Only COCs with homogenous cytoplasm
and at least five compact layers of cumulus cells (Caixeta et al., 2013)
were used and stored at −80 ◦C until extraction of total RNA. To collect
the follicular walls from healthy or infected goats, antral follicles from 3
to 6 mm were isolated from the ovaries. The follicles were then cut in half
with the aid of a scalpel blade according to the protocol used by (Richard
and Sirard, 1996) and stored at −80 ◦C until extraction of total RNA.