Embrióflutningur

Embrióflutningur, a term derived from Icelandic, translates to embryo transfer. This is a widely used technique in assisted reproductive technology (ART). It involves the collection of embryos from a donor female and their subsequent placement into a surrogate or recipient female. The process is most commonly associated with livestock breeding, particularly in cattle, horses, and sheep, though it is also employed in humans as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.

In animal husbandry, embryo transfer is a valuable tool for genetic improvement. It allows for the rapid dissemination of desirable traits from elite females. A high-value female can produce multiple offspring in a single breeding season, even if her natural reproductive capacity is limited. This is achieved by synchronizing the recipient females' estrous cycles with the donor's ovulation and embryo development. The embryos are typically flushed from the donor's uterus a specific number of days after insemination or fertilization.

For human ART, embryo transfer is the final step in the IVF process. After eggs are fertilized in a laboratory, the resulting embryos are cultured for several days before being transferred into the woman's uterus. The success rate of embryo transfer depends on various factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the embryos, and the condition of the uterine lining. The procedure itself is generally simple and does not require anesthesia.