A historical perspective of embryo-related technologies in South America

Livestock production is of great importance for the economy of most South American countries, a region that accounts for 23.0% of the world cattle population (Food Agriculture Organization - FAO, 2017). Not surprisingly, the embryo industry is historically very active in this region, particularly in Argentina and Brazil. The field of bovine embryo transfer underwent a remarkable change in the past two decades in Brazil, mainly due to in vitro embryo production (IVEP). Total embryo production increased dramatically, along with constant changes in the main features of the embryo industry - from market niches to mass production, from beef to the dairy sector, from zebu to European breeds. Recently, IVEP has also emerged in other South American countries. This review summarizes and describes factors driving the changes in the Brazilian embryo industry and discusses some of the impacts upon other embryo-related technologies.