Factors affecting the rate of pregnancy by embryo transfers (ET) by in vitro fertilization in multibreed heifers under Colombian tropical conditions

Abstract

Embryo transfer (ET) is currently considered a biotechnological tool with great importance to multiply and obtain individuals with productive potential and high genetic merit. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of factors such as THI, CL size, embryo development status and weight on the rate of pregnancy by embryo transfer by in vitro fertilization in multibreed heifers. Eight hundred forty heifers were selected as recipients, with an average age of 3 years, a weight of 346.5 ± 33.4 kg of live weight, to which a synchronization protocol for ET was applied, after recording the stage of the embryo, ultrasound monitoring and the environmental variables were monitored. The information was analyzed using a logistic regression model to determine the correlation between the independent variables and the dichotomous response variable pregnancy rate. The influence of corpus luteum (CL) size was determined given the significant differences (P<0.05) in the sizes of CL1 and CL2. Differences (P<0.05) were also found with the stages of BL and BX. In contrast, no statistical differences (P>0.05) were found in the other variables. The present study showed the impact of CL size and embryo development on the success of the ET technique.