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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Vitrification of In Vitro Matured Oocytes Collected from Adult and Prepubertal Ovaries in Sheep
Published on: July 10, 2021
Protocol for in vitro embryo production in sheep using slaughterhouse-derived ovaries
Mohammadreza Ebrahimi1, Laura Mara2, Fabrizio Chessa2
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, Sassari, Italy; Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Agency of Sardinia, 07100 Sassari, Italy; School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, LE12 5RD Loughborough, UK.
This study details a reproducible protocol for sheep in vitro embryo production (IVEP) using readily available ovaries. The method achieves high success rates for embryo development, offering a valuable tool for sheep breeding programs.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Efficient in vitro embryo production (IVEP) is crucial for sheep genetic improvement and conservation.
- Utilizing slaughterhouse-derived ovaries offers a sustainable source of oocytes for IVEP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a robust protocol for sheep IVEP using slaughterhouse ovaries.
- To optimize oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture for high developmental rates.
Main Methods:
- Collection and transport of sheep ovaries from abattoirs under controlled conditions.
- Oocyte retrieval, selection, and in vitro maturation (IVM).
- Fertilization using swim-up processed sperm and subsequent embryo culture in a commercial medium.
Main Results:
- High reproducibility and developmental success rates were achieved.
- Cleavage rates exceeded 90% in vitro.
- Blastocyst formation rates surpassed 60% in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocol provides a reliable and efficient method for sheep IVEP.
- This approach maximizes the use of slaughterhouse-derived ovaries for assisted reproductive technologies.
- The high success rates support the application of this protocol in sheep breeding and research.
