Spermatozoa viability can be assessed by microscopy, flow cytometry, and other methods using fluorescent stain. Flow cytometry can be used to examine the morphological and functional characteristics of spermatozoa in a short time. The purpose of this study was to compare the viability of cryopreserved spermatozoa in Jeju black cattle by two dual fluorescent stain methods. Semen of Jeju black cattle raised in Subtropical Livestock Research Institute, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA were collected with artificial vaginal technique. Sperm was diluted with Triladyl®-egg yolk diluent and then was performed cryopreservation.There was no significant difference in viability of spermatozoa according to the two dual fluorescent stain methods. However, when the distribution of spermatozoa according to the staining method was compared, the spermatozoa group stained with 6-CFDA/PI was more clearly distinguished than the spermatozoa group stained with calcein AM/PI.

정자 생존성은 형광염색법을 실시하여 현미경검사, 세포현광분석, flow cytometry 등 여러 방법 으로 평가될 수 있다. Flow cytometry는 정자의 형태적, 기능적 특징의 여러 가지 항목을 짧은 시 간내에 수천에서 수만개의 정자를 검사할 수 있는 방법으로 기존의 eosin-nigrosin 염색법, HOST의 실험실적 검사나 형광현미경 검사에 비하여 시간 경과에 따른 정액 성상의 변화를 최소화 할 수 있으며 보다 객관적인 결과를 얻을 수 있다. 이 연구는 Flowcytometry를 사용하여 제주흑우의 동결 정액에서 정자의 생존성을 평가하는 2가지 형광염색법의 비교분석을 통해 정자 생존율과 이중 형 광 염색법 유효성을 알아보고자 하였다. 국립축산과학원 난지축산연구소에서 사육중인 제주흑우 2두를 인공질법을 이용하여 채정하였으 며, Triladyl-eggyolk 희석제 희석하여 동결하였다. LN2에 동결보존된 정액 스트로(n=12)를 융해하여 PBS를 이용하여 희석 후 2개로 분획하였으며, 각각 Calcein Am/PI(CAM/PI)와 6-CFDA/PI(CFDA/PI) 의 이중 형광염색을 실시하고 Flow ctyometry로 생존율을 비교 분석하였다. 분석결과 살아있는 정 자의 비율은 29.26±1.28(CAM+/PI-), 27.50±0.76(CFDA+/PI-), 약간의 생체막의 손상이 있으나 살아있 는 정자의 비율은 21.67±4.92(CAM+/PI+), 23.29±2.76(CFDA+/PI+), 생체막의 손상으로 죽은 정자의 비율은 48.44±4.18(CAM-/PI+), 48.61±2.71(CFDA-/PI+)이었으며 각각 형광염색법간의 유의적인 차이 는 없었다(SPSS v18.0, Paired t-test) 본 연구결과 Flow cytometry를 사용하여 정자의 생존율을 평가할 때 CAM과 CFDA의 차이는 존 재하지 않는 점을 알 수 있었으나 형광염색에 따른 세포의 분포를 비교했을 경우 CFDA가 CAM 보다 형광염색에 따른 정자세포 집단의 구분이 명확하였다. 따라서 정자의 생존성 평가시 CFDA 와 CAM은 모두 사용가능하지만, 정자세포의 집단의 구분에 따른 다른 검사를 실시할 경우 CFDA/PI 염색법이 유용하다고 판단된다.

Cryopreservation of germ cells from genetically proven animals could be a source of restoration tools from the risk of extinction or disappearance of wanted characteristics. Using frozen semen, the genetic gains of Korean native cattle have been increased greatly for 70 years. The preservation of genetic resources as a form of frozen semen straw has limited availability due to the numbers. To circumvent this weakness of frozen semen, we tested two re-freezing methods with different initial thawing temperatures using frozen Korean proven semen and rare breed semen from albino, black and chikso breeders. It has been known that human sperm could resist to cryo-damages by repeated freeze-thaw cycles, but not for Korean proven bulls number (KPN) or for rare breeds. Total 7 frozen semem from brindled(2), black(1), Korean Albino(2) and KPN(1) bulls were used for our research. After thawing straws under 5°C/2min or 37°C/40sec with low temperature water bath and thermo jug, spermatozoa were re-diluted with triladyl diluents after first thawing and re-frozen. Sperm motilities were compared between animals and treated groups after re-thawing. Mean values of motility and viability of refrozen/thawed sperm for expansion of the number of straws were significantly higher in 5°C than in 37°C (P< < 0.05). However, the activity of viable sperm thawed at 5°C was significantly decreased after first and second thawing. It is estimated that re-freezing of frozen semen from rare Korean native cattle is possible with resistant properties of survived spermatozoa.

