Embryo Production, Freezing and Transfer in Angora, Alpine and Saanen Goats

Abstract

Contents:This report presents results of several experiments done with Angora, Alpine and Saanen goats in order to define the actual feasibility of production, storage and transfer of embryos in this species. The superovulatory regimen used pFSH administered a t the end of a progestagen treatment (45 mg FGA vaginal sponges, 11 days). When 16 mg Armour equivalent are administered t o dairy goats the numbers of CL and of transferable embryos are significantly higher (P < 0.05) if the FSHILH ratio decreases from first to last injection (8-1 -0.4) compared to constant FSHILH ratio ( I ) , (CL: 13.0 us 6.8, transferable embryos: 4.9 us 1.6). During commercial activity the production of transferable embryos was found to be lower (after 16 mgpFSH and surgical recovery) in Angora compared t o Aipine goats (5.2 vs 6.7) and (after 20 mgpFSH and laparoscopic recovery) in Angora goats treated during 3 days compared to 4 days (4.2 us 5.7). The level of stimulation induced by 16 mg pFSH with decreasing FSHILH ratio in dairy goats does not differ significantly between breeding and out of breeding season (CL: 13.7 us 11.9, transferable embryos: 4.7 us 4.0). Repeating this treatment every 7 weeks decreases the response (1st treatment: 12.8 CL, 4.3 transferable embryos; 2nd t o 5 t h treatment: 8.6 CL, 1.9 transferable embryos, P < 0.05). After 19.9% of the treatments large unovulated follicles were observed on the ovaries a t the time of embryo recovery and for 10% some or all of the CL were regressing (Corpora albicans). Oestrus was observed 24 to 5 4 h after sponge removal and this interval affected ovulation rates (24 h: 14.4 CL; 3 0 h: 9.6 CL; 4 8 h 8.6 CL; P < 0.01). 71 and 60.2% of the eggs are fertilized after hand mating or A I respectively. Timing of A I and number of CL influenced the fertilization rate (65.2% f o r A I at the beginning of oestrus us 52.1 % for A I at the end of oestrus, P < 0.05; 66.1% f o r < 15 CL us 48.8% f o r > 15 CL, P < 0.01). The use of laparoscopy has been developed f o r embryo recovery and transfer. The recovery rate is lower (62 us 85%) but each donor can be collected more than 7 times without severe adhesions. After transfer pregnancy rate is higher after surgery (74.4% us 42.5% P < 0.01). Inhalt: Gewinnung, Triefgefrieren und Transfer von Embryonen bei Angora-, Alpenund Saanenziegen A n den genannten Ziegenrassen wurden in verschiedenen Experimenten neuere Methoden zur Gewinnung, Konservierung und Transfer von Embryonen erarbeitet. Zur Superovulationsauslosung wurde pFSH am Ende einer Progestagenbehandlung (45 mg U.S.

Can repeated superovulation and embryo recovery in Boer goats limit donor participation in a MOET programme?

“…This observation contradicts previous findings in goats where repeated superovulation has been recorded to reduce the number of CL's obtained (Nuti et al, 1987;Baril et al, 1989) -especially following the 4 th and 5 th superovulation treatment, as was the case in this study. The lack of differences in the number of CL's induced in this trial may mainly be attributed to an age effect.…”

“…However, limited information is available for indigenous South African goat breeds, like the Boer goat. Repeated superovulation with porcine follicle stimulating hormone (pFSH) in goats has been reported to reduce the number of ovulations and embryos recovered, as well as the number of transferable embryos (Nuti et al, 1987;Baril et al, 1989;Beckers et al, 1990). Similar observations have been reported in other species (Al-Kamali et al, 1985;Bavister et al, 1986).…”

Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

“…Embryos produced in vitro or manipulated in some manner (e.g., biopsied or bisected) usually yield lower pregnancy rates. Under optimal conditions, pregnancy rates obtained after transfer of frozen-thawed in vivo derived embryos is typically 60-70% in cattle 6,7 , 65-75% in sheep 8,9,10,11 , and 60-70% in goats 12,13,14,15 . Similarly, pregnancy rates obtained after transfer of frozen-thawed in vitro produced embryos is typically 40-50% in cattle 6,16 , 25-35% in sheep 17 , and 30-40% in goats 18 .…”

Piglets born after intrauterine laparoscopic embryo transfer

“…Up till now, the routine method of pig embryos transfer was the surgical method, in which access to uterus is obtained after performing 5-10 cm incision in linea alba and taking uterus out of the abdomen. This method has limited application because it is connected with high tissue trauma, long period of wound healing and very high risk of postsurgical complication, mainly massive adhesions in uterus and Fallopian tubes, but also hernias, local abscessus and scars at the place of laparotomy (Baril et al 1989, Tervit 1996, Besenfelder et al 1997, Huang et al 2002. Implementation of laparoscopic method allowed for elimination of limits and complications of the surgical method.…”

“…The atraumatic stabilization of uterus horn is assured, too. According to literature, laparoscopic method allows for shortening of time of the procedure (Nellenschulte and Neimann 1992, McMillan and Hall 1994, Besenfelder et al 1997, it can be performed in form environment (Baldassarre 1999), it allows for multiple procedures in the same donors and recipients (Baril et al 1989, Wieczorek et al 2010, and it is safe for animals because of the minimal dosage and short time of infusion of anesthetic drugs (Rátky et al 2001). It decreases the risk of infectious disease transmission (Bielanski 2012) and costs connected with embryos transfer as well as it lets to obtain genetic material of good quality (Baldassarre et al 1999, Bari et al 2000.…”