Camel Embryo Cryopreservation Breakthrough Unlocks Genetic Preservation for Endangered Species
Embryo cryopreservation in camels was improved by avoiding sucrose in the vitrification process. A new method using galactose instead of sucrose in the warming solution increased the survival and development rates of vitrified embryos. This change led to a pregnancy rate of 42.8% per embryo or 46.1% per recipient. The study suggests that sucrose may be toxic to camel embryos, and its exclusion from the vitrification process is crucial for success. This finding could also benefit other camelid species like alpacas and llamas.