1
|
Strohmeyer A, Strohmeyer C, Reischl J, Wallenhorst S, Holtz W. Is the corpus uteri a suitable site for embryo transfer in the pig? Theriogenology 2023; 212:37-40. [PMID: 37689029 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Numerous attempts to establish a practicable means of non-surgical embryo transfer in pigs were unsuccessful until instruments were developed to permit deposition of embryos deep inside a uterine horn. Recently, however, successful non-surgical transfer of embryos to the uterine body in non-sedated recipients has been reported. These reports have prompted us to present data from a study that addresses the question of whether the commonly experienced low pregnancy rates following transfers to the corpus uteri results from the inability of endometrial receptors to recognize the presence of embryos or to the prevailing unfavorable local conditions. Blastocysts were transferred to the corpus uteri of recipients in which maintenance of pregnancy was assured by the transfer of additional embryos to the tip of a uterine horn. Embryos from pigmented and unpigmented donors were used to be able to differentiate between fetuses from embryos transferred to different sites. Fewer fetuses developed from embryos transferred to the corpus uteri than from embryos transferred to the uterine horn. This leads to the conclusion that prolonged retention of blastcysts in the uterine body under conditions inappropriate for their stage of development is responsible for an unsatisfactory pregnancy rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Strohmeyer
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Strohmeyer
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Judith Reischl
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Wallenhorst
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Holtz
- Department of Animal Science, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tu CF, Peng SH, Chuang CK, Wong CH, Yang TS. - Invited Review - Reproductive technologies needed for the generation of precise gene-edited pigs in the pathways from laboratory to farm. Anim Biosci 2023; 36:339-349. [PMID: 36397683 PMCID: PMC9899582 DOI: 10.5713/ab.22.0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing (GE) offers a new breeding technique (NBT) of sustainable value to animal agriculture. There are 3 GE working sites covering 5 feasible pathways to generate GE pigs along with the crucial intervals of GE/genotyping, microinjection/electroporation, induced pluripotent stem cells, somatic cell nuclear transfer, cryopreservation, and nonsurgical embryo transfer. The extension of NBT in the new era of pig breeding depends on the synergistic effect of GE and reproductive biotechnologies; the outcome relies not only on scientific due diligence and operational excellence but also on the feasibility of application on farms to improve sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Fu Tu
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan,Corresponding Author: Ching-Fu Tu, Tel: +886-37-585815, E-mail:
| | - Shu-Hui Peng
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan
| | - Chin-kai Chuang
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hong Wong
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan
| | - Tien-Shuh Yang
- Division of Animal Technology, Animal Technology Research Center, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 30093,
Taiwan,Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan 260007,
Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
París-Oller E, Matás C, Romar R, Lopes JS, Gadea J, Cánovas S, Coy P. Growth analysis and blood profile in piglets born by embryo transfer. Res Vet Sci 2021; 142:43-53. [PMID: 34861454 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), besides solving several reproductive problems, it has also been used as a tool to improve the animal productivity that is required for feeding the human population. One of these techniques, the embryo transfer (ET), has presented limitations in the porcine species, which could constrain its use in the porcine industry. To clarify the potential of this technique, we aimed to compare the impact of using ET or artificial insemination (AI) on the phenotype of the offspring during its first days of age, in terms of growth and blood parameters. At birth, the body weight was higher for ET-females than AI-females, but this difference was no longer observed at day 15. On day 3, it was observed a higher concentration of red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit in females-ET and a higher concentration of white blood cells in both ET-derived piglets (males and females) when compared to AI groups. On day 3, the biochemical analysis showed a higher level of albumin for ET-derived males, and a lower level of bilirubin for ET-females than AI controls. However, all values were within the normal ranges. Our results indicate that piglets derived from ET seem to be phenotypically similar to those born by AI, which provides preliminary evidence that the ET procedure is a safe technique, but additional studies beyond 15 days of life are requested to conclude its global impact. Furthermore, the presented reference values of blood parameters in this species are interesting data for the pig industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne París-Oller
