J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1987. 65:756-761.
© 1987 American Society of Animal Science
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Transfer of Bovine Demi-Embryos with and without the Zona Pellucida1

S. J. Warfield, G. E. Seidel, Jr. and R. P. Elsden

Colorado State University2, Fort Collins 80523

Abstract

Bisected bovine embryos with or without the zona pellucida were transferred to recipients nonsurgically in five field trials. Embryos were collected from superovulated donors 6.5 to 7.5 d after estrus; only embryos of good and excellent quality were bisected. Demi-embryos were transferred either within a zona pellucida, without a zona pellucida, or in the third and fourth trials, without a zona but embedded in 7% gelatin. Pregnancies were diagnosed at 44 to 68 d of gestation. In a preliminary trial, 9/29 zona pellucida-intact demi-embryos developed into fetuses compared with 1/10 zona pellucida-free demi-embryos (P>.1). The proportion of zona-free demi-embryos developing to fetuses was not significantly different from the zona-intact group in the second trial either, 24/49 and 5/19, respectively. In trial 3, the proportion of zona pellucida-free demi-embryos developing was 8/25; of zona-enclosed embryos, 29/88; and of zona-free demi-embryos embedded in gelatin, 8/22 (P>. 1). Similarly, in the fourth trial the rate of development of zona-free demi-embryos to fetuses was 5/12, that of zona-enclosed embryos was 32/81, and that of zona-free demi-embryos embedded in gelatin was 3/12 (P>.1). In trial 5, survival of zona-enclosed demi-embryos to fetuses was 40/105, and of zona-free demi-embryos, 46/109 (P>.1). Except for trial 2, half of the demi-embryos were twinned, one to each uterine horn; twinning did not significantly affect the proportion developing to fetuses for any of the demi-embryo groups. It is concluded that placing post-compaction demi-embryos into the zona pellucida for transfer does not improve pregnancy rates significantly.

Footnotes

1 We acknowledge the excellent technical assistance of J. Anderson, Z. Brink, G. D. Farrand, T. Takeda and of K. G. Odde and his students for estrous synchronization and management of recipients in trials 2 and 4. We also acknowledge help of staff at Judson Cattle Co. in trials 1, 3 and 5. This work was supported by the Colorado State Univ. Exp. Sta. through Regional Project W-112, Reproduction in Beef Cattle and Sheep. Lutalyse was generously donated by the Upjohn Co. and Syncro-Mate B by Ceva Lab. Semen for trial 1 was donated by American Breeders Service.

2 Anim. Reprod. Lab.

3 Lutalyse, Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI.






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Copyright © 1987 by the American Society of Animal Science.