Heat stress affects the functionality of the ovine cumulus-oocyte complex and subsequent in vitro embryo production.

ABSTRACT: Global population growth requires an increase in the production of food, particularly meat, with an expected increase in sheep farming. However, climate change challenges livestock management, with heat stress negatively impacting reproductive performance. In vitro embryo production (IVP) in sheep farming is promising, although optimizing embryo quality and efficiency remains challenging. Heat stress impairs oocyte developmental competence, affecting IVP outcomes. This study investigated the effects of season on oocyte quality and embryo production given seasonal variations in the temperature and temperature-humidity index (THI) and in vitro-induced heat stress. In the first experiment, ovaries were collected in four seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn), with differences in THI, and

SUBMITTER: Martin-Maestro A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12085582 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature