The impact of ovarian stimulation protocol on oocyte quality, subsequent in vitro embryo development, and pregnancy after transfer to recipients in Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii thamin)

• Published in: Theriogenology 2017-03, Vol.91, p.134-144
• Main Authors: Thongphakdee, Ampika, Berg, Debra K., Tharasanit, Theerawat, Thongtip, Nikorn, Tipkantha, Wanlaya, Punkong, Chainarong, Tongthainan, Daraka, Noimoon, Sakhon, Maikeaw, Umaporn, Kajornklin, Nudthakamol, Siriaroonrat, Boripat, Comizzoli, Pierre, Kamolnorranath, Sumate
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Deer - embryology; Eld's deer; Embryo development; Embryo transfer; Embryo Transfer - veterinary; Embryonic Development - drug effects; Estrus Synchronization; Female; Fertilization in Vitro - methods; Fertilization in Vitro - veterinary; Follicle Stimulating Hormone - pharmacology; In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques - veterinary; IVF; Oocyte quality; Oocytes - drug effects; Oocytes - physiology; Ovarian stimulation; Ovulation Induction - methods; Ovulation Induction - veterinary
• ISSN: 0093-691X; 1879-3231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.021

Propagating genetically valuable individuals through oocyte collection, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer is critical to maintain sustainable populations of the endangered Eld's deer. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of exogenous FSH injections on (1) the number and in vitro competence of oocytes collected and (2) the developmental potential of resulting IVF embryos after transfer into recipients during the breeding season (February–April). In a pilot experiment, estrus synchronization was conducted in three surplus females (using intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices, CIDRG for 14 days and injections of buserelin (a GnRH agonist). Five days after CIDR removal, ovaries were excised, minced and a total of 133 oocytes were recovered. Following in vitro maturation (IVM) and IVF, 63% of the oocytes formed embryos but only 5% reached the blastocyst stage. In a subsequent study, follicle numbers and diameters were compared between synchronized does stimulated with 0 or 80 mg FSH (-FSH and +FSH; n = 8 does in each group) and oocytes collected either by laparoscopic ovum pick-up or ovariectomy. FSH stimulation increased the main follicular diameter from 2–3 mm to 4–5 mm (P  0.05). Lastly, embryos at the 2-to 8-cell stage (from either + FSH or –FSH groups) were transferred into the oviducts of 11 synchronized recipients. With the +FSH embryos, three pregnancies failed between 90 and 120 days of gestation and two fawns that were born preterm (Days 215 and 224 of gestation) died at birth. In the -FSH group one healthy female fawn was born on Day 234 of gestation. This is the first report of a successful in vitro embryo production and subsequent birth of a live Eld's deer fawn. Further investigations are required to improve IVM/IVF success and the developmental potential of the embryos. •Eld's deer in vitro embryo production results in blastocyst development.•FSH administrated during the first follicular wave increased medium size follicles.•First Eld's deer fawn born using in vitro embryo production.