Superovulation and Embryo Transfer in Cattle Systems
Summary
Superovulation and embryo transfer form a cornerstone of modern cattle breeding, enabling rapid dissemination of superior genetics by inducing multiple ovulations in donor cows and transferring resultant embryos to synchronised recipients. This approach, often implemented within multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programmes, seeks to optimise both the quantity and quality of transferable embryos while maintaining animal welfare and cost-effectiveness. Key challenges include the intrinsic variability of ovarian response to gonadotropin regimens, early embryonic loss, and the influence of metabolic and environmental factors on donor and recipient performance. Advances in recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone formulations, controlled internal drug release devices and refined hormonal synchronisation protocols have delivered notable improvements in follicular development and embryo yield. Concurrent efforts in rigorous embryo evaluation, recipient selection based on corpus luteum assessment and nutritional management have further enhanced pregnancy rates. These interlinked developments underscore the global significance of superovulation and embryo transfer, offering concrete examples of increased embryo recovery, better embryo quality and improved field-scale fertility outcomes in both dairy and beef herds.
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Superovulation and Embryo Transfer in Cattle Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in superovulation and embryo transfer in cattle systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Superovulation: induction of multiple follicular development and ovulations through exogenous gonadotropins.
Embryo transfer (ET): surgical or non-surgical placement of embryos into the uterus of a synchronised recipient cow.
Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET): integrated programme combining superovulation of donors with embryo recovery and transfer to recipients.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): gonadotropin used to stimulate growth of multiple ovarian follicles in superovulation protocols.
Corpus luteum (CL): progesterone-secreting structure formed from the ovulated follicle, essential for maintenance of early pregnancy.
Controlled internal drug release (CIDR): intravaginal device releasing progesterone to synchronise oestrous cycles before superovulation or embryo transfer.
References
- Effects of Extra-Long-Acting Recombinant Bovine FSH (bscrFSH) on Cattle Superovulation. Animals (2022).
- GnRH or estradiol benzoate combination with CIDR improves in-vivo embryo production in bovines (Bos indicus and Bos taurus) under subtropics. PeerJ (2021).
- From the laboratory to the field: how to mitigate pregnancy losses in embryo transfer programs?. Animal Reproduction (2024).
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