In Vitro Embryo Production and Development in Livestock and Human: A One Health Model for Human Assisted Reproductive Technology

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro embryo production (IVP), have enabled the birth of over 8 million babies globally and addresses infertility, which affects 186 million individuals worldwide. In livestock, ART addresses reproductive inefficiencies while enhancing genetic progress and productivity but also aims to meet the growing global demand for food production, while tackling the environmental challenges associated with sustainable agriculture. Despite significant advancements in IVP across humans and livestock, there remains inefficiencies and procedures that must be optimized. By comparing the interconnections and efficiencies in IVP methodologies and developmental outcomes across species, an interdisciplinary approach can be used to better understand and refine IVP techniques for human and animal ART. This One Health perspective emphasizes the interconnected benefits of optimizing IVP techniques for human fertility treatments, animal breeding efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The objective is to compare IVP of embryos, including processes and developmental outcomes, across humans and livestock species such as sheep, pigs, cows, and horses and highlight both the efficiencies and challenges unique to each species. Oocyte collection and selection, in vitro maturation of oocytes, fertilization, and subsequent culture and development of embryos are all important steps that contribute to the success of IVP. The knowledge learned from animal research models have broad impacts that contribute to human medicine and a One Health perspective highlights how optimizing IVP benefits individual species and contributes to global health.