Does the addition of follicular fluid in the in vitro maturation medium increase the oocyte maturation and embryo production in alpacas?

• Published in: Tropical animal health and production Vol. 55; no. 4; p. 232
• Main Authors: Huamani, Mijail Contreras, Palomino, Crissthel Yverlin Guillén, Arcce, Irving Mitchell Laines, Chaves, Maiana Silva, Melo, Luciana Magalhães, de Figueirêdo Freitas, Vicente José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.08.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Abattoirs; Alpacas; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cell culture; Embryos; Follicles; Follicular fluid; Gametocytes; Life Sciences; Maturation; Oocytes; Regular Articles; Veterinary Medicine/Veterinary Science; Zoology; Alpaca; Cumulus–oocyte complex; Embryo production; Oocyte maturation
• ISSN: 0049-4747; 1573-7438
• DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03646-9

   In alpacas ( Vicugna pacos ), the high cost of in vitro embryo production is also a consequence of the use of several substances in the culture medium. In addition, embryo production rates in this species are still considered low. Thus, in attempt to reduce the cost and to improve the in vitro embryo production rates, this study evaluates the effect of adding follicular fluid (FF) in the in vitro maturation medium on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo production. After ovary collection at the local slaughterhouse, the oocytes were recovered, selected, and allocated in experimental groups: standard maturation medium (G1) and simplified medium added by 10% FF (G2). The FF was acquired from follicles between 7- and 12-mm diameter. The cumulus cell expansion and the embryo production rates were analyzed by chi-square with p  < 0.05. No differences ( p  > 0.05) were observed in maturation rate between G1 (66.36%) and G2 (63.12%) groups. Likewise, no significant difference ( p  > 0.05) was verified between G1 and G2 for morula (40.85 vs 38.45%), blastocyst (7.01 vs 6.93%), and total number of embryos (47.87 vs 45.38%). In conclusion, it was possible to simplify the medium used for in vitro maturation of alpaca oocytes resulting in embryo production rates similar to the standard medium.