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Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats
Published on: August 5, 2011
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Factors in cattle affecting embryo transfer pregnancies in recipient animals
David A Roper1, F Neal Schrick2, J Lannett Edwards2
1Tarleton State University Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Technology, 1333 West Washington, Stephenville, TX 76402, USA; University of Tennessee Animal Science Department, 2506 River Dr., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Animal Reproduction Science
|November 17, 2018
Summary
Embryo transfer success in cattle is influenced by uterine placement, ease of transfer, and time taken. Optimizing these factors can improve pregnancy rates for better genetic gains and profitability in the cattle industry.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal science
- Veterinary medicine
Background:
- Embryo transfer (ET) is crucial for cattle profitability and genetic improvement.
- Commercial ET practices have advanced, but the impact of specific variables on pregnancy rates needs current assessment.
- Understanding factors influencing ET success is vital for the cattle industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of embryo deposition location, transfer difficulty, and time on pregnancy rates in commercial cattle ET.
- To quantify the influence of these variables in a setting mimicking commercial production.
Main Methods:
- Fresh and frozen in vivo-derived embryos from Bos taurus cows were transferred to Bos taurus recipients (n=256).
- Data collected included transfer location (cranial, middle, caudal uterine horn), transfer score (1-3, difficulty), and time to complete transfer.
- Pregnancy rates were analyzed in relation to these recorded variables.
Main Results:
- Cranial uterine horn deposition showed a trend towards higher pregnancy rates (P=0.08).
- Easier transfers (score 1) were associated with a trend for increased pregnancy establishment (P=0.07).
- Less time for embryo transfer and data collection correlated with greater pregnancy rates (P=0.03).
Conclusions:
- Traditional factors like uterine placement, transfer difficulty, and time remain significant influences on cattle embryo transfer success.
- These findings reinforce the importance of technique refinement for optimizing pregnancy rates in commercial cattle breeding.
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