EMBRYOTRANSFER IN GOATS - A REVIEW

The available techniques for the control of the estrous cycle and supe rovulation in goats are covered. Most commonly the estrous cycle is co ntrolled by means of progestagen pessaries or s.c. implants. To supero vulate goats, FSH is more suitable than PMSG. As an alternative, goats may be immunized against inhibin. Premature regression of corpora lut ea is a common complication in superovulated goats. Collection and tra nsfer of embryos is usually accomplished via laparotomy. Occasionally endoscopic techniques are utilized. A recently invented technique for transcervical embryo collection is touched upon. Methods of in vitro c ulture and preservation of embryos resemble those commonly applied in cattle. Satisfactory success rates are achieved with the transfer of f rozen-thawed blastocysts. Vitrification of goat embryos is feasible. T here are reports on successful splitting and fusion (chimaera formatio n) of goat embryos and on in vitro fertilization (IVF). The goat may s erve as a suitable model for the invention of new approaches in biotec hnology in ruminants.