Special Issue "In Vitro Embryo Production in Ruminants"
A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2021.
Special Issue Editors
Interests: embryo development; maternal–embryo relationships; ovarian function; estrus synchronization
Interests: embryo development; oocyte; sperm reservoir; melatonin; biphasic in vitro maturation; in vitro fertilization
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Assisted reproductive technologies applied to ruminants, such as multiovulation, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), have been useful tools to accelerate the genetic progress in these species. Despite the effort to improve the IVF outcome in small and large ruminants in terms of embryo yield and quality, there are still many challenges to overcome. Further optimization of these technologies will potentially lead to their widespread application in ruminant breeding programs. This includes enhancing oocyte and sperm selection procedures, as well as designing optimal culture media and protocols for oocyte maturation, IVF, and embryo culture. Thus, the aim of this Special Issue is to highlight state-of-the-art advances in IVF—including review and research articles—applied to small and large ruminants. Finally, we hope that this Special Issue will raise interest in the fascinating field of IVF.
Dr. Ignacio Contreras
Dr. Sandra Soto
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- oocyte
- in vitro maturation
- in vitro fertilization
- blastocyst yield
- small ruminants
- large ruminants
Planned Papers
The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.
Title: The negative impact of single embryo culture on the quality of bovine blastocysts
Authors: Ewelina Warzych
Affiliation: Poznan Univ Life Sci, Dept Genet & Anim Breeding, Wolynska 33, PL-60637 Poznan, Poland
Title: In vitro production of wisent (Bison bonasus) embryos for protection and preservation of this species.
Authors: AM Duszewska; K. Barłowska; W.Olech
Affiliation: Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland
Abstract: Wisent or European bison (Bison bonasus) belongs to the same family (Bovidae) as domestic cattle and bison. Wisent is the largest mammal in Europe and is called the “Forest Emperor". Wisent is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List and is therefore protected by international law. Achievements in reproductive biotechnology have opened new possibilities in ex situ conservation of the Wisent. Therefore, the research aimed to develop a strategy for the protection and preservation of the European bison through the use of the following procedures: isolation and in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization of matured oocytes, in vitro embryo culture and embryo cryopreservation. This study concluded that immature oocytes must be cultured in vitro for 30 hours to achieve maturity for fertilization. Bison embryos reach the stage of morula and early blastocyst between 8 and 9 days after fertilization. The embryos at these stages can be vitrified using commercial kit commonly used in domestic cattle. Moreover, it was found that thawed embryos kept their developmental potential after their transfer to recipients of another species (Bos taurus), although early resorptions of the foetuses were observed. This study shows that obtaining Wisent embryos in vitro, and then their cryopreservation to create a Wisent embryo bank, can be applied and implemented in the ex situ conservation strategy of the Wisent (European bison).
Title: Reproductive seasonality affects in vitro embryo production outcomes in adult goats
Authors: Joanna M.G. Souza-Fabjan; Lucas F.L. Correia; Ribrio I.T.P. Batista; Yann Locatelli; Vicente J.F. Freitas; Pascal Mermillod
Affiliation: Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Cep, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle da Reprodução, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement (INRAE), UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
Abstract: Reproductive seasonality may have a considerable influence on the efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies in seasonal species. This study evaluated the effect of season on cleavage, blastocyst rates and quality of in vitro produced (IVP) goat embryos. In total, 2348 cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries and subjected to the same IVP system throughout 1.5 year (49 replicates). The odds ratio (OR) among seasons were calculated from values of cleavage and blastocyst rates in each season. Cleavage rate was lower (P<0.05) in spring (anestrus), in comparison with either autumn (peak of breeding season) or summer, while the winter had intermediate values. Indeed, lower OR of cleavage was observed in spring. Blastocyst formation rate (from initial number of COC) was higher (P<0.05) in the autumn (52±2.5%) as compared with other seasons (combined rates: 40±1.9%). Moreover, its OR was higher (P<0.05) in autumn compared to all other seasons and impaired in the spring compared to winter (OR: 0.54) and summer (OR: 0.48). Embryo hatchability and blastocyst cell number were similar (P>0.05) among seasons. In conclusion, the breeding season leads to improved oocyte developmental competence, resulting in higher cleavage and blastocyst yield, whereas embryo quality remained similar throughout the year.