récolte et le transfert d'embryons chez la chèvre Angora

The objective of this study was to analyze the efficiency of embryo collection and transfer in Angora goats during the breeding season. Synchronization was obtained by placing an intravaginal sponge for either a short period of time (11 days + PGF(2alpha)) or a long period (17 to 21 days). Thirty-three goats were superovulated, embryo collection was not attempted on seven goats (four did not respond to the superovulation treatment, three did not show estrus), and four gave oocytes only. The embryos of one goat are still frozen. The remaining 21 goats produced 285 embryos of which 187 (66%) were transferred (fresh or thawed) to 66 recipients; 36 (55%) recipients remained pregnant and gave birth to 63 kids (34% of the transferred embryos). The superovulation and transfer techniques used in this study provided a large number of transferable embryos. However, the percentage of embryos that reach term could be improved by more strict selection of the recipients and of the embryos to be transferred, and by improving the embryo freezing technique.