Scientists freeze, preserve pig embryos

US - U.S. researchers have reported success in freezing and preserving genetically enhanced pig embryos.

The researchers, led by University of Missouri-Columbia Professor Randall Prather, say the embryos were created by in vitro techniques and carried modified genetic material. After thawing and transfer to a surrogate mother, some of the embryos went on to produce live piglets with new genetic traits.

The team - headed by Prather, co-director of the National Swine Resource and Research Center - said its technique could prove valuable in allowing genetically enhanced swine to be transported as embryos across the country and around the world.

Swine embryos have been difficult to freeze and preserve because of sensitivity to cold due to high levels of lipids in embryo cells.

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Source: UPI

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