Cryopreservation of embryos

CRYOPRESERVATION OF EMBRYOS 
  • Cryopreservation of embryos is an essential part of embryo transfer programme and it allows worldwide shipment of embryos.
  • Reliable freezing methods have been developed for bovine and sheep embryos.
  • An optimal method for bovine embryos includes a one step addition of 1.4M glycerol as cryoprotectant, a 20 minutes equilibration period and 0.25 ml straws as embryo containers, slow cooling down to -35°C and subsequent plunging to liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Embryos are thawed by placing the straws directly into warm water.
Last modified: Saturday, 25 September 2010, 4:30 AM