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordana S Lopes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sebastián Cánovas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
París-Oller E, Navarro-Serna S, Soriano-Úbeda C, Lopes JS, Matás C, Ruiz S, Latorre R, López-Albors O, Romar R, Cánovas S, Coy P. Reproductive fluids, used for the in vitro production of pig embryos, result in healthy offspring and avoid aberrant placental expression of PEG3 and LUM. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:32. [PMID: 33583428 PMCID: PMC7883450 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00544-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro embryo production (IVP) and embryo transfer (ET) are two very common assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in human and cattle. However, in pig, the combination of either procedures, or even their use separately, is still considered suboptimal due to the low efficiency of IVP plus the difficulty of performing ET in the long and contorted uterus of the sow. In addition, the potential impact of these two ART on the health of the offspring is unknown. We investigated here if the use of a modified IVP system, with natural reproductive fluids (RF) as supplements to the culture media, combined with a minimally invasive surgery to perform ET, affects the output of the own IVP system as well as the reproductive performance of the mother and placental molecular traits. Results The blastocyst rates obtained by both in vitro systems, conventional (C-IVP) and modified (RF-IVP), were similar. Pregnancy and farrowing rates were also similar. However, when compared to in vivo control (artificial insemination, AI), litter sizes of both IVP groups were lower, while placental efficiency was higher in AI than in RF-IVP. Gene expression studies revealed aberrant expression levels for PEG3 and LUM in placental tissue for C-IVP group when compared to AI, but not for RF-IVP group. Conclusions The use of reproductive fluids as additives for the culture media in pig IVP does not improve reproductive performance of recipient mothers but could mitigate the impact of artificial procedures in the offspring. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-020-00544-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E París-Oller
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - S Navarro-Serna
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - J S Lopes
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Matás
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - S Ruiz
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - R Latorre
- Department of Anatomy and Comparartive Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - O López-Albors
- Department of Anatomy and Comparartive Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - R Romar
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - S Cánovas
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain. .,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
| | - P Coy
- Department of Physiology- Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia - Campus Mare Nostrum, 30100, Murcia, Spain. .,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Navarro-Serna S, Hachem A, Canha-Gouveia A, Hanbashi A, Garrappa G, Lopes JS, París-Oller E, Sarrías-Gil L, Flores-Flores C, Bassett A, Sánchez R, Bermejo-Álvarez P, Matás C, Romar R, Parrington J, Gadea J. Generation of Nonmosaic, Two-Pore Channel 2 Biallelic Knockout Pigs in One Generation by CRISPR-Cas9 Microinjection Before Oocyte Insemination. CRISPR J 2021; 4:132-146. [PMID: 33616447 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2020.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of knockout (KO) mice with defects in the endolysosomal two-pore channels (TPCs) have shown TPCs to be involved in pathophysiological processes, including heart and muscle function, metabolism, immunity, cancer, and viral infection. With the objective of studying TPC2's pathophysiological roles for the first time in a large, more humanlike animal model, TPC2 KO pigs were produced using CRISPR-Cas9. A major problem using CRISPR-Cas9 to edit embryos is mosaicism; thus, we studied for the first time the effect of microinjection timing on mosaicism. Mosaicism was greatly reduced when in vitro produced embryos were microinjected before insemination, and surgical embryo transfer (ET) was performed using such embryos. All TPC2 KO fetuses and piglets born following ET (i.e., F0 generation) were nonmosaic biallelic KOs. The generation of nonmosaic animals greatly facilitates germ line transmission of the mutation, thereby aiding the rapid and efficient generation of KO animal lines for medical research and agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Navarro-Serna
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alaa Hachem
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al Qadisiyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Analuce Canha-Gouveia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ali Hanbashi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gabriela Garrappa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordana S Lopes
