Cows
Embryo transfer started in the early 1970`s and became a commercial enterprise and is now a large, international business. The technology of embryo transfer is maybe small in numbers but has a big impact on the breeding industry. AI-centres relay on the technology for their breeding programme and the international trading is commonly used. Animal Embryo Centre Diergaerderhof is part of this business.
We provide collection of embryos, transfer freezing and storage of embryos. Animal Embryo Centre Diergaerderhof has EU certification and be able to export embryos around the world. Embryo transfer in general, is a series of processes that include all of the following programmes.
- Superovulation
Superovulation is normally initiated between day 7 and day 12 of the oestrous cycle. The length of a cow’s inter oestrous interval provide a clue as the most appropriate time to start the super ovulation treatment. New techniques can be used to initiated super ovulation without the optimal stage of the oestrous cycle.
- Embryo recovery
Non-surgical embryo recovery can be carried out on your own farm, usual on day 7 after artificial insemination. The uterus will be flushed by utilize a catheter with inflatable cuff, to recover the embryos. Evacuation and evaluation of the embryos, can be done under an microscope.
- Embryo transfer
Transfer of the embryos can be carried out into synchronised recipient, one or two day apart from the donor oestrus cycle. This can be fresh directly after collection or with frozen embryos on demand.
- Embryo freezing
Embryo can be frozen and stored for later use or commercial purposes.
Primarily there are two methods to freeze embryos, by using glycerol as a cryoprotectant, the disadvantage of this method, that a microscope and specific media thawing an embryo. The more commonly used method is the direct transfer, using ethyleneglycol. Pregnancy rates are similar for both methods.
- Storage of embryos
Embryos can be stored in liquid nitrogen for long time and be used on demand. Animal Embryo Centre Diergaerderhof can store your embryos for commercial use. Donor has to apply to specific veterinarian status, for nationals and international trading, depending of the country of import.
Information
For further information visit our premises Animal Embryo Centre Diergaerderhof.
Contact
Ton Vullers +31(0)6 54 65 42 08
Tiny Aarts +31(0)6 12 50 52 44