Endoscopic collection of porcine embryos

At present only surgical methods are available for the recovery of porcine embryos on a large scale. The objective of this study was to develop a minimally-invasive technique for embryo collection by means of trans-abdominal endoscopy. A total of 28 pubertal gilts was synchronized for ovulation and embryos were recovered at day 5 with a five-point endoscopy. The uterine wall was punctured 15 cm caudal of the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and a Rusch-Gold balloon catheter(R) (12 Ch.) was inserted into the uterine lumen. After inflation of the balloon, the uterine horn was flushed with 70 mi of medium. In total, 45 uterine horns of 28 gilts (80.4%) were flushed successfully. A total of 208 ova were collected and the recovery rate was 53.6%. After gaining more experience in three consecutive sessions, the recovery rate increased to 34.8% (23/66), 43.6% (51/117) and 65.4% (134/205), respectively. Ten days after recovery the gilts, were slaughtered and no adhesions were found. However, protrusions of the endometrium were recorded in the absence of sutures being used to close the uterine wall.