Gene expression in sheep cumulus-oocyte complexes meiotically inhibited with roscovitine

•Roscovitine effects on nuclear maturation and gene expression were evaluated in ovine.•The meiosis of sheep oocytes was reversibly arrested for 6h with 75μM roscovitine.•The meiotic arrest for 6h did not interfere in the cumulus expansion process.•Meiotic inhibition with roscovitine did not affect the gene expression in sheep COC.•Roscovitine provides a useful method for transport and manipulation of ovine COC.