정자 생존성은 정자기능평가에서 중요한 부분이며 Eosin-nigrosin 염색법, Hypo osmotic swelling test법, CFDA, SYBR-14, Hoechst-33342, Calcein AM 등의 형광염색법을 통해 평가될 수 있다. 또한 Flow ctyometer를 이용, 단시간에 형광 염색된 세포를 검사하여 생 존성뿐만 아니라 정자의 여러 기능적 특성을 평가하는 기술이 최근 이용되고 있다. 이 연 구는 Flowcytometry를 사용하여 제주흑우의 동결정액에서 정자의 생존성을 평가하는 2가 지 형광염색법 간의 비교분석을 통해 정자 생존율의 차이가 있는지 알아보고자 하였다. 국립축산과학원 난지축산연구소에서 사육중인 제주흑우 2두를 인공질법을 이용하여 채 정하였으며, 정자 최종농도가 2.0×107/ml가 되도록 Triladyl-eggyolk로 희석 후 4℃에 1시 간 30분간 평형과정을 수행하였다. 그 후 스트로 정액 충전기로 정액을 충전 후 간이 액 체질소 증기 동결법으로 동결하여 LN2에 동결보존하였다. 동결보존된 정액 스트로(n=12) 를 융해하여 PBS를 이용하여 5×105/ml 농도로 희석 후 2개로 분획하였으며, 각각 Calcein Am-PI(CAM/PI)와 6-CFDA-PI(CFDA/PI)의 이중 형광염색을 실시하고 37℃, 15분간 정치 후 Flow ctyometry로 생존율을 비교 분석하였다. 분석결과 살아있는 정자 의 비율은 29.26±1.28(CAM+/PI-), 27.50±0.76(CFDA+/PI-), 약간의 생체막의 손상이 있으나 살아있는 정자의 비율은 21.67±4.92(CAM+/PI+), 23.29±2.76(CFDA+/PI+), 생체막의 손 상으로 죽은 정자의 비율은 48.44±4.18(CAM-/PI+), 48.61±2.71(CFDA-/PI+)이었으며 각 각 형광염색법간의 유의적인 차이는 없었다(SPSS v18.0 통계프로그램 사용). 본 연구결과 Flow cytometry를 사용하여 정자의 생존율을 평가할 때 Calcein AM과 6-CFDA의 차이는 존재하지 않는 점을 알 수 있었으며, 정자의 생존성 평가에 CAM/PI 방법과 CFDA/PI 방법 중 하나를 선택하여 사용 가능하다고 판단된다.

