Sexing of Embryos at the Time of Twin Reduction: A Clinical Approach

This study provides new unique information on bovine twin pairs during the late embryonic period (28-34 days of pregnancy) in relation to (1) a predictive ultrasound measurement that was differential for sexing heterosexual twins; (2) intrauterine embryonic growth patterns in twin pairs; and (3) a higher vulnerability of female embryos compared to males following an induced embryo reduction in heterosexual twins. The study population comprised 92 dairy cows carrying bilateral twins. A length difference between co-twins equal to or greater than 25% in around 50% of pregnancies served to determine the sex of embryos with 100% accuracy in heterosexual twins, which was assessed four weeks later on the remaining fetus after twin reduction. The apparent rates of growth of twin pairs and of individual male and female embryos from day 28 to 34 of gestation were similar to established growth pattern standards for singletons. Mean embryo sizes in relation to gestational age were smaller by some 5 days' growth equivalent in twins compared to singletons. After the reduction in the female embryo in heterosexual twins, the risk of male embryo loss was null. This new information allowed for sex selection at the time of twin reduction.