Application of reproductive biotechnology for the recovery of endangered breeds: birth of the first calf of Murciana-Levantina bovine breed derived by OPU, in vitro production and embryo vitrification.

摘要

In a conservation project, reproductive biotechnology was implemented for the recovery and conservation of an endangered bovine breed in Spain. The breed Murciana-Levantina, declared to be worthy of special protection status (http://www.fao.orgewsroom/enews/2006/1000464/index.html), is of great interest because of its hardness, longevity, docility and disease resistance. This contribution describes the birth of the first calf of this breed obtained by reproductive biotechnology, using ultrasound-guided punction and aspiration of ovarian follicles, in vitro embryo production, vitrification of embryos by a cryotop device and, finally, the transfer of cryopreserved embryos to recipient heifers of a commercial dairy herd.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/rda.12179