Method for improving development potential of an embryo and embryos developed therefrom

The present invention relates to a method of improving development potential of an embryo, embryos developed therefrom and organisms resulting from embryos developed from the method. In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of culturing an embryo to improve development potential, said method comprising; obtaining an embryo; and culturing the embryo to enhance trophectoderm development of the embryo. The method relates to improving the chances of an embryo implanting to result in a successful pregnancy. The embryos desirably become implantation competent favouring foetal-maternal interaction and development to term of an embryo. The trophectoderm stimulating agent may be any compound which is proven to stimulate normal trophectoderm development. Preferably the agent is fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4) protein.