superovulation

biology

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July 18, 2026

Quick Summary

Superovulation refers to the production of an exceptional number of ova (eggs) at one time. This biological process is often induced in animal breeding to increase the rate of genetic progress.12

In species bred through artificial insemination, valuable females can be induced to superovulate, releasing multiple eggs. These eggs are then fertilized and flushed out. This allows a single valuable female to produce more than one offspring per year, as the embryos can be implanted into less valuable host females. This technique is commonly used for cows and is also employed when breeders wish to increase the number of female calves from a superior cow.2

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animal breeding
Accuracy of selection
…be chosen and induced to superovulate, or release multiple eggs from their ovaries. These eggs are fertilized in the uterus and then flushed out in a nonsurgical procedure that does not impair future conception of the donor female. Using this procedure, valuable females can produce more than one calf per…
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…be chosen and induced to superovulate, or release multiple eggs from their ovaries. These eggs are fertilized in the uterus and then flushed out in a nonsurgical procedure that does not impair future conception of the donor female. Using this procedure, valuable females can produce more than one calf per…
Read More