Utilization of oocytes from closely related domestic species for interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer in gaur embryo production.

Context: The limited availability of recipient oocytes poses significant challenges in increasing the population of endangered species. Aims: This study demonstrates the use of oocytes from closely related domestic species (cattle, buffalo, and goat) in the production of gaur embryos via interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT). The developmental abilities of embryos from various combinations – gaur–bovine, gaur–buffalo, gaur–goat, and others – are analyzed. Previous achievements are retrospectively reviewed and summarized. Methods: The methodologies for iSCNT and in vitro gaur embryo production are outlined. Key results: Blastocyst rates among gaur–bovine, gaur–buffalo, and gaur–goat embryos showed no significant differences (P < 0.05). Gaur–bovine embryo development was comparable to intraspecies embryos (bovine–bovine), indicating successful developmental compatibility. Pregnancy rates after transferring gaur–bovine embryos were reported for the first time, with rates of 4.76%, 42.86%, 19.05% and 4.76% at Days 45, 60, 90 and 120, respectively. Conclusions: Bovine, buffalo, and goat oocyte cytoplasm is effective for producing gaur iSCNT embryos, capable of initiating early pregnancies. Implications: Laboratory techniques and methodologies can save costs and time, contributing to the conservation of endangered species. Bovine, buffalo, and goat oocyte cytoplasm is effective for producing gaur iSCNT embryos, capable of initiating early pregnancies. iSCNT is probably one of the promising reproductive technologies for increasing the gaur. The use of taxonomy closely related animal species applied to methodology and techniques by optimizing culture conditions and procedures across closely related species would greatly benefit laboratory production and field implication (enhancing the chance of probability of surrogate mother), and also saving cost and time, to increase the population size of endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]