Superovulation is a technique to acquire rats to produce many eggs than normal rats. Superovulated eggs were used to make cloned animals through somatic cell nuclear transfer technology (SCNT). Healthy and valuable oocyte retrieval is essential for successful somatic cell nuclear transfer. Superovulation is also essential to maximize to the yield of IVF-derived rat eggs. Osmotic pumps (Alzet®) are miniature in order to provide research with a convenient, and reliable alternative to chronic injections. Acquiring superovulated oocytes through osmotic pump in minimizing irritation to the uterus and ovaries are competitive. We investigated the effects of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) using osmotic pump in sDM rat. Adult female rats at 11 wks of age were used for superovulation. The response to PMSG and hCG were examined by osmotic pump of 150 IU/kg PMSG + 75 IU/kg hCG or 150 IU/kg PMSG + 150 IU/kg hCG or 300 IU/kg PMSG + 150 IU/kg hCG or 300 IU/kg PMSG + 300 IU/kg hCG. HCG was administered 48 hrs later after administration of PMSG. Oocytes were collected from the oviducts 16–18 hrs after hCG administration. Superovulation was significantly higher in rats administrated 150 IU/kg PMSG + 75 IU/kg hCG. This study demonstrated that healthy oocytes were produced in DM rat by PMSG and hCG that flowed through the osmotic pump ameliorate on uterus and ovaries.

Sexed semen is commonly used for the production of calves of the desired gender. Gender selection is important in animal production industries. For example, female cattle are required for the dairy industry while males are preferred in the beef cattle industry. The present study was to assess the in vivo embryo production efficiency using the semen separated according to sex during superovulation in Hanwoo. Seventy Hanwoo donor cows were flushed on day 7 of estrus cycle with same FSH and artificial insemination by the same technicians. Embryos were recovered on 7 days after the third insemination by flushing the uterus with embryo collection medium. KPN semen straws used artificial insemination contained 20 million sperm (total number 60 million per donor). Sex-sorted semen straws contained 4 million sperm (total number 12 million per donor). The results obtained were as follows: No differences were observed in the efficiency of superovulation rates on KPN semen 87%, and sexed semen 100%, respectively. The mean numbers of total embryos are each 12.58±8.31 and 13.25±7.86. The mean numbers of transferable embryos, sexed semen were significantly lower than KPN semen (3.75±1.98 vs. 8.23±6.07, P＜0.05). The rates of unfertilized embryos from superovulation using sexed semen were significantly higher than KPN semen (50% vs. 15%, P＜0.05). The rate of degenerated 2-cell embryos from sexed and KPN semen was 60.87% and 11.11%, respectively (p＜0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that superovulation using sexed semen was useful, but efficient embryo production was important to reducing the damage caused by the Flowcytometer-based sperm sorting procedure.

