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Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer and Embryo Vitrification at the Optimal Embryo Stage in Rabbit Model
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Embryo vitrification in rabbits: Consequences for progeny growth
R Lavara1, M Baselga2, F Marco-Jiménez2
1Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain; INRA, UMR1388 Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, Castanet-Tolosan, France.
Theriogenology
|May 27, 2015
Summary
Rederivation procedures impact rabbit growth, with vitrified-embryo rabbits showing higher early weight but slower growth velocity. Liver weight also differed in adult males, suggesting potential long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Embryo manipulation techniques like vitrification and transfer are crucial in assisted reproduction.
- Understanding the long-term effects of these procedures on animal development is essential for their application in research and breeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rederivation procedures on rabbit growth patterns.
- To assess organ weight differences in adult rabbits resulting from embryo manipulation.
- To evaluate the effects of vitrification and embryo transfer on rabbit growth traits.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted comparing a control group with a vitrified-transferred group of rabbits.
- Body weight was monitored from 1 to 9 weeks of age.
- Gompertz growth curve parameters were analyzed to estimate adult body weight and growth velocity.
- Organ weights, specifically liver weight, were measured in adult male rabbits.
Main Results:
- Rabbits produced via vitrification and embryo transfer exhibited higher body weight in the first four weeks compared to the control group.
- No significant differences were found in Gompertz curve parameters 'a' and 'b' between groups.
- A notable difference in growth velocity (Gompertz 'k' parameter) was observed, with the control group showing higher velocity.
- Adult male rabbits in the control group had significantly higher liver weights than the vitrified-transferred group.
Conclusions:
- Rederivation procedures, including vitrification and embryo transfer, can influence phenotypic expression in rabbit growth.
- While early growth is enhanced, overall growth velocity may be reduced in manipulated rabbits.
- Significant differences in liver weight suggest potential long-term physiological impacts of embryo manipulation that warrant further investigation.
