Embryos, IVF & Advanced Reproduction

What Are Advanced Reproductive Technologies?

Advanced reproductive technologies use laboratory techniques to produce embryos from elite genetic females, then transfer those embryos into recipient cows. These technologies include conventional embryo transfer (ET), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and sexed embryo production. They accelerate genetic progress by multiplying the offspring of superior animals.

Types of Technologies

Conventional Embryo Transfer

Elite donor cows are superovulated and bred, then embryos are flushed from the uterus and transferred to recipients. Typically produces 5-15 embryos per flush, depending on donor response.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Eggs are collected from donors (either by OPU—ovum pick up—or from slaughtered animals), matured and fertilized in the laboratory. IVF can produce more embryos per cycle than conventional ET and works on younger donors.

Sexed Embryos

Using sexed semen for IVF produces embryos of known sex, typically female for dairy breeding programs. Higher-value than conventional embryos.

Applications for Dairy Farms

• Elite breeding programs: Multiply offspring from your best cows
• Purchasing genetics: Buy embryos from high-merit animals
• Managing reproduction: Put embryos in cows with fertility issues
• Producing females: Sexed embryos for replacement needs
• Genomic testing: Offspring for early genomic selection

Success Factors

• Donor quality: Genetic merit justifies the expense
• Recipient management: Well-managed recipients with good conception
• Technician skill: Experienced ET practitioners get better results
• Timing: Proper synchronization of donors and recipients
• Embryo quality: Grade 1 embryos have higher transfer success

Is Advanced Reproduction Right for You?

Consider embryo technologies if:

• You have elite genetics worth multiplying
• You sell breeding stock and need high-value offspring
• You want to accelerate genetic progress faster than AI allows
• You have the management skill for recipient programs

Cost Considerations

Conventional ET costs $1,000-2,500 per flush (donor preparation, flush, and evaluation). IVF sessions run $1,500-3,000+ depending on the number of eggs processed. Embryo transfer to recipients adds $30-50 per transfer. Purchased embryos cost $300-2,000+ depending on genetic value.