Feline ovulation time after LH surge have not been defined because its LH surge is occurred by several times of coital vaginal induction and cat has relatively longer time between LH surge and ovulation compared with other mammalian species. This study was performed to investigate the feline ovulation time after LH surge that was induced by hCG injection for superovulation with PMSG. For superovulation, all cats were received an initial injection of PMSG (200 IU, i.m.) followed 80 hrs later with an injection of hCG (200 IU, i.m.). And then, sampling of both ovaries was surgically performed at each 6 different times (10, 18, 22, 26, 29, and 32 hrs) after hCG injection. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were collected from 2 sides of oviducts and ovaries were fixed for ovarian histology. Total 38 COCs were collected only at hCG 32 hrs and no COCs were shown at earlier 5 times. However, in the ovarian histology, corpus haemorrhagicum or corpus luteum was not shown in all groups including ovary at hCG 32 hrs that COCs were collected. In conclusion, it was suggested that feline ovulation was occurred at 29~32 hrs after LH surge and taken relatively long time for CL formation after ovulation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of abnormal ovarian cycles after superovulation treatment of Holstein Donor Cows. CIDRs were inserted into the vaginas of twenty two head of Holstein cows, regardless of estrous cycle. Superovulation was induced using folliclar stimulating hormone (FSH). For artificial insemination, donor cows were injected with PGF2α and estrus was checked about 48 hours after the injection. Then they were treated with 4 straws of semen 3 times, with 12-hour intervals. Embryos were collected by a non-surgical method 7 days after the first artificial insemination. The cows were considered to have resumed ovarian cyclicity on the day of ovulation if followed by regular ovarian cycles. Seventy two point seven percentage of the cows(16/22) had normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity(resumption within 40 days after superovulation), and 27.3%(6/22) had delayed resumption(resumption did not occur until＞40 days after superovulation). Delayed resumption Type Ⅱ(first ovulation did not occur until ≥40 days after superovulation, i.e. delayed first ovulation 13.6%) were the most common types of delayed resumptions. The mean numbers of total ova from < 10 and 10≤ of corpora lutea(CL) was 7.8±1.8 and 12.7±2.7, respectively. The number of transferable embryos differed between < 10 and 10≤ CL was 5.4±1.3 and 8.1±3.4, respectively. Four point five percentage of the cows(1/22) did not resumption their ovarian cyclicity until 60 days after superovulation treatment. Diverse researches on the superovulation treatment method that is suitable for high-producing Holstein donor cows would contribute to preventing ovarian cyclicity disorder, as well as to the early multiplication of cows with superior genes by increasing the utilization value of donor cows.

Body condition score (BCS) is a useful management tool for distinguishing differences in nutritional needs of cows in the herd. Although it is not always possible to quantify the nutrient content of the feed supplied to the donor cow, the nutritional status can be determined by the BCS. The objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo embryo production, return to estrous of donor and pregnancy rate of recipients following BCS in Hanwoo superovulation. Sixty nine Hanwoo donor cows were flushed on day 7 of estrus cycle with same FSH and artificial insemination by the same technicians. Embryos were recovered on 7 days after the third insemination by flushing the uterus with Embryo Collection Medium. The results obtained were as follows: No differences were observed in the efficiency of superovulation rates regardless of BCS (≦2.0, 2.5 to 3.0, and ≧3.5). The mean number of total embryos was each 5.20±0.86, 11.56±1.04, and 6.23±1.07. The mean number of transferable embryo from ≦2.0, 2.5 to 3.0, and ≧3.5 of BCS was 2.60±0.87, 7.94±0.89, and 4.75±1.32, respectively (p<0.05). Return to estrous regardless of donor BCS was no difference. The pregnancy rates of recipient were BCS ≦2.0 11.76%, 2.5 to 3.0 40.79%, and ≧3.5 11.11%, following transfer of fresh embryos produced in vivo, respectively. These results indicate that if the Hanwoo with BCS 2.5 to 3.3 are used for donor and recipient, the embryo production and the conception rate will be greater.

The objective of this study was to investigate the comparison of transferable embryos and pregnancy rate between Hanwoo and Chickso. The results obtained were as follows: No differences were observed in the efficiency of superovulation rates on Hanwoo 78%, and Chickso 85%, respectively. The mean number of total embryos are each 14.76± 2.16 and 6.23±1.07. So the mean number of transferable embryos are each 10.94±1.91 and 4.58±1.05. In addition, the mean number of total Hanwoo embryo from <10 and 10≤ of corpora luteum was 0.50±0.50, 11.56±1.92, respectively. In case of Chickso, The mean number of transferable embryo from <10 and 10≤ of CL was 2.75±1.39, 6.00±1.00, respectively. The pregnancy rates were Hanwoo 40%, and Chickso 37% following transfer of fresh embryos produced in vivo. Also, the pregnancy rates of Chickso 60% were significantly greater (p<0.05) than the Hanwoo 42.48% following transfer of following transfer of frozen embryos, respectively. In conclusion, these results suggest that Chickso may be effectively used for transferable embryos production in Hanwoo. Although the transferable embryos number was not enough, it seems the Chickso greatly affect pregnancy rate. The results indicated that the possibility of transferable embryos from Chickso for embryo transfer could be confirmed in this study. Based on the present findings, it was suggested that it is very important to evaluate in vivo embryo production and pregnancy rate of embryo transfer following superovulation for effective Hanwoo and Chickso production.

