In Vitro Fertilization of Pig Oocytes Matured In Vivo

Abstract

The present paper is concerned with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) in the pig. Follicular and tubal oocytes were recovered 39 to 40hr post hCG from PMSG-hCG treated prepuberal gilts and were inseminated with ejaculated spermatozoa capacitated in vitro. The 95% (25/26) oocytes were fertilized in vitro 6 to 7hr after insemination. There was the variability in polyspermic fertilization between males. About half of IVF embryos reached 2-cell stage at 27 to 28hr and the cleavage rates, as determined by the number of embryos developed 2- to 8-cell stage at 27 to 72hr after insemination, were 83% (43/52) in follicular oocytes and 67% (18/27) in tubal ones, respectively. Seventeen 2-cell stage embryos which originated from IVF of follicular oocytes were transfered into the oviduct of a recipient at 29hr after insemination. This recipient farrowed 4 healthy piglets at 113 days after ET. The results demonstrate the feasibility of IVF and ET in the pig.