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Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats
Published on: August 5, 2011
Cryopreservation of canine embryos
Yasuyuki Abe1, Yoshinori Suwa, Tomoyoshi Asano
1Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
Biology of Reproduction
|October 8, 2010
Summary
Successful cryopreservation and nonsurgical embryo transfer in dogs were achieved. This breakthrough in canine assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) enables efficient genetic material transport and disease elimination, advancing dog breeding.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Genetics
Background:
- Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have advanced human and animal reproduction.
- Current ART applications in canines are limited compared to other mammals.
- Existing canine ARTs primarily focus on artificial insemination with frozen semen for specific working dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish successful cryopreservation of canine embryos.
- To demonstrate the efficacy of nonsurgical embryo transfer in dogs.
- To enhance the utility of ARTs in canine breeding and genetic preservation.
Main Methods:
- Canine embryos were collected post-artificial insemination from excised reproductive organs.
- Embryos were cryopreserved using a vitrification method.
- Cryopreserved embryos (4-cell to morula stage) were transferred nonsurgically into recipient bitches via cystoscope.
Main Results:
- Five out of nine recipient bitches became pregnant following embryo transfer.
- Four pregnancies resulted in the delivery of seven live pups.
- This demonstrates the viability of cryopreserved canine embryos and successful transfer.
Conclusions:
- Canine embryo cryopreservation is feasible and effective.
- Nonsurgical embryo transfer offers a practical method for canine reproduction.
- This technique facilitates genetic material transport, disease elimination, and improved breeding of various working dogs.