Superovulation, or ovarian stimulation is a commonly used ART for treatment of human infertility/subfertility. Recent studies suggest that superovulation unaffects methylated imprints acquisition in mouse oocytes during oogenesis, whereas disrupts DNA methylation maintenance in embryos during preimplantation development. However, the mechanisms of defects in methylation maintanence caused by superovulation remain largely unclear. We hypothesized that superovulation may disrupt the expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), the enzymes which catalyze DNA methylation acquisition and maintenance. The mice were subjected to superovulate with low (6 IU) and high (10 IU) dosage hormone. We examined the global DNA methylation levels in zygotes and DNA methylation of repeated sequences (IAP and Line 1) in blastocyst stage embryos. In addition, we investigated the expression of Dnmts (Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt3l and Dnmt1o) in ovulated oocytes and zygotes. Through staining with antibody 5mC and Di-H3K9 coupled with confocal microscopy, we found that global methylation profiles in zygotes derived from females after low or high dosage hormone treatment were not affected when compared to control counterpart. Moreover, methylation at IAP in blastocysts also was unaffected by superovulation, irrespective of hormone dosage. In contrast, methylation level at Line 1 decreased when the females were administered by high dosage hormone. Furthermore, expression of de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, Dnmt3L, as well as maintenance Dnmt1o in MII oocytes and zygotes was not disrupted by superovulation. Given superovulation adversely affected methylation maintenance in blastocysts during preimplantation development but with normal expression of Dnmts in oocytes and zygotes, it is indicated that defects of embryonic methylation didn’t originate from abnormal expression of Dnmts.

Growth hormone (GH) is obligatory for growth and development. But, there is controversy on the GH effect about reproductive processes of sexual differentiation, pubertal maturation, gonadal steroidogenesis, gametogenesis and ovulation. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of GH on estrus, ovulation and embryo implantation. The results obtained were as follows. GH stimulated to increase estrus rate (p<0.05), pregnancy rate (p<0.05), and total fetus number in mice treated for superovulation. Also, the correlation between GH and steroids, E2 and P4, at peri-estrus stage/ peri-ovulation stage/ peri-implantation stage of the superovulation-induced mice was examined. Consequently, GH co-injected with PMSG especially increased P4 level (p<0.05) at peri-estrus stage of superovulationinduced mice. In conclusion, GH co-treatment in superovulation system boosted the rate of estrus, pregnancy and total fetus by increasing progesterone level at peri-estrus stage of superovulation-induced mice.

