Research in to laboratory bovine embryo production is important because it leads to more viable embryos being produced. This technique has low efficiency compared to embryos produced naturally, because embryos get damaged. This study sought to minimise damage through the use of a molecule (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta-PPARδ agonist L165041) in the culture medium. It was observed that the developmental viability and survival after freezing were increased for embryos cultured with the PPARδ-agonist compared to controls. Laboratories may add this molecule to improve their embryo culture results.

Mitochondrial probes (DiOC₆(3), JC-1 and MitoTracker Deep Red) are specific for sperm mitochondria and can be simultaneously co-stained with a viability marker. DiOC₆(3) and JC-1, but not MitoTracker Deep Red, can monitor mitochondrial activity. However, JC-1 was found to be more sensitive to mitochondrial membrane potential changes than DiOC₆(3).

Here, we used RNA-seq to explore the gene expression profiles of pre- and postovulatory follicles of pigeons. Finally, we found the DGEs in ECM (extracellular matrix)–receptor interaction pathway, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction closely related to promoting follicular maturation and ovulation in pre-ovulatory follicles. Moreover, it seems that the lysosomal cathepsin family has a decisive role in the regression of early post-ovulatory follicles.