In Vitro Development of Cattle Embryo as Affected By Glucose, Serum and EDTA

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different modifications of sequential synthetic oviductal_fluid (SOF) culture system on developmental competence of in vitro matured/fertilized cattle embryos. Materials and Methods: Bovine oocytes were matured and fertilized in vitro and then presumptive zygotes were randomly cultured for up to 9 days in different modifications of SOF culture system to consider the effects of glucose, serum and EDTA on embryo development. Results: All the embryo culture systems were efficient to support bovine embryo development till blastocyst stage. There was no significant difference in the ratios of embryos; however, the ratios of blastocyst and also hatchability of embryos cultured in SOF C (51.3%, 43.0% and 83.8%, respectively) were significantly higher than those of all the other SOF groups. Furthermore, while glucose had a partial improving effect on embryo development, a significant decrease in embryo development beyond the morula stage was observed in embryos cultured in SOF system with initial supplementation of EDTA compared with all the other groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that appropriate modifications of SOF culture systems can result insignificantly great in vitro embryo development.