Development of parthenote following in vivo transfer of embryos in Capra hircus.

The aim of this study is to generate parthenogenetic embryos from chemically activated in vitro matured caprine oocytes and to study the in vivo developmental potency of such embryos. The parthenogenetic embryos (2-8 and 16 cells to morula stage) were surgically transferred in 26 recipients. Pregnancy in recipients following embryo transfer was monitored by ultrasonography. The recipient aborted a foetus on day 34 post transfer. Sexing of parthenogenetic foetus showed a single band of amelogenin gene indicating female cell DNA. Microsatellite analysis revealed that the recipient has not contributed genetically to the parthenogenetic foetus confirming the identity of aborted foetus of parthenogenetic origin. The authors believe that this is the first authentic report on in vivo development of parthenogenetic foetus in Capra hircus.