Abstract
Objective To examine whether the size of artificial openings in the zona pellucida effects the hatching process in in vitro–produced cattle embryos. Design We evaluated the course of hatching of cattle blastocysts with and without laser-drilled zona pellucida openings of different sizes. Setting University-based cattle reproductive biotechnology laboratory. Intervention(s) Cattle blastocysts were produced in vitro. Laser treatment was performed 7 days after fertilization. In group I, a small opening of 7–15 μm in width and 40 μm in length was created. In group II, an opening of at least 40 by 40 μm was created. Group III blastocysts received no laser treatment. Main outcome measure(s) Hatching course, zona pellucida thickness, diameter. Result(s) By day 9, the rate of hatched blastocysts was 27.1%, 63,0%, and 42,9% in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The remainder in group I were entrapped during hatching in a typical figure eight shape. The hatching rate in group II was significantly different from the other groups. All laser-treated blastocysts (groups I and II) showed no change of zona pellucida diameter until day 9. Conclusion(s) These results suggest that the size of the artificial openings in the zona pellucida has an influence on the hatching process.
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