Minimally invasive laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) in hormonally stimulated Holstein calves

BACKGROUND: The implementation of laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) method in combination with genomic selection is a tool that enables very rapid breeding progress in livestock, including cattle. This procedure can be effectively performed on calves as young as two months old. The aim of the study was to develop and present in detail a repeatable, minimally invasive, and safe method of obtaining oocytes from immature calves. The modifications proposed in the described study may have a positive impact on the safety, effectiveness, and ergonomics of the procedure. METHODS: The study was conducted on six calves 2-4 months of age with a body weight ranging from 64 to 112 kg. For 3 days prior to the procedure, the animals were subjected to hormonal stimulation using follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), administered intramuscularly at 12-hour intervals (a total of 6 injections - total dose of 100 mg FSH per animal). At the same time, progesterone-releasing vaginal inserts were used for 3 days prior to the procedure. The laparoscopic ovum pick-up procedure was performed under inhalation general anesthesia. The aspirated follicular fluid was evaluated using a dissecting microscope under a laminar flow hood to find oocyte-cumulus complexes. RESULTS: As a result of puncturing 127 ovarian follicles, 80 oocyte-cumulus complexes were obtained. Of these, 53 (66,3%) were grade I, 12 (15,0%) were grade II, and 15 (18,7%) were degenerated. The duration of the procedures ranged from 52 to 67 min. The modification allows for proper visualization of the ovaries and easy access for puncture as well as high work ergonomics. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a midline optical channel and the connection of a high-quality camera to the endoscope significantly improves the ergonomics of the procedure, which is particularly important in laparoscopic procedures. Inhalation anesthesia and the recovery process proceeded normally. The use of the LOPU method in combination with genomic evaluation of the obtained embryos can significantly influence the rate of genetic progress in cattle.