Superstimulation with eCG prior to ovum pick-up improves follicular development and fertilization rate of cattle oocytes

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) stimulation prior to ovum pick-up (OPU) on follicular development, number and quality of recovered oocytes, fertilization rate, and early embryo development in vitro. There were four OPU sessions (cross over) conducted on 16 Braford cows to evaluate the effect of various eCG doses. The timing of the wave of ovarian follicular development was synchronized, and three days after, the respective eCG dose was administrated (0, 200, 400, or 800 IU). The OPU was performed on Day 6, and viable oocytes were used for IVM and IVF according to the respective treatment. After IVF treatment, the fertilization and cleavage rates, time of cleavage, and the cell number at 48 h were evaluated. There was no difference in the number of follicles, oocyte quantity, and morphological quality of oocytes among treatments (P > 0.05). The oocyte recovery rate was similar among the eCG-treated groups, but was less than in the control group (P < 0.01). The eCG800 group, however, had a greater recovery rate of follicles >6 mm in diameter (P < 0.01). In addition, the eCG800 group had a greater rate of normal fertilization (P < 0.01) and lesser rate of polyspermy (P < 0.02). The cleavage rate of the eCG800 group was greater than the other treatment groups but similar to that of the control. In conclusion, the use of eCG800 increased the proportion of follicles > 6 mm, with improved rate of normal fertilization and reduced occurrence of polyspermy, without affecting early embryonic development in vitro.