Improved embryo development with decreased apoptosis in blastomeres after the treatment of cloned bovine embryos with β-mercaptoethanol and hemoglobin

In preliminary experiments, the treatment of donor somatic cells with β‐mercaptoethanol (ME) or hemoglobin (Hb) improved in vitro‐development of bovine cloned embryos. This study was subsequently evaluated whether the exposure to Hb and/or ME during in vitro‐maturation or embryo culture could further promote the development of embryos cloned with ME‐treated donor cells. A prospective, randomized study was conducted and, embryo development, cell number, and apoptosis in blastocysts were monitored. A significant (P