Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Bovine Oocyte Development

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in cattle and related bovine species centre on the deliberate manipulation of oocyte maturation, fertilisation and embryo culture to enhance genetic gain and overcome physiological constraints. Core procedures include ovum pick-up (OPU) for follicular aspiration, in vitro maturation (IVM) to achieve nuclear and cytoplasmic competence, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for gamete union and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) to the blastocyst stage. Advances in gonadotropin stimulation have enabled effective use of prepubertal donors, reducing generation intervals and accelerating breeding programmes. Molecular interventions—such as modulation of cyclic AMP, supplementation with growth factors and antioxidants—have improved oocyte developmental competence and epigenetic stability. Together, these innovations underpin global efforts to secure food supply, preserve endangered breeds and facilitate precision livestock farming by integrating genomic selection with reproductive technologies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the power of combining genomic selection with ART to shorten generation intervals and amplify genetic gain. By applying genome-wide marker panels early in life, top genetic merit animals are identified before sexual maturity. Ovum pick-up and IVEP protocols have been tailored for very young donors, enabling multiple embryo yields from high-value heifers. This integrated strategy has proven cost-effective, yielding rapid turnover of elite genetics in herd improvement schemes without compromising animal welfare or embryo viability.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Bovine Oocyte Development publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in assisted reproductive technologies in bovine oocyte development across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Ovum pick-up (OPU): Ultrasound- or laparoscopy-guided retrieval of oocytes from ovarian follicles.

In vitro maturation (IVM): Laboratory culture of oocytes to acquire meiotic competence prior to fertilisation.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF): The process by which sperm and oocyte are united under controlled laboratory conditions.

In vitro embryo production (IVEP): Sequential execution of IVM, IVF and embryo culture to the blastocyst stage.

Genomic selection (GS): Use of genome-wide marker information to predict and select animals with superior breeding values early in life.

Cumulus–oocyte complex (COC): The oocyte surrounded by cumulus cells, essential for supporting maturation and signalling.

Blastocyst: A multi-cellular embryo stage characterised by an inner cell mass and fluid-filled cavity, ready for transfer or cryopreservation.

References

1. Acceleration of genetic gain in cattle by reduction of generation interval. Scientific Reports (2015).
2. Cyclic AMP Affects Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development in Prepubertal and Adult Cattle. PLOS ONE (2016).
3. Impact of epidermal growth factor and/or β-mercaptoethanol supplementations on the in vitro produced buffaloes' embryos. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2023).
4. Factors Affecting the Efficiency of In Vitro Embryo Production in Prepubertal Mediterranean Water Buffalo. Animals (2022).
5. In Vitro Production of Embryos from Prepubertal Holstein Cattle and Mediterranean Water Buffalo: Problems, Progress and Potential. Animals (2021).