Realizing the promise of IVF in cattle—an overview

The in vitro-produced embryo could play a central role in dairy and beef production systems because of its potential role in genetic selection strategies and crossbreeding schemes, and because it can be integrated into reproductive management strategies for improving pregnancy rates in herds with low fertility. The promise attendant upon use of in vitro-produced embryos is not being fully realized, however. Indeed, there are important technical limitations to their production that reduce the desirability of in vitro-produced embryos because of increased costs, sub-optimal embryonic and fetal survival, and offspring that are occasionally abnormal. Most technical problems associated with in vitro production of embryos can be overcome through research. Among the requirements for a successful research program will be renewed emphasis on conducting embryo transfer trials to determine effects of modifications to embryo production protocols on pregnancy rates and fetal development. Given the promise of in vitro embryo technologies, there is an urgent need for a concerted and sustained investment in research to improve these technologies. Developing a consensus that the study of embryo technology is one of the most important areas of agricultural research should be both an individual and organizational priority.