Fertilization and cleavage in vitro of baboon oocytes

Female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) were subjected to ovulation induction with clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin. Oocytes were recovered at laparotomy and matured in vitro. Sperm was collected by electrostimulation, processed and added to oocytes in culture. Fertilization, cleavage and early pre-implantation development in vitro were recorded. Preliminary attempts to transfer embryos are described. Advantages and problems in establishing the baboon as a model for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer are discussed.