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Evelyne París-Oller
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Lucía Sarrías-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cesar Flores-Flores
- Molecular Biology Section, Scientific and Technical Research Area (ACTI), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrew Bassett
- Gene Editing and Cellular Research and Development, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Raul Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - John Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A New Concept in Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Considerable variation in embryo transfer (ET) catheter types, diverging opinions on their quality and functionality, complications following the insertion of catheters, low efficiency of the application of ET methods in humans, and their widely varying efficiency in animals demonstrate the need to improve ET methods and to look for new types of catheters. Such an opportunity is offered by the introduction of catheters made of new-generation biomaterials. This study was aimed to introduce a new generation of biomaterials into reproductive biotechnology. New-generation materials were compared with materials that have been used for many years, and the functionality of newly produced catheters was compared in vivo. Five types of biomaterials were tested: polycaprolactone (PCL), dibutyryl chitin (DBC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polylactide (PLA). The study was carried out in two stages. Firstly, the basic utility parameters such as geometric stability, surface structure and catheter resistance were evaluated. Subsequently, the biocompatibility of selected biomaterials in embryo cultures was examined, and the development potential of the obtained blastocysts was evaluated. In the second stage, in vivo with live animals, the biomaterials were tested for biocompatibility and the obtained catheters were examined for their ET functionality. Efficiency with the use of the newly produced catheters was determined, the quality of the blastocysts obtained after embryo culture in the uterus was assessed, and oviducts were subjected to histopathological examination after embryo transfer. Of the tested biomaterials, only polyethylene (PE) showed adequate biological and material properties and proved suitable for production of ET catheters.
Collapse
|
7
|
Tajima S, Motoyama S, Wakiya Y, Uchikura K, Misawa H, Takishita R, Hirayama Y, Kikuchi K. Piglet production by non-surgical transfer of vitrified embryos, transported to commercial swine farms and warmed on site. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13476. [PMID: 33078458 PMCID: PMC7757198 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns‐ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns‐ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1‐day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns‐ET using recipients with a 1‐day delay and vitrified embryos after one‐step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns‐ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns‐ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns‐ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hiroyasu Misawa
- First development Gr. Section, Misawa Medical Industry Co. Ltd, Kasama, Japan
| | - Rie Takishita
- National Livestock Breeding Center Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki, Kobayashi, Japan
| | - Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Nishishirakawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Parrilla I, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Lucas X, Ferreira-Dias G, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Cuello C, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Blastocyst-Bearing Sows Display a Dominant Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Profile Compared to Cyclic Sows at Day 6 of the Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112028. [PMID: 33158034 PMCID: PMC7692685 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A proper uterine environment is basic for obtaining optimal embryo transfer outputs in domestic species, including the pig. However, scarce information is available about the uterine immune response of recipient (uninseminated) sows when receiving embryos during embryo transfer. Endometrial cytokine profile is among the main factors regulating uterine receptivity to embryos. In this study, using Luminex MAP® technology, we found important differences in the endometrial production in most of the 16 cytokines analyzed between recipient sows and embryo-bearing (inseminated) sows six days after estrus, with a predominant cytokine anti-inflammatory environment in the embryo-bearing endometria. These observations suggest that insemination components and/or early embryos induce an endometrium immune-tolerant cytokine profile at Day 6 of the cycle. The findings could contribute importantly to design strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after embryo transfer in swine. Abstract In the context of porcine embryo transfer (ET) technology, understanding the tightly regulated local uterine immune environment is crucial to achieve