Ability of the zebra sperm to induce pig and horse oocyte activation and in vitro preimplantation embryo development after ICSI

Abstract

Several equids have gone extinct and many extant equids are currently considered vulnerable to critically endangered. In vitro embryo production has been promoted over the last years for their potential of genetic rescue and preservation. This work aimed: 1) to compare the ability of the zebra, equine, and pig sperm to induce pronuclear formation and to recruit maternal SMARCA4 when injected into matured pig oocytes and 2) to evaluate whether domestic horse oocytes support preimplantation development after injection of zebra sperm.