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Published on: May 11, 2017
Optimizing Holstein bovine oocyte development: Evidence-Based donor selection for OPU-IVP.
Heqiang Li1, Baobao Zhao1, Jingya Wang1
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, 712100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, PR China.
Theriogenology
|June 20, 2026
Summary
Optimizing ovum pick-up and in vitro embryo production (OPU-IVP) in Holstein cows requires careful donor selection. Body condition score, age, parity, and days in milk significantly impact oocyte quality and embryo development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Reproduction
- Embryology
- Dairy Science
Background:
- Ovum pick-up and in vitro embryo production (OPU-IVP) is crucial for dairy herd genetic improvement.
- Limited quantitative criteria exist for selecting optimal donors to maximize oocyte developmental competence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of donor characteristics (BCS, age, parity, DIM, milk yield) on oocyte quality and embryonic development in Holstein cows.
- To establish quantitative selection criteria for improving OPU-IVP efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 600 multiparous Holstein cows across three commercial farms.
- Evaluation of oocyte quality (grade A/B cumulus-oocyte complexes) and blastocyst formation rates.
- Statistical assessment of correlations between donor parameters and reproductive outcomes.
Main Results:
- Optimal oocyte developmental competence observed in donors with BCS 2.75-3.25, age ≤80 months, parity ≤4, and 50-70 days in milk (DIM).
- Lower competence in under/overconditioned cows, older cows, and those beyond parity 4.
- Superior maturation, fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst rates at 50-70 DIM compared to 30-40 DIM.
- Milk yield did not significantly affect oocyte developmental competence.
Conclusions:
- Body condition score, age, parity, and days in milk are key determinants for donor selection in OPU-IVP.
- Implementing these quantitative criteria can enhance embryo production efficiency in commercial Holstein herds.
