Intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with in vitro embryo production efficiency in bovines under tropical conditions in Colombia Factors affecting in vitro bovine embryo production in tropical conditions
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This work aimed to evaluate intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing in vitro embryo production (IVEP) efficiency in bovines under tropical conditions in Colombia. Retrospective data from 1 443 ovum pick-up (OPU) sessions conducted between 2020 and 2021 involving Brahman, Gyr, and Holstein cattle breeds were analyzed. Variables assessed included oocyte viability, cleavage rate, blastocyst yield, semen type (sex-sorted vs. conventional), IGF-I supplementation, seasonal climatic conditions, breed, and frequency of follicular aspiration. Results indicated significant effects of these factors on IVEP efficiency. The rainy season improved oocyte quality and embryo production, yielding a higher blastocyst rate per OPU (23.9 %) compared to dry (21.6 %) and transition seasons (19.6 %). The geographic location influenced all IVEP parameters, with higher embryo production rates in Montería compared to other regions. Conventional semen significantly increased embryo production rates (25.8 % Blast/OPU) compared to sex-sorted semen (17.9 % Blast/OPU). Supplementation with 100 ng/ml IGF-I significantly enhanced cleavage rates (76.3 %) and blastocyst yields (27.3 % Blast/OPU). While Brahman cows provided the highest number of oocytes, Gyr and Red Brahman breeds exhibited superior embryo development potential. Additionally, frequent follicular aspiration intervals (≤ 4 times) resulted in better embryo production compared to less frequent aspirations (> 5 times). These findings highlight critical factors for optimizing IVEP protocols under tropical conditions, suggesting strategic adjustments such as scheduling OPU sessions during favorable seasons, selecting suitable breeds and semen types, utilizing IGF-I supplementation, and optimizing follicular aspiration frequency to enhance embryo production efficiency in commercial cattle breeding programs.
Article Details
References
Fabra MC, Campagna AA, Farnetano N, Anchordoquy JP, Anchordoquy JM, Carranza-Martin AC, et al. Alpha-Lipoic acid supplementation during in vitro culture of abattoir- and OPU-derived bovine oocytes improves embryonic quality. Animal Reproduction Science. 2025;272:107667. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107667. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107667
Da Silva JCB, Alves MBR, Bridi A, Bohrer RC, Escobar GSL, de Carvalho JABA, et al. Reproductive seasonality influences oocyte retrieval and embryonic competence but not uterine receptivity in buffaloes. Theriogenology. 2021;170:77–84. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.019
Mastromonaco GF, Gonzalez-Grajales AL. Reproduction in female wild cattle: Influence of seasonality on ARTs. Theriogenology. 2020;150:396–404. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.016
Mozaffari Makiabadi MJ, Bafandeh M, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Mobedi E, Akbarinejad V. Developmental programming of production and reproduction in dairy cows: II. Association of gestational stage of maternal exposure to heat stress with offspring’s birth weight, milk yield, reproductive performance and AMH concentration during the first lactation period. Theriogenology. 2023;212:41–49. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.002
Velazquez MA, Idriss A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Fleming TP. The mammalian preimplantation embryo: Its role in the environmental programming of postnatal health and performance. Animal Reproduction Science. 2023;256:107321. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107321. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107321
Baruselli PS, Abreu LA, Menchaca A, Bó GA. The future of beef production in South America. Theriogenology. 2025;231:21–28. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.10.004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.10.004
Leme LDO, Carvalho JO, Mendes CM, Assumpção MEOD, Caetano AR, Franco MM, et al. Impact of sperm sex sorting on sperm quality and in vitro embryo production in bovine. Animal Reproduction Science. 2024;270:107604. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107604
Leme LO, Carvalho JO, Franco MM, Dode MAN. Effect of sex on cryotolerance of bovine embryos produced in vitro. Theriogenology. 2020;141:219–227. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.002
Priego-González A, Munoz-Maceda A, Cerdeira-Lozano J, Fominaya H, Fuertes-Recuero M, Ortiz-Díez G, et al. Successful ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up (OPU) and subsequent in vitro embryo production in a domestic cat. Theriogenology. 2024;229:47–52. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.017
