Background: Motile sperm is essential for successful embryo production. The aim of the present study was to compare the in vitro embryo development following isolation of Ram epididymal sperm isolation by swim up (SP) or Histoprep® continuous gradient (HP). Materials and Methods: Ram testes-epididymis were provided from the local slaughterhouse and transported to the lab. Sperms were recovered ...

Embryo transfer is an important technology to improve and increase the high genetic value cattle in a short period in both daily and beef industries. This manuscript discussed current status of embryo transfer technologies in Japan and the world. The conception rates of embryo transfer both in fresh and frozen embryos were stable last two decades in Japan. Therefore, embryo transfer in Japan is...

The success rate of embryo production critically depends on several factors. One of the pivotal factors is a technique used for the whole procedure of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro embryo culture (IVC) (1, 2). Besides the technique selected for IVF / in vitro embryo production (IVEP), there is an important consideration called IVF/IVEP culture dishes disin...

Bovine oocytes were matured, fertilized, and cultured FCM 199 with serum and co-culture) in vitro (IVMFC) with addition, during different phases of the procedure, of antioxidants: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). The addition of SOD (1,500 or 3,000 IU/ml) did not improve proportions of oocytes undergoing cleavage or the development of embryos to morula and blastocyst st...

This paper reviews the technical bases of in vitro embryo production in small ruminants with special attention to the results obtained by our group in Northeastern Brazil. The laparoscopic oocyte recovery in hormonally treated live animals indicates a promising future for the application of this technique to genetic improvement program. New molecular biology tools should provide information to ...