In vitro embryo production to preserve the genetics of a 16-year-old Rotes Höhenvieh cow

The initiation of embryo cryopreservation programs is recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to preserve genetic resources of old farm animal breeds. Rotes Höhenvieh is one of the German breeds listed as “observation population” by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). In vitro embryo production (IVP) is an assisted reproductive biotechnology that can generate embryos from cows with reproductive disorders. A 16-year-old cow of the breed Rotes Höhenvieh with a history of failed natural breeding attempts was presented to the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) with the aim to produce and cryopreserve embryos by utilizing assisted reproductive technologies. A follicle stimulation protocol for the retrieval of in vivo matured oocytes by ovum pick-up (OPU) was applied to 3 sessions of IVP. Oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed semen of 2 Rotes Höhenvieh bulls. After adjustments on the IVP protocol, 3 viable embryos could be produced for cryopreservation and long-term storage in the German Gene Bank of Farm Animals at the FLI. In conclusion, the implementation of in vivo oocyte maturation in combination with in vitro embryo production in aged cows offers a vital strategy for preserving the genetics of endangered old farm animal breeds.