Del Campo M, Montossi F, Soares de Lima JM, Brito G. Future cattle production: Animal welfare as a critical component of sustainability and beef quality, a South American perspective. Meat Science. 2025;219:109672. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2024.109672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meatsci.2024.109672
Reis NP, Lobato JFP, Restle J, Pacheco RF, Nuñez AJC, Sartori DBS, et al. Effect of the performance, calving date and lactation period on the probability of pregnancy in beef cows. Scientia Agricola. 2023;80:e20220088. doi: 10.1590/1678-992x-2022-0088. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2022-0088
Carrillo-González DF, Maldonado-Estrada JG. L-carnitine supplementation in culture media improves the pregnancy rate of in vitro produced embryos with sexed semen from Bubalus bubalis indicus cows. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2020;52(5):2559–2565. doi: 10.1007/s11250-020-02281-y. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-020-02281-y
Carrillo-Gonzalez D, Rodríguez-Osorio N, Long C, Vásquez-Araque N, Maldonado-Estrada J. Effect of L-carnitine supplementation during in vitro maturation and in vitro culture on oocyte quality and embryonic development rate of bovines. Asian Pacific Journal of Reproduction. 2019;8(6):289. doi: 10.4103/2305-0500.270107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2305-0500.270107
Carrillo-Gonzalez DF, Hernández Herrera DY, Vásquez Araque NA. Evaluación del YM976 como alternativo a las hormonas gonadotrópicas en la maduración in vitro de oocitos bovinos y su competencia para el desarrollo embrionario. Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Perú 2021;32(6):e20341. doi: 10.15381/rivep.v32i6.20341. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15381/rivep.v32i6.20341
Carrillo-Gonzalez DF, Hernández-Herrera DY, Medina-Montes AF, Otero-Arroyo R. Effect of the addition of IGF-I during in vitro culture on the embryonic development speed from different crossbreed bovine embryos. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2024;56(8):368. doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04204-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-024-04204-7
Cavalieri FLB, Morotti F, Seneda MM, Colombo AHB, Andreazzi MA, Emanuelli IP, et al. Improvement of bovine in vitro embryo production by ovarian follicular wave synchronization prior to ovum pick-up. Theriogenology. 2018;117:57–60. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.026
Crowe AD, Sánchez JM, Moore SG, McDonald M, Rodrigues R, Morales MF, et al. Fertility in seasonal-calving pasture-based lactating dairy cows following timed artificial insemination or timed embryo transfer with fresh or frozen in vitro-produced embryos. Journal of Dairy Science. 2024;107(3):1788–1804. doi: 10.3168/jds.2023-23520. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23520
Oliveira CS, de Barros BAF, Monteiro CAS, Rosa PMS, Leal GR, Serapião RV, et al. Individual assessment of bovine embryo development using a homemade chamber reveals kinetic patterns of success and failure to reach blastocyst stage. Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine. 2019;65(4):301–311. doi: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1589601. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2019.1589601
Bonilla León L, Bonilla Trujillo D, Gómez Domínguez RG. Producción de embriones bovinos del laboratorio INVITRO COLOMBIA durante el año 2019 documento de trabajo en Internet. Bogotá: Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia; 2021. Working Papers ECAPMA;5(1):6–16. doi: 10.22490/ECAPMA.4242. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/ECAPMA.4242
Nogueira BGR, Souza LFAD, Puelker RZ, Giometti IC, Firetti SMG, Dias TSDSB, et al. Factors affecting the in vitro production of bovine embryos in a commercial program. Research, Society and Development. 2021;10(2):e16110212264. doi: 10.33448/rsd-v10i2.12264. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i2.12264
Pontes JHF, Silva KCF, Basso AC, Rigo AG, Ferreira CR, Santos GMG, et al. Large-scale in vitro embryo production and pregnancy rates from Bubalus bubalis, Bos indicus, and indicus-taurus dairy cows using sexed sperm. Theriogenology. 2010;74(8):1349–1355. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.004. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.004
Ferreira RM, Chiaratti MR, Macabelli CH, Rodrigues CA, Ferraz ML, Watanabe YF, et al. The infertility of repeat-breeder cows during summer is associated with decreased mitochondrial DNA and increased expression of mitochondrial and apoptotic genes in oocytes. Biol Reprod. 2016;94(3):66. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.115.133017
