Removing cumulus cells around 20 hours after starting the maturation process of pig oocytes improves their ability to mature properly. This was shown by reducing certain levels in the oocytes, which led to better development without affecting the formation of blastocysts. Oocytes from larger follicles performed better than those from smaller ones, and denuding the oocytes at 20 hours resulted in a significant decrease in certain levels, ultimately increasing the oocytes' meiotic competence.