Developing stem cell-based bovine embryos for in vitro breeding

The rapid emergence of stem cell-based embryo models, such as blastocyst-like structures, or blastoids, leverages the remarkable self-organizing capabilities of cultured stem cells to generate structured, multicellular assemblies that replicate specific aspects of embryogenesis. This breakthrough opens new frontiers for our understanding of the earliest steps of embryogenesis and creation of promising innovative ARTs aimed at enhancing reproductive efficiency in cattle. This review begins by summarizing the bovine pluripotent stem cells including embryo-derived stem cells and induced pluripotency. Then the current progresses in generating bovine stem cell-derived embryos, blastoids, are explored. Finally, the potential application of bovine blastoid technology for in vitro breeding, and the key challenges and future directions are discussed.