What is Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU), and how is it used?

Laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) is a method used to collect oocytes (eggs) directly from a goat's ovaries for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This technique involves inserting a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, into the goat's abdomen to visualize and aspirate the follicles containing the oocytes. This is a less invasive alternative to laparotomy, which is not suitable for repeated use. The process allows breeders to collect oocytes from valuable goats to maximize offspring.

How does repeated Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) affect oocyte quality in goats?

Repeated LOPU procedures can affect the number and quality of oocytes in goats. The study showed a decline in the number of follicles and a decrease in the quantity and quality of retrieved oocytes, particularly in the adult goat group. Oocyte quality is assessed based on their appearance and ability to mature in vitro. A reduction in oocyte quality can potentially lower the success rate of in vitro fertilization, which is why it is important for breeders.

Does repeated Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) affect a goat's ability to get pregnant?

While the quantity and quality of oocytes may decrease with repeated LOPU, the study found that the procedure didn't necessarily interfere with the reproductive ability of adult and prepubertal goats. The fertility test showed no major complications, indicating that goats could still conceive after multiple LOPU sessions. This suggests LOPU is a viable technique.

Why is Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) important in goat breeding programs?

In the context of goat breeding programs, LOPU is significant because it allows for the collection of oocytes for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), enabling breeders to maximize offspring from valuable goats. Although repeated LOPU may lead to a decline in oocyte quantity and quality, it doesn't necessarily impair the goats' reproductive capacity. Therefore, LOPU can be strategically used to enhance reproductive performance, especially when in vitro production is the goal.

Surreal illustration of a goat with glowing ovaries, representing fertility and in vitro reproduction.

Goat Fertility: Can Repeated Ovum Pick-Up Impact Reproductive Success?

Q: What were the key indicators tracked in the study on goats?

The study involved two groups of goats: adult nanny goats (GA) and prepubertal nanny goats (GP). Both groups underwent six LOPU procedures at seven-day intervals. Following the LOPU sessions, the goats were allowed to mate, and pregnancy diagnosis was used to assess their fertility. Key indicators such as Follicles Visualized, Oocytes Retrieved, Oocyte Quality and Fertility were tracked to determine the impacts of repeated LOPU on the reproductive performance.

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at how follicular aspiration affects the future fertility of adult and young goats used in in-vitro reproduction programs."

For breeders looking to maximize offspring from valuable goats, assisted reproductive technologies like laparoscopic ovum pick-up (LOPU) offer a powerful tool. LOPU, combined with in vitro production (IVP), allows for the collection of oocytes (eggs) directly from the goat's ovaries for fertilization in the lab. But can repeated LOPU procedures impact a goat's long-term fertility?

While ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up is common in cattle, it's more challenging in smaller ruminants like goats, sometimes causing more trauma. Laparotomy, a more invasive surgical approach, carries risks of adhesions, making it unsuitable for repeated use, especially in genetically valuable females. Laparoscopy offers a less invasive alternative, allowing for quicker recovery and repeated procedures on the same animal.

This article explores a study that investigated the effects of repeated LOPU on the reproductive performance of both adult and young goats. The study aimed to determine if frequent follicular aspiration impacts oocyte quality and the ability to conceive later in life. Understanding these impacts is crucial for optimizing LOPU techniques and ensuring the long-term reproductive health of goats in breeding programs.

Does Repeated Ovum Pick-Up Affect Oocyte Quality and Fertility in Goats?

Surreal illustration of a goat with glowing ovaries, representing fertility and in vitro reproduction.

Researchers at São Paulo State University investigated the reproductive outcomes of adult and prepubertal goats undergoing repeated LOPU. The study divided twenty crossbred goats into two groups: adult nanny goats (GA) and prepubertal nanny goats (GP). Both groups underwent six LOPU procedures at seven-day intervals. Ovarian stimulation was achieved using hormones like eCG and FSHp. Following the LOPU sessions, the goats were allowed to mate, and pregnancy diagnosis was used to assess their fertility.

The study tracked several key indicators:

Follicles Visualized: The number of follicles observed on the ovaries during each LOPU.
Oocytes Retrieved: The quantity of oocytes successfully collected.
Oocyte Quality: Assessed based on the oocytes' appearance and ability to mature in vitro.
Fertility: Determined by pregnancy rates after mating.

The findings revealed a reduction in the number of follicles visualized and a decrease in the quality and quantity of retrieved oocytes that had matured in vitro, particularly in the adult goat group (GA), over the course of the six LOPU procedures. However, despite these changes in oocyte characteristics, the fertility test showed no major complications that would impair the animals' long-term reproductive capacity. The researchers concluded that repeated LOPU doesn't necessarily interfere with the reproductive ability of adult and prepubertal goats, as a viable number of oocytes were still obtained.

LOPU: A Viable Technique for Goat Breeding Programs

The study suggests that repeated LOPU is a viable technique for goat breeding programs, even though it may lead to a decline in oocyte quantity and quality over time. Because the procedure didn't negatively impact the reproductive capacity of the goats, LOPU can be strategically used to enhance reproductive performance, especially when in vitro production is the goal.

Minimizing stress and trauma during LOPU procedures is essential to optimize oocyte yields and preserve long-term fertility. The researchers recommend careful monitoring of the goats' body condition and minimizing surgical time. Moreover, washing the ovaries post-aspiration helps prevent adhesion formation and further safeguards reproductive health.

While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to optimize LOPU protocols and mitigate the decline in oocyte quality. Exploring alternative ovarian stimulation strategies and refining aspiration techniques could help maximize oocyte yields and improve the overall efficiency of in vitro goat breeding programs.