Techniques for In Vitro Fertilisation of Vitrified Cattle Oocytes: Challenges and New Developments

Mahlatsana Ramaesela Ledwaba, Hester Adri O’Neill, Mamonene Angelinah Thema, Ayanda Maqhashu and Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi ()
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Mahlatsana Ramaesela Ledwaba: Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production, Germplasm Conservation and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Private Bag X2, Pretoria 0062, South Africa
Hester Adri O’Neill: Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
Mamonene Angelinah Thema: Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production, Germplasm Conservation and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Private Bag X2, Pretoria 0062, South Africa
Ayanda Maqhashu: Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi: Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production, Germplasm Conservation and Reproductive Biotechnologies, Private Bag X2, Pretoria 0062, South Africa

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Cryopreservation is currently an essential technique in reproductive technologies that is used for the extended preservation of genetic material. Vitrification has become the industry’s standard cryopreservation technique for cattle oocytes and embryos. The current results of this technology, however, are still not good in terms of viability, fertilisation capacity, embryo development, or pregnancy. The oocytes’ susceptibility to freezing is associated with significant changes in the structures, functioning of the oocytes, and cryoinjury, which is harmful to the survival of cells and their subsequent growth. The effectiveness of producing embryos with in vitro techniques utilising vitrified cattle oocytes rarely exceeds 30–40%. A significant number of vitrified oocytes do not successfully develop into the embryo stage following in vitro fertilisation and culture. This review focuses on issues related to oocyte cryopreservation, ways to overcome them, and how to enhance the vitrified oocyte fertilisation process.

Keywords: in vitro fertilisation; vitrification; cattle oocytes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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