The objective of this study was investigate the superovulation treatment and to relate concentrations of blood urea nitrogen(BUN) in Hanwoo donors. Thirty six, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR. Four days later, the animals were superovulated with a total of 28AU FSH (Antorin, 2AU=1 ml) administered twice daily in constant doses over 4 days. On the 3th administration of FSH, CIDR was withdrawn and 25 mg PGF2α was administered. Cows were artificially inseminated twice after estrous detection at 12 hr intervals. The cows received 100 μg GnRH at the time of 1st insemination. Embryos were recovered 7 or 8 days after the 1st insemination. Cows with BUN ＜10, 11～18 and ≥19 mg/dl had return of estrus of 34.6, 30.5 and 30.4 days respectively. Return of estrus after superovulation treatment was not significantly lower for cows with blood urea nitrogen (BUN) above 10 mg/dl than for cows with BUN below 10 mg/dl. Cows with BUN ＜10, 11～18 and ≥19 mg/dl had number of transferable embryos of 3.2±1.2, 5.4±1.9 and 4.1±2.1 respectively.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of abnormal ovarian cycles after superovulation treatment of Hanwoo donors. Thirty six, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received a CIDR. Four days later, the animals were superovulated with a total of 28AU FSH (Antorin, 2AU=1 ml) administered twice daily in constant doses over 4 days. On the 3th administration of FSH, CIDR was withdrawn and 25 mg was administered. Cows were artificially inseminated twice after estrous detection at 12 hr intervals. The cows received GnRH at the time of Ind insemination. Embryos were recovered 7 or 8 days after the 1st insemination. The cows were considered to have resumed ovarian cyclicity on the day of ovulation if followed by regular ovarian cycles. 50.0 percentage of the cows (18/36) had normal resumption of ovarian cyclicity (resumption within 40 days after superovulation), and 50.0% (18/36) had delayed resumption(resumption did not occur until>40 days after superovulation). Delayed resumption Type II (first ovulation did not occur until 40 days after superovulation, i.e. delayed first ovulation 33.3%) were the most common types of delayed resumptions. The mean numbers of total ova from < 10 and 10 of corpora lutea (CL) was 7.3 and 13.9, respectively. The number of transferable embryos differed between < 10 and 10 CL was 4.2 and 5.1, respectively. 11.1 percentage of the cows (4/36) did not resumption their ovarian cyclicity until 60 days after superovulation treatment.

In vivo embryo produced from Hanwoo donor cows were collected and transferred to Hanwoo recipients. Cows, at random stages of the estrous cycle, received Progesterone Releasing Intravaginal Device (CIDR-plus, InterAg, New Zealand) together with injection of 1 mg estradiol benzoate and 50 mg progesterone, and gonadotropin treatment began 4 day later. For superovulation, a total of 28 mg FSH was intramuscularly injected twice a day in the way of decreasing doses 4 day (5, 5, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2 and 2 mg). Twenty one Hanwoo donor cows were flushed on day 7 of estrus cycle with same FSH and artificial insemination by the same technicians. Embryos were recovered 7 days after the second insemination by flushing the uterus with Embryo Collection Medium. The results obtained were as follows: The rates of transferable embryos were 50.3%, and 78 fresh embryos at morulae and blastocysts stage were transferred into Hanwoo recipients on day 7 of estrus cycle. The pregnancy rates were first embryo transfer 55.6%, 2nd 62.9% and 3rd 57.9%, respectively. In conclusion, These results suggest that CIDR-based superovulation protocol may be effectively used for production of superior Hanwoo embryos. Also, since it seems the condition of recipient cows greatly affect pregnancy rate, it is very important to evaluate recipient for effective cattle production.

This study was performed to investigate the possibility of repeated superovulation treatment at interval from 27 days to 41 days in Hanwoo cattle and to compare with superovulation effect between doses of FSH 200 mg and FSH 400 mg. Different doses of FSH (200 mg or 400 mg) were injected at Day 8 after controlled internal drug release (CIDR) treatment for superovulation of Hanwoo donors following CIDR treatment (Day 8 after the estrus). Superovulation was repeated four times for one donor and number of corpus luteum (CL), number of embryos, number of transferable embryos and pregnancy rate after embryo transfer (ET) were investigated. 5 cows were used for each FSH treatment (10 cows in total). Average number of CL were and for the donors treated with FSH 200mg and FSH 400mg, respectively. Average number of embryos collected were and for the donors treated with FSH 200 mg and FSH 400 mg, respectively. Average number of transferable embryos were and for the donors treated with FSH 200 mg and FSH 400 mg, respectively. The pregnancy rate following ET with embryos collected from 200 mg FSH treated donors and 400 mg FSH treated donors were 61.9% and 53.8% respectively. The numbers of embryos tended to be decreased as the numbers of repeat of superovulation were elapsed. These results indicated that superovulation treatment by about a month to Hanwoo donors is usable and 200 mg of FSH is preferable for simple FSH treatment following CIDR treatment.

