Intraspecific and interspecific embryo transfer in domestic South American camelids is developing into a well-established technique. Reports reveal many benefits of using reproductive biotechnologies to allow rapid propagation of alpacas and llamas of high genetic merit (e.g., high fiber quality, preserve color variation). The objective of this review is to provide up-to-date information about ...

Prefertilization mechanisms influencing selfing rates are thought to be absent in conifers. Outcrossing in conifers is promoted via an embryo-lethal system, but the genetic mechanism is poorly understood. This study is the first experimental profile of the genetic mechanism promoting outcrossing in conifers. Molecular dissection of a Pinus taeda L. selfed pedigree detected a chromosomal region ...

In contrast to IVF, in ICSI the surrounding cumulus and corona cells must be removed completely, as only denuded oocytes can be successfully manipulated by the holding pipette. This ancillary effect of ICSI allows us to focus on the morphology of preimplantation development from the earliest stages. Early prognosis regarding the developmental fate of oocytes would help to limit a negative impac...

BACKGROUND Single embryo transfers (SETs) require the most viable embryo from a cohort to be selected. Day 4 embryos may provide a selection advantage similar to blastocyst transfer as embryos are replaced post-embryonic genome activation and into the uterus where they would normally reside. However, there is currently no adequate morphological system to assess Day 4 embryos. Therefore, we deve...

Article info: Received: 9 November 2012 In revised form: 29 November 2012 Accepted: 30 November 2012 ABSTRACT Optimization of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has become the main goal of contemporary reproductive medicine. The main aspiration of scientists working in the field is to use less intervention to achieve more, and, if possible, in a more cost-effective way. A number of direct...

Embryo selection has been based on developmental and morphological characteristics. However, the presence of an important intra-and inter-observer variability in the microscopic evaluation of standard scoring system (SSS) has been reported. A golden standard for selection of embryos on day 3 is currently lacking. New technology using multilevel images combined with a computerassisted scoring sy...

The selection of the recipient mare is one most important factors involved in success equine embryo transfer. aim this study was to determine whether age recipient, number transfers and detection intrauterine fluid during follicular phase or after ovulation can affect pregnancy rate at 14 45 days (PR PR 45) early embryonic loss (EEL). A total 1222 ETs were included study. Mares receiving first ...

BACKGROUND A biochemical marker for embryo development would increase the chance of a successful pregnancy with IVF by optimizing oocyte and embryo selection, and allow fewer embryos to be transferred. In this study, we correlated cumulus granulosa cell gene expression of hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2; PTGS2) and gremlin (GREM1) with subsequent embryo development in ...

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the pregnancy and birth rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts are still low. Recently, apoptotic markers have been suggested as new criteria for oocyte and embryo quality selection. Many studies have provided evidence that poor oocyte and embryo quality can be associated with apoptosis. The aim of this review is to summarize our current...