An updated protocol for in vitro bovine embryo production

Abstract

Summary: Cattle embryos represent a useful model for understanding parts of human embryogenesis due to various biological similarities. We describe a protocol to mature and fertilize bovine oocytes followed by culture of resulting presumptive zygotes up until the blastocyst stage. Our protocol features a unique procedure for washing and moving oocytes and zygotes between their respective dishes using a cell strainer. A thorough troubleshooting section will help users optimize embryo development with cleavage and blastocyst rates exceeding 70% and 20%, respectively.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Wooldridge and Ealy (2019).1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Cell culture
• Developmental biology
• Model Organisms