| Summary: | Vitrification is a cryopreservation technique that could be an important tool in the application of
reproductive biotechnologies in the 21st century. This review summarises recent efforts made in
cryopreservation methodologies of cattle embryos. To date, a great deal of effort and
experimentation has been devoted to improving assisted reproduction technologies (ART) such
as in vitro produced embryos (IVPE), nuclear transfer cloning and cryopreservation, due to the
increasing global economic importance of cattle. Consequently, large numbers of embryos are
generated through IVPE and conventional superovulation without a corresponding number of
synchronised recipients; subsequently, these embryos must be either preserved or discarded.
Thus, it is essential to cryopreserve embryos for future use, thereby providing an effective method
for the conservation of indigenous livestock, global genetic transport, gene banking, breeding
line restoration, and for genetic rescue of endangered African indigenous livestock species.
Developing an efficacious vitrification technique and improving cryopreservation protocols and
their effectiveness for sustaining survival is an essential asset for preserving cattle embryos,
both as a routine breeding alternative and to ensure stringent biosecurity.
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