RECENT ADVANCES IN SUPEROVULATION OF CATTLE

Superovulation is a major limiting factor in the contributions that embryo transfer can make to the genetic improvement of cattle. This review analyzes the limitations of superovulation of cattle, including factors which influence ovulatory response of donors, those which influence fertilization and embryo viability, and certain aspects of animal treatment and management that determine success in terms of efficiency of viable embryo production. Recent research findings on which new approaches to superovulation may be based, and areas in which future research may be expected to yield further improvements are discussed.