소에서 저수태 발생율은 5∼35%로 지역, 조사방법 및 연구자 등에 따라 다양하게 보고 되고 있다(Purohit, 2008). 저수태의 원인으로서는 비정상적인 번식기관, 자궁 내 감염, 호 르몬 이상, 사양관리 부적합, 복합적 요인 등이 관여하고 있는데(Singh 등, 2008), 이 중에 서도 자궁 내 감염의 요인이 2.4∼20.0%로 비교적 높게 보고되고 있다(Rao, 1981). 자궁질 환을 가진 대부분의 암소들은 황체단계가 연장됨에 따라 무발정형태로 나타나게 되므로 적극적인 대처가 요구된다는 점에서, 호르몬 투여방법을 포함하여 PGF2α나 estradiol의 투 여 그리고 항생물질이나 povidone-iodine(PVP-I)의 자궁 내 주입과 같은 많은 치료방법이 적용되고 있다. 그러나 호르몬 잔류, 항생제 내성균 및 처리 중단시기 등의 문제점들을 가 지고 있다. PVP-I는 처리 중단시기가 필요하지 않고, 과도한 투여의 경우를 제외하고는 우유로 전이되지 않으며, 구입이 쉽고, 저렴하며, 투여하기가 용이하다는 실용성을 가지고 있기 때문에 매우 고무적인 방법이라고 할 수 있다(Rayos 등, 2002). 또한 자궁내막의 환 경을 개선하고, 암소의 자궁수촉을 촉진시키기 때문에 PGF2α를 생산하는 역할이 빨리 회 복된다(Ahmed와 Elsheikh, 2014). 그러나 PVP-I는 농도가 중요한데, 농도가 너무 높으면 자궁벽을 자극할 수 있고 문제를 더 키울 수 있는 반면에, 농도가 너무 약하면 효과가 나 타나지 않거나, 어떤 유형의 미생물이 제거되는 대신에 다른 기회적 미생물이 점유하기에 적합한 환경을 제공할 수가 있다(Rayos 등, 2002). 자궁내막염을 가진 암소의 경우에는 자 궁 내에 존재하는 화농과 유기물의 잔재가 PVP-I 용액의 살균효과를 저해할 수 있다는 부정적인 견해도 있으나(Nakao 등, 1988), 대부분의 연구자들은 1% 및 2% PVP-I 용액이 번식효율을 향상시키는데 매우 효과적이라고 보고하였다(Mido 등, 2016; Ahmed와 Nour, 2015; Ahmed 등, 2013; Knutti 등, 2000; Edwell 등, 2000; Rayos 등, 2002; Koujanz 등, 1996). 본 연구에서는 2% PVP-I 용액을 저수태우의 자궁 내에 주입하여, 발정발현 및 수 태율에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 수행하였다. 저수태우에 2% PVP-I 용액을 50mL 자궁 내에 주입하여 자연발정 비율, 유기발정(PGF2α)에 의한 발정발현율, 자연 및 유기발정에 의한 수태율, 황체중기 및 황체중기 이외의 단계에 따른 자연발정 발현율을 조사하였다. PVP-I 처리 후 자연발정 비율은 27.3%(3/11두)였고, 유기발정에 의한 발정발현율은 87.5%(7/8두)였으며, 자연 및 유기발정에 의한 수태율은 63.6%(7/11두)였다. 황체중기(발정 주기 5∼10일) PVP-I 처리에 따른 자연발정 발현율은 60%(3/5두)였고, 황체중기 이외에 PVP-I 용액을 처리한 경우의 자연발정 발현율은 0%(0/6두)였다.

본 시험은 우리나라 전통한우인 칡소, 흑우, 백우의 생시, 이 유시, 12개월령, 18개월령, 24개월령의 체중과, 체형형질을 비 교분석하기 위하여 수행하였다. 공시축은 농촌진흥청 국립축 산과학원 가축유전자원센터에서 2011~2014 년도 까지 사육된 칡소 10두, 흑우 15두, 백우 7두를 이용하였다. 개월령별 체중 변화를 살펴보면, 생시 ~ 12개월령 체중은 흑 우가 가장 높았고 칡소는 가장 낮은 경향을 보였고, 18개월 령 ~ 24개월령 에서는 백우가 가장 높게 조사되었고 칡소가 가 장 낮게 조사되었다. 전통한우 24개월령 체형형질 측정치가 암소는 같은 개월령 의 황우와 비슷하게 추정되었지만, 수소는 26개월령 황우 거 세우와 비교하여 큰 차이로 낮게 추정되었다. 이러한 결과는 황우 수소의 개량효과를 시사하는 결과라고 사료된다. 암소의 번식관련 형질인 고장, 좌골폭과의 상관관계를 살펴 보면, 칡소는 체중, 체장, 요각폭과 높은 상관관계를 보였고, 흑우는 체고, 십자부고, 요각폭과 높은 상관관계를 보였으며, 백우는 모든 형질에서 높은 상관관계를 보였다. 수소의 강건 성관련 형질인 흉위, 흉폭과의 상관관계를 살펴보면, 칡소는 체장, 고장, 요각폭, 곤폭과 높은 상관관계를 보였고, 흑우는 체중, 십자부고, 고장, 요각폭과 높은 상관관계를 보였으며, 백 우는 좌골폭을 제외한 모든 체형형질에서 높은 상관관계를 보 였다. 이러한 상관관계를 고려하여, 체중 및 체형형질의 중요 한 간접선발 지표로 암소는 요각폭, 수소는 고장을 활용할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. 종합적으로 칡소, 흑우, 백우에 대해 우리 고유유전자원으로 서의 보존의 한계를 극복하고 향후 이들의 산업적 이용을 고 려할 때 무엇보다도 개체 수 확보가 가장 시급한 과제이다. 이를 위해서 학계, 연구계 및 산업계가 연계된 체계적이고 다 양한 연구와 이들에 대한 구체적인 개량방향 및 목표설정 등 이 먼저 이루어 져야 할 것으로 사료된다.

