ART - Bovine ET Flashcards
Define embryo transfer.
Embryo transfer is a set of procedures where embryos are produced and collected from a donor and transferred into recipients which will cary the pregnancy to term
What are the advantages to embryo transfer?
Increase number of offspring from superior females
Faster genetic improvement
Obtain offspring from old or injured animals incapable of breeding or calving naturally
Increase farm income through embryo sales
Disease control
Import and export embryos easier than live animals
Conservation of genetic material
What are the steps involved in embryo transfer?
- Donor selection
- Recipient selection
- Estrus synchronization of donor and recipient
- Superovulation of donor
- Artificial Insemination of Donor
- Embryo Recovery
- Evaluation of Embryos
- Transfer of embryos/Cryopreservation of embryo
- Micromanipulation
What is the basic principle of superovulation of the donor cow?
To stimulate extensive follicular development through the use of gonadotropic hormones which is given intramuscularly to induce ovulation of multiple oocytes instead of one
What is the only FDA approved product in this country for superovulation?
Folltropin (follicle stimulating hormone - procine origin)
When is the best time for superovualtion?
For optimum response, gonadotropin treatment is initiated during mid-luteal phase (days 9-12) of a normal estrous cycle
How often can donor cows be superovulated?
In 6-8 week intervals
Why is it important to superovulate around day 9-12 of the estrous cycle?
Because there will be a new wave forming - we want to catch it at the beginning of the follicular wave so we can initiate superovulation
What should be done prior to giving an epidural?
the area should be clipped and scrubbed using an alcohol scrub until clean
How do you prep the donor for AI of the donor?
Wipe the perineal region clean with water or a wet paper towel and secure the tail off to the side
What should you avoid when clenaing the perineal region of the donor?
Avoid using disinfectants, soaps, or harsh chemicals to prevent contamination (spermicidal and embryocidal)
What equipment is used for embryo recovery?
Catheter and stylet, flushing media, Y-junction tubung, and filter
What are the two methods that an embryo can be collected by?
Closed system or gravity flow method and open system or syringe method
What are the two catheter placements that an embryo can be collected by?
Horn flush and body flush
What is the first step for all embryo recoveries?
A metal sylet is inserted into the catheter and the catheter and stylet are advanced through the cervix into the uterus
Describe the closed system or gravity flow method of embryo recovery.
A foley catheter is placed in the uterine horn or body. The cuff is located about 2 inches from the tip of the catheter is inflated to prevent media from escaping the cervix. The stylet is then removed from the catheter. The flushing media bag is placed higher than the cow to allow for gravity flow. The Y-junction tubing is connected to the catheter, media bag, and filter. The clamp is opened to let flushing media to flow in. When the uterus feels full, the clam can be closed (IN) and outflow (OUT) clamp can be opened. During this process, the uterus is massaged to remove all media containing embryos. The process is repeated 5-7 times per horn.
Describe the open flush or syringe flush method of embryo recovery.
60 mL catheter tip syringes with flushing media is connected to the catheter already in place. Media is flushed through the catheter into the uterine horn and the syring is pulled back. The uterine horn is massaged to recover all media. Media from the syring is then filtered.
How is a horn flush done?
A foley catheter is placed a couple of inches passing the external bifurcation. The cuff is inflated in the horn to secure the catheter in place and to prevent media from escaping.
What are the advantages of the horn flush?
Easier to recover the fluid. Less change of leaving embryos behind. Uses less flushing media
What are the disadvantages of the horn flush?
Slower procedure
How is a body flush done?
Foley catheter tip is placed a couple of inches past the cervix. The cuff is inflated in the body. Both sides should fill with flushing media.