Use of embryo transfer and IVF to bypass effects of heat stress.
Although heat stress has multiple effects to lower pregnancy rate in lactating dairy cows, a major pathway is in its effects on the early cleavage stage embryo. Conceptually, and in practice, higher pregnancy rates can be obtained with transfer of late cleavage stage embryos. The literature is reviewed, and conclusion is made that application of these technologies may be in part, a solution to this long-standing problem.
Rutledge
J J
JJ
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA. rutledge@calshp.cals.unisc.edu
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000662:veterinary*; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011247:Pregnancy