Survival of embryos after transfer within multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programme

• Published in: Small ruminant research 2017-04, Vol.149, p.11-15
• Main Authors: Zohara, Begum Fatema, Azizunnesa, Islam, Md. Faruk, Alam, Md. Golam Shahi, Bari, Farida Yeasmin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Embryo survival; Embryos; Ewes; Pregnancy rates; Recipients; Transfer methods
• ISSN: 0921-4488; 1879-0941
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.11.002

•The factors affecting the survival of transferred embryos in indigenous recipient ewes in Bangladesh has been investigated.•Laparoscopic embryo transfer is safe, minimally invasive, and may be recommended for increased embryo survival.•The grade of embryos and CL number of the recipients at transfer may affect the subsequent pregnancy and survival rates of embryos. The experiment was designed to investigate factors affecting the survival of transferred embryos in indigenous recipient ewes (Wera breed) in Bangladesh. The factors were methods of transfer, number, stage and quality of the transferred embryos, recipient ewe’s age and corpora lutea (CL) number of recipients. Transferring three embryos to recipient ewes had a significant effect on the lambing rate and embryo survival rate by both surgical and laparoscopic method. Triplet birth was observed only when recipients received three embryos by laparoscopic transfer. Laparoscopic transfer is safe, minimally invasive, and may be recommended for increased embryo survival. Stage of embryo development did not significantly affect the pregnancy rate but morula stage tended to give higher pregnancy rates (90.9%). Significantly higher pregnancy rate (77.3%) was observed when embryos of Grade 1–2 were transferred than Grade 3–4. There was no significant (P>0.05) effect of recipient ewe’s age and CL number on pregnancy and embryo survival rates.