Advancing bovine in vitro embryo production towards more viable embryos
In vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos has become a cornerstone of modern cattle breeding. The number of IVP cattle embryos recorded worldwide has been increasing continuously since 2012, at an average rate of +14.8% per year. In this species, the number of IVP is now over than fivefold greater than in vivo derived (IVD) embryos [1]. However, embryos developed in vitro often exhibit lower viability compared to their in vivo counterparts. This discrepancy is largely attributed to suboptimal culture conditions that fail to replicate the natural embryonic environment [2].
Follicular fluid (FF) provides the natural environment for oocyte maturation in vivo. It is reasonable to think that some biochemical characteristics of the FF surrounding the oocyte may play a critical role in determining oocyte quality and the subsequent potential to achieve fertilization and embryo development. Thus, supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) media with FF may enhance the developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
Recent studies highlight the potential of bovine FF supplementation in enhancing cumulus expansion, embryonic cell counts, and developmental kinetics, suggesting improved cytoplasmic maturation and blastocyst quality [3, 4].
Mammalian preimplantation embryos demonstrate remarkable metabolic adaptability, allowing them to reach the blastocyst stage in various culture media. Yet, this adaptability can mask underlying stress responses, potentially compromising embryo quality, cryotolerance, and implantation success [2].
The evolution of culture media has seen significant milestones, moving from simple formulations to more complex, defined media. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in mimicking the in vivo environment to support optimal embryonic development.
Most commercially available IVP media are supplied in liquid form, requiring cold-chain logistics, which limit shelf life and increase transportation costs. Lyophilization presents a viable alternative, offering extended shelf life and stability without compromising media efficacy. Freeze-drying or lyophilisation is a technology commonly employed for food, vaccines, and biomaterials preservation [5].
Together with EmbryoCloud, Minitube is setting a new standard in bovine IVP by introducing the first lyophilized media set. The NatureARTs IVP media, containing bovine follicular fluid, aim to more closely mimic physiological conditions, potentially improving embryo quality.
By aligning culture media more closely with the physiological conditions of natural embryonic development, the livestock industry can achieve higher success rates in embryo transfer, increased genetic gains, and a more sustainable approach to cattle breeding.
References:
Follicular fluid (FF) provides the natural environment for oocyte maturation in vivo. It is reasonable to think that some biochemical characteristics of the FF surrounding the oocyte may play a critical role in determining oocyte quality and the subsequent potential to achieve fertilization and embryo development. Thus, supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) media with FF may enhance the developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
Recent studies highlight the potential of bovine FF supplementation in enhancing cumulus expansion, embryonic cell counts, and developmental kinetics, suggesting improved cytoplasmic maturation and blastocyst quality [3, 4].
Mammalian preimplantation embryos demonstrate remarkable metabolic adaptability, allowing them to reach the blastocyst stage in various culture media. Yet, this adaptability can mask underlying stress responses, potentially compromising embryo quality, cryotolerance, and implantation success [2].
The evolution of culture media has seen significant milestones, moving from simple formulations to more complex, defined media. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in mimicking the in vivo environment to support optimal embryonic development.
Most commercially available IVP media are supplied in liquid form, requiring cold-chain logistics, which limit shelf life and increase transportation costs. Lyophilization presents a viable alternative, offering extended shelf life and stability without compromising media efficacy. Freeze-drying or lyophilisation is a technology commonly employed for food, vaccines, and biomaterials preservation [5].
Together with EmbryoCloud, Minitube is setting a new standard in bovine IVP by introducing the first lyophilized media set. The NatureARTs IVP media, containing bovine follicular fluid, aim to more closely mimic physiological conditions, potentially improving embryo quality.
By aligning culture media more closely with the physiological conditions of natural embryonic development, the livestock industry can achieve higher success rates in embryo transfer, increased genetic gains, and a more sustainable approach to cattle breeding.
Tamas Vass, Minitube
References:
- IETS 2023 Statistics of embryo production and transfer in domestic farm animals. Embryo Technology Newsletter v. 43, n. 4, 2024
- R.L. Krisher, J.R. Herrick. Bovine embryo production in vitro: evolution of culture media and commercial perspectives. Anim Reprod. 2024;21(3)
- N. Azari‐Dolatabad , A. Raes , K. Chaitanya Pavani, A. Asaadi, D. Angel Velez, J. LMR Leroy, A. Van Soom, O. Bogado Pascottini. Follicular fluid supplementation during bovine oocyte maturation in vitro improves blastocyst development and quality in an individual culture system. Anim Reprod. 2020;17(3)
- J. Sena Lopes, A. Canha-Gouveia, E. París-Oller, P. Coy. Supplementation of bovine follicular fluid during in vitro maturation increases oocyte cumulus expansion, blastocyst developmental kinetics, and blastocyst cell number. Theriogenology Volume 126, 2019, 222-229
- J. Romero-Aguirregomezcorta, R. Belda, S. Heras, R. Romar and P. Coy. Safety and effectiveness of a lyophilised, ready-to-use, bovine in vitro maturation medium. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 35(2), 2022, 176-176
