Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer with fresh, frozen and vitrified red deer (Cervus elaphus) embryos in Argentina.

Soler JP, Mucci N, Kaiser GG, Aller J, Hunter JW, Dixon TE, Alberio RH

Actividad Privada, Argentina. vetjuansoler@hotmail.com

Two multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programs with fresh, frozen and vitrified red deer embryos were carried out during the reproductive season of 2005 and 2006 in a local breeding farm in Argentina. Multiparous (n=10 and 9, respectively) weaned hinds were used as donors for each year. The estrous synchronization treatment of donors and recipients consisted of inserting an ovine intravaginal sponge containing medroxiprogesterone acetate (MAP) for 12 days. Superovulation was conducted with a total dose of 180 mg of NIH-FSH-P1 (Folltropin-V, Bioniche, Belleville, Ontario, Canada), given i.m. in eight decreasing doses every 12h (40, 40; 27, 27; 15, 15; 8, 8 mg), from days 10 to 13. Donor females were mated with one stag of proven fertility. The recovery rate was 84.1% (122/145), obtaining 45.1% (55/122) of transferable embryos, 24.6% (30/122) of degenerated embryos and 30.3% (37/122) of unfertilized oocytes. Pregnancy rates after transfer of fresh, OPS vitrified/warmed and ethylene glycol (EG) frozen/thawed embryos were 64.3% (18/28), 53.3% (8/15) and 70.0% (7/10), respectively. Vitrification and freezing with ethylene glycol procedures constitute an interesting alternative for red deer embryo cryopreservation.

Published 15 October 2007 in Anim Reprod Sci, 102(3): 322-7.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Embryology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.