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Updated: May 16, 2026

In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle

In Vitro Culture Strategy for Oocytes from Early Antral Follicle in Cattle

Published on: July 8, 2020

Pregnancy establishment and maintenance in cattle.

J A Atkins¹, M F Smith, M D MacNeil

¹Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.

Journal of Animal Science

|November 14, 2012

Summary

Oocyte competence and maternal environment significantly impact beef cow pregnancy success. Factors like follicle size, body weight, and hormone levels influence fertilization and embryo viability, affecting pregnancy establishment and maintenance.

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Area of Science:

Reproductive biology
Animal science
Veterinary medicine

Background:

Understanding factors influencing pregnancy establishment and maintenance is crucial for beef cattle reproduction.
Oocyte competence and the maternal environment are key determinants of reproductive success.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of oocyte competence and maternal environment on pregnancy establishment and maintenance in beef cows.
To identify specific endocrine and physical factors influencing fertilization, embryo viability, and pregnancy maintenance.

Main Methods:

A reciprocal embryo transfer study was conducted using synchronized beef cows.
Cows were classified by ovulatory follicle size (small vs. large) and served as donors or recipients.
Path analysis was used to examine cause-effect relationships among measured variables.

Main Results:

Donor cow body weight, estradiol, postpartum interval, and ovulatory follicle size positively affected fertilization.
Embryo viability was negatively impacted by rapid follicular growth and heavier body weight, but positively by progesterone and ovulatory follicle size.
Recipient estradiol and progesterone enhanced pregnancy maintenance, while larger recipient follicle diameter was detrimental.

Conclusions:

Oocyte competence and maternal environment have complex, interconnected roles in beef cow pregnancy.
Specific pre- and post-fertilization factors significantly influence fertilization success, embryo viability, and pregnancy maintenance.
Identifying these factors can aid in improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle.