Skip to main content

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • Review Article
  • Published:

Embryo Transfer Technology for the Enhancement of Animal Reproduction

Bio/Technology volume 2, pages 149–160 (1984)Cite this article

Abstract

Embryo transfer is a technique by which embryos are collected from a donor female and are transferred to recipient females, which serve as surrogate mothers for the remainder of pregnancy. Embryo transfer techniques have been applied to nearly every species of domestic animal and to many species of wildlife and exotic animals, including humans and non-human primates. Within the past decade the degree of sophistication of embryo transfer procedures has evolved to permit complete utilization of non-surgical procedures in the cow, long term embryo culture and storage with cryopreservation, and, more recently, micromanipulation and many techniques associated with genetic engineering. This is a rapidly developing science with a very short lag-time between discovery and application. The potential applications continue to increase with the development of new technology.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Buy this article

  • Purchase on Springer Link
  • Instant access to full article PDF
Buy now

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Adams, C.E. 1982.Egg transfer: Historical aspects, p. 1–17. In: Mammalian Egg Transfer. Cyril E. Adams (ed.), C.R.C. Press Inc., Boca Raton, Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Warwick, B.L. and Berry, R.O. 1949. Inter-generic and intraspecific embryo transfers. J. Hered. 40: 297–303.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Warwick, B.L., Berry, R.O. and Horlacher, W.R. 1935. Results of mating rams to angora female goats. Proc. 27th Ann. Meet. Am. Soc. Anim. Prod. p. 225–227.

  4. Umbaugh, R.E. 1949. Superovulation and ovum transfer in cattle. Am. J. Vet. Res. 10: 295–305.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Willett, E.L., Black, W.G., Casida, L.E., Stone, W.H. and Buckner, P.J. 1951. Successful transplantation of a fertilized bovine ovum. Science 113: 247.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Seidel, G.E. Jr. and Seidel, S.M. 1981. The embryo transfer industry, p. 41–80. In: New Technologies in Animal Breeding. B.G. Brackett, G.E. Seidel, Jr., and S. M. Seidel (eds.), Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1981. Superovulation and embryo transfer in cattle. Science 211: 351–358.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Carmichael, R.A. 1980. History of the International Embryo Transfer Society—Part I. Theriogenology 13: 3–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Schultz, R.H. 1980. History of the International Embryo Transfer Society—Part II. Theriogenology 13: 7–12.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Betteridge, K.J. 1981. An historical look at embryo transfer. J. Reprod. Fert. 62: 1–13.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Steptoe, P.C. and Edwards, R.G. 1978. Birth after the reimplantation of a human embryo. Lancet 2: 366.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Mapletoft, R.J. 1984. Embryo transfer and genetic engineering. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.). W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Brackett, B.G. 1981. Applications of in vitro fertilization, p. 141–161. In: New Technologies in Animal Breeding. B.G. Brackett, G.E. Seidel, Jr., and S.M. Seidel (eds.), Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Brackett, B.G. 1983. A review of bovine fertilization in vitro . Theriogenology 19: 1–15.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Wright, R.W. Jr. and Bondioli, K.R. 1981. Aspects of in vitro fertilization and embryo culture in domestic animals. J. Anim. Sci. 53: 702–729.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Bradford, G.E. and Kennedy, B.W. 1980. Genetic aspects of embryo transfer. Theriogenology 13: 13–26.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. McDaniel, B.T. and Cassell, B.G. 1981. Effects of embryo transfer on genetic change in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 64: 2484–2492.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Land, R.B. and Hill, W.G. 1975. The possible use of superovulation and embryo transfer in cattle to increase response to selection. Anim. Prod. 21: 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Church, R.B. and Shea, B.F. 1977. The role of embryo transfer in cattle improvement programs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 57: 33–45.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Wilmut, I. 1982. Applications of egg transfer to animal production, breeding and research. p. 211–230. In: Mammalian Egg Transfer. Cyril E. Adams (ed.), CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton, Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Powell, R.L. 1981. Possible effects of embryo transfer on evaluation of cows and bulls. J. Dairy Sci. 64: 2476–2483.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Durrant, B. and Benirschke, K. 1981. Embryo transfer in exotic animals. Theriogenology 15: 77–84.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Johnson, J.L., Leipold, H.W., Snider, G.W. and Baker, R.D. 1980. Progeny testing for bovine syndactyly. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 176: 549–554.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Sreenan, J.M. 1977. Embryo transfer for the induction of twinning in cattle, p. 62–66. In: Embryo Transfer in Farm Animals. K.J. Betteridge (ed.), Monograph 16, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Bellows, R.A. and Short, R.E. 1972. Superovulation and multiple births in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 34 (Suppl. 1): 67–79.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Bellows, R.A., Short, R.E. and Staigmiller, R.B. 1979. Research areas in beef cattle reproduction. p. 3–18. In: BARC Symposium III—Animal Reproduction H.W. Hawk, C.A. Keddy, and H.C. Cecil (eds.), John Wiley and Sons, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  27. Rowson, L.E.A., Lawson, R.A.S. and Moor, R.M. 1971. Production of twins in cattle by egg transfer. J. Reprod. Fert. 25: 261–268.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Anderson, G.B. 1978. Methods of producing twins in cattle. Theriogenology 9: 3–16.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Gordon, I. and Boland, M.P. 1979. Embryo transfer and twinning in cattle. Vet. Sci. Comm. 3: 177–186.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1982. Applications of microsurgery to mammalian embryos. Theriogenology 17: 23–34.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Singh, E.L. and Hare, W.C.D. 1984. Embryo-Pathogen Interactions. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Eaglesome, M.D., Hare, W.C.D. and Singh, E.L. 1980. Embryo transfer: A discussion on its potential for infectious disease control based on a review of studies on infection of gametes and early embryos by various agents. Can. Vet. J. 21: 106–112.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Singh, E.L., Hare, W.C.D., Thomas, F.C., Mitchell, D., Eaglesome, M.D., Randall, G.C.B., Bouillant, A.M.P., Betteridge, K.J., Samagh, B.S. and Bielanski, A. 1984. Disease control through embryo transfer. Proc. Int. Cong. Embryo Transfer in Mammals. Annecy, France, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Martin, P.A. 1983. Commercial embryo transfer in swine: Who is interested in it and why. Theriogenology 19: 43–48.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Bowen, R.A., Elsden, R.P. and Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1978. Embryo transfer for cows with reproductive problems. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 172: 1303–1306.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Elsden, R.P., Nelson, L.D. and Seidel, G.E. 1979. Embryo transfer in fertile and infertile cows. Theriogenology 11: 170–26.

    Google Scholar 

  37. Mapletoft, R.J., Johnson, W.H. and Miller, D.M. 1980. Embryo transfer techniques in handling repeat breeding cows. Theriogenology 13: 103.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Johnson, W.H. 1984. Embryo transfer in repeat breeder cows. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Douglas, R.H. 1984. Equine embryo transfer. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  40. Mapletoft, R.J., Johnson, W.H. and Miller, D.M. 1980. Effects of a progestagen ear implant on superovulatory response in the cow. Theriogenology 13: 102.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Mapletoft, R.J. 1982. Superovulation and recovery of ova from the bovine. Proc. Owners and Managers Workshop—VII Ann. Meet. I.E.T.S., Denver, Colorado, p. 37–47.

    Google Scholar 

  42. Sreenan, J.M. 1983. Embryo transfer procedure and its use as a research technique. Vet. Rec. 112: 494–500.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Seidel, G.E. 1983. Mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos as methodological components. Biol. Reprod. 28: 36–49.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Elsden, R.P. 1980. Bovine embryo transfer. Proc. Soc. for Therio. Omaha, Nebraska, p. 101–133.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Foote, R.H. and Onuma, H. 1970. Superovulation, ovum collection, culture and transfer: a review. J. Dairy Sci. 53: 1681–1692.

    Google Scholar 

  46. Phillippo, M. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1975. Prostaglandins and superovulation in the bovine. Ann. Biol. Anim. Bioch. Biophys. 15: 233–240.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Sreenan, J.M. and Gosling, J.P. 1977. The effect of cycle stage and plasma progesterone level on the induction of multiple ovulations in heifers. J. Reprod. Fert. 50: 367–369.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Betteridge, K.J. 1977. Techniques and results in cattle: Superovulation, p. 1–9. In: Embryo Transfer in Farm Animals. K.J. Betteridge (ed.), Monograph 16, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Maxwell, D.P., Massey, J.M. and Kraemer, D.C. 1978. Timing of ovulations in the superovulated bovine. Theriogenology 9: 97.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Rowson, L.E. 1951. Methods of inducing multiple ovulation in cattle. J. Endocrinol. 7: 260–270.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Newcomb, R., Christie, W.B., Rowson, L.E.A., Walters, D.E. and Bousfield, W.E.D. 1979. Influence of dose, repeated treatment and batch of hormone on ovarian response in heifers treated with PMSG. J. Reprod. Fert. 56: 113–118.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Mapletoft, R.J. 1980. Embryo transfer for the practitioner. Proc. 13th Annu. Meet. Am. Assoc. Bovine Pract. Toronto, Canada, p. 154–162.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Chupin, D. and Procureur, R. 1983. Efficiency of pituitary extracts (FSH) for inducing of superovulation in cattle. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 6: 11–23.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Elsden, R.P., Nelson, L.D. and Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1978. Superovulation of cows with follicle stimulating hormone and pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin. Theriogenology 9: 17–26.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Elsden, R.P. 1977. Embryo collection by surgical methods, p. 10–13. In: Embryo Transfer in Farm Animals. K.J. Betteridge (ed.), Monograph 16, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Rowe, R.F., Del Campo, M.R., Eilts, C.L., French, L.R., Winch, R.P. and Ginther, O.J. 1976. A single cannula technique for nonsurgical collection of ova from cattle. Theriogenology 6: 471–484.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Drost, M., Brand, A. and Aarts, M.H. 1976. A device for nonsurgical recovery of bovine embryos. Theriogenology 6: 503–508.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Elsden, R.P., Hasler, J.F. and Seidel, G.E. 1976. Non-surgical recovery of bovine eggs. Theriogenology 6: 523–532.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Pugh, A., Trounson, A.O., Aarts, M.H. and McPhee, S. 1980. Bovine embryo recovery by filtration of non-surgical flushings. Theriogenology 13: 281–286.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Wright, R.W. Jr. 1984. Culture and short term storage of embryos. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadephia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Lindner, G.M., Anderson, G.B., BonDurant, R.H. and Cupps, P.T. 1983. Survival of bovine embyros stored at 4°C. Theriogenology 20: 311–320.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Shea, B.F. 1983. Evaluating the bovine embryo. Theriogenology. 15: 41–42.

    Google Scholar 

  63. Lindner, G.M. and Wright, R.W. Jr. 1983. Bovine embryo morphology and evaluation. Theriogenology. 20: 407–416.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Whittingham, D.G. 1981. Viability assays, p. 95–99. In: Frozen Storage of Laboratory Animals. G.H. Zeilmaker (ed.), Gustav-Fischer. Stuttgart.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Elsden, R.P. 1977. Embryo transfer by surgical methods, p. 27–28. In: Embryo Transfer in Farm Animals. K.J. Betteridge (ed.), Monograph 16, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Brand, A., Drost, M., Aarts, M.H. and Gunnink, J.W. 1976. A device for nonsurgical transfer of bovine embryos and its effect on uterine contamination. Theriogenology. 6: 509–514.

    Google Scholar 

  67. Rowe, R.F., Del Camp, M.R., Critser, J.K. and Ginther, O.J. 1980. Embryo transfer in cattle: Nonsurgical transfer. Am. J. Vet. Res. 41: 1024–1028.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Wright, J.M. 1981. Non-surgical embryo transfer in cattle. Theriogenology 15: 43–56.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Seidel, G.E. Jr., Elsden, R.P., Takeda, T. and Farrand, G.D. 1983. Field trails with cryopreserved bovine embryos, p. 343–352. In: Fertilization of the Human Egg In Vitro. H.M. Beier and H.R. Lindner (eds.), Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Newcomb, R. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1980. Investigation of physiological factors affecting non-surgical transfer. Theriogenology. 13: 41–50.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Baker, A.A., Kobayashi, G. and Jillella, D. 1983. A comparison of the pregnancy rate following non-surgical and surgical transfer and visual grading of bovine embryos on farms in South-eastern Queensland. Theriogenology. 19: 111.

    Google Scholar 

  72. BonDurant, R.H. 1984. Embryo transfer in sheep and goats. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Betteridge, K.J. and Moore, N.W. 1977. Superovulation. p. 37–38. In: Embryo Transfer in Farm Animals. K.J. Betteridge (ed.), Monograph 16, Agricultural Canada, Ottawa.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Armstrong, D.T. and Evans, G. 1983. Factors influencing success of embryo transfer in sheep and goats. Theriogenology. 19: 31–42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. Armstrong, D.T., Pfitzner, A.P., Warnes, G.M., Ralph, M.M. and Seamark, R.F. 1983. Endocrine responses of goats after induction of superovulation with PMSG and FSH. J. Reprod. Fert. 67: 395–401.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Armstrong, D.T., Pfitzner, A.P., Warnes, G.M. and Seamark, R.F. 1983. Superovulation treatments and embryo transfer in Angora goats. J. Reprod. Fert. 67: 403–410.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Moore, N.W. and Shelton, J.N. 1964. Response of the ewe to a horse anterior pituitary extract. J. Reprod. Fert. 7: 79–87.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Trounson, A.O., Willadsen, S.M. and Moor, R.M. 1976. Effect of prostaglandin analogue Cloprostenol on oestrus, ovulation and embryonic viability in sheep. J. Agric. Sci. 86: 609–611.

    Google Scholar 

  79. Trounson, A.O. and Moore, N.W. 1974. Fertilization in the ewe following multiple ovulations and uterine insemination. Aust. J. Biol. Sci. 27: 301–304.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Evans, G. and Robinson, T.J. 1980. The control of fertility in sheep: endocrine and ovarian responses to progestagen-PMSG treatment in the breeding season and in anestrus. J. Agric. Sci. 94: 69–88.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Hunter, G.L., Adams, G.E. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1955. Interbreed ovum transfer in sheep. J. Agric. Sci. 46: 143–149.

    Google Scholar 

  82. Averill, R.L.W., Adams, C.E. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1955. Transfer of mammalian ova between species. Nature 176: 167–168.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Otsuki, K. and Soma, T. 1964. Transfer of fertilized ova through the cervix in the goat. Nat. Instit. Anim. Ind. Chiba, Japan. Bull. 6: 27–32.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Moore, N.W. and Shelton, J.N. 1964. Egg transfer in sheep. Effect of degree of synchronization between donor and recipient, age of egg and site of transfer on the survival of transferred eggs. J. Reprod. Fert. 7: 145–152.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Rowson, L.E.A. and Moor, R.M. 1966. Embryo transfer in the sheep: the significance of synchronizing oestrus in the donor and recipient animal. J. Reprod. Fert. 11: 207–212.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Martin, P.A. 1984. Embryo transfer in swine. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  87. Rampacek, G.B. and Kraeling, R.R. 1978. Effect of estrogen on luteal function in prepuberal gilts. J. Anim. Sci. 46: 453–457.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Melampy, R.M. and Anderson, L.L. 1968. Role of uterus in corpus luteum function. J. Anim. Sci. 27 (Suppl. 1): 77–96.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Allen, W.R. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1975. Surgical and nonsurgical egg transfer in horses. J. Reprod. Fert. Suppl. 23: 525–530.

  90. Douglas, R.H. 1979. Review of induction of superovulation and embryo transfer in the equine. Theriogenology 11: 33–46.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Irvine, C.H.G. 1981. Endocrinology of the estrous cycle of the mare: Applications to embryo transfer. Theriogenology. 15: 85–104.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Douglas, R.H., Nuti, L. and Ginther, O.J. 1974. Induction of ovulation and multiple ovulation in seasonally-anovulatory mares with equine pituitary fractions. Theriogenology 2: 133–142.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Lapin, D.R. and Ginther, O.J. 1977. Induction of ovulation and multiple ovulations in seasonally anovulatory mares with an equine pituitary extract. J. Anim. Sci. 44: 834–842.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Woods, G.L., Scraba, S.T. and Ginther, O.J. 1982. Prospects for induction of multiple ovulations and collection of multiple embryos in the mare. Theriogenology 17: 61–72.

    Google Scholar 

  95. Ginther, O.J., Douglas, R.H. and Woods, G.L. 1982. A biological embryo-reduction mechanism for the elimination of excess embryos in mares. Theriogenology. 18: 475–484.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Woods, G.L. and Ginther, O.J. 1983. Recent studies relating to the collection of multiple embryos in mares. Theriogenology. 19: 101–108.

    Google Scholar 

  97. Loy, R.G., Penstein, R., O'Canna, D. and Douglas, R.H. 1981. Control of ovulation in mares with ovarian steroids and prostaglandin. Theriogenology. 15: 191–200.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Oguri, N. and Tsutsumi, Y. 1974. Non-surgical egg transfer in mares. J. Reprod. Fert. 41: 313–320.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Imel, K.J., Squires, E.L., Elsden, R.P. and Shideler, R.K. 1981. Collection and transfer of equine embryos. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 179: 987–991.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Betteridge, K.J. and Mitchell, D. 1974. Direct evidence of retention of unfertilized ova in the oviduct of the mare. J. Reprod. Fert. 39: 145–148.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Kraemer, D.C., Flow, B.L., Schriver, M.D., Kinney, G.M. and Pennycook, J.W. 1979. Embryo transfer in the nonhuman primate, feline and canine. Theriogenology 11: 51–62.

    Google Scholar 

  102. Zisweiler, V. 1967. Extinct and Vanishing Animals. Heidelberg Science Library, Vol. 2, Springer-Verlag, New York. p. 55–75.

    Google Scholar 

  103. Durrant, B. and Benirschke, K. 1981. Embryo transfer in exotic animals. Theriogenology. 15: 77–83.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Bunch, T.D., Foote, W.C. and Whitaker, B. 1977. Interspecies ovum transfer to propagate wild sheep. J. Wildl. Manage. 41: 726–730.

    Google Scholar 

  105. Dresser, B.L. 1983. Embryos of the African Eland (Taurotragus Oryx) . Proc. Workshop IX Ann. Meet. I.E.T.S. Fort Collins, p. 9–11.

    Google Scholar 

  106. Durrant, B.S. 1983. Comparative morphology of embryos from exotic and laboratory species. Proc. Workshop IX Ann. Meet. I.E.T.S. Fort Collins, p. 1–7.

    Google Scholar 

  107. Smith, A.U. 1952. Behavior of fertilized rabbit eggs exposed to glycerol and to low temperatures. Nature 170: 374–375.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Whittingham, D.G., Leibo, S.P. and Mazur, P. 1972. Survival of mouse embryos to −196 and −269°C. Science. 178: 411–414.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. Bank, H. and Maurer, R.R. 1974. Survival of frozen rabbit embryos. Exp. Cell Res. 89: 188–196.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Wilmut, I. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1973. Experiments on the low-temperature preservation of cow embryos. Vet. Rec. 92: 686–690.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Willadsen, S., Polge, C. and Rowson, L.E.A. 1978. The viability of deep-frozen cow embryos. J. Reprod. Fert. 52: 391–393.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Bilton, R.J. and Moore, N.W. 1977. Successful transport of frozen cattle embryos from New Zealand to Australia. J. Reprod. Fert. 50: 363–364.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Shea, B.F., Ollis, G.W. and Jacobson, M.E. 1977. Pregnancies following long distance transport and transfer of frozen bovine embryos. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 57: 801–802.

    Google Scholar 

  114. Trounson, A.O., Shea, B.F., Ollis, G.W. and Jacobson, M.E. 1978. Frozen storage and transfer of bovine embryos. J. Anim. Sci. 47: 677–681.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Schneider, H.J. Jr., Castleberry, R.S. and Griffin, J.L. 1980. Commercial aspects of bovine embryo transfer. Theriogenology 13: 73–86.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Renard, J.P., Ozil, J.P. and Heyman, Y. 1981. Cervical transfer of deep frozen cattle embryos. Theriogenology 15: 311–320.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Elsden, R.P., Seidel, G.E. Jr., Takeda, T. and Ferrand, G.D. 1982. Field experiments with frozen-thawed bovine embryos transferred nonsurgically. Theriogenology 17: 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  118. Shea, B.F., Janzen, R.E., McAlister, R.J. and McDermand, D.P. 1983. Freezing of bovine embryos: Effects of embryo quality, time from thawing to transfer and number frozen per vial. Theriogenology 20: 205–212.

    Google Scholar 

  119. Maurer, R.R. 1978. Freezing mammalian embryos: A review of the techniques. Theriogenology. 9: 45–68.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  120. Schneider, U. and Mazur, P. 1984. Implications and applications of the long-term preservation of embryos by freezing. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D.A. Morrow (ed.), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  121. Schneider, U. and Maurer, R.R. 1983. Factors affecting survival of frozen-thawed mouse embryos. Biol. Reprod. 29: 121–128.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Mazur, P. 1977. Slow-freezing injury in mammalian cells, p. 19–42. In: The Freezing of Mammalian Embryos. K. Elliott and J. Whelan (eds.), Ciba Foundation Series No. 52, Elsevier, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  123. Leibo, S.P. 1981. Preservation of ova and embryos by freezing, p. 127–139, In: New Technologies in Animal Breeding. B.G. Brackett, G.E. Seidel, Jr., and S.M. Seidel (eds.), Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  124. Leibo, S.P. and Mazur, P. 1978. Methods for the preservation of mammalian embryos by freezing, p. 179–201. In: Methods in Mammalian Reproduction. J.C. Daniel (ed.), Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  125. Leibo, S.P. 1983. Field trial of one-step frozen bovine embryos transferred non-surgically. Theriogenology. 19: 139.

    Google Scholar 

  126. Renard, J.P., Heyman, Y., Leymonie, P. and Plat, J.C. 1983. Sucrose dilution: A technique for field transfer of bovine embryos frozen in the straw. Theriogenology 19: 145.

    Google Scholar 

  127. Rutledge, J.J. and Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1983. Genetic engineering and animal production. J. Anim. Sci. 57 (Suppl. 2): 265–272.

    Google Scholar 

  128. Chang, M.C. 1959. Fertilization of rabit ova in vitro . Nature 184: 466–467.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Rogers, B.J. 1978. Mammalian sperm capacitation and fertilization in vitro: A critique of methology. Gamete Res. 1: 165–223.

    Google Scholar 

  130. Hoppe, P.C. and Pitts, S. 1973. in vitro and development of mouse ova. Biol. Reprod. 8: 420–426.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Fraser, L.R. and Drury, L.M. 1975. The relationship between sperm concentration and fertilization in vitro of mouse eggs. Biol. Reprod. 13: 513–518.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Bavister, B.D., Leifried, M.L. and Lieberman, G. 1983. Development of preimplantation embryos of the golden hamster in a defined culture medium. Biol. Reprod. 28: 221–247.

    Google Scholar 

  133. Seidel, G. Jr., Bowen, R. and Kane, M. 1976. In vitro fertilization, culture and transfer of rabbit ova. Fertil. Steril. 27: 861–870.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Brackett, B.G., Bousquet, D., Boice, M.L., Donawick, W.J., Evans, J.F. and Dressel, M.A. 1982. Normal development following in vitro fertilization in the cow. Biol. Reprod. 27: 147–158.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Gardner, R. and Edwards, R. 1968. Control of sex ratio at full term in the rabbit by transferring sexed blastocysts. Nature 218: 346–348.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Betteridge, K.J., Hare, W.C.D. and Singh, E.L. 1981. Approaches to sex selection in farm animals. p. 109–125. In: New Technologies in Animal Breeding. B.D. Brackett, G.E. Seidel, Jr., and S.M. Seidel (eds), Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  137. Krco, C.J. and Goldberg, E.H. 1976. H-Y (male) antigen: Detection on eight-cell mouse embryos. Science 193: 1134–1135.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. White, K.L., Lindner, G.M., Anderson, G.B. and BonDurant, R.H. 1983. Cytolytic and fluorescent detection of H-Y antigen on preimplantation mouse embryos. Theriogenology 19: 701–705.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  139. Willadsen, S.M. 1982. Micromanipulation of embryos of the large domestic species. p. 185–210. In: Mammalian Egg Transfer. Cyril E. Adams (ed.), CRC Press Inc. Boca Raton, Florida.

