Survival of embryos after transfer within multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programme

The experiment was designed to investigate factors affecting the survival of transferred embryos in indigenous recipient ewes (Wera breed) in Bangladesh. The factors were methods of transfer, number, stage and quality of the transferred embryos, recipient ewe's age and corpora lutea (CL) number of recipients. Transferring three embryos to recipient ewes had a significant effect on the lambing rate and embryo survival rate by both surgical and laparoscopic method. Triplet birth was observed only when recipients received three embryos by laparoscopic transfer. Laparoscopic transfer is safe, minimally invasive, and may be recommended for increased embryo survival. Stage of embryo development did not significantly affect the pregnancy rate but morula stage tended to give higher pregnancy rates (90.9%). Significantly higher pregnancy rate (77.3%) was observed when embryos of Grade 1-2 were transferred than Grade 3-4. There was no significant (P > 0.05) effect of recipient ewe's age and CL number on pregnancy and embryo survival rates.