an adequate interaction between the transferred embryos and the receiving endometrium. However, information is limited on the uterine immune status of cyclic-recipient sows when receiving embryos during ET. The present study postulated that the anti- and proinflammatory cytokine profile 6 days after the onset of estrus differs between endometria from uninseminated cyclic sows and blastocyst-bearing sows. On Day 6 of the cycle, endometrial explants were collected from sows inseminated or not inseminated during the postweaning estrus and cultured for 22 h. The culture medium was then analyzed for the contents of a total of 16 cytokines using Luminex MAP® technology. The results showed important differences in the endometrial production of most cytokines between the sow categories, with a predominant anti-inflammatory environment displayed by the blastocyst-bearing endometria. These findings suggest that sperm, seminal plasma (SP) and/or early embryos modify the uterine environment by inducing an immune-tolerant cytokine profile already visible at Day 6. Whether the SP or some of its active components may help to develop strategies to maximize the reproductive performance of recipients after ET needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Parrilla
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (J.M.C.); (X.L.); (C.C.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), 30071 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tajima S, Uchikura K, Kurita T, Kikuchi K. Insemination of recipient sows improves the survival to term of vitrified and warmed porcine expanded blastocysts transferred non-surgically. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13453. [PMID: 32926526 PMCID: PMC7539913 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to evaluate reproductive performance after non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of 10–15 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) that had been vitrified and warmed (V/W) using the micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method. The effect of asynchrony between the donor and recipient estrous cycle was investigated. Ns‐ET was conducted in recipients whose estrous cycle was asynchronous to that of donors by a delay of 2, 1, or 0 days. In the 2‐day and 1‐day groups, the similar farrowing rates (27.3% and 25.0%) and survival rates to term (13.9% and 15.7%) were obtained after Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs. None of the recipients in 0‐day group farrowed. Artificial insemination (AI) prior to Ns‐ET was then evaluated. Ten–15 V/W ExBs were transferred non‐surgically to 12 recipients whose estrous cycles were asynchronous to that of donors by a 2‐day delay. All of the recipients produced piglets, and all (100.0%) delivered piglets were derived from the transferred V/W ExBs. The survival rate of V/W ExBs to term was 25.2%. These results demonstrate that Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs using MVAC can facilitate piglet production, even if 10–15 embryos are transferred. Moreover, piglets were obtained stably when AI was performed prior to Ns‐ET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hirayama Y, Takishita R, Misawa H, Kikuchi K, Misumi K, Egawa S, Motoyama S, Hasuta Y, Nakamura Y, Hashiyada Y. Non-surgical transfer of vitrified porcine embryos using a catheter designed for a proximal site of the uterus. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13457. [PMID: 32959472 PMCID: PMC7757184 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the efficiency of non‐surgical embryo transfer (ET) using a newly developed catheter, which enables transferring embryos into a proximal site of the uterus (mostly uterine body), and surgical ET of vitrified porcine embryos. In Experiment 1, the catheter was inserted into 12 gilts, with each half of the group allocated to skilled or novice operators. The time required for insertion into the uterus did not differ between skilled and novice operators (4 min 9 s and 4 min 6 s, respectively). In Experiment 2, 12 gilts were used as recipients for non‐surgical and surgical ET with vitrified embryos (n = 6, each). There was no significant difference in the rate of piglet production based on the number of transferred embryos between surgical and non‐surgical ET (25.8% vs. 15.4%, p = .098). The results suggest that non‐surgical ET catheter allowed for easy insertion and transfer of embryos without special training. Although the catheter is effective for deposition of embryos into the proximal site of uterus, the efficiency of piglet production is not enhanced compared with surgical ET. The ET method using this catheter, being labor‐saving and less‐invasive, may contribute to the improvement of ET in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Hirayama
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Rie Takishita
- National Livestock Breeding Center Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Misawa
- First development Gr. Section, Misawa Medical Industry Co., Ltd, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization), Ibaraki, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Koji Misumi
