Evaluation of embryo production method on the quality of embryos produced by Nguni, Bonsmara, Boran beef cattle breeds

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare the quality of in vivo and in vitro produced embryos in Bonsmara, Nguni and Boran cattle. Hormonal supplements were used to produce in vivo embryos while ovum pickup and ovarian follicle aspiration were used to produce in vitro embryos. Embryos produced by both methods in all the three breeds were evaluated for morphological appearence based on the standards of the International Embryo Transfer Society. Data were analysed by ANOVA. No significant difference were observed among breeds in developmental competency of embryos produced in vivo. Development of blastocysts in vivo was significantly higher in Bonsmara and Nguni compared to Boran on day 8. No significant difference was observed between breeds at all development stages for the in vitro environment. There were no significant breed differences in the number of blastocysts and blastocyst quality by either the in vivo or in vitro method. Flushing and Ovum pickup produced a higher number of blastocysts compared to ovary aspiration. The number of Grade I embryos were significantly higher in flushing and OPU compared to ovary aspiration. In conclusion, the study showed that the in vivo method of embryo production is superior to the in vitro method in blastocyst development of Bonsmara, Boran and Nguni breeds.