[Cryopreservation and transfer of pig in vivo embryos: State of the art]

Abstract

The present review article describes the development of porcine cryopreservation and transfer of embryos and the sanitary regulations related to these technologies. Rapid progress has been made during the last decade in cryopreservation by using vitrification which involves a very rapid cooling rate. Currently, this technology is suitable for morulae and blastocysts and to date, more than 300 piglets are born after surgical transfers of vitrified embryos. Moreover, farrowings are obtained after non-surgical transfers of fresh or vitrified embryos. However, further improvements are required to permit the dissemination of these technologies in the near future. According to the recommendations of the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) regarding international transportation, embryos must be washed and cryopreserved with an intact zona pellucida. Transmission by embryo transfer of virus or bacteria to swine has been studied and rather converging results are now published. The risk of disease transmission by the embryo transfer is reduced. The major advantage of these technologies is the possibility to transport and store genetic material whilst reducing the risks of pathogen transmission.