The temporal relationship between oocyte maturation and early fertilisation events in relation to the pre-ovulatory LH peak and preimplantation embryo development in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

摘要: Abstract The temporal relationships among oocyte maturation, gamete transport and fertilisation following the pre-ovulatory luteinsing hormone surge in red deer were established; secondly, early preimplantation development to blastocyst stage relation onset of oestrus was determined for deer. In first series observations, synchronised April ( N  = 22), fixed time recovery gametes from 0 36 h after estimated LH peak. Matings observed peak retrospective analysis blood plasma collected at 3 h intervals. Gametes recovered surgically meiotic status follicular ovulated oocytes assessed. Spermatozoa oviduct their motility analysed by videomicroscopy. Nineteen 22 hinds exhibited a mate. Oocyte metaphase I occurred between 11 18 h, II completed within follicle 20 25 h Fertilised ova 30 both ampulla isthmic portions oviduct. Motile spermatozoa isthmus 13 21 h, respectively, Hyperactive flushings but only eight that had ovulated. second 16 mature allocated groups embryo collection on days 3, 5 7 oestrus. Eight embryos recovered; an 8-cell 90 h, 3 morulae 137, 138 186 h, 4 blastocysts 180, 182 190 h post-mating. Blastocysts uterine horns mean ± S.E.M. number nuclei per 93.5 ± 10.0 with range 66–114 cells. results this study will improve application assisted reproductive technologies as they indicate embryonic is similar other domestic ruminants exception enters uterus stage.