Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Recent Developments in In vitro Embryo Production Technology in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Scientific and technological researches in livestock reproduction have culminated in the development of various reproductive techniques. Assisted reproductive technologies that include artificial insemination, superovulation, estrus synchronization, in vitro fertilization and semen sexing as well as gametes and embryo cryopreservation have a major effect on dairy cattle genetic improvement programs worldwide. The major efforts of assisted reproductive technologies are production of large number of embryos from genetically superior dams and sires and dissemination of genetic material all over the world. To this end, scientific advances in in vitro fertilization and embryo production immensely contributed to the genetic improvement in cattle production systems. In vitro fertilization with sexed semen has been successfully used to enhance genetic improvement in wider part of the world. Recent developments in reproductive technologies which include ultrasound guided oocytes aspiration, semen and embryo sexing and cryopreservation of embryos immensely contributed for the advancement and success of reproduction and production in dairy industries worldwide.