Torres-Júnior JRDS, Pires MDFA, De Sá WF, Ferreira ADM, Viana JHM, Camargo LSA, et al. Effect of maternal heat-stress on follicular growth and oocyte competence in Bos indicus cattle. Theriogenology. 2008;69(2):155–166. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.06.023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.06.023
Viana JHM, Figueiredo ACS, Gonçalves RLR, Siqueira LGB. A historical perspective of embryo-related technologies in South America. Animal Reproduction. 2018;15(Suppl. 1):963–970. doi: 10.21451/1984–3143-AR2018-0016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR2018-0016
Seidel GE, deJarnette JM. Applications and world-wide use of sexed semen in cattle. Animal Reproduction Science. 2022;246:106841. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106841. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106841
Wilson RD, Fricke PM, Leibfried-Rutledge ML, Rutledge JJ, Penfield CMS, Weigel KA. In vitro production of bovine embryos using sex-sorted sperm. Theriogenology. 2006;65(6):1007–1015. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.07.007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.07.007
Morotti F, Sanches BV, Pontes JHF, Basso AC, Siqueira ER, Lisboa LA, et al. Pregnancy rate and birth rate of calves from a large-scale IVF program using reverse-sorted semen in Bos indicus, Bos indicus-taurus, and Bubalus bubalis cattle. Theriogenology. 2014;81(5):696–701. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.10.013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.002
Ferré LB, Kjelland ME, Strøbech LB, Hyttel P, Mermillod P, Ross PJ. Review: recent advances in bovine in vitro embryo production: reproductive biotechnology history and methods. Animal. 2020;14(5):991–1004. doi: 10.1017/S1751731119002775. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731119002775
Nascimento PS, Chaves MS, Santos Filho ASD, Guido SI, Guerra MMP, Bartolomeu CC. Produção in vitro de embriões utilizando-se sêmen sexado de touros 5/8 Girolando. Ciência Animal Brasileira 2015;16(3):358–368. doi: 10.1590/1089–6891v16i332156. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1089-6891v16i332156
Oliveira LRMD, Santos MVDO, Bertini LM, Pereira AF. Bioguided isolation of compounds with antioxidant activity to improve the in vitro maturation of mammalian oocytes. Research, Society and Development. 2020;9(8):e117985137. doi: 10.33448/rsd-v9i8.5137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i8.5137
Currin L, Baldassarre H, de Macedo MP, Glanzner WG, Gutiérrez K, Lazaris K, et al. Factors affecting the efficiency of in vitro embryo production in prepubertal Mediterranean water buffalo. Animals. 2022;12(24):3549. doi: 10.3390/ani12243549. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243549
Barrera SS, Naranjo-Gomez JS, Rondón-Barragán IS. Thermoprotective molecules: Effect of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) in cattle oocytes exposed to high temperatures. Heliyon. 2023;9(3):e14375. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14375. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14375
Block J, Hansen PJ. Interaction between season and culture with insulin-like growth factor-1 on survival of in vitro produced embryos following transfer to lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology. 2007;67(9):1518–1529. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.03.029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.03.012
Block J, Wrenzycki C, Niemann H, Herrmann D, Hansen PJ. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on cellular and molecular characteristics of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. Molecular Reproduction and Development. 2008;75(5):895–903. doi: 10.1002/mrd.20835. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.20826
Kaya A, Sağirkaya H, Misirlioğlu M, Gümen A, Parrish JJ, Memili E. Leptin and IGF-I improve bovine embryo quality in vitro. Animal Reproduction. 2017;14(4):1151–1160. doi: 10.21451/1984-3143-AR987. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR987
Chen P, Pan Y, Cui Y, Wen Z, Liu P, He H, et al. Insulin-like growth factor I enhances the developmental competence of yak embryos by modulating aquaporin 3. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2017;52(5):825–835. doi: 10.1111/rda.12970. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.12985
Annes K, De Lima CB, Ispada J, dos Santos ÉC, Fontes PK, Nichi M, et al. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) selectively modulates the metabolic and lipid profile of bovine embryos according to their kinetics of development. Theriogenology. 2023;204:1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.033. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.020
Moschini GADL, Gaitkoski D, Almeida ABMD, Hidalgo MMT, Martins MIM, Blaschi W, et al. Comparison between in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus and Bubalus bubalis cows. Research, Society and Development. 2021;10(7):e38810716712. doi: 10.33448/rsd-v10i7.16712. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i7.16712
