[Reproductive medicine in transition: new developments in embryo transfer]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Reproduction
• Biotechnology

Context:

• Embryo transfer (ET) is widely applied across various captive animal species.
• Commercial application of ET is predominantly established in cattle.
• Over 100,000 bovine embryo transfers were conducted in Europe in 1994.

Purpose:

• To highlight the advancements and established practices of embryo transfer in cattle.
• To discuss the improvements in ET applicability through innovations like transvaginal ovum pick up (OPU), in vitro production (IVP), and cryopreservation.
• To introduce the founding of the 'Veterinary Society for Embryo Transfer' (TIGET) in Switzerland.

Summary:

• Embryo transfer (ET) is a well-established practice in numerous animal species, with cattle being the primary commercial focus.
• Technological progress in transvaginal ovum pick up (OPU), in vitro production (IVP), and cryopreservation has significantly enhanced the utility of ET.
• Direct embryo transfer simplifies the process by enabling individual transfers and removing the necessity for recipient synchronization.

Impact:

• ET technology has improved reproductive efficiency in livestock.
• Innovations in OPU, IVP, and cryopreservation have made ET more accessible and effective.
• The establishment of organizations like TIGET supports the widespread adoption and practice of ET by veterinarians.