Application of Reproductive Biotechnology for the Recovery of Endangered Breeds: Birth of the First Calf of M urciana– L evantina Bovine Breed Derived by OPU , In vitro Production and Embryo Vitrification

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals Vol. 48; no. 6
• Main Authors: Ruiz, S, Romero‐Aguirregomezcorta, J, Astiz, S, Peinado, B, Almela, L, Poto, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-12-2013
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.12179

In a conservation project, reproductive biotechnology was implemented for the recovery and conservation of an endangered bovine breed in Spain. The breed
M
urciana–
L
evantina, declared to be worthy of special protection status (
http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000464/index.html
), is of great interest because of its hardness, longevity, docility and disease resistance. This contribution describes the birth of the first calf of this breed obtained by reproductive biotechnology, using ultrasound‐guided punction and aspiration of ovarian follicles,
in vitro
embryo production, vitrification of embryos by a cryotop device and, finally, the transfer of cryopreserved embryos to recipient heifers of a commercial dairy herd.