Changes

== Oocyte Collection==

== Oocyte Collection==

* Donor is superovulated to provide large numbers of mature [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]].

* Donor is superovulated to provide large numbers of mature [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]].

* Pre-ovulatory [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]] are collected by a surgical procedure involving aspiration of the follicular content.

* Pre-ovulatory [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]] are collected by a surgical procedure involving aspiration of the follicular content.

* [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Oocytes]] captured in vitro.

* [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_- Anatomy & Physiology|Oocytes]] captured in vitro.

* Direct [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]] aspiration:  

* Direct [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]] aspiration:  

** A hyperdermic needle is inserted into the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]].

** A hyperdermic needle is inserted into the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]].

** Follicular fluid is aspirated.

** Follicular fluid is aspirated.

** Follicular fluid forcefully returned to the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]].

** Follicular fluid forcefully returned to the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]].

** Repeated 2-3 times to dislodge [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oocytes]].

** Repeated 2-3 times to dislodge [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_- Anatomy & Physiology|oocytes]].

* Transvaginal Aspiration in the Mare:

* Transvaginal Aspiration in the Mare:

** Prior to the procedure, mares are injected with propatheline bromide (sedative) to relax the [[Rectum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|rectum]].

** Prior to the procedure, mares are injected with propatheline bromide (sedative) to relax the [[Rectum_- Anatomy & Physiology|rectum]].

** Lubricated ultrasound transducer is inserted into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] and held in the fornix vagina.

** Lubricated ultrasound transducer is inserted into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] and held in the fornix vagina.

** [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Ovary]] transrectally positioned against the dorsal vaginal wall directly over the transducer head so that the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]] can be visualized.

** [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|Ovary]] transrectally positioned against the dorsal vaginal wall directly over the transducer head so that the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]] can be visualized.

** Hypodermic needle is advanced through the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vaginal wall]] into the antral follicle.

** Hypodermic needle is advanced through the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vaginal wall]] into the antral follicle.

** Follicular fluid containing the [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oocyte]] is aspirated under constant vacuum.

** Follicular fluid containing the [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_- Anatomy & Physiology|oocyte]] is aspirated under constant vacuum.

* Aspirated [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oocytes]] are placed in a culture vessel with [[Copulation_-Sperm_in_the_Female_Tract_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Capacitation|capacitated]] spermatozoa.

* Aspirated [[The_Ovary_-_Oocytes_- Anatomy & Physiology|oocytes]] are placed in a culture vessel with [[Copulation_-Sperm_in_the_Female_Tract_- Anatomy & Physiology#Capacitation|capacitated]] spermatozoa.

** Could also be cultured in a 'nurse animal' in vivo.

** Could also be cultured in a 'nurse animal' in vivo.

* Embryos are incubated for a further period to the appropriate stage for transfer.

* Embryos are incubated for a further period to the appropriate stage for transfer.

* Embryos transferred to recipient female.

* Embryos transferred to recipient female.

* Can be transferred at the correct stage of the recipient's [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oestrous cycle]].

* Can be transferred at the correct stage of the recipient's [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_- Anatomy & Physiology|oestrous cycle]].

* Embryos transferred around the [[Blastocyst Embryonic Development - Anatomy & Physiology|blastocyst]] stage.

* Embryos transferred around the [[Blastocyst Embryonic Development - Anatomy & Physiology|blastocyst]] stage.

* Success rates are improving.

* Success rates are improving.

* Embryos can be frozen, eliminating the need for tight synchronisation.  This allows them to be shipped to other locations.

* Embryos can be frozen, eliminating the need for tight synchronisation.  This allows them to be shipped to other locations.

* Increases incidence of [[Parturition_-_Risks_in_Parturition_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Large_Offspring|large offspring syndrome]].

* Increases incidence of [[Parturition_-_Risks_in_Parturition_- Anatomy & Physiology#Large_Offspring|large offspring syndrome]].

[[Category:Reproductive System]]

[[Category:Reproductive System]]