Abstract
The objective was to utilize in vitro maturation and fertilization to maximize embryo production from culled dairy cows. Ovaries were removed (via a colopotomy technique) from culled Holstein cows (n = 21) 2 d after standing estrus (T1), 2 d after treatment with 40 mg follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) given at standing estrus (T2), or at an unknown stage of the estrous cycle (T3).Treatment with FSH increased (P < 0.05) oocyte recovery rate (mean ± SEM, 14.6 ± 2.2, 25.4 ± 3.4, and 11.1 ± 2.6 oocytes ovary–1), for groups T1, T2 and T3, respectively, and the number of blastocysts obtained (1.6 ± 0.5, 4.4 ± 0.4 and 1.6 ± 0.6 blastocysts ovary–1). Culled dairy cows of high genetic merit are potential embryo donors, with an average of six to eight transferable embryos obtained from each FSH-treated cow. Key words: FSH treatment, oocyte recovery, IVM, IVF, culled cows
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