MOET Technology (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer Technology)

What is MOET?

MOET (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer Technology) is the technique in which multiple eggs are fertilized in an animal and the embryo is collected on the 7th day, without any surgery. It is the traditional method of embryo production and is practised in cattle.

In the process of MOET, the hormones, especially the Follicle Stimulating Hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries of the cycling cattle to induce multiple ovulations. The animal is artificially inseminated and multiple eggs are fertilized in the reproductive tract. After 7 days, the embryos are collected and frozen to transfer later. They may also be transferred as fresh embryos.

It is an excellent method of enhancing the genetic potential of the best animals. Normally a cow produces one calf a year. But by using MOET it is possible to produce more than one offspring from the genetically fit cows.

Also read: Infertility

Procedure Of MOET Technology

MOET  is carried out in the following steps:

Programming

The donor cattle are treated with follicle-stimulating hormone and prostaglandin. These are injected only in the muscles. The cows need to be provided with proper nutrients before and after calving. They should have completed their cycle. Routine checkups are vital to ensure that they are clean.

Heat Detection

Heats need to be accurately recorded while the cows are being artificially inseminated.

Embryo Collection

The donor and recipient cattle are placed in a secured and covered place. The donor cow is injected with an epidural to relax her bowel. The rear end is washed properly and sterilised to prevent any infections. The veterinary doctor inserts its hand in the rectum of the cow and locates a catheter into one horn of the uterus. The fluid is then run into the uterine horn. The fluid is run back through the catheter and a very fine filter where the embryos are caught. Thus the embryos are collected. The cow is then injected with prostaglandin after 3 days for proper cycling.

Embryology

The filter is observed under a microscope for the embryos. The embryos detected are counted, graded and washed. The embryos are either frozen and preserved in liquid nitrogen at -190℃ for later use or are transferred into the recipients with the help of transfer guns.

Embryo Transfer

The recipient cows are injected with an epidural. They are washed and their ovaries observed to check their cycle. The embryo is deposited into the uterus with the help of a transfer gun.

Advantages of MOET

The advantages of MOET are as follows:

1. Increase in the reproductive rate of the animals.

2. No surgery is required.

3. The entire procedure can be easily carried out on a farm.

4. The embryos can be frozen and stored in the laboratory for future use.

5. The embryos can also be cryopreserved in banks for future use.

Drugs Used in MOET

Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer involves the use of  Follicle Stimulating Hormone to stimulate the release of more than one egg from the ovaries. Other than the Follicle Stimulating Hormones, progesterone (eg., CIDRs), PMSG (eg., pregnecol), Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (eg., Receptal), and Prostaglandin (eg., Estroplan or Estrumate injection) hormones are used to synchronize the animals so that they cycle at the correct time.

Also read: Animal Husbandry

For more information on MOET Technology (Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer Technology), keep visiting BYJU’S website or download  BYJU’S app for further reference.

MOET MCQs

1. Identify the correct statement

a. FSH or PMSG are used to induce super-ovulation and prostaglandins are used to regulate the duration of the cycle.

b. The embryos are transferred to a recipient cow whose oestrous cycle is at the correct receptive stage.

c. Fresh embryos can be stored for 6-8 hours without any harm, but they should be either transferred into the cow or frozen as soon as possible.

d. The animal is either artificially inseminated or mated with an elite bull and the embryo is obtained non-surgically and transferred into the mother cow.

2. Which hormone stimulates the release of more than one egg from the ovaries?

a. Follicle Stimulating Hormone

b. Prostaglandin

c. Progesterone

d. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone

3. Which hormone is present in the drug pregnecol?

a. PMSG

b. FSH

c. GnRH

d. Progesterone

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