J Vet Sci.  2008 Mar;9(1):103-107. 10.4142/jvs.2008.9.1.103.

Laparoscopy vs. laparotomy for embryo transfer to produce transgenic goats (Capra hircus)

• Shin ST
• Jang SK
• Yang HS
• Lee OK
• Shim YH
• Choi WI
• Lee DS
• Lee GS
• Cho JK
• Lee YW

• KMID: 1102960
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2008.9.1.103

Abstract

This study was performed to produce transgenic Korean native goat (Capra hircus) by laparoscopic embryo transfer (ET) to overcome the limitations of ET performed by laparotomy. Transgenic embryos were produced by DNA pronuclear microinjection of in vivo zygotes. The recipient goats were synchronized for estrus by using an introvaginal progesterone devices as a controlled internal drugreleasing insert (CIDR) for 13 days and injection of 400 IU PMSG 48 h before removal of the insert. Embryos were transferred on day 3 and 4 after removal of the insert. Recipient goats were deprived of feed for 48 h, then suspended in a laparotomy cradle at an angle of 45degrees. After obtaining a sufficient pneumoperitoneum, the laparoscope and forceps were inserted abdominally through 5 mm trocar sleeves. Examination of the ovaries and uterus was performed and then 213 embryos were transferred into the oviducts via the infundibula of 76 recipient goats. To compare pregnancy rates, ET was also performed by laparotomy in 82 recipient goats. The pregnancies in the recipient goats were diagnosed by ultrasound on day 30 after embryo transfer. The pregnancy rate with laparoscopic ET was significantly higher than with ET performed by laparotomy (46.1% vs. 28.6%, p < 0.05). In addition, the pregnancy rates were compared between ovulated and non-ovulated ovaries of the recipient goats in the laparoscopic ET group. No significant difference was observed between the pregnancy rates of ovulated and non-ovulated ovaries (41.3% vs. 33.3%, p < 0.05) suggesting that ET may also be possible in non-ovulated recipients through artificial rupture of Graafian follicles. These results suggest that laparoscopic ET is a highly efficient method for the transfer of goat embryos.

Keyword

embryo transfer; goat; laparoscopy; laparotomy; transgenic

MeSH Terms

Animals
Animals, Genetically Modified/*embryology
Embryo Transfer/methods/*veterinary
Female
Goats/*genetics/physiology
Laparoscopy/*veterinary
Laparotomy/*veterinary
Microinjections/veterinary
Oocytes

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Injection set for laparoscopic embryo transfer and embryo loading. (A) 5-cm polyethylene tube (1), injection needle (2) and 1-ml syringe (3). (B) Embryo loading in the injection needle.

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  Fig. 2 Laparoscopic embryo transfer. (A) Infundibulum was grasped with assist forceps, and then inserted into a polyethylene tube. (B) Insertion of polyethylene tube into the ampulla via the infundibulum. (C) Swollen oviduct after embryo transfer. (D) Preventing back flow of medium into the abdominal cavity by grasping the infundibulum with assist forceps.

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