EFFECT OF MARES AGE AND RECOVERY METHODS ON THE RECOVERY RATE OF EQUINE FOLLICULAR OOCYTES FOR IVM PROCEDURES

Mares (n=39) were classified according to age as young (less than 1.5 yr, n=17) or old (more than 1.5 yr, n=22) and sacrificed. Ovaries were measured and weighed, and the number of follicles and CL were counted . Follicle size and distribution were recorded (external: > 20mm, < 20 mm; internal:> 5mm, < 5 mm). External follicles were aspirated while internal follicles were sliced. The number and Type of oocytes recover ed using each method were recorded Oocyte recovery rates (oocytes/ovar y) resulted in a mean of 0.92 oocytes by aspiration and 1.36 oocytes b y additional slicing. The mean numbers of available follicles (8.11 an d 5.02) oocytes recovered (4.94 and 3.02) and oocytes selected per ova ry (3.29 and 2.32) were not significantly different in the young or ol d mares, respectively. (C) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc.