Chromosome preparation from single blastomeres after colcemid treatment and removal from rabbit morulae — Unsuitable for sexing in routine embryo transfer

Cell cycle of blastomeres of 3 days old rabbit morulae were synchronized by exposing the entire embryo to colcemid in BSM-culture-medium. Few cells were removed by micropuncture and prepared for chromosome analysis. Neither colcemid treatment nor removal of cells appears to harm the embryo. Successful diagnosis of embryonic sex was performed in 14 % of all embryos only. The poor success is due to a mitotic rate of less than 10 %. The method appears unsuitable for routine use.