Factors Affecting the Success of Ovum Pick-Up, In Vitro Production and Cryopreservation of Embryos in Cattle

Increasing global demand for animal proteins warrants improved productivity by genetic selection of superior cattle and faster dissemination of genetics. Availability of more progeny for genomic selection should maximize chances of identifying animals with desirable traits and increase selection pressure. OPU and IVP of embryos using these oocytes will substantially increase calves produced compared to conventional embryo transfer (ET). The OPU-IVP technology not only supports genetic improvement but also contributes to reducing environmental impacts of livestock production systems by improving efficiency and optimizing resources, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. However, there are several factors influencing the success of OPU-IVP. This review is focused on these factors and the impacts of in vitro culture conditions on the lipid content of embryos and potential role of L-carnitine, a lipolytic agent, on developmental competence of IVP embryos. The documented effects of L-carnitine and current knowledge regarding regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway suggest that supplementation of embryo culture media with L-carnitine will increase post-thaw survival of IVP embryos and their subsequent developmental competence by regulating lipid metabolism, production of reactive oxygen species, and Hippo signaling. Therefore, this review highlights current advancements in the field of OPU-IVP and potential areas for refining culture conditions to yield developmentally competent embryos that survive cryopreservation procedures.