The role of veterinarians, biologists and animal experiments in the development of assisted reproductive techniques used in humans

Abstract Assisted reproduction (AR) is a rapidly developing clinical area both in human and animal reproductive medicine. The assisted reproductive techniques (ART) used in human and animal AR are very similar and, in many cases, identical. Therefore, the laboratory/clinical assisted reproductive experiments with animals and their gametes/embryos are very useful for the development of procedures used in human AR. The purpose of the application of ARTs is basically the same in human and veterinary medicine, i.e. to promote and support reproduction. However, there is a marked difference between them in terms of indication. In human AR, these procedures are used to treat individuals and couples with fertility problems, so that they can have children. In veterinary medicine, however, ARTs are used on animals that are completely healthy from a reproductive biological point of view (fertile) but carry some advantageous genetic trait(s). Therefore, the purpose of application of ARTs is to have as many offspring as possible during their lifetime, more than what could be achieved naturally. Due to the large number of gametes/embryos transferred, the mouse and bovine species are the most suitable for gaining experience that can be directly applied in human AR. Assisted reproductive techniques can be performed under less stringent conditions in animals, thus accelerating progress in human AR.