In Vitro Embryo Production in Buffalo: Basic Concepts

Abstract

In vitro embryo production involves a combination of the techniques of in vitro maturation (IVM), fertilization (IVF) and culture (IVC) of oocytes. The in vitro matured oocytes are incubated with suitably processed spermatozoa for an appropriate period of time for carrying out IVF. The presumptive zygotes are then cultured in vitro up to the blastocyst stage at which these could either be transferred to synchronized recipients for producing live offspring or cryopreserved for future use. The IVM, IVF and IVC are also integral parts of a number of other reproductive technologies like embryo or somatic cell cloning, production of transgenic animals or production of embryonic stem cells etc., which are expected to bring about a quantum jump in the population of superior genetic merit buffaloes or be useful to mankind in other ways.