Endoscopy in cattle reproduction

Final follicle maturation, ovulation and early embryo development are highly dynamic processes which ultimately result in establishment of pregnancy and the birth of healthy offspring. Any intrinsic or extrinsic changes of the environmental conditions, in vivo and in vitro, including deviations caused by exogenous hormonal stimulation may have negative effects on conceptus development. To date, many technologies have provided important information contributing to our knowledge of early embryo development. Among these techniques, the application of endoscopy for the study of reproductive processes, characterised by a minimal invasive transvaginal entry into the peritoneal cavity, plays a significant role. Once established, endoscopy allows the direct visualisation of the surface of ovaries, oviducts and uterine horns in accordance to pathophysiological changes and enables the collection and transfer of oocytes and embryos at various developmental stages. This technology is particularly suitable for combining in vivo and in vitro embryo culture in order to pinpoint critical checkpoints on this process. This type of translocation from laboratory to the animal and back provides a unique chance to create novel designs and to increase understanding of early reproductive events.