In vitro maturation of domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes

Abstract

The establishment of genome
resource banks and the application of assisted
reproduction has been proposed as auxiliary tools
for preserving endangered species. In this study
domestic cat oocytes were matured in vitro (IVM)
as a model for defining efficient protocols for wild
felid species. A total of 808 oocytes (390 grade I
and 418 grade II) were collected from 43 domestic
cat ovaries, with a mean number of 9 oocytes, per
category, per animal. To assess the meiotic cycle
phase, 156 oocytes were stained with DNA specific
marker. Overall, 70% of the oocytes were
considered mature (Metáfase II). The mean
maturation rate for oocytes grade I (74±3%) were
higher (p<0.05) than that for oocytes grade II
(67±3). In conclusion, the described protocols were
effective and domestic cat IVM can be used in our
laboratory as a control for studies in wild felids.