This study assessed the in vitro oocyte nuclear maturation in adult and young domestic cats. Fifteen ovaries were used; 10 from adult females and 5 from young females. The oocytes collected by aspiration were quantified and classified. The oocytes classified as excellent and/or regular were grouped (10 oocyte /drop) in culture medium covered with mineral oil in disposable Petri dishes. The oocyte were incubated at 38°C and 5% de CO2 for 48 hours and then washed with 0,4% hyaluronidase, fixed in methanol/acetic acid and stained with acetic orcein. Evaluation of chromosomal configuration of oocytes matured in vitro showed 44,68% of oocyte in metaphase II in the adult female group and 25,32% in the young donor group, showing that puberty influences oocyte capacity for in vitro development.
Domestic cat; Follicles; Nuclear maturation
