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Vitrification of In Vitro Matured Oocytes Collected from Adult and Prepubertal Ovaries in Sheep
Published on: July 10, 2021
Glucogenic supply increases oocyte developmental competence in sheep
F Berlinguer1, A Gonzalez-Bulnes, I Contreras-Solis
1Department of Animal Biology, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy. berling@uniss.it
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|October 10, 2012
Summary
Glucogenic treatment in ewes improved oocyte quality and developmental competence. This nutritional strategy enhanced follicle development and increased fertilization and blastocyst rates in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Oocyte developmental competence is crucial for successful embryo production.
- Nutritional strategies can influence reproductive outcomes in livestock.
- Understanding glucose metabolism's role in follicular dynamics is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of glucogenic supply on oocyte developmental competence in Sarda ewes.
- To evaluate the effects of oral glucogenic treatment on follicular and corpus luteum function.
- To assess the influence on in vitro embryo production rates.
Main Methods:
- Synchronization of oestrous cycles using intravaginal progestagen sponges.
- Oral administration of a glucogenic mixture or water to treated and control ewes, respectively.
- Follicular development stimulation with FSH and assessment of glucose metabolism, follicle, and corpus luteum dynamics.
- In vitro embryo production (IVP) from collected ovaries.
Main Results:
- Glucogenic treatment significantly increased plasma glucose, progesterone, and oestradiol levels.
- An increased number of 2-3 mm follicles was observed in treated ewes.
- Higher fertilization and blastocyst rates were achieved from oocytes of glucogenic-treated ewes.
Conclusions:
- Oral glucogenic supply positively influences follicle and corpus luteum functionality in ewes.
- Glucogenic treatment enhances oocyte quality, leading to improved in vitro developmental kinetics and blastocyst output.
- This nutritional approach shows potential for improving assisted reproductive technologies in sheep.
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