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Foal born from vitrified immature oocyte in Belgium
Ghent scientists say the cryopreservation of oocytes offers several possibilities in veterinary medicine. (stock photo)
VICSI’s birth ‘an important breakthrough’, say scientists
 
A ‘test tube’ foal has been born in Belgium using two techniques - vitrification and ICSI. Scientists say the birth is a major breakthrough in the field of assisted reproduction in horses.

The stallion, which has been named VICSI after the two techniques used to secure his birth, was born at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University.

Vitrification is a cryopreservation method that involves cooling the oocytes very rapidly, resulting in the formation of a glass-like structure. For ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, micro-manipulation is used to inject a sperm cell into an oocyte.

For this research, oocytes were aspirated from equine ovaries collected at the slaughterhouse. These immature oocytes were vitrified and stored in liquid nitrogen for a week, then maturation of the oocytes was carried out in an incubator following rapid warming. The mature oocytes were fertilised through ICSI and cultured in the incubator for nine days, after which the resulting embryo was transferred to the uterus of a recipient mare.

Ghent scientists say the cryopreservation of oocytes offers several possibilities in veterinary medicine. Freezing immature oocytes offers lots of opportunities for conserving the genetics of rare or endangered equids. Cryopreservation also allows oocytes to be stored and transported for research or clinical purposes.

However, it takes time to optimise a technique to the point that it has practical applications. In this study, only 34 per cent of the vitrified oocytes matures and only 5 per cent of the injected oocytes developed into a good embryo. When fresh oocytes are used, on the other hand, the maturation rate is 60 per cent, and 20 per cent of the fertilised oocytes develops into an embryo that can be transferred to a mare.

Researchers say VICSI’s birth is an important first step towards these practical applications.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.