Improved Development of Cow Embryos Using Helper Embryos
Author Information
Author(s): Deb Gautam Kumar, Jin Jong In, Kwon Tae Hyun, Choi Byung Hyun, Bang Jae Il, Dey Shukla Rani, Cho In Rae, Kong Il Keun
Primary Institution: Gyeongsang National University
Hypothesis
Can the agar chip-embedded helper embryo coculture system enhance the developmental competence and quality of single cow OPU-derived presumed zygotes?
Conclusion
The agar chip-embedded helper embryo coculture system enhances developmental competence and embryo quality in cultures of limited numbers of high pedigree single cow OPU presumed zygotes.
Supporting Evidence
- The coculture system promoted higher blastocyst development in OPU zygotes compared to control OPU zygotes cultured alone (35.2 vs. 13.9%).
- Genes involved in implantation failure were down-regulated in both control and cocultured zygotes compared to slaughterhouse-derived blastocysts.
- The expression of genes related to implantation and normal calf delivery was up-regulated in both control and cocultured zygotes.
Takeaway
Using helper embryos in a special gel can help cow embryos grow better when there aren't many of them.
Methodology
Cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from Hanwoo cows and cultured in three different systems to assess embryo quality and development.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in embryo quality assessment due to the use of different sources for presumed zygotes.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting embryo development, and the use of slaughterhouse embryos raises concerns about disease transmission.
Participant Demographics
Hanwoo cows of high genetic merit, aged four to six years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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