Increase in calf production by the transfer of bisected bovine embryos

Nihon Juigaku Zasshi. 1989 Dec;51(6):1193-9. doi: 10.1292/jvms1939.51.1193.

Abstract

A total of 132 embryos were recovered from 17 superovulated donor cows 7 d after estrus. Seventy-four embryos were selected and assigned to 2 treatment groups. The number of whole embryos that were directly transferred (Group A) and bisected (Group B) were 44 and 30 embryos, respectively. Sixty demi-embryos were produced from 30 morulae to blastocyst-stage embryos that were bisected. One hundred-three embryos, including whole and demi-embryos without zonae pellucidae, were nonsurgically transferred. Only one whole or demi-embryo was transferred to each recipients. The pregnancy rate for whole embryos (A) was 63.6% (28/44), while for demi-embryos (B) it was 74.6% (44/59). There was no significant difference between the pregnancy rates of whole embryos (A) and bisected embryos (B) transferred 7 d after estrus. Forty-three calves including the 14 sets of identical twins were obtained from 30 original embryos (143.3%) using the embryo bisection technique.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cattle*
  • Embryo Transfer / veterinary
  • Embryo, Mammalian / physiology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / surgery*
  • Female
  • Ovulation*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple
  • Reproductive Techniques / economics
  • Reproductive Techniques / veterinary*
  • Superovulation*
  • Twins, Monozygotic