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Transcriptome Profiling of In-Vivo Produced Bovine Pre-implantation Embryos Using Two-color Microarray Platform
Published on: January 30, 2017
Handmade Biopsy for Genotyping of In Vitro-Produced Bovine Embryos
Luiz Sergio Almeida Camargo1, Carolina Capobiango Romano Quintão1, Julia Medeiros Cruz Lima de Martins1,2
1Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia
|May 12, 2026
Summary
Handmade blastocyst biopsy in cattle is a cost-effective method for genomic selection. This technique does not compromise pregnancy, calf delivery, or birth weight, making it suitable for farm-level application.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Genomic selection in cattle accelerates genetic gain and reduces generation intervals.
- Pre-implantation embryo biopsy is crucial for genomic selection in bovine reproduction.
- Evaluating simple, cost-effective biopsy methods is essential for widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of a simple, handmade blastocyst biopsy technique for in vitro-produced bovine embryos.
- To determine the impact of handmade biopsy on embryo development, cell viability, and subsequent pregnancy outcomes.
- To evaluate the quality of DNA obtained from biopsied samples for genomic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Crossbred Bos taurus x B. indicus blastocysts were produced in vitro and subjected to handmade biopsy using a microblade and stereoscope.
- Biopsied and non-biopsied embryos were cultured in vitro, and developmental parameters were compared.
- Biopsied embryos were transferred to synchronized recipients to assess pregnancy and delivery rates.
- Whole genome amplification was performed on biopsied samples for DNA yield and genotyping analysis.
Main Results:
- Handmade biopsy reduced blastocoel formation/re-expansion rates and decreased cell number while increasing apoptosis in Day 7 blastocysts.
- No significant differences were observed in pregnancy rates (57.4% vs. 62%), delivery rates (51.0% vs. 48%), gestation length, or birth weight between biopsied and non-biopsied groups.
- DNA from biopsied samples yielded sufficient quantity and quality for whole genome amplification, with a mean call rate of 75.3% for imputed genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV).
Conclusions:
- Handmade blastocyst biopsy is a viable and cost-effective method for genomic selection in cattle, applicable in small laboratories and on farms.
- The procedure does not negatively impact pregnancy, calf delivery, or birth weight.
- Biopsied samples are suitable for downstream genomic analyses, including genotyping and GEBV imputation.
