Embryo transfer in pigs: a method for introducing genetic material into primary specific-pathogen-free herds.
Fifty-five embryos were transferred from 4 Duroc donor sows into 4 crossbred recipient gilts. The embryo survival rate was 66%; 53% of eggs ovulated by donors were represented by live pigs at term. Three of the litters were obtained by hysterectomy of the recipients and introduced into a primary specific-pathogen-free herd, thereby saving the donor sows for subsequent use. Embryo transfer provided a method for exploiting the genetic potential of superior females.
D000818:Animals; D001724:Birth Weight; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine / Q000494:pharmacology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D006064:Gonadotropins, Equine