Advances in In Vitro Fertilization for Farm Animal Breeding: Challenges and Applications

In assisted reproduction, particularly in farm animals, the process of embryo donation involves both in vivo and in vitro fertilization techniques. Most donors undergo insemination, where fertilization occurs naturally within the body (in vivo). However, with in vitro fertilization (IVF), sperm are combined with oocytes in a controlled laboratory environment, typically in a test tube or petri dish. This method includes in vitro maturation, fertilization, and culture as integral steps, ensuring the development of embryos outside the body before they are implanted.

IVF has been successfully employed across various farm animals, with cattle being the primary focus due to their economic importance. Interestingly, while IVF is widely applied in cattle, it presents significant challenges in horses, limiting its commercial viability in equine breeding. In cattle, especially those facing infertility issues, IVF has become a crucial tool, enhancing reproductive outcomes that would otherwise be unattainable.

To retrieve oocytes from cows, a long needle is inserted through the vaginal wall into the ovary, a procedure that mirrors the process used in human IVF. This method is guided by ultrasonography, allowing precise aspiration of oocytes from the ovarian follicles. An alternative approach involves sourcing oocytes from slaughterhouse ovaries. This method is particularly valuable for research purposes, specific export markets, and breeding dairy cattle in environments where heat stress can impair natural reproductive processes.

Overall, IVF has revolutionized cattle breeding, offering solutions to infertility and enabling successful reproduction in challenging conditions. While its application in horses remains limited, ongoing research continues to explore ways to overcome the unique challenges presented by equine reproductive biology.
Advances in In Vitro Fertilization for Farm Animal Breeding: Challenges and Applications