Assisted reproductive technologies in cattle in Cameroon

Background: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) include artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET), estrus synchronization and superovulation, laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU), in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture (IVC) (collectively known as in vitro embryo production, or IVEP), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), cryopreservation of sperm, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, sperm and embryo sexing, embryo splitting, embryo cloning, nuclear transfer (NT), gene transfer, and marker-assisted selection (MAS). Emerging technologies include microfluidics, three-dimensional printing of cell culture materials, organoid culture, livecell imaging, new advances in cryopreservation, and artificial intelligence. Aim: This study aims to present an update and overview of ARTs in Cameroon with a focus on cattle. Results: In Cameroon, several methods have been used to synchronize the estrus in cattle using progestins (PRIDND Delta & CIDR-B), prostaglandins (PGF), and GnRH. Adding progesterone to the CoSynch protocol improves the fertility of local cows. Since the first artificial insemination was performed in 1942 with fresh semen, numerous genetic improvement projects using fixed-time AI with frozen semen have improved the genetics of local breeds, with an overall pregnancy rate of 49.5% (32.8–57). The main constraints facing AI in Cameroon are the availability and cost of liquid nitrogen for transporting semen, especially in rural zones. Several studies have been done on the ovarian potential of local cattle for in vitro embryo production. Much of the research was done using slaughterhouse ovaries with a potential ranging from 55 to 60% of selected oocytes for in vitro embryo production (grades I and II) using the slicing technique. Conclusions: The use of ovum pick-up procedures guided by ultrasound to collect oocytes from both fertile and infertile genetically valuable cows, IVM, IVF, IVC, and other ARTs (in vivo embryo production, embryo transfer, embryo splitting, cloning, production of transgenic animals, and emerging technologies) is not yet widespread in Cameroon. There is an urgent need for stakeholders in Cameroon to develop and update policies and guidelines to help address ethical concerns regarding ARTs.