First Time, Successful Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup in Sheep and Goats at FVS BZU Multan

For the first time in Pakistan, Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, has successfully introduced Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup in sheep and goats (LOPU technology in sheep and goats). This remarkable achievement is a major milestone in the field of reproductive biotechnology and livestock embryo production in the country. This will lead to the success of In vitro fertilization in small ruminants (IVF in goat and IVF in sheep).  Dr. Ejaz is an Associate Professor and expert therogeneticist at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakaria University, Multan. He also introduced Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination and Laparoscopic Embryo Transfer in small ruminants along with the inhibin immunization.

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad has successfully used this advanced technique in small ruminants. It has made Pakistan one of the few countries where laparoscopic technologies are applied for embryo production in sheep and goats. According to Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, this development is a huge breakthrough in livestock embryo production. Moreover, it is the most significant step towards modern reproductive technologies in small animals in Pakistan.

What is Laparoscopy in Veterinary Sciences?

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a laparoscope to view internal organs. Unlike conventional surgery. Laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera and light. This technique requires only small incisions. It has faster healing and there is minimal stress on the animals.

In advanced countries, laparoscopy is increasingly used in livestock and veterinary practice. It is also used for reproductive purposes such as artificial insemination, ovum pick up, embryo transfer, and other advanced reproductive biotechnologies.

Laparoscopy in Pes in Pakistan 

Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup (LOPU) in Sheep and Goats

Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup (LOPU technology) is a modern technique used to retrieve ova (eggs) directly from the ovaries of female sheep and goats with minimal surgical intervention. These eggs are later used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo production.

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad has successfully applied this technology of Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup in sheep and goats for the first time in Pakistan. Through this technique, veterinarians can collect ova more effectively. Its alternative is the traditional surgical method. The next step is IVF. The collected eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory through the process of in vitro fertilization. Later on, the embryos produced during this process are either transferred into a surrogate or preserved for future use.

This advancement of in vitro fertilization in small ruminants in sheep and goat, in the field of reproductive biotechnology will benefit livestock sector, specially the meat sector in Pakistan. It will allow the rapid multiplication of genetically superior animals.

Significance of Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup and Embryo Transfer Technology in Small Ruminants

Embryo transfer (ET) technology is a complementary technique to LOPU technology. After the collection of ova, these are fertilized in the IVF to produce embryos. These embryos are then transferred into surrogate mothers. This method will result in the birth of a number of kids from as a female sheep or goat. This technology can be used to increase the elite genetics in small ruminants. Embryo transfer offers the following benefits:

• Increased genetic improvement in shorter time.
• Production of multiple offspring from high-value females.
• Conservation of rare or indigenous breeds.
• Boosting the overall productivity of flocks.

Successful Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination in Sheep and Goats 

Previous Achievements of Dr. Ejaz Ahmad

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad has previous achievements also in laparoscopic reproductive technologies. He has already introduced other techniques in small ruminants in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). These techniques include:

• Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (AI) in sheep and goats.
• Laparoscopic Embryo Transfer (ET) in small ruminants.
• Inhibin Immunization to increase litter size.

Birth through Laparoscopic AI in Small Ruminants 

What is Inhibin Immunization?

Dr. Ejaz Ahmad also introduced Inhibin Immunization in sheep and goats. Inhibin is a hormone that naturally regulates egg production. By immunizing against inhibin, the natural suppression is reduced and it allows more eggs to mature and be released.

This immunization technique significantly increases the chances of twin, triplet, or multiple births in small ruminants. A combination of LOPU technology, IVF, and inhibin immunization can open a new era in livestock production speically in the case of superior animals through successful in vitro fertilization in small ruminants.

Recognition and Future Prospects of Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup in Sheep and Goats

On this achievement of Laparoscopic Ovum Pickup in sheep and goat, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Prof. Dr. Faqir Muhammad, and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Sciences, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Akhtar, have congratulated Dr. Ejaz Ahmad. This achievement will open new research avenues in the field of livestock production and reproductive biotechnology. Moreover, it will also have economic impacts if gets benefited at the commercial level. This will lead to the success of in vitro fertilization in small ruminants.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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