- National Livestock Breeding Center Miyazaki Station, Miyazaki, Japan.,Department of Animal Science and Resources, Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sachiko Egawa
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Yasunobu Hasuta
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Hashiyada
- Department of Planning and Coordination, National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Bioproduction Science, Faculty of Bioresources, and Environmental Sciences, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Ishikawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martinez EA, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Maside C, Lucas X, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Parrilla I, Cuello C. Achievements and future perspectives of embryo transfer technology in pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 54 Suppl 4:4-13. [PMID: 31625238 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Commercial embryo transfer (ET) has unprecedented productive and economic implications for the pig sector. However, pig ET has been considered utopian for decades mainly because of the requirements of surgical techniques for embryo collection and embryo deposition into recipients, alongside challenges to preserve embryos. This situation has drastically changed in the last decade since the current technology allows non-surgical ET and short- and long-term embryo preservation. Here, we provide a brief review of the improvements in porcine ET achieved by our laboratory in the past 20 years. This review includes several aspects of non-surgical ET technology and different issues affecting ET programmes and embryo preservation systems. The future perspectives of ET technology are also considered. We will refer only to embryos produced in vivo since they are the only type of embryos with possible short-term use in pig production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carolina Maside
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Maria Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Maria Antonia Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Roca J, Vazquez JL, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Prevention of hatching of porcine morulae and blastocysts by liquid storage at 20 °C. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6219. [PMID: 30996298 PMCID: PMC6470143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is the ideal method for long-lasting storage of porcine embryos. However, both strict airline regulations for transport of liquid nitrogen dewars and the technical problems experienced when vitrified embryos are transferred using non-surgical procedures have led to the introduction of alternative storage methods, such as preserving embryos in liquid state. This study evaluated whether a pH-stable medium containing high concentrations of either foetal calf serum (FCS; 50%) or BSA (4%) combined with storage at temperatures of 17 °C or 20 °C maintained in vivo-derived morulae and blastocysts alive and unhatched (a sanitary requirement for embryo transportation) during 72 h of storage. Neither FCS nor BSA supplements were able to counteract the negative effect of low temperatures (17 °C) on embryonic survival after storage. At 20 °C, the protective effect of FCS or BSA depended on embryo stage. While FCS successfully arrested embryo development of only blastocysts, BSA arrested the development of both morulae and blastocysts. Over 80% of BSA arrested embryos restarted development by conventional culture and progressed to further embryonic stages, including hatching. In conclusion, porcine morulae and blastocysts can survive and remain unhatched during at least 72 h when stored at 20 °C in a BSA-containing medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Nohalez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Surgical embryo collection but not nonsurgical embryo transfer compromises postintervention prolificacy in sows. Theriogenology 2016; 87:316-320. [PMID: 27707545 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in nonsurgical deep uterine (NsDU) embryo transfer (ET) technology allow the noninvasive transfer of porcine embryos into recipients, overcoming the most important impediment for commercial ET in this species. Although many factors in the porcine ET-field have been recently evaluated, many others remain to be explored. We investigated here the future reproductive performance of donors and recipients after artificial insemination subsequent to the default surgical embryo recovery approach and to the NsDU-ET procedure, respectively. Although surgical embryo collection did not influence subsequent farrowing rates (90.5%), litter size decreased severely (8.9 ± 0.8 piglets) compared to presurgery (10.8 ± 0.3 piglets) and control group (10.7 ± 0.3 piglets). In contrast, NsDU-ETs did neither affect fertility nor prolificacy of recipients in the cycle subsequent to ET, regardless of whether they were pregnant after NsDU-ET or not. These results indicate that while the surgical embryo collection procedure compromises the reproductive future of donor sows, the NsDU-ET approach does not affect the reproductive potential of the recipients after reintroduction to the breeding stock of the farm. Further research is thus needed to improve surgical embryo collection.
