The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gonadotropins (Gn) on oocyte maturation, developmental competence and apoptosis in an animal model. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 24 h in media supplemented with varying concentrations of Bravelle (B), B + Menopur (B+M) or B + Repronex (B + R) (Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Parsiappany, NJ, USA). Then, nuclear maturation, embryo development, and apoptosis in cumulus cells and oocytes were evaluated. Low to moderate Gn concentrations (75-75 00 mIUmL(-1)) effectively improved nuclear maturation and in vitro development. Higher concentrations of Gn (75 000 mIUmL(-1)) did not have any added beneficial effects and nuclear maturation and blastocyst rates in the presence of these concentrations were comparable to control (P>0.05). Most COCs showed slight apoptosis when exposed to 75, 750 and 75 00 mIUmL(-1) Gn; however, when the concentration was increased to 75 000 mIUmL(-1), the proportion of moderately apoptotic COCs increased. In conclusion, extremely high concentrations of Gn have detrimental effects on oocyte nuclear maturation and embryo development and increase apoptosis in cumulus cells, suggesting the importance of judicious use of Gn in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).