In this method, embryos are formed in the laboratory over 7 to 8 days, as follows:
Day -1: Ovum pick-up and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes.
Day 0: In vitro fertilization (IVF) of oocytes.
Days 1-7: Embryo development (In Vitro Culture (IVC)).
Days 7-8: Embryo freezing.
Yes, it is possible to use female-producing or male-producing sperm to create embryos in the laboratory.
Heifers generally show the best success rates for ET compared to lactating cows.
For heifers, the ideal time is when their weight reaches two-thirds of the adult weight and their Body Condition Score (BCS) is above 2.5.
For multiparous cows, the best time to start embryo transfer programs is 70 days after calving.
Four main factors contribute to success:
Recipient Animal:
The recipient should be stress-free for at least one month prior to the transfer (avoid vaccinations, diet changes, heat stress, animal movement, etc.).
Their nutritional status and Body Condition Score (BCS) must be appropriate.
Embryo Quality:
It is important to note that at Sina Fanavaran Mandegar Company (SFM Co.), embryos with inferior quality are rejected and not used for transfer.
Technician Skill:
The embryo transfer procedure should be performed by individuals with sufficient experience in embryo transfer, not merely artificial insemination.
Suitable Environmental Conditions:
Appropriate facilities for moving and restraining the animals on embryo transfer day, along with favorable weather conditions, are crucial for successful embryo transfer.
Crossbred and native heifers, provided they are healthy and well-nourished, are among the best recipients.
If farmers need to purchase recipient animals for embryo transfer, they should select those most suitable for their specific region.
Ideally, using animals raised on the farm from birth is the best option, as their age, nutritional status, vaccination history, and calving records are well documented.
The quantity of recipient cows directly correlates with the number of embryos requested. Specifically, for frozen-thawed embryo transfers, SFM Co. typically recommends a 2:1 ratio of recipient cows to embryos.
A surplus of recipient cows is advised because not all animals respond ideally to the synchronization program. The specialized embryo transfer team at SFM Co identifies and selects the most responsive cows on the day of transfer to ensure optimal conception rates. This proactive approach guarantees enough suitable recipients are available at the crucial moment.
Experienced veterinarians from SFM Co. perform pregnancy diagnosis via ultrasound 30 days after embryo transfer.
Heifers over 10 months of age, as well as lactating and dry cows, can be used for sonographic ovum pick-up (OPU). However, heifers with suitable ovarian reserves are prioritized.
Generally, a donor cow can be bred one month after the last ovum pick-up.
Typically, around 50 embryos per year can be produced from an elite heifer. However, this number can vary due to individual differences in cows’ ovarian reserves.
Generally, a cow or heifer can be used for IVF embryo production throughout the year, with the exception of the summer season. However, this period may be reduced to prevent potential harm.
Generally, no. However, it is possible in cases where the client’s dairy farm is close to the company’s location.
In this process, a very limited amount of hormones (approximately 10% of the hormones required in the traditional embryo flushing method) is used. Therefore, hormone-related side effects such as ovarian cysts are significantly reduced.