A review of in vitro gamete maturation and embryo culture and potential impact on future animal biotechnology

This review considers the relationship of in vitro gamete maturation and embryo culture to the future development of animal biotechnology. The areas reviewed are oocyte maturation in vitro and embryo culture and their importance for successful in vitro embryo production. The rapidly developing area of spermatogonial cell transplantation and culture is also reviewed. The scientific milestones leading to the development of each area, the problems and prospects for future development and the possible significance of major advances in each area are discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.