The Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) Technique
This post we will be discussing the ovum pick-up (OPU) technique. At the International Embryo Technology School, there is a whole course dedicated to teaching this technique. Specifically, veterinarians who are looking to expand their practice could benefit from this course!
Ovum Pick Up, or OPU, is a state-of-the-art reproductive technology that involves the retrieval of oocytes directly from the ovaries of donor cows. This non-invasive and carefully orchestrated procedure has opened up new horizons in cattle breeding, making it possible to multiply superior genetics at an unprecedented pace!
During OPU, specialized ultrasound technology is used to locate and visualize the ovaries. Typically, donor cows are super-ovulated so there are numerous mature follicles on each ovary. Using a tiny needle, the developing oocytes are aspirated from follicles on each ovary.
Each of these oocytes are then taken to the lab for in-vitro fertilization. Here, they are carefully evaluated under high-powered microscopes. Only the most viable oocytes are selected for in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques using superior bull semen. The resulting embryos can then be transferred to chosen recipient cows or cryopreserved for future use.
At the International Embryo Technology School, we're incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this revolutionary technology, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on the herds of our students and the entire cattle industry! If you’re interested in learning this process, you can register for an upcoming OPU Course on our website.
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