Development of laparoscopic oocyte technology in sheep
https://doi.org/10.25687/3034-493X.2025.2.1.004
Abstract
Obtaining in vitro embryos (IVP-embryos) by using oocytes obtained by ultrasound-assisted follicle puncture is a widely used practice in the current bovine genetic improvement system. The number of IVP- embryos has increased significantly over the past 10 years, exceeding 1521.0 thousand in 2021. The share of IVP embryos in total production has increased from 39.5% to 79.7% in 2021. This demonstrates the superiority of IVP over the traditional MOET method for cattle. MOET technology was introduced into sheep production practices more than two decades ago. However, high individual differences between donors in superovulation response and variability in the efficiency of embryo retrieval and transplantation methods (22% to 80%) have been limiting factors for widespread use of this technology. In the 1990s, techniques for obtaining IVP embryos from ewes were optimized and are still being used successfully with minor modifications. The efficiency of this process is estimated at approximately the same level in most studies: embryo maturation from prophase I to metaphase II is 70-90%, fertilization and first division - fragmentation - from 50 to 80%, blastocyst yield - from 20 to 50%. However, the main limitation for the wide practical application of this technology is the use of oocytes from ovaries extracted after the death of the animal. Laparoscopic oocyte retrieval in sheep is considered to be one of the most minimally invasive methods in animal reproductive biotechnology. This method allows the operation to be performed on a live donor quickly and efficiently, minimizing the trauma of the procedure and preserving the excellent condition of the animals. Thanks to laparoscopy, it is possible to extract high quality eggs suitable for subsequent maturation and fertilization in vitro. However, there are disadvantages to using this method in sheep, such as inconsistent efficacy, lack of repeatability of results and different variants of the technique with varying efficacy. In this review, we analyzed the statistical and technological features of the technique in order to identify the main directions of its improvement and to choose the optimal strategy for the development of this technology in Russia.
About the Authors
V. A. Lukanina
L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow Region
R. Yu. Chinaro
L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow Region
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Lukanina V.A., Chinaro R.Yu. Development of laparoscopic oocyte technology in sheep. Ernst Journal of Animal Science. 2025;(1):53-75. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25687/3034-493X.2025.2.1.004
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