Cattle Embryo Flushing Procedure

Summary

In this video, Gayen Lusk, a veterinarian with Western Genetics specializing in Embryo Transfer, walks through the process of transferring embryos into Wagyu cattle. Using a human urinary catheter with an inflatable cuff, Lusk flushes the uterus with a saline solution to collect embryos, which are then filtered, sorted, and graded under a microscope. The embryos are either implanted fresh or frozen for long-term storage. This detailed explanation provides insight into the delicate and precise procedures involved in cattle embryo transfer, specifically for high-value breeds like Wagyu.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gayen Lusk is a veterinarian specializing in Embryo Transfer at Western Genetics.
• 😀 The focus of the procedure demonstrated in the script is Embryo Transfer in Wagyu cattle.
• 😀 A human urinary catheter with an inflatable cuff is used to insert into the cow's uterus for the procedure.
• 😀 The catheter is inflated to secure it inside the uterus before flushing fluid in and out.
• 😀 The embryos are free-floating and travel from the ovary to the uterus over a 5-day period.
• 😀 The uterus is flushed several times with saline solution to capture the embryos.
• 😀 A filter is used to separate the embryos from the fluid based on their size (140 microns).
• 😀 After the uterus is flushed, the embryos settle at the bottom of the filter.
• 😀 The embryos are then identified and graded under a microscope for selection.
• 😀 The embryos are either implanted fresh or frozen for long-term storage.

Q & A

What is the role of Gayen Lusk in the video?

Gayen Lusk is a veterinarian who specializes in embryo transfer, specifically for Wagyu cattle.

What type of procedure is being demonstrated in the video?

The procedure being demonstrated is embryo transfer in cattle, specifically Wagyu cattle.

What is the purpose of the human urinary catheter used in the procedure?

The human urinary catheter is used to insert into the cow's uterus, where it inflates and allows the veterinarian to flush fluid in and out to help collect embryos.

How long does it take for the embryos to travel from the ovary to the uterus?

It takes about 5 days for the embryos to travel from the ovary down through the oviduct to the uterus.

What is the purpose of flushing the uterus with saline solution?

The saline solution is flushed into the uterus to help collect free-floating embryos and facilitate their capture for further processing.

How are the embryos collected after flushing the uterus?

After flushing the uterus, the fluid is passed through a filter, and the embryos, which are about 140 microns in size, are collected by a small pipe and sorted under a microscope.

What is the size of the embryos being transferred?

The embryos are about 140 microns in size.

What is the function of the filter used during the procedure?

The filter, with pores of about 75 microns, helps to trap the embryos while allowing the rest of the fluid to pass through.

What happens to the embryos once they are collected and sorted?

Once the embryos are collected and sorted under a microscope, they are either implanted fresh or frozen for long-term storage.

What are the possible outcomes for the embryos after they are sorted?

The embryos can either be implanted immediately (fresh) or frozen and stored for long-term storage, depending on the situation.