The frequency of collapse as a predictor of feline blastocyst quality

Domestic cats are frequently used as a research model for felid species that are threatened with extinction. Until now, the development of feline embryos has been evaluated using both classical observation methods and time-lapse monitoring (TLM). Blastocyst collapse observed using time-lapse cinematography is used as a predictor of blastocyst quality and is closely related to implantation potential. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the quality of domestic cat blastocysts obtained after in vitro fertilization and the frequency and duration of collapse, and of hatching. There was a significant difference in the average number of collapses and weak contractions between good and poor quality blastocysts. There was no significant difference between hatching and non-hatching blastocysts in terms of blastocyst cavity formation time or average number and duration of collapse. These results showed that the time of cavity formation was not related to blastocyst quality. The number of collapses and the occurrence of hatching were positively related to blastocyst quality, and poor quality blastocysts have, as a consequence, a reduced potential for implantation. TLM plays a significant role in cat embryo evaluation.