최근 가축의 유전적 다양성 유지 및 식량 안보에 있어서 재래품종의 중요성은 점차 증대되고 있다. 제주흑우는 멸종위험에 처한 품종이며, 2013년 7월 문화재청에 의해 천연기념물 제546호로 지정되었다. 본 연구의 목적은 제주흑우(124두)의 유전적 다양성, 유연관계 및 유전적 구조의 평가이며, 그 비교 대상으로 한우(128두) 및 외래품종 홀스타인(73두)을 공시하였다. 분자유전학적 특성을 평가하기 위해 11개 초위성체 마커(BM1824, BM2113, ETH10, ETH225, ETH3, INRA23, SPS115, TGLA122, TGLA126, TGLA227, TGLA53)의 대립유전자형을 분석하였으며, 그 결과를 토대로 유전적 다양성 지수들을 산출하였다. 품종별 평균 기대이형접합도(HExp)는 0.605-0.738, 관측이형접합도(HOsb)는 0.667-0.747 그리고 다형정보지수(PIC)는 0.644-0.773의 범위를 보였다. 특히, 제주흑우의 유전적 다양성 지수는 가장 낮은 결과를 보였다. STRUCTURE를 이용한 군락 분석 결과 유전적으로 3개의 군락으로 구분되었으며, 주성성분분석(PCA) 결과 또한 3개의 군집으로 분류됨을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구의 결과는 제주흑우의 유전적 고유성 및 유전자원으로써 가치 판단을 위한 과학적 근거가 될 것으로 사료된다.

This study was carried out to examine a molecular marker system for parentage test in Jeju Black cattle (JBC). Based on the preliminarily studies, we finally selected for construction of a novel genetic marker system for molecular traceability, identity test, breed certification, and parentage test in JBC and its related industrial populations. The genetic marker system had eight MS markers, five indel markers, and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; g.G299T and g.del310G) within MC1R gene which is critical to verify the breed specific genotypes for coat color of JBC differing from those of exotic black cattle breeds such as Holstein and Angus. The results showed lower level of a combined non-exclusion probability for second parent (NE-P2) of 4.1202×10-4 than those previously recommended by International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG) of 5.000×10-4 for parentage, and a combined non-exclusion probability for sib identity (NE-SI) of 2.679×10-5. Parentage analysis has been successfully identified the JBC offspring in the indigenous population and cattle farms used the certified AI semens for production using the JBC-derived offspring for commercial beef. This combined molecular marker system will be helpful to supply genetic information for parentage test and traceability and to develop the molecular breeding system for improvement of animal productivity in JBC population.

This study was carried out to investigate synthetic extender for semen cryopreservation of Jeju Native Black Bull. The semen was collected using an artificial vagina and transported to the laboratory. The semen was diluted 1:1 by Tris-Egg yolk extender and contrifuged in 1,500 rpm for 15 minutes. The supernatant was removed. The pellect was diluted to final sperm concentration of 2×108/ml by doubling in every 30 minutes at 4℃ cold chamber. The semen was equilibrated for 4 hours at cold chamber and packed to 0.5 ml straw. The semen straws were located above 5 cm for 10 minutes. The height and duration affect the freezing speed by temperature. The frozen straw was plunged to LN2. The presented straws were examined the viability and motility after thawed at 37℃ water bath. Frozen-thawed sperm were evaluated sperm viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity. Post-thawed sperm viability has been significantly higher (p<0.05) in fresh sperm (93.27±1.62%) than frozen-thawed sperm (73.34±3.27%). However, there were no significant differences between fresh and frozen-thawed dead cell rate (7.35±2.63 vs, 13.71±2.85). In sperm motility, between Triladyl and AndroMed Extender, there was no significant different (72.86±2.83 vs, 81.47±2.48), similarly, the dead cell rates was similar (18.41±3.42% and 17.26±4.25). The results of our study suggest that AndroMed to the freezing extender showed more positive effect on the frozen-thawed spermatozoa in Jeju Native Black bull semen.