본 연구는 고능력 유우 공란우의 이용 효율을 극대화하기 위하여 체내 수정란 생산을 위한 다배란 처리의 결과에 미치는 요인을 분석하여 안정적이고 효율적인 다배란 처리 방법을 제시하기 위한 목적으로 실시하였다. 공란우의 다배란 처리는 발정 주기 일째 POLLTROPIN-V(Vetrepharm, Canada) 400mg NIH-FSH-P를 4일간 12시간 간격으로 감량법에 따라서 주사를 하였다. 호르몬 주사 6, 7회 째 황체 융해 및 발정 유도를 위하여 (

본 실험은 polyethylene glycol (PEG)에 용해시킨 FSH의 투여 방법과 용량에 따른 체내 수정란 생산 효율을 난소 반응과 회수되는 수정란의 수량과 품질, 수정란 이식 효율을 조사하였다. 공란우 88마리를 네 군으로 구분하였다. 처리 1군은 50 mg의 FSH를 하루 2회 4일 동안 투여하였으며, 처리 2 및 3군은 30% PEG 에 녹인 400 mg과 200 mg의 FSH 용량을 1회 투여하였으며, 처리 4군은 CIDR로 처리 후 7일째에 30% PEG에 녹인 200 mg의 FSH를 처리하였다. 과배란 처리 후 황체수에서는 처리 1, 2, 3 및 4군에서 각각 11.2, 18.5, 13.1 및 13.9개로서, 처리 2군에서 다른 처리군보다 유의적으로(p<0.05) 높았다. 회수된 난자의 총 수에서 각 군의 결과는 8.5, 10.4, 8.7 및 7.9개였으며, 이식 가능한 수정란 수에서 각 군의 결과는 3.9, 4.3, 4.7 및 3.7개로 군간의 유의적인 차이는 보이지 않았다. 각 과배란 처리 방법에 따라 생산된 수정란의 이식 후 수태율 (36.0～50.0%) 및 채란시 혈중 progesterone 농도 또한 군간의 유의적인 차이는 보이지 않았다. 결론적으로 공란우에 스트레스를 적게 주며 과배란 처리 호르몬 비용과 노동력을 줄일 수 있으며, 여러 마리의 공란우를 발정 주기에 상관없이 한 번에 과배란 처리를 할 수 있는 CIDR를 사용 후 7일째 200 mg의 FSH를 1회 투여 방법이 축산 현장에서 적용하기에 매우 유용한 방법이라 사료된다.

본 연구는 한우와 홀스타인 젖소에서 연속적인 다배란 처리 시 효율성 및 부작용에 대한 문제점을 연구하고자 다른 종간 다배란 처리효과를 비교, 조사하였다. 연속적인 다배란 처리를 위하여 estradiol benzoate(EB)와 CIDR plus, FSH 호르몬을 이용하여 한우에서는 17두, 젖소에서는 9두를 2회 이상 반복 이용하였다. 다난포 발생을 위해서는 FSH 호르몬을 이용하고 호르몬 처리 동기화를 위해서는 CER plus 기구를 질 내 삽입하였으

본 연구는 제주도의 흑우에서 다배란을 유기한 후 발정기 동안 혈중 호르몬의 농도 검사, 혈액 생화학 검사, 체내 수정란 회수율 등을 관찰하였다. FSH를 4일간 8회 50 mg씩 주사하여 다배란을 유기하였다. 성호르몬의 측정은 radioimmunoassay (RIA)법으로 측정하였으며 혈액 생화학치는 자동혈청 분석기로 측정하였다. 인공 수정 후 7일에 수정란을 비외과적 방법으로 회수하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 다음과 같았다. 1. 혈중 호르몬의 농도를 측