Influence of superovulation on the production of native Vietnamese pig embryos in vivo and embryonic survival after vitrified-thawed

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the influence of superovulation on the production of native Vietnamese pig embryos in vivo and embryonic survival after vitrified-thawed. The average number of follicles, corpora lutea, and recovered embryos of the superovulation group was higher than non-superovulation group (13.56 vs. 7.45, 12.32 vs. 6.12, and 10.91 vs. 5.67; P < 0.05, respectively). The average number of follicles of 4th repeated superovulation was lower than the first, second, and third repeated superovulation (10.57 vs. 13.56, 12.91, and 12.32, P < 0.05, respectively). The average number of corpora lutea and recovered embryos of 4th and third repeated superovulation was lower than first and second superovulation (9.57 and 7.58 vs. 12.32 and 11.84, 10.91 and 9.28 vs. 6.86 and 5.42, P < 0.05, respectively). The average number of follicles of the Co Binh Thuan pig was higher compared to Muong Te pig (16.78 vs. 14.58, P > 0.05, respectively) and Kieng Sat pig (16.78 vs. 13.56, P < 0.05, respectively). The average number of corpora lutea and recovered embryos of the Co Binh Thuan pig was higher than Muong Te pig and Kieng Sat pig (16.14 vs. 12.36, and 12.32, 14.34 vs. 10.98 and 10.91, P < 0.05, respectively). There was no difference in survival and hatching blastocyst rates of native Vietnamese pig embryos in vivo after thawing between breeds (P > 0.05). When vitrified-thawed pig embryos in vivo were transferred, 3 out of 5 recipients became pregnant at Day 60 and one recipient miscarried at Day 31 after embryo transfer. In conclusion, superovulation improved the production of native Vietnamese pig embryos in vivo, the highest number of repeated superovulation on the native Vietnamese pig breeds was four times and the breed affected the superovulation parameters evaluated. We successfully created pregnant pigs after transferring vitrified-thawed embryos in vivo of native Vietnamese pigs for the first time.