Does the dominant follicle affect ovum pick-up and in vitro embryo production outcomes?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the presence of dominant follicles on the outcome of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) by conducting a comparative analysis of oocyte number, quality, and in vitro embryo development in animals with and without dominant follicles in their ovaries during oocyte pick-up (OPU). The study was conducted by evaluating data obtained from OPU applications, and Holstein heifers in good general health were used in the research. The OPU sessions performed were classified according to the presence of dominant follicles in the ovaries. During oocyte retrieval, two groups were formed: group DFA (dominant follicle-absent) without dominant follicles in either ovary, and group DFP (dominant follicle-present) with dominant follicles. The results demonstrate that the group without dominant follicles in the ovaries exhibited a higher number of quality, total, and viable oocytes (P < 0.05). In the developmental follow-up conducted after the in vitro culture phase, it was determined that the number of cleaved oocytes and blastocysts was higher in the group without dominant follicles in their ovaries (P < 0.05). Consequently, it is thought that OPU procedures performed during the phase preceding the establishment of follicular dominance or in ovaries devoid of dominant follicles may positively affect IVEP yield.