Advancements in stem cell and developmental biology have propelled the generation of stem-cell-derived tools that mirror early mammalian development. These fascinating structures, exemplified by the human blastoids shown here that mimic blastocyst formation, have offered unparalleled opportunities to unveil the mysteries of life’s genesis and explore limitless potential applications beyond our imaginations. Image sourced from Yu et al. (2023) with permission (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2023.08.002).

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

Identifying methods to improve animal health, production, and resilience is critical to create a sustainable food supply to meet global nutritional demand. Recent advancements in gene editing tools, cell culture methods, and in vitro phenotyping can accelerate the identification of variants or novel alleles that are transformative for livestock health and resilience. The use of organoids and gene editing can provide a model to link the genome to the phenome and decrease the number of animals needed for research. Image by Eun Su Jeon and the University of Missouri Molecular Cytology Core.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

In vitro embryo production plays a critical role in the genetic improvement of cattle. Efficient in vitro embryo production requires the collection of multiple oocytes of optimal quality. This review describes the contribution of ovarian physiology to oocyte quantity and quality as well as the current status of ovarian superstimulation treatments directed at improving the efficacy of in vitro embryo production. In addition, the possibility of developing targeted ovarian superstimulation treatments based on distinct ovarian physiological characteristics is explored. Image by J. C. L. Motta and A. García-Guerra using Biorender.com.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

Nonsurgical embryo transfer in pigs is now a reality. This procedure was previously deemed impossible because of the complex anatomy of the porcine female reproductive tract. However, advancements have overcome these anatomical challenges and allowed embryos to be nonsurgically deposited deep into the uterine horn. The technique is simple and safe, and the promising results with stored and vitrified–warmed embryos mark a significant advance. This technology facilitates genetic exchange with minimal disease transmission, which benefits the pig industry. Photograph by E. A. Martinez.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

Current dairy breeding systems in tropical zones rely on crossbreeding between native, adapted breeds, and foreign high-performance genetics to increase milk yield. When the proportion of foreign-derived genetics becomes too high in subsequent generations of breeding, the animals typically fail to fit in the production environment due to unmanageable heat stress and susceptibility to endemic diseases. To overcome these types of genetic by environmental challenges, we bred animals with traits delivered through a multiplex gene editing platform that will contribute to significant and sustainable production gains for tropical dairy production systems. Photographs by Haley Jo.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.

Dairy farms must constantly evolve to achieve sustainability goals, including profitability, minimal environmental impacts, and improve well-being of cows and people. Data-driven management practices and automated technologies are a growing opportunity for improving the sustainability of reproductive management. Data-driven targeted reproductive interventions can shorten interbreeding intervals, increase fertility, and reduce interventions on cows. Likewise, advances in technology enable automation of management tasks including detection of estrus, ovulation synchronization, and pregnancy testing. These innovations are reshaping reproductive management of dairy cattle. Image created by Julio Giordano.

This article belongs to the Collection: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the International Embryo Technology Society, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 18–22 January 2025.