Uncomplicating the
In vitro embryo production
The in vitro production of bovine embryos (IVP) is a crucial technique with a great impact on the assisted reproduction of cattle. It is a robust tool that requires highly trained professionals, inputs and proven technologies to achieve good results. This technique has several steps and professionals involved, so it is crucial to pay attention when choosing them. In a simplified way, let's uncomplicate the steps of this process:
01
OPU
Oocyte collection by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration (OPU - ovum pickup) is carried out on the breeders' farm or in donor centers, where the donor is prepared to ensure its comfort and safety during the procedure. The procedure is carried out by a specialized veterinarian, using various equipment. Ultrasound is used to visualize the ovarian follicles, in which oocytes are present. An aspiration needle is then inserted into the ovary to gently aspirate the follicular fluid containing the oocytes, with the aid of a vacuum pump to ensure optimal aspiration pressure.
02
SELECTION OF OOCYTES
After OPU, still on the farm, the follicular fluid is processed, washed and oocytes are selected. This step requires a trained technician to search, separate and classify the structures obtained through the OPU. Once the process is complete, the selected oocytes are placed in tubes containing an ideal culture medium for nutrition of the structures and stored in the oocyte carrier until they reach the laboratory.
03
IVM
In vitro maturation (IVM): this process starts from the OPU and selection of oocytes, when they are placed in tubes, with an ideal culture medium for their correct development. As in IVP we do not use hormones for superovulation of donors, only oocytes that are still immature are collected, that is, those that are not ready to be fertilized, which is why it is necessary to perform IVM. From the moment the tubes arrive at the laboratory, all procedures are carried out internally until the embryo is formed.
04
IVF
After IVM, the oocytes are ready to be fertilized, this process is called in vitro fertilization (IVF). At this point, we prepare the semen, whether conventional or sexed, by thawing and capacitating, and then placing them in contact with the oocytes so that fertilization can occur. At this stage it is also crucial to use culture media that guarantee the safety and efficiency of the procedure.
05
IVC
After IVF, we carry out the in vitro culture process (IVC), where we discard the sperm used in the previous stage, as they have already fulfilled their role. We select the structures that have been fertilized and place them in a complete culture medium, rich in nutrients, that allows the embryo to fully develop. This stage lasts 7 days and, when finished, we have embryos ready to be transferred to recipients or frozen.
06
ET
Fresh embryo transfer (ET) is performed after completion of the IVC process. Still in the laboratory, using appropriate culture media for this stage, we load the embryos in transfer straws so that they can be taken to the location where the recipients are previously prepared to receive them.
At this stage, the embryos leave the laboratory and are transferred directly to the recipient. This process takes place on the breeders' farm or in recipient centers and must be carried out by a qualified veterinarian.
07
CRYOPRESERVATION
It is a bold tool that has been widely used, as it offers versatility in the use of embryos produced in the laboratory. Cryopreservation allows embryos to be stored for an indefinite period of time, that is, it is not necessary to transfer them to recipients immediately after IVC.
This technology further increases the possibilities of use and the benefits of working with embryos. It allows you to sell embryos to distant locations inside and outside the country, plan the reproductive calendar to concentrate embryo transfers according to the property's needs, have an embryo bank for when you need to transfer them to already synchronized recipients, avoiding loss of this protocol.
This possibility has revolutionized the market and, despite being highly desired, there are few laboratories that have this technology available. At COLAB GENETICS , this technology is already a reality, as we have bold cryopreservation tools that are widely consolidated. We highlight the technique of freezing embryos for direct transfer (direct transfer – DT) , which is the most sought after on the market. In addition to adding value and allowing the export of embryos, it facilitates the work carried out in the farm during transfer, as the frozen embryo is stored in the liquid nitrogen cylinder and is thawed and transferred directly to the recipient, without the need for extra procedures and manipulations.