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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.
Abstract:
Here, we present a protocol for in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in sheep using slaughterhouse-derived ovaries. We describe steps for ovary collection and transportation under controlled conditions. We then detail procedures for oocyte retrieval, selection, and in vitro maturation. Mature oocytes undergo fertilization with swim-up-processed sperm, and the resulting zygotes are cultured in a commercial medium. This approach ensures high reproducibility and developmental success, yielding cleavage and blastocyst rates over 90% and 60%.

