Embryo Transfer Procedures in Animal Reproduction

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of synchronizing donor and recipient animals in the embryo transfer process?

To speed up the embryo collection process

To increase the chances of natural fertilization

To reduce the number of eggs released by the donor

To ensure both animals are at the same phase of their estrous cycle (correct)

How does superovulation in donor animals differ from the natural ovulation process?

It prevents any egg release

It reduces the size of the eggs released

It causes the release of multiple eggs (correct)

It decreases hormone production in the ovaries

What hormone is injected to induce superovulation in donor animals?

FSH (correct)

Estrogen

GnRH

What is the purpose of injecting GnRH or LH into the female after follicle development?

To induce estrus Signup and view all the answers

What method is used today for collecting embryos in modern embryo transfer procedures?

Flushing Signup and view all the answers

Why were embryos initially collected surgically in the early days of embryo transfer?

Due to lack of alternative methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the key factor considered when selecting donor cows for embryo transfer?

High milking ability Signup and view all the answers

Why are recipient cows carefully selected for embryo transfer?

To ensure healthy reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What type of animals are recipient cows usually selected as for embryo transfer?

Cows of ordinary value Signup and view all the answers

How do producers select embryos for purchase for embryo transfer?

Based on the data of the donor and sire Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why producers may purchase frozen embryos for transfer?

To obtain genetically superior embryos Signup and view all the answers

Why are donor cows too valuable to produce offspring only once a year?

Due to their high milking ability Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of administering an injection of prostaglandin after embryo collection?

To terminate any potential pregnancy resulting from missed embryos Signup and view all the answers

How often can the embryo collection procedure be repeated in cows?

Every 3 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of examining the collected embryos under a microscope?

To check for any abnormalities or damage Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to ensure successful embryo transfer?

Performing the transfer with proper cleanliness Signup and view all the answers

In what stage is the recipient cow made to come into estrus before embryo transfer?

Proestrus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Synchronization of Donor and Recipient Animals

Donor and recipient animals must be synchronized to ensure they are at the same phase of their estrous cycle for proper embryo transfer.
This synchronization is achieved using specific procedures.

Superovulation

Donor animals undergo superovulation to release several eggs instead of just one.
Superovulation is achieved by injecting the donor with FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone).
FSH causes the ovaries to produce several follicles instead of one.
Eggs develop and mature within these follicles.

Embryo Collection and Flushing

Two to three days after superovulation, the donor is injected with GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) or LH (Luteinizing Hormone) to cause estrus.
48 hours later, the female is in estrus, and artificial insemination or natural breeding occurs.
Fertilized eggs (embryos) are allowed to grow for about a week and are then collected through a process called flushing.
Flushing is a non-surgical method of embryo collection, replacing the earlier surgical method that caused scarring in the reproductive tract.

Donor and Recipient Cows

Donor cows are selected for their high value as breeding animals, possessing desirable characteristics such as high milking ability, growth rate, or reproductive capacity.
Donor cows are too valuable to produce only one offspring per year.
Recipient cows are selected for their ability to reproduce efficiently and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Embryo Transfer Process

The embryo transfer process begins with the selection of donor and recipient cows.
Embryos may be collected from the donor cow and transferred directly to a recipient female or frozen for later implantation.
The recipient cow is made to come into estrus using a feed additive containing progesterone.
The embryo is placed in the uterus of the recipient cow, and the pregnancy is allowed to progress normally.

Important Considerations

The embryo transfer process must be performed carefully to ensure cleanliness and prevent infection in the recipient cow's uterus.

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Description

Learn about the synchronization process required for embryo transfer in animal reproduction, including superovulation in donor animals. Understand the steps involved in ensuring successful embryo transfer from one reproductive system to another.