Bioscientifica Proceedings

The extensive use of embryo technologies has emphasized the need for assessing embryo quality by morphological techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry for confocal laser scanning microscopy and fluorescence in situ hybridization. By a combination of these techniques, it has been possible to demonstrate: (i) that rRNA gene activation, as monitored by embryonic nucleolar development, is comparable in bovine embryos developed in vivo...

Summary. Despite apparent progress in reproductive technology as applied to wild ruminants, the success achieved in terms of the number of offspring that become healthy adults has remained low. Difficulties often arise through a lack of knowledge regarding appropriate cryopreservation techniques, and indeed through a lack of detailed information on the reproductive physiology of the species in question. The Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) is a wild cap...

Summary. Reproductive traits can range from lowly to moderately heritable. Genomic technologies provide a powerful tool for improving selection for traits that are lowly heritable, sex-linked, or not expressed until later in life. Therefore, as genomic technologies become a part of selection decisions, there is a critical need to understand how specific gene variants affect reproductive traits in cattle. Both classical quantitative genetics approaches and geno...

Summary. Development of the corpus luteum (CL) is vital for the early increase in postovulatory progesterone that drives embryo development and the successful establishment of pregnancy. Following ovulation, rapid and dramatic cellular reorganisation and intense angiogenesis are required to support the timely transition to progesterone secretion. In addition to inherent physiological challenges, this process is sensitive to any imbalance in metabolism or healt...

Embryo transfer (ET) should play a critical role in the pig industry because it allows the movement and introduction of new genetic material into a herd with minimal risk of disease transmission and reduced transportation costs. In addition, embryo movement could prevent the potential health and welfare problems associated with transporting live pigs. Although the first successful ET was reported more than 60 years ago, the commercial use of this procedure in pigs is sti...

As stated in the first Proceedings, the economically important domestic species have been the subject of ongoing reproductive research over many decades. The aims of researchers and clinicians have been directed at increasing fecundity and fertility, to manipulate reproduction for simpler management, to increase the genetic influence of selected individuals and importantly to improve animal welfare. A group of international researchers initiated the first symposium in Australi...

As stated in the first Proceedings, the economically important domestic species have been the subject of ongoing reproductive research over many decades. The aims of researchers and clinicians have been directed at increasing fecundity and fertility, to manipulate reproduction for simpler management, to increase the genetic influence of selected individuals and importantly to improve animal welfare. A group of international researchers initiated the first symposium in Australi...

As stated in the first Proceedings, the economically important domestic species have been the subject of ongoing reproductive research over many decades. The aims of researchers and clinicians have been directed at increasing fecundity and fertility, to manipulate reproduction for simpler management, to increase the genetic influence of selected individuals and importantly to improve animal welfare. A group of international researchers initiated the first symposium in Australi...

As stated in the first Proceedings, the economically important domestic species have been the subject of ongoing reproductive research over many decades. The aims of researchers and clinicians have been directed at increasing fecundity and fertility, to manipulate reproduction for simpler management, to increase the genetic influence of selected individuals and importantly to improve animal welfare. A group of international researchers initiated the first symposium in Australi...

As stated in the first Proceedings, the economically important domestic species have been the subject of ongoing reproductive research over many decades. The aims of researchers and clinicians have been directed at increasing fecundity and fertility, to manipulate reproduction for simpler management, to increase the genetic influence of selected individuals and importantly to improve animal welfare. A group of international researchers initiated the first symposium in Australi...