IN-VITRO MATURATION OF OOCYTES FROM DOMES TIC RUMINANTS

In vitro maturation represents the first step towards the in vitro pro duction of embryos in domestic species, This production is of great in terest from both zootechnic and basic points of view, Beyond nuclear a spects of maturation (progression of meiosis to metaphase II) cytoplas mic aspects confer to oocytes their potential to be fertilized and to develop normally, The culture medium used for maturation could influen ce this competence, Furthermore, the origin of oocytes (physiologic an d genetic status of the oocyte donor, characteristics of the follicle) could also be determinant, The improvement of in vitro maturation tec hniques will certainly require a better understanding of these differe nt aspects, Additionally, the maintenance of the oocytes in meiotic bl ock during a pre-maturation in vitro culture will allow them to comple te the storage of molecules necessary for fertilization and developmen t.