Collapse
|
14
|
Martinez EA, Nohalez A, Martinez CA, Parrilla I, Vila J, Colina I, Diaz M, Reixach J, Vazquez JL, Roca J, Cuello C, Gil MA. The Recipients' Parity Does Not Influence Their Reproductive Performance Following Non-Surgical Deep Uterine Porcine Embryo Transfer. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 51:123-9. [PMID: 26661993 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
With the development of the non-surgical deep uterine (NsDU) embryo transfer (ET) technology, the commercial applicability of ET in pigs is now possible. There are, nevertheless, many factors that influence NsDU-ET effectiveness that need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the weaned recipients' parity on fertility and prolificacy following NsDU-ET. The recipients (n = 120) were selected based on their reproductive history and body condition and grouped into three categories according to their parity: primiparous sows, sows of parity 2 and sows of parities from 3 to 5. Thirty fresh embryos (morulae and unhatched blastocysts) were non-surgically transferred into one uterine horn of each recipient. It was possible to insert the NsDU-ET catheter through the cervix along a uterine horn in 98.3% of the recipients. The parity had no influence on the difficulty grade of the insertions or on the percentage of correct insertions. The cervix and uterine wall were not perforated during the insertions, and vaginal discharge was not observed after transfer in any of the recipients. There were no differences in the pregnancy rates (74.8%), farrowing rates (71.2%) or litter sizes (9.6 ± 3.3) between groups. Also, there were no differences between groups regarding to the piglets' birthweights or piglet production efficiency. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that weaned sows from parity 1 to 5 are appropriate to be used as recipients in NsDU-ET programs, which increase the possibilities for the utilization of ET in the recipient farms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Nohalez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - I Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Vila
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - I Colina
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - M Diaz
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - J Reixach
- Department of Research and Development, Selección Batallé S.A., Girona, Spain
| | - J L Vazquez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - J Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Cuello
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - M A Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Martinez EA, Cuello C, Parrilla I, Martinez CA, Nohalez A, Vazquez JL, Vazquez JM, Roca J, Gil MA. Recent advances toward the practical application of embryo transfer in pigs. Theriogenology 2015; 85:152-61. [PMID: 26164803 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Porcine embryo transfer (ET) technology has been in demand for decades because of its potential to provide considerable improvements in pig production with important sanitary, economic, and animal welfare benefits. Despite these advantages, the commercial use of ET is practically nonexistent. However, the two main obstacles hindering the commercial use of ET in pigs in the past several decades (i.e., surgical transfer and embryo preservation) have recently been overcome. A technique for nonsurgical deep-uterine (NsDU) ET of nonsedated gilts and sows, which was seemingly an impossible challenge just a few years ago, is a reality today. The improvements in embryo preservation that have been achieved in recent years and the excellent reproductive performance of the recipients after the NsDU-ET technique coupled with short-term and long-term-stored embryos represent essential progress for the international trade of porcine embryos and the practical use of ET by the pig industry. This review focuses, with an emphasis on our own findings, on the recent advances in embryo preservation and NsDU-ET technologies, which are starting to show potential for application under field conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Nohalez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan M Vazquez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nonsurgical deep uterine transfer of vitrified, in vivo-derived, porcine embryos is as effective as the default surgical approach. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10587. [PMID: 26030839 PMCID: PMC4450750 DOI: 10.1038/srep10587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical procedures are prevalent in porcine embryo transfer (ET) programs, where the use of vitrified embryos is quasi non-existent. This study compared the effectiveness of surgical vs nonsurgical deep uterine (NsDU) ET using vitrified, in vivo-derived embryos (morulae and blastocysts) on the reproductive performance and welfare of the recipients. The recipient sows (n=122) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: surgical ET with 30 vitrified-warmed embryos (S-30 group, control); NsDU-ET with 30 vitrified-warmed embryos (NsDU-30 group) and NsDU-ET with 40 vitrified-warmed embryos (NsDU-40 group). Regardless of embryo stage, the NsDU-ET with 40 embryos presented similar rates of farrowing (72.7%) and litter size (9.9 ± 2.1 piglets) as the customary surgical procedure (75.0% and 9.6 ± 2.7 piglets). Numbers of ET-embryos appeared relevant, since the NsDU-ET with 30 embryos resulted in a decrease (P<0.05) in farrowing rates (38.9%) and litter sizes (5.7 ± 2.4 piglets). In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that farrowing rate and litter size following a NsDU-ET procedure increase in function of a larger number of transferred vitrified embryos, with fertility equalizing that obtained with the invasive surgical approach. The results open new possibilities for the widespread use of non-invasive ET in pigs.
Collapse
|