Singina GN, Chinarov RYu, Shedova EN, Lukanina VA.

Animal Husbandry and Fodder Production. 2026. Vol. 109. No. 3. Р. 44-55.

doi: 10.33284/2658-3135-109-3-44

Original article

Effect of OPU conditions on the efficiency of in vitro embryo production in dairy cattle

 

Galina N Singina1, Roman Yu Chinarov2, Ekaterina N Shedova3, Victoria A Lukanina4

1,2,3,4Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member LK Ernst, Dubrovitsy, Russia

1g_singina@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0198-9757

2roman_chinarov@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6511-5341

3shedvek@yandex.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9642-2384

4kristybatle@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4744-7873

 

Abstract. The technology of in vitro embryo production (IVP), combined with oocyte retrieval by ovum pick-up (OPU), enables a more complete realization of the reproductive potential of donor females, making it particularly valuable for the genetic improvement of dairy cattle as well as for the preservation of breed biodiversity. The aim of the study was to perform a comparative assessment of OPU/IVP efficiency in Holstein and Istoben breed of cattle depending on the OPU regimen. The experimental design included the comparing of two OPU frequencies for each breed: twice per week (2w) and once per week (1w). A total of 9 consecutive OPU sessions were conducted using 8 Istoben and 10 Holstein heifers. Within-breed comparison showed that the 2w regimen, compared to 1w, had a positive effect on folliculogenesis, increasing the number of aspirated follicles per OPU session (P≤0.05-0.01), and, in Holstein heifers, also increased the number of recovered oocytes (P≤0.01), without affecting their morphological quality. At the same time, under the 2w regimen, the proportion of oocytes suitable for culture was higher in Holstein heifers than in Istoben heifers (76.1 vs 59.4%, P≤0.05). Breed-specific sensitivity to increased donor use intensity was also identified in terms of its impact on the in vitro developmental competence of OPU-derived oocytes. In Istoben heifers, the rates of oocyte maturation, cleavage, and development to the blastocyst stage were similar under both regimens. In contrast, in Holstein heifers, increasing OPU frequency from once to twice per week resulted in a decrease in these parameters from 90.3%, 77.1%, and 38.2% to 85.6% (P≤0.05), 53.4% (P≤0.001), and 16.7% (P≤0.001), respectively.

Keywords: cattle, Holsten breed, Istoben breed, ovum pick up, oocytes, obtaining embryos in vitro

Acknowledgments: the work was performed in accordance to the plan of  works Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry – VIJ named after Academy Member LK Ernst (No. FGGN-2024-0014).

For citation: Singina GN, Chinarov RYu, Shedova EN, Lukanina VA. Effect of OPU conditions on the efficiency of in vitro embryo production in dairy cattle. Animal Husbandry and Fodder. 2026;109(3):44-55. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.33284/2658-3135-109-3-44

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Information about the authors:

Galina N Singina, Cand. Sci. (Biology), Head of the Laboratory of Embryonic Technologies, Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member LK Ernst, 60 Dubrovitsy village, Podolsk City district, Moscow region, 142132, mobile: 8-9851434552.

Roman Yu Chinarov, Cand. Sci. (Veterinary), Leading Researcher, Laboratory of Embryonic Technologies, Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member LK Ernst, 60 Dubrovitsy village, Podolsk City district, Moscow region, 142132, mobile: 8-9153899065.

Ekaterina N Shedova, Researcher, Laboratory of Embryonic Technologies, Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member LK Ernst, 60 Dubrovitsy village, Podolsk City district, Moscow region, 142132, mobile: 89167117673.

Victoria A Lukanina, Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Embryonic Technologies, Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry named after Academy Member LK Ernst, 60 Dubrovitsy village, Podolsk City district, Moscow region, 142132, mobile: 8-9165954695.

The article was submitted 03.05.2026; approved after reviewing 08.06.2026; accepted for publication 14.09.2026.

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