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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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Effect of different manual puncture methods on donkey embryo before vitrification
Nan Li1, Shizhen Dai2, Hao Wu2
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
Theriogenology
|October 22, 2023
Summary
Optimizing donkey embryo cryopreservation is crucial for preserving valuable genetics. Microneedle puncture and proline addition show promise in improving viability and pregnancy rates after vitrification.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Embryo recovery and transfer technology application in donkeys lags behind horses and cattle.
- Cryopreservation is essential for preserving and transporting valuable donkey embryos, but current techniques require optimization.
- Efficient cryopreservation is vital for advancing donkey breeding programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of different manual puncture methods on the viability and pregnancy rates of vitrified-thawed donkey embryos.
- To compare the efficacy of microneedle puncture versus traditional 29G needle puncture for donkey embryo cryopreservation.
- To assess the potential of proline in enhancing donkey embryo cryopreservation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Donkey embryos (n=117) were recovered on days 7-8 post-ovulation and divided into four groups: Control (no puncture/cryopreservation), VG (29G needle puncture + vitrification), VM (microneedle puncture + vitrification), and VMP (microneedle puncture + vitrification with proline).
- Vitrification solutions varied in ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sucrose, and proline concentrations.
- Embryos were incubated for 3 hours post-thaw before transfer, and viability and pregnancy rates were assessed.
Main Results:
- Embryo recovery rates were higher on day 7.5 and 8 compared to day 7.
- Microneedle puncture (VM and VMP) resulted in lower percentages of dead cells post-incubation compared to 29G needle puncture (VG).
- Pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the Control (41.7%), VM (24.0%), and VMP (29.6%) groups compared to the VG group (8.0%).
- Embryos punctured with microneedles (VM and VMP) showed higher pregnancy rates, particularly for those ≤650 μm in diameter, compared to the VG group.
- No significant difference in pregnancy rates was observed among vitrification groups for embryos >650 μm.
Conclusions:
- Embryo recovery is more efficient on day 8 post-ovulation than day 7.
- Microneedle puncture reduces embryo damage and improves pregnancy rates compared to 29G needles.
- Proline addition shows potential for enhancing donkey embryo cryopreservation success.
