Such embryo transfer between species has already proved successful for rare Mongolian horses and Indian cats.

ECONOMIST: Endangered species

But she said more evidence was needed before the HFEA recommended a move to single embryo transfer.

BBC: IVF 'should use one embryo'

The scientists used cross-pollination and seed embryo transfer technology to transfer some of the resilience of the ancient ancestor of wheat into modern British varieties.

BBC: Cambridge-based scientists develop 'superwheat'

In Belgium this understanding has resulted in laboratory costs for IVF and ICSI being reimbursed under a strict embryo transfer policy to secure the prevention of multiple pregnancies.

BBC: NEWS | Health | IVF multiple births 'drain NHS'

Dr Diane De Neubourg, from the Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp, presented work showing that single embryo transfer produces babies that are healthier than those born after multiple implantations.

BBC: NEWS | Health | IVF multiple births 'drain NHS'

She said she would recommend all European countries introduced the single embryo transfer as standard for women in this group - under 36, in their first or second cycles who have good quality embryos.

BBC: IVF 'should use one embryo'

"Couples seeking IVF treatment should consider reaching some agreement about what is to happen to their embryos if they separate and also if the genetic father dies before transfer of the embryo to the woman, " she said.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Woman 'cannot use IVF embryos'

Its latest figures showed 35% of IVF cycles now involved the transfer of just one embryo.

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