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Browsing by Author "Acevedo Barriga, Carolina, author"

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    Development of a bison-specific embryo culture system through targeted supplementation of media with stage-specific growth factors
    (Colorado State University. Libraries, 2024) Acevedo Barriga, Carolina, author; Barfield, Jennifer P., advisor; Dawit, Tesfaye, committee member; Pinedo, Pablo, committee member; McCue, Patrick, committee member; Yuan, Ye, committee member
    In vitro embryo production (IVP) offers a practical genetic exchange method for bison herds, eliminating the need for live animal transport and reducing stress on the animals. While successful in cattle, IVP efficiency is lower in bison. This study aims to enhance bison embryo quantity and quality by supplementing IVP media with stage-specific growth factors. Thirteen growth factor receptors (GFRs) were screened in bison and bovine embryos, with six GFRs falling within acceptable ranges. Abattoir-sourced oocytes were used for IVP (4 replicates). GFR expression, notably IGFR2, BMPR2, FGFR1, and EGFR1, peaked in bison embryos at the zygote and 8-16 cell stages, with higher IL6 expression at the morula stage. Bovine embryos displayed highest expression of BMPR2, EGFR, and IGFR1 at zygote and 8-16 cell stages, and of FGFR1 and IGFR2 at zygote stages. Corresponding growth factors were incorporated into bison culture media based on GFR expression. Treatment evaluations, included EGF, IGF1, IGF2, IL6, BMP2, FGF1, and a combination of all GFs to bison culture media. Results revealed that the addition of BMP2 resulted in a decrease in cleavage rates. Notably, EGF, IGF1, and IGF2 enhanced blastocyst rates, with IGF1 significantly higher than the control. Subjective embryo qualitative evaluation showed an upward trend in the number of high quality expanded blastocysts, and lipid content decreased (IGF1) while cell count increased (IGF1, IL6, BMP2, FGF1) with growth factor supplementation. In conclusion, supplementing IVP media with GFs, particularly IGF1 at 50 ng/mL, significantly improved both quantity and quality of bison embryos. Application of IVP theology has advance the use of assisted reproductive technologies for bison, potentially benefiting other species.