Journal of Animal Science and Technology

Korean Society of Animal Sciences and Technology (한국축산학회)
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Sex ratio and conception rates of fresh/vitrified embryos at different developmental stages by ovum pick up in Hanwoo cows

  • Jihyun Park (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Seonggyu Bang (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Wonyou Lee (Lartbio Ltd.) ;
  • Kilyoung Song (Lartbio Ltd.) ;
  • Miyun Park (Lartbio Ltd.) ;
  • Junseo Chung (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University) ;
  • Islam M. Saadeldin (Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre) ;
  • Sanghoon Lee (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University) ;
  • Junkoo Yi (School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University) ;
  • Jongki Cho (College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University)
  • Received : 2023.08.17
  • Accepted : 2023.09.13
  • Published : 2024.09.30
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Abstract

Embryo transfer plays a crucial role in enhancing the breeding value of livestock; it has been applied in Hanwoo cattle, which is a popular breed for beef production in Korea. Both in vivo-derived (IVD) and in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos are used for this purpose; however, IVP embryos have been preferred recently owing to advancements in ovum pick-up (OPU) technology and genomic selection. Despite technological advancements, comprehensive data on large-scale OPU/IVEP/embryo transfer in Hanwoo cows are lacking. In this study, 16 elite Hanwoo donor cows were selected on the basis of specific criteria. Oocytes were retrieved from 241 cows using OPU. The collected cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured, fertilized, and cultured in vitro to produce transferable embryos. Embryos were classified according to their developmental stage and then transferred to 675 recipient cows. A total of 3,317 COCs were collected, with an average of 13.76 COCs per cow. The number of transferable embryos produced per cow was 3.7. Hanwoo OPU-derived IVP embryos exhibited a higher production yield than the global average, indicating a stable IVEP environment. Both fresh and frozen IVP embryos yielded similar conception rates; hence, the use of vitrified-thawed embryos in transfer plans feasible. However, frozen-thawed embryos at Stage 7 had a lower conception rate than those at earlier stages. There was no significant difference between the conception rates of sexually mature heifers and postpartum cows used as recipients. The male-to-female offspring ratio increased as the developmental stage progressed. Seasonal effects on conception rates were not observed; however, higher abortion rates and a higher proportion of male offspring were observed during winter. This study provides valuable data for the Korean embryo transfer industry, enabling more strategic growth of the domestic Hanwoo embryo industry.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (IPET) through Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Convergence Technologies Program for Educating Creative Global Leader, funded by Ministry Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA)(120011-022).

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