책임운영기관 농촌진흥청 국립축산과학원 (로고)

This study was undertaken to determine the oocyte recovery and embryo development efficiency in elk using an ultrasonic-derived OPU (Ovum Pick-Up) technology. The oocytes were collected after retrieving the follicles of the elk ovary using an ultrasonic diagnostic device under recovery pressures ranging from 50 to 80 mmHg. Based on the recovery pressure used, the oocytes were segregated into four groups: 50 mmHg, 60 mmHg, 70 mmHg, and 80 mmHg. The influence of increasing recovery pressure was evaluated on parameters such as recovery rate, fertilization rate, and embryonic development. We obtained a recovery rate of 66.03%, 57.22%, 62.33%, and 81.17% for the 50, 60, 70, and 80 mmHg groups, respectively. The ratios of grade A and B oocytes retrieved were significantly higher in the 50 mmHg and 60 mmHg groups (55.71% and 36.31%, respectively). The 50 and 60 mmHg groups also showed significantly higher fertilization rate percentages of 81.25% and 66.67%, respectively and significantly higher blastocyst development rates of 36.94% and 41.67%, respectively. Our results indicate that although a higher recovery pressure improved the recovery rate, it negatively influenced the oocyte grade, fertilization rate, and blastocyst development rate. Future research should focus on optimizing the recovery conditions and in vitro culture efficiency for successful Elk embryo transplantation.