Global cattle genetic market is experiencing a change of strategy, large genetic companies, traditionally recognized in the artificial insemination field, have also begun to operate in the embryo market. Consequently, the demand for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos has grown. However, the overall efficiency of the biotechnology process remains low. Additionally, the lack of homogeneity of post-cryopreservation survival results of IVP embryos still impairing a massive dissemination of this biotechnology in the field. A great challenge for in vitro production labs is to increase the amount of embryos produced with exceptional quality after each round of in vitro fertilization. Herein, we discuss the molecular and cellular features associated with the competence and cryosurvival of IVP embryos. First, morphofunctional, cellular and molecular competence of the embryos were addressed and a relationship between embryo developmental ability and quality were established with cryosurvival and pregnancy success. Additionally, determinant factors of embryo competence and cryosurvival were discussed including the following effects: genotype, oocyte quality and follicular microenvironment, in vitro production conditions, and lipids and other determining molecules. Finally, embryo cryopreservation aspects were addressed and an embryo-focused approach to improve cryosurvival was presented.

Although well-established and adopted by commercial laboratories, the in vitro embryo production system still requires refinements to achieve its highest efficiency. Early embryonic development is a dynamic event, demanding suitable conditions to provide a high number of embryos with quality and competence. The first step to obtaining an optimized in vitro environment is to know the embryonic metabolism and energy request throughout the different stages of development. Oxygen plays a crucial role in several key biological processes necessary to sustain and complete embryonic development. Nonetheless, there is still controversy regarding the optimal in vitro atmospheric concentrations during culture. Herein, we discuss the impact of oxygen tension on the viability of in vitro-produced embryos during early development. The importance of oxygen tension is addressed as its roles regarding essential embryonic traits, including embryo production rates, embryonic cell viability, gene expression profile, epigenetic regulation, and post-cryopreservation survival. Finally, we highlight the damage caused by in vitro unbalanced oxygen tensions and strategies to mitigate the harmful effects.

Com a conscientização dos consumidores em relação às questões ambientais surgiram exigências que fizeram com que as empresas se adaptassem a essa nova realidade. Novas práticas de produção tiveram que ser implantadas com o intuito de causar o menor impacto possível ao meio ambiente. Essa pressão causada pelos consumidores pode ser considerada ao mesmo tempo uma valiosa oportunidade para as empresas atingirem um novo consumidor em potencial, o consumidor “verde” através do Marketing Verde. Dentro deste cenário questiona-se se o consumidor gabrielense leva em consideração as práticas ambientais utilizadas nas empresas e se isso afeta sua decisão de compra. Com o objetivo de responder tais questionamentos teve-se como objetivo geral, mensurar a percepção e atitude do consumidor gabrielense frente às questões ambientais no momento da compra e através dos seguintes objetivos específicos: (a) Identificar os atributos considerados mais importantes na escolha de compra; (b) Levantar, se no momento da compra, o consumidor leva em consideração se o produto é de empresas “normais” ou empresas “verdes”; (c) Investigar se o consumidor pagaria mais por produtos ambientalmente corretos. Para tanto utilizou-se uma pesquisa exploratório-descritivo com abordagem quantitativa através de uma amostra de consumidores gabrielenses. Resultados deste estudo permitem observar que as empresas verdes são consideradas muito importantes e que os consumidores estariam dispostos a pagar mais por produtos ambientalmente corretos.