The effect of recipient age on the success of embryo transfer in mice

Eight-hundred-sixteen morulae and blastocysts were transferred to the uteri of 102 recipients of various ages on Day 3 or 4 of pseudopregnancy (Day 1 is the day of the vaginal plug). Day 3 recipients had significantly higher pregnancy rates and embryo survival rates than Day 4 recipients. Recipient age had little effect on pregnancy rates, but had a significant effect on embryo survival in Day 3 recipients. Day 3 recipients of 11-13 weeks of age had the highest pregnancy rate (100%) and embryo survival (75%). The results suggest that recipient age should be considered an important factor in embryo transfer experiments.