Abstract The growing demand for food and the need to optimize livestock production has driven the development of reproductive biotechnologies in cattle. This article explores recent advances in techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and follicular development manipulation, focusing on their impact on embryo production and genetic improvement. Additionally, it discusses the importance of the follicular environment and follicular fluid for oocyte competence, and how reproductive management can be optimized based on knowledge of follicular dynamics and the use of biomarkers. The application of these technologies in assisted reproduction programs, such as IATF (Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination) and OPU (Ovum Pick Up), has revolutionized in vitro and in vivo embryo…