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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Integrating new technologies with embryology and animal production

Torben Greve A C and Henrik Callesen B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Clinical Studies, Reproduction, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Dyrlaegevej 68, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

B Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Reproductive Biology, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.

C To whom correspondence should be addressed. email: tg@kvl.dk

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 16(2) 113-122 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD03084
Submitted: 1 August 2003  Accepted: 1 October 2003   Published: 2 January 2004

Abstract

The present review describes a range of selected farm animal embryo technologies used in embryological research and applied in animal breeding and production. Some of the techniques are driven by the breeder’s wish to obtain animals with higher breeding values, whereas others are primarily driven by the curiosity of researchers. The interaction between basic research and practical application in these areas is still a characteristic feature for people who contribute to the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) and has been an advantage for both researchers and breeders. One example of such an interaction is that detailed structural analyses have described quality differences between embryos of various origins and, following embryo transfer, the pregnancy results have confirmed the correlation between morphology and viability. Another example is that polymerase chain reaction technology has allowed detection of Y-specific sequences in male embryos and has become a tool in animal production today. Data from domestic animal genome sequencing will provide a great deal of new information. A major challenge for the years to come will be using this information in a physiologically meaningful context and to continue the efforts to convert the laboratory experience into use in practise. Finally, it is important to obtain societal acceptance for a wider application of many of the technologies, such as in vitro embryo production and cloning.

Extra keywords: application, embryo technology, farm animals, research.


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