2.6. Experimental design
On the day of embryo recovery, the best quality embryos
(morulae and blastocysts) within the pool were selected for
ET. Within 30 minutes after completion of washing,
embryos were transferred into each synchronized recipient.
Remaining oocytes/embryos from the pool were
randomly selected and used for virus isolation. Embryos
were immediately sonicated and inoculated onto a monolayer
of MDBKc for virus isolation.
Recipients that were found to be not pregnant were
used again in the experiment provided they maintained
their BVDV-free and BVDV antibody-free status after ET.