Alvarez P, Spicer LJ, Chase CC, Payton ME, Hamilton TD, Stewart RE, et al. Ovarian and endocrine characteristics during an estrous cycle in Angus, Brahman, and Senepol cows in a subtropical environment. Journal of Animal Science. 2000;78(5):1291. doi: 10.2527/2000.7851291x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2527/2000.7851291x
Bó GA, Baruselli PS, Martínez MF. Pattern and manipulation of follicular development in Bos indicus cattle. Animal Reproduction Science. 2003;78(3–4):307–326. doi: 10.1016/S0378-4320(03)00126-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320(03)00097-6
Lopes A, Palhão M, Fernandes C, Sudano M, Castilho A, Caixeta E. Differential expression of insulin-like growth factor family members in immature cumulus-oocyte complexes from dairy cows with different genotypes. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2017;52(6):1067–1073. doi: 10.1111/rda.13028. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13028
Silva CF, Sartorelli ES, Castilho ACS, Satrapa RA, Puelker RZ, Razza EM, et al. Effects of heat stress on development, quality and survival of Bos indicus and Bubalus bubalis embryos produced in vitro. Theriogenology. 2013;79(2):351–7. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.10.003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.10.003
Gimenes LU, Ferraz ML, Fantinato-Neto P, Chiaratti MR, Mesquita LG, Sá Filho MF, et al. The interval between the emergence of pharmacologically synchronized ovarian follicular waves and ovum pickup does not significantly affect in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus, Bubalus bubalis, and Bubalus bubalis. Theriogenology. 2015;83(3):385–393. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.09.030. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.09.030
Sales JNS, Iguma LT, Batista RITP, Quintão CCR, Gama MAS, Freitas C, et al. Effects of a high-energy diet on oocyte quality and in vitro embryo production in Bos indicus and Bubalus bubalis cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 2015;98(5):3086–3099. doi: 10.3168/jds.2014-8858. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8858
Nichi M, Bols PEJ, Züge RM, Barnabe VH, Goovaerts IGF, Barnabe RC, et al. Seasonal variation in semen quality in Bos indicus and Bubalus bubalis bulls raised under tropical conditions. Theriogenology. 2006;66(4):822–8. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.01.051. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.01.056
Leite RF, Losano JDDA, Kawai GKV, Rui BR, Nagai KK, Castiglioni VC, et al. Sperm function and oxidative status: Effect on fertility in Bubalus bubalis and Bos indicus bulls when semen is used for fixed-time artificial insemination. Animal Reproduction Science. 2022;237:106922. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106922. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106922
Sweett H, Fonseca PAS, Suárez-Vega A, Livernois A, Miglior F, Cánovas A. Genome-wide association study to identify genomic regions and positional candidate genes associated with male fertility in beef cattle. Scientific Reports. 2020;10(1):20102. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-75758-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75758-3
Lacerda IPD, Dode MAN, Lima MMS, Guerra BF, Costa ES, Moreira GR, et al. Cattle breed affects in vitro embryo production in a large-scale commercial program on dairy farms. Livestock Science. 2020;240:104135. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104135. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104135
Beltrán D, Gómez G, Marulanda C. Incidencia de la receptora bovina en los costos de un programa de transferencia de embriones en el triángulo del café en Colombia (Impact of bovine recipient on the costs of an embryo transfer program in the coffee triangle in Colombia). Ingeniería y Competitividad. 2023;25(2):1–14. doi: 10.25100/iyc.v25i2.12819. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25100/iyc.v25i2.12819
License
Veterinaria México OA by Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.
Based on a work at http://www.revistas.unam.mx
- All articles in Veterinaria México OA re published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported (CC-BY 4.0). With this license, authors retain copyright but allow any user to share, copy, distribute, transmit, adapt and make commercial use of the work, without needing to provide additional permission as long as appropriate attribution is made to the original author or source.
- By using this license, all Veterinaria México OAarticles meet or exceed all funder and institutional requirements for being considered Open Access.
- Authors cannot use copyrighted material within their article unless that material has also been made available under a similarly liberal license.