Embryo Transfer: Beef Part 2

Summary

This script outlines the process of embryo transfer in cattle, highlighting its advantages for rapid offspring production, genetic merit enhancement, and economic benefits. It details the steps from superovulation and artificial insemination to embryo collection, evaluation, freezing, thawing, and transfer into recipient cows. The procedure involves careful handling to ensure sterility and requires recipient cows to be healthy and fertile. Embryo transfer is presented as a valuable tool for progressive cattle breeders to improve herd performance.

Takeaways

• 🍼 Embryo transfer is a technique used to increase the production of offspring from valuable females rapidly.
• 🧬 It allows for the sufficient number of calves for accurate progeny testing of females and helps in the propagation of rare breeds.
• 💰 The process is economically beneficial for exporting animals and increasing the value of the herd through offspring from genetically superior parents.
• 🐄 The donor cow and sire must have high genetic merit to ensure the offspring's value to the herd.
• 🏆 Recipient cows, while not genetically affecting the calves, should be healthy, fertile, and have good milking ability to contribute to the calf's weaning weights.
• 💉 The donor cow is superovulated using synchronized injections of follicle-stimulating hormone during standing estrus and is artificially inseminated.
• 🧊 After collection, embryos are evaluated for viability and then frozen in liquid nitrogen for storage or shipping.
• ⏱ The thawing process involves a four-step procedure to rehydrate the frozen embryos before transfer.
• 🔄 The transfer process requires careful handling to prevent contamination and ensure the embryo is correctly placed within the recipient.
• 🛠️ An epidural anesthesia is used on the recipient to relax the reproductive tract and prevent rectal contractions during the transfer.
• 🔄 The transfer gun is used to insert the embryo into the uterine horn of the recipient, a process that should be rapid and precise.
• 📈 Embryo transfer is a valuable procedure for progressive cattle breeders looking to enhance the performance and profitability of their herds.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the third well in the embryo transfer process described in the script?

The third well is used for a final wash of the embryo, containing only sucrose, before it is loaded into the straw for transfer.

How long is the embryo left in the third well before moving to the fourth well?

The embryo is left in the third well for an additional 6 minutes as per the timer set for the process.

What is the role of the qu CC straw in the embryo transfer process?

The qu CC straw is used to load the embryo for transfer. It needs to be identified with the particular embryo being transferred and is attached to a 1 cc tuberculin syringe for the procedure.

How is the embryo drawn into the straw during the transfer process?

The embryo is drawn into the straw by creating a series of air pockets and bands of fluid, which are pulled through the straw after the tip is placed into the solution.

What is the purpose of the cotton plug in the straw during the embryo transfer process?

The cotton plug in the straw is activated by drawing up the solution, which then seals the straw, making it ready for transfer.

Why is an epidural anesthesia used for the recipient in the embryo transfer process?

Epidural anesthesia is used to prevent rectal contractions, relax the reproductive tract, and ensure a smooth transfer process for the recipient.

How much anane solution is typically used for epidural anesthesia per recipient?

Approximately 5 cc's of the 2% anane solution is used per recipient for the epidural anesthesia.

What is the significance of the plastic shames during the transfer gun insertion in the recipient?

The plastic shames helps to break when the transfer gun touches the cervix, allowing the gun to be gently worked through the cervix without the need to spread the vulva.

How far into the uterine horn should the transfer gun be inserted during the embryo transfer?

The transfer gun should be slid approximately 3 to 4 inches into the uterine horn to ensure proper placement of the embryo.

What are some advantages of embryo transfer mentioned in the script?

Advantages of embryo transfer include rapid production of offspring from valuable females, sufficient numbers for accurate progeny testing, propagation of rare breeds, and a more economical way to export animals.

What are the criteria for selecting donor and recipient cows for embryo transfer?

The donor cow and sire must have high genetic merit, while the recipient cows must be sound, fertile, have good dispositions, and good milking ability to contribute to the calf's weaning weights.

What is the process for preparing frozen embryos for transfer as described in the script?

Frozen embryos are thawed and rehydrated in a four-step process before being transferred to the recipient females for gestation and parturition.