There is little information in the scientific literature concerning sheep pregnancy and lambing success with regard to the timeframe from when in vitro produced embryos are transported to the designated location for embryo transfer (ET). The aim of this study was to transfer in vitro produced embryos under two different conditions that could typically occur using the aforementioned assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Abattoir ovaries were used to procure oocytes for in vitro embryo production and subsequent transfer to synchronized ewes. The study consisted of two experiments: Experiment 1 (Exp1)-embryos taken from the laboratory to a nearby surgical room for immediate ET, and Experiment 2 (Exp2)-ET after 5 hours (h) of transport to a rural farm. Lambing in relation to detected pregnancies, births compared to pregnancies, and the proportion of twin offspring were all higher in Exp2. Notably, in both Exp1 and Exp2, there was not a significant difference (P > 0.05) between the number of embryos transferred, i.e., 3 versus 4, respectively, and the number of ewes that underwent parturition in each group. Also, in both experiments there was not a significant difference (P > 0.05
This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitrification on immature porcine and ovine oocytes, collected at a slaughterhouse, by performing vitrification in devices with different volumes. Viability was evaluated both before and after vitrification and maturation. Immediately after warming, the percentage of viable pig oocytes was 81% regardless the type of device, while in the control (after oocyte selection) was 95%. The viability of matured pig oocytes after warming, vitrified in bevelled edge open straws (BES) was 6%, in super-open-pulled-straw (SOPS) was 17% and in Cryotop was 4%, while the viability of the control group was 86%. The viability and maturation results were similar with all devices. Embryo development (ED) was observed in fresh porcine oocytes with 15% 2-8 cell embryos, 7% morulae and 3% blastocysts, and non-embryo cleavage was observed in warmed oocytes. The viability of sheep oocytes immediately after warming averaged 90% in all devices, while that of the control (after oocyte selection) averaged 95%. The viability of warmed oocytes after maturation was: BES 21%, SOPS 30%, Cryotop 21% and control group 86%; while maturation values were 11, 21, 34 and 70%, respectively. After vitrification, the highest ED was achieved with ovine oocytes vitrified in SOPS, with 17% morulae development and it was the only device in which blastocysts developed. A direct relationship was observed between viability and actin filament integrity in both species.
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