Non-surgical transfer of porcine frozen embryos

Preliminary evaluation of realized experimental laparoscopic and non-surgic al transfers of porcine fresh and vitrified embryos was the principal objec tive of this study. Methodical principles of the laparoscopic transfer and embryo vitrification have been specified in previous studies (Riha et al., 1996, 1997a, b). Embryos were recovered post mortem from superovulated dono rs. An insemination probe was used for non-surgical transfers. A silicone c atheter completed with a syringe containing culture medium (3 ml approx.) w as drawn through the probe. Recipients were synchronized either by feeding Regumate and by application of PMSG and HCG (gilts) or by piglet weaning (s ows, 1st and 2nd parities). Recipients showing symptoms of standing reflex at the time of the donor insemination were used for laparoscopic and non-su rgical transfers. Five recipients were pregnant after 10 laparoscopic trans fers of fresh embryos: 39 piglets were born in total, 37 piglets were born alive, 34 ones were weaned. Seven inseminated recipients were pregnant afte r 13 laparoscopic transfers of vitrified embryos: 4 recipients gave birth t o piglets produced by insemination only, the remaining sows gave birth to 5 , 9, and 10 piglets reap, produced by transfer of vitrified embryos. Three recipients were pregnant: after 4 non-surgical transfers of fresh embryos. One recipient was pregnant after 2 non-surgical transfers of vitrified embr yos. This sow gave birth (pregnancy period: 117 days) to 6 piglets. All the piglets were weaned.