Embryo Transfer in Rabbits

INTRODUCTION

Because there is a particularly narrow time window for implantation in rabbits, embryo transfer in this species requires a high degree of synchrony between the physiological status of the recipient doe and the developmental stage of the embryo at the time of transfer. In some cases, however, especially after in vitro culture of reconstructed embryos or after an extended culture period (e.g. overnight), the pregnancy rate obtained after embryo transfer into asynchronous recipients can be increased relative to synchronous transfers. In addition to the surgical methods required, this protocol describes two scenarios for the preparation of recipient does: an asynchronous scenario for embryos produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and a synchronous scenario for the transfer of thawed morulae.