The melanocortin receptor type 4 (MC4R) gene is expressed in the hypothalamus and regulates energy intake and body weight. Recently, it has been reported that obesity and energy balance in human were also regulated by the MC4R gene. Therefore the objective of this study was to identify the polymorphism on the MC4R gene SNP C1786T and its association with economic traits in Korean native cattle (brindle and black cattle) by PCR-RFLP. A total of 125 cattle from the two breeds were tested for economic traits (meat quality index, backfat, thickness, carcass weight, longissimus muscle area and marbling score) and data was analyzed using SAS program. In the results, C allele had highest frequency than G allele frequency in the both breeds and the gene was significantly associated with meat quantity index and backfat thickness in brindle cattle breed. However, in black cattle, the gene was significantly associated with longissimus muscle area (p<0.05). These results suggest that C1786T SNP of the MC4R gene may be useful as a genetic marker for economic traits in the brindle and black cattle.

This study was designed to determine whether low-density lipoporoteins (LDL) extracted from egg yolk in extender improve the function of Korean Jeju Black Bull semen. The semen was cryopreserved with 5% ethylene glycol (EG) or 7% glycerol (G) extenders containing 10% egg yolk (EY), 4% LDL and 5% EY or 8% LDL. Frozen-thawed sperm were evaluated sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity. Post-thawed sperm motility has been significantly higher (p<0.05) in 4% LDL + 5% EY (; EG and ; 7% G) than 8% LDL (; EG and ;G). Treatment of 4% LDL + 5% EY-EG () has been significantly improved sperm viability compared to other treatments except 10% EY - EG. Moreover, in membrane integrity, swollen sperm ratio has been only significantly increased (p<0.05) in 4% LDL + 5% EY - EG () among all treatments. In assess to detect acrosome integrity, especially, AR pattern ratio has been significantly decreased (p<0.05) in 4% LDL + 5% EY - EG among all treatments. In sperm viability as time passes, between 4% LDL + 5% EY and 10% EY, there was no significant difference, but 8% LDL was significantly decreased sperm viability in EG (1 and 2 hrs) and G (30 min, 1, 2, 5 and 12 hrs) extender. However, there were no significant differences among all treatments except 8% LDL-G in sperm membrane integrity. 8% LDL-G has been significantly decreased swollen sperm ratio at 5 hrs after thawed. It is concluded from these results that 4% LDL + 5% EY to the freezing extender showed more positive effect on the frozen-thawed spermatozoa in Korean Jeju Black bull.

This study was carried out to investigate effective condition for producing somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos of Jeju native cattle. As donor cells for SCNT, ear skin cells from Jeju native cattle were used. In experiment 1, the effect of recipient oocyte sources on the development of Jeju native cattle SCNT embryos were examined. Fusion rate of recipient oocyte and donor cell was not different between the Hanwoo and Holstein recipient oocytes (86.0% vs 89.9%). The rate of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Hanwoo recipient oocytes than in Holstein recipient ones (28.2% vs 14.7%). Blastocysts derived from Hanwoo recipient oocytes contained higher numbers of total cells than those derived from Holstein ones ( vs ), although there were no significant difference. The mean proportion of apoptotic cells in blastocyst was not different between the sources of recipient oocytes. In experiment 2, the development of Jeju native cattle and Hanwoo SCNT embryos were compared. Hanwoo oocytes were used as the recipient oocytes. Fusion rate was not different between the Jeju native cattle and Hanwoo SCNT embryos (92.1% vs 92.9%). The blastocyst rate of SCNT embryos was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Jeju native cattle than in Hanwoo (16.9% vs 31.0%). Blastocysts derived from Jeju native cattle SCNT embryos contained smaller numbers of total cells than those derived from Hanwoo ones ( vs ), but there were no significant difference. The mean proportion of apoptotic cells in blastocyst was not different between the Jeju native cattle and Hanwoo SCNT embryos. The present study demonstrated that Hanwoo recipient oocytes were more effective in supporting production of Jeju native cattle SCNT embryos, although Jeju native cattle SCNT embryos showed reduced developmental capacity when compared to Hanwoo SCNT embryos.