    Google Scholar 

  140. Willadsen, S.M., Lehn-Jensen, H., Fehilly, C.B. and Newcomb, R. 1981. The production of monozygotic twins of preselected parentage by micromanipulation of nonsurgically collected cow embryos. Theriogenology 15: 23–30.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  141. Willadsen, S.M. and Fehilly, D.B. 1983. The developmental potential and regulatory capacity of blastomeres from 2-, 4-, and 8-cell sheep embryos. p. 353–357. In: Fertilization of the Human Egg In Vitro—Biological Bases and Clinical Applications. H.M. Beier, and H.R. Lindner (eds), Springer-Verlag, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  142. Ozil, J.P., Heyman, Y. and Renard, J.P. 1982. Production of monozygotic twins by micromanipulation and cervical transfer in the cow. Vet. Rec. 110: 126–127.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Williams, T.J., Elsden, R.P. and Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1983. Bisecting bovine embryos: Methods, applications and success rates. Proc. Ann. Conf. A.I. and Embryo Transfer in Beef Cattle, NAAB and IETS, Denver, Colorado, p. 45–51.

    Google Scholar 

  144. Williams, T.J. and Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1983. Methodology and equipment for microsurgery with mammalian ova. Proc. Workshop IX Ann. Meet. I.E.T.S. p. 33–52.

    Google Scholar 

  145. Illmensee, K. and Hoppe, P.C. 1981. Nuclear transplantation in Mus musculus: Developmental potential of nuclei from preimplantation embryos. Cell 23: 9–18.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Seidel, G.E. Jr. 1984. Genetic engineering. In: Current Therapy in Theriogenology II. D. A. Morrow (ed.), W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, in press.

    Google Scholar 

  147. Thadoni, V.M. 1980. A study of heterospecific sperm-egg interactions in the rat, mouse and deer mouse using in vitro fertilization and sperm injection. J. Exp. Zool. 212: 435–453.

    Google Scholar 

  148. McGrath, J. and Solter, D. 1983. Nuclear transplantation in the mouse embryo by microsurgery and cell fusion. Science. 220: 1300–1302.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  149. Hoppe, P.C. and Illmensee, K. 1982. Full-term development after transplantation of parthenogenetic embryonic nuclei into fertilized mouse eggs. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 79: 1912–1916.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  150. Gardner, R.L. 1978. Production of chimeras by injecting cells or tissue into the blastocyst. p. 137–165. In: Methods in Mammalian Reproduction. J.C. Daniel Jr. (ed.), Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  151. Wagner, T.E., Hoppe, P.C., Jollick, J.D., Scholl, D.R., Hodinka, R.L. and Gault, J.B. 1981. Microinjection of a rabbit beta-globulin gene into zygotes and its subsequent expression in adult mice and their offspring. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78: 6376–6380.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  152. Palmiter, R.D., Brinster, R.L., Hammer, R.E., Trumbauer, M.E., Rosenfeld, M.G., Birnberg, N.C. and Evans, R.M. 1982. Dramatic growth of mice that develop from eggs microinjected with metallothionein-growth hormone fusion genes. Nature 300: 611–615.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Herd Medicine & Theriogenology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 0W0, Canada

    Reuben J. Mapletoft

Authors
  1. Reuben J. Mapletoft
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mapletoft, R. Embryo Transfer Technology for the Enhancement of Animal Reproduction. Nat Biotechnol 2, 149–160 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0284-149

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0284-149

Search

Advanced search

Quick links

Nature Briefing

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. Sign up for Nature Briefing