Laparoscopic Embryo Transfer in Pigs: Knowledge for Surgical Procedures

The objective of the study was to describe and improve a technique for laparoscopic embryo transfer into the oviduct and uterine horns of pigs and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this method. Fourteen female pigs were randomly allocated into groups A and B: three portals were used for group A, and the simulation of embryo (0.9% NaCl, 0.2 mL) was injected into the tip of uterine horn; three or four portals were used for group B, and the injection set of the oviduct was inserted through the abdominal orifice of uterine tube into the oviduct to inject the simulation of embryo. The repeat laparoscopy was performed on the 21st day. Three pigs randomly selected from each groups were repeated the same procedure three times, and then were euthanized on the 21st day after the last surgery and a complete necropsy performed. Laparoscopic embryo transfer was performed successfully in all pigs without major intra-and post-operative complications. The average surgical time which accomplished procedures for groups A and B was 18.6 min (range, 28−14 min) and 37.4 min (range, 53−29 min). Postoperatively, none of pigs appeared to abnormal signs. This study demonstrated that laparoscopic embryo transfer could be easily accomplished by using the special-purpose equipment and increasing reuse time of a female recipient.