This study was designed to determine whether low-density lipoproteins (LDL) from egg yolk and taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose as antioxidant in extender improve the freezability and fertility of Korean Jeju Black Bull semen. The semen was cryopreserved with tris egg yolk extenders containing 7% glycerol and treated 4% LDL, 20 mM taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose. Frozen-thawed sperm were evaluated motility, viability, membrane, and acrosome integrity and sperm penetration ability. The results were compared to semen cryopreserved in tris egg yolk extender only as control. Frozen-thawed semen evaluation cleary indicated that the addition of LDL and LDL-antioxidants (taurine, hypotaurine and trehalose) combination were significantly improved (p<0.05) the viability (%; with staining test using eosin-Y) compared to control spermatozoa. Also, in membrane integrity (%; with supravital hypo-osmotic swelling test), not only LDL-antioxiants combination but also LDL were significantly increased (p<0.05) the swelled sperm using HOST compared to control. Sperm acrosome integrity state was classified by CTC (chlortetracycline) staining test. F pattern was significantly increased in LDL-antioxidant combination than control (p<0.05) and B pattern was not significantly differences among all treatments and control. However, AR pattern was significantly decreased in LDL-antioxidants combination than control (p<0.05). Pronucleus formation and sperm penetration index (SFI) were significantly increased in LDL and LDL-antioxidants combination than control (p<0.05). Especially, LDL-taurine significantly improved pronucleus fomation and SFI than LDL (p<0.05). It was concluded that LDL and LDL-antioxidants in extender improved the freezability and fertility of Korean Jeju Black bull spermatozoa.

The objective of this study was to examine effect of ethylene glycol for semen cryopreservation in Korean Jeju Black Bull. The semen was cryopreserved with extenders containing cryoprotectants (7% glycerol and 3%, 5%, 7% ethylene glycol) and packed to 0.5 ml straws. The semen straws were located above 3 cm of liquid nitrogen for 5 min, 5 cm for 10 min and 8 cm for 10 min. And then frozen straw was plunged into LN2. Post-thawed sperm motility, viability and membrane integrity were significantly higher in 5% ethylene glycol (72.5±5.00%, 54.88±0.66% and 46.00±2.40%; p<0.05). Motility and viability were similar between 7% glycerol and 5% ethylene glycol. However, the membrane integrity was significantly higher in 5% ethylene glycol (34.69±4.64% vs 46.00±2.40%; p<0.05). The viability and membrane integrity were significantly higher in 5 cm for 10 min and 8 cm for 10 min than 3 cm for 5 min (viability: 55.81±2.94, 55.19±3.34 vs 47.94±3.48%; p<0.05 and membrane integrity: 44.94±3.51, 46.06±2.25 vs 40.38±1.03%; p<0.05). The percentage of capacitated sperm assessed by CTC staining, percentage of F pattern was higher in 7% glycerol, 5% and 7% ethylene glycol, and AR pattern was significantly higher in 3% ethylene glycol. F pattern was significantly increased in 5 cm for 10 min and 8 cm for 10 min (p<0.05), but AR pattern was significantly increased in 3 cm for 5 min (p<0.05).

