Sex determination by DNA amplification in pre-transfer bovine embryos

Abstract

Sex determination of bovine embryos prior to transfer, by DNA amplification of specific sequences of Y chromosome is widespread as a technique that alter the sex-proportion 1:1 in animal farms. In our country we presented a first communication about sexing of bovine embryos with the PCR method. With the purpose to control the viability of sex-embryos and the accuracy of the method, we have presented in this paper 3 experiences of sex determination. Embryonic cells were taken out from pre tramsfer bovine embryos belonged to different Centre of Embryos Transfer. 16 embryos were biopsied (6 male/10 female) and all of them were transfered in syncronised receptors. Percentages of gestation of biopsied embryos (25%) compared to complete embryos transfered (46%) are discused. The accuracy of the method was confirmed with the borning of 2 normal female-calves.