The impact of graafian follicle use during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes on embryo development

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Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of graafian follicular fluid on embryo development parameters during the in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Oocytes collected from 20 clinically healthy Holstein heifers were matured in two different media: one derived from graafian follicular fluid and the other containing a commercial maturation medium (control). Oocyte collection was performed using the transvaginal ovum pick-up technique, and the follicular fluids used for in vitro maturation were obtained from follicles measuring 17–20 mm in diameter. Oocytes from both groups were subjected to identical in vitro fertilization and culture protocols and incubated for 7–8 days. According to the results, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst development rates in the graafian follicle group were statistically similar to those in the control group (p > 0.05). Although the numerical blastocyst yield was higher in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. These findings indicate that laboratory-prepared graafian follicular fluid may serve as a viable alternative to commercial media for in vitro maturation and may contribute to reducing the costs of embryo production. However, standardization studies are required to control the physical and biochemical variations that may influence the effectiveness of follicular fluid.

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