Li Q Y, Guan H, Hou J, An X R, Chen Y F
State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology and Department of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100094, P. R. China.
J Anim Sci. 2008 Nov;86(11):3224-7. doi: 10.2527/jas.2008-0846. Epub 2008 May 23.
The aim of this experiment was to examine whether a simplified mini-laparotomy technique is suitable for embryo transfer in ewes. In vitro produced blastocysts were transferred to the uterine horns of synchronous recipient ewes. Each recipient received 1 embryo by conventional laparotomy (n = 36), laparoscopy (n = 21), or by simplified mini-laparotomy (n = 33). Pregnancy rates for these 3 transfer techniques were 38.9, 47.6, 45.5%, respectively (P = 0.58). Of these techniques, the simplified mini-laparotomy was preferred because of benefits it provided in terms of savings in time and expense as well as reductions in surgical trauma and elimination of exteriorization of most of the reproductive system along with only one suture. It is likely that this technique will play a substantial role in adoption of embryo transfer by the sheep industry.
