Abstract
الوصف The data about the effect of follicular fluid (FF) from different sized follicles on nuclear and developmental competence is rather conflicting. Tao et al (Theriogenology 1995; 43: 334 abst) found no differences between pFF either collected from small (2-5 mm) or large (> 5 mm) follicles on nuclear and blastocyst formation, while others (Yoon et alReprod Fertil Dev 2000; 12: 133-139) reported higher blastocyst formation when oocytes were cultured in maturation medium containing FF obtained from large follicles. These experiments used COCs and FF from prepubertal gilts. Recently, it has been shown that oocytes from adult pigs have a greater developmental competence than those from prebubertal pigs (Marchal et al, Theriogenology 2001; 56: 17-29). Most in vitro maturation protocols currently utilize pFF from small and medium size (2-6 mm) follicles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sow FF from