Follicular puncture or OPU(“OVUM PICK UP”

The follicular puncture or OPU is the collection of bovine oocytes via transvaginal, guided by ultrasound.

This technique allows:

The rapid proliferation of high-value breeding females;
Exempt the use of gonadotrophins (hormones), as animals can be punctured at any stage of the estrous cycle;
Can be used in various stages of breeding cows:

Calves and heifers that have high performance in the breeding program could be multiplied by this technique thus reducing the gap between generations and accelerating genetic gain.
Cows.
Pregnant cows may be punctured up to approximately 90 to 100 days.
Cows postpartum.
Senile cows may be punctured in case of their offspring have high genetic value or as a tool in the preservation of rare breeds or endangered status.