EMBRYO FLUSHING
Embryo transfer (ET) is an advanced reproductive technology recognized worldwide as the fastest and most economical method of genetic multiplication to increase the impact of outstanding animals in your herd.
ET helps the breeder produce more offspring from cows that have proven themselves as good breeding animals and can also shorten the generation interval for faster genetic progress when flushing a heifer with great genetic potential.
We use Embryoplus for all our flushing Requirements.
The conventional ET process consists on 3 basic steps:
Superovulation
Insemination
Flushing & transfer
Superovulation
Superovulation of the donor animal is done by specific hormone treatment to cause multiple follicles to ovulate. The manner in which the cow is treated during this time is a very important determining factor of success with the ET process and it is important to keep the animal in a comfortable, stress free environment to increase the chances of success with the ET process.
Insemination
The donor animal is then inseminated with semen from the bull of your choice. One bull can be used or semen from multiple bulls can also be used to impregnate the cow. The ET process allows the breeder to have a greater impact not only from a specific cow but also from one bull by producing multiple pregnancies which is also an advantage when very expensive semen from top bulls are used.
Flushing and Transfer
The fertilized ova will develop into embryos which will be flushed from the donor animal 7 days after insemination. The flushing process is non-surgical after which the embryos are examined under a microscope and are then either transferred to recipient animals or frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen for later transfer into recipient animals. Recipient animals also form an integral part of the success of an ET program and have to be managed carefully to ensure as many pregnancies as possible result from the ET process.
SOURCE: www.embryoplus.com
Semen
Veterinarians collect semen from our top bulls for our own use in AI and embryo flushing programs. Semen of prized bulls are frozen and stored in flasks for safe keeping. We also buy in semen from top bulls when needed or available.
AI PROGRAM BULLS
These bulls are used exclusively through A.I (Artificial Insemination) programs.
In our programs we use a selection of bulls either upcoming or proven sires.
This is to insure genetic improvement in our herd so that we can always offer our clients the best genetics possible.
B 04-42
Khan
MHB 04-27
Picasso
GF 10-23
Voorbrit
BA 07-50
Impossibullit
BA 09-111
Voorslag
TLM 02-03
DNA TESTING
We do DNA parentage on every single calf born on our farm to verify that the parentage is correct.This is done by collecting hairs from the tail switch and sent to a lab for testing. This is vital as it aids us with pairings that will ensure genetic accuracy when it comes to our breeding plans. This also aids our clients as they can buy animals in confidence that the parentage is verified and correct. DNA testing also allows us to use multiple bulls in a breeding group as well as in flushing programs. All our DNA testing is done through Unistel Medical Laboratories.
RECIPIENTS
We use commercial cows as our recipients to plant embryos from our superior stud females.