This study was carried out to establish most suitable freezing condition, to evaluate the different glycerol concentration of freezing and thawing rates on motility, viability, membrane integrity and acrosome intecrity of frozen Korean Jeju Black Bull spermatozoa, Semen was collected from a Korean Jeju Black Bull using an artificial vagina and transported to the laboratory. The semen was extended gradually 1:5 then cooled slowly for 2 hrs to 4. The semen was diluted 1:1 with cryoprotectant extenders (3%, 5% and 7% glycerol) and equilibrated for 2 hrs at cold chamber and packed to 0.5 ml straws. The semen straws were located above 3 cm of liquid nitrogen for 5 minutes, above 5 cm for 10 min and above 8 cm for 10 min. And then the frozen straw was plunged into LN. The presented straws were examined the viability and motility after thawed at 37 water bath. The viability and membrane integrity immediately post-thawing were significantly higher in samples frozen in 7% glycerol than 3% and 5% glycerol (p<0.05). After CTC staining to assess acrosome integrity, F pattern was significantly increased, but B pattern was significantly decreased in 7% glycerol (p<0.05). Freezing distance of 5 cm from liquid nitrogen and pre-cooling for 10 min yield better survival and membrane integrity, but not significant difference. However, AR pattern according to CTC staining was significantly decreased in 3 cm for 5 min.

One-step dilution and direct transfer would be a practical technique for the field application of frozen embryo. This study was to examine whether Jeju Black Cattle (JBC, Korean Cattle) can be successfully cloned from vitrified and one-tep diluted somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) blastocyst after direct transfer. For vitrification, JBC-SCNT blastocysts were serially exposed in glycerol (G) and ethylene glycol (EG) mixtures〔10% (v/v) G for 5 min., 10% G plus 20% EG (v/v) for 5 min., and 25% G plus 25% EG (v/v) for 30 sec.〕which is diluted in 10% FBS added D-PBS. And then SCNT blastocysts were loaded in 0.25 ml mini straw, placed in cold nitrogen vapor for 3 min. and then plunged into LN2. One-step dilution in straw was done in 25℃ water for 1 min, by placing vertically in the state of plugged- end up and down for 0.5 min, respectively. When in vitro developmental capacity of vitrified SCNT blastocyst was examined at 48 h after one-step dilution, hatched rate (56.4%) was slightly lower than that of control group (62.5%). In field trial, when the vitrified-thawed SCNT blastocysts were transferred into uterus of synchronized 5 recipients, a cloned female JBC was delivered by natural birth on day 299 and healthy at present. In addition, when the short tandem repeat marker analysis of the cloned JBC was evaluated, microsatellite loci of 11 numbers was perfectly matched genotype with donor cell (BK94-14). This study suggested that our developed vitrification and one-step dilution technique can be applied effectively on field trial for cloned animal production, which is even no longer in existence.

This study was to investigate the effect of flavonoid treatment on in vitro development of bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, and their pregnancy and delivery rate after embryo transfer into recipient. In experiment 1, to optimize the flavonoid concentration, parthenogenetic day 2 (≥ 2-cell) embryos were cultured in 0 (control), 1, 10 and 20 μM flavonoid for 6 days. In the results, in vitro development rate was the highest in 10 μM flavonoid group (57.1%) among treatment groups (control, 49.5%; 1 μM, 54.2%; 20 μM, 37.5%), and numbers of total and ICM cells were significantly (p<0.05) higher in 10 μM flavonoid group than other groups. We found that 10 μM flavonoid treatment can significantly (p<0.05) decrease the apoptotic index and derive high expression of anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, cell growth and development marker genes such as Mn-SOD, Survivin, Bax inhibitor, Glut-5, In-tau, compared to control group. In experiment 2, to produce the cloned Jeju Black Cattle, beef quality index grade 1 bull somatic cells were transferred into enucleated bovine MII oocytes and reconstructed embryos were cultured in 10 μM flavonoid added medium. When the in vitro produced day 7 or 8 SCNT blastocysts were transferred into a number of recipients, 10 μM flavonoid treatment group presented higher pregnancy rate (10.2%, 6/59) than control group (5.9%, 2/34). Total three cloned Jeju Black calves were born. Also, two cloned calves in 10 μM flavonoid group were born and both were all healthy at present, while the one cloned calf born in control group was dead one month after birth. In addition, when the result of short tandem repeat marker analysis of each cloned calf was investigated, microsatellite loci of 11 numbers matched genotype between donor cell and cloned calf tissue. These results demonstrated that the flavonoid addition in culture medium may have beneficial effects on in vitro and in vivo developmental capacity of SCNT embryos and pregnancy rate.