Bovine Embryo Transfer
Our clinic is a CETA certified embryo transfer facility. We offer the following services to producers:
Donor housing - Housing is available to decrease travel and allow observation of the donor throughout the process.
Live calf program - We have recipients available to implant your embryos.
In-clinic & On-farm flushing/freezing/implanting - Performed in-clinic and on-farm embryos are extracted from the donor and implanted or froze for later implantation.
Why Embryo Transfer?
Donor Cows
Recipient Cows
Why Embryo Transfer?
1: Using ET technologies we can vastly increase the amount of offspring produced from genetically important cows.
2: More economical way to import/export elite genetics.
3: Genetics can be introduced into a herd without introducing new live animals, thus you are able to be more biosecure.
Donor Cows
Selection of donors is based on superior genetic merit. The offspring need to be very marketable.
Minimum requirements:
~60 days post calving
~Cycling regularly
~Good body condition (2.5-3.5/5)
~We do not recommend flushing heifers at his time
Management of Donors
1) Nutrition:
~ Good nutrition plan with mineral supplementation
~ Cow should not be losing body condition
2) Pre Flush Examination
~To ensure reproductive tract is normal and ovaries are functioning adequately
~To ensure they are not pregnant
3) Super Ovulatory Program:
~Donors will be handled very often during the set up procedure
~Handling system should be a smooth and low stress
~Timing of injections needs to be followed very closely
~ Specific protocols will be provided based on donor examinations and flush history
4) Insemination of Donors:
~ Minimum of 2 inseminations with high quality semen. Often 3 straws are used over 2 breedings
~If sexed semen is used please contact prior to discuss
~ Save straws for records
5) Flush Day
~ Cow needs to be restrained on a secure and warm environment
~ Should be indoors out of the wind and rain
Recipient Cows
~Recipient selection is one of the most important aspects and often the most neglected in an ET program
~ Improper nutrition and stress management can greatly affect implant pregancy results
Selection of the Recipents:
~ Young cows(3-8yrs) make the best recipients
~ Select the most fertile cows in the herd
~First calf heifers generally have proor pregnancy results because of the added stress they are under
~ Virgin heifers are ok if adequate size and cycling. Watch birth weight EPDs
~ Wild animals should not be used they are more difficult to transplant safely
Herd Management:
~ Very similar to donor management
~Good nutrition. Avoid sudden changes to diet after implantation
~ Minimum 60 days post calving and cycling
~ Vaccinations need to be given at least 30 days prior to implant date
~ Make sure recipients are not pregnant as set up procedure will abort pregnancies
Recipient Set Up:
~ There are many protocols available to synchronize recipients. We will work with you to select one that is suitable
~ Embryos are to be implanted 6-8 days after heat
~ A quality squeeze chute is required to handle recipients on implant day safely
