Ovum Pick up and In Vitro Embryo Production in Boran and Crossbred Dairy Cattle

Abstract

This study was conducted to study the potential of Boran (Bos indicus) and Boran * Holstein Friesian Crossbred cows for non-stimulated transvaginal oocyte collections and in vitro embryo production. Follicular aspirations were done using a vacuum pressure pump and Aloka SSD Prosound-2 ultrasound device. 266 aspirations were made in Boran (n=148) and Crossbred (n=118) cattle. The mean number of punctured follicles for combined collections was 7.68 ± 0.4 for both genotypes. The mean number of recovered oocytes for all collections was 2.98 ± 0.2 for both genotypes. The mean number of punctured follicles was 7.27 ± 0.4 and 8.22 ±. 0.44 for Boran and Crossbred cattle, respectively. The mean number of recovered oocytes was 2.65 ± 0.22 and 3.42 ± 0.26 for Boran and Crossbred cattle, respectively. Differences were observed (p<0.05) in the mean number of punctured follicles and recovered oocytes between the genotypes. The oocyte recovery rate for the total puncture sessions were 45.8%. There was no difference between the breeds regarding the number of quality oocytes collected. Higher numbers (p<0.001) of GIII oocytes were collected in all aspirations compared to GI and GII quality oocytes. The maturation rate of Boran and Crossbred cattle oocytes was 51.65% (47/91) and 56.8% (50/88), respectively. Cleavage rate of Boran and Crossbred cattle oocytes was 40.7% (37/91) and 31.8% (28/88), respectively. There was no difference (p>0.05) in maturation and cleavage rate of oocytes between the genotypes. A total of 21.5% (14/65) of cleaved oocytes developed to morula stage embryos from both genotypes. Relatively similar patterns were observed in maturation process and embryo development between Boran and Crossbred cattle oocytes. OPU/IVF procedures could be used in local and crossbred heifers as an alternative breeders technology options in animal breeding programs to best exploit the genetic potential of local and exotic breeds.