Laparoscopic ovum pick-up followed by in vitro embryo production for the reproductive rescue of aged goats of high genetic value

Abstract

The efficiency of laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) followed by in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in the propagation of aged goats with poor reproductive performance was evaluated in the present study. Follicular development was stimulated in donor goats with 80 mg follicle-stimulating hormone and 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin administered 36 h before LOPU. In addition, goats were heat synchronised with intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 10 days and a luteolytic injection of 125 µg cloprostenol 36 h before sponge removal and LOPU. Following in vitro maturation (IVM), oocytes were fertilised in vitro with frozen–thawed semen produced using the egg yolk-free Bioxcell extender (IVM, L’Aigle, France). The average number of follicles aspirated (17.9 ± 8.0 per goat), oocytes recovered (15.7 ± 8.4 per goat) and cleavage after IVM/in vitro fertilisation followed by a short 24-h in vitro culture in modified synthetic oviduct fluid medium (72 ± 7%) were similar to results reported previously by our group and others in younger goats. A total of 296 embryos was transferred into 50 heat-synchronised recipients, of which 40 became pregnant (80%) and 38 progressed all the way to term, delivering 86 live kids. The present study indicates that LOPU-IVEP can be used successfully to extend the reproductive life of valuable goats that have acquired difficulties becoming pregnant by artificial insemination after multiple kiddings.