Interspecies embryo transfer in South American camelids : a field study

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of performing inter-species embryo transfer under actual field conditions in the natural habitat of South American camelids. In this study embryos from llamas were transferred to alpaca recipients. In a parallel study alpaca embryos were transferred to llama recipients. All animals used were free of uterine and ovarian abnormalities detectable by rectal palpation and /or ultrasound examination. Embryos were harvested twice after single ovulation in 10 mated female llamas and non-surgically transferred to synchronized alpaca recipients. The field laboratory was located in the Peruvian highlands and was equipped with basic restraining pens but lacked electricity and running water. The use of alpacas as recipients for embryos of the slightly larger llama may be relevant for future preservation of the wild South American camelids. Furthermore we wanted to determine if it is possible to perform successful inter species embryo transfer under basic field conditions. The result of this study is promising with a 44% pregnancy rate after inter-species transfer.