British Simmental Review 2023

ADVERTORIAL
Vitrified embryo
AB Europe vet, Gavin Tait
Science into practice: IVP
Answering some of the most FAQs
Cattle breeders seeking to improve their herd’s genetic potential
are introducing In-Vitro embryo Production (IVP), a costeffective
service from specialist artificial breeding technology
company, AB Europe. Globally, IVP is a widely used method for
producing embryos where it outcompetes MOET for its flexibility and
multiple benefits to breeders and their donor animals.
IVP features some of the most technically advanced procedures to
produce embryos from collected oocytes which are fertilized within
a petri dish by selected semen and subsequently cultured for seven
days until the fully developed embryos can be transferred or frozen.
AB Europe’s vet, Gavin Tait provides answers to some of the most
FAQs.
1. Do we have to take our cattle selected for IVP to a special
collection centre?
No, AB Europe can collect the oocytes – unfertilised eggs, both on
farm and at our own livery collection centre based in the Scottish
Borders. To make the process more cost effective we would
recommend those with smaller numbers - one to two donors to take
advantage of the livery facilities. For larger numbers, we can collect
on farm, so long as there is an adequate set up.
2. How do I prepare a donor for IVP collection?
Six hormone injections are made prior to collection to boost oocyte
quality and often oocyte numbers. These stimulated collections can
be carried out on a fortnightly basis either by the donor’s owner on
farm, or if the female is at AB Europe’s livery, by Gavin Tait.
3. At what age can you start collecting from heifers?
On average, if they are well grown and cycling, we can start
collecting from beef heifers at around 10 to 11 months of age and
from dairy heifers around eight months. There will be variation
between breeds and individual animals.
4. Can you collect from pregnant donors?
Yes. We can collect from in-calf donors up to around 12 weeks
gestation. After this point it becomes very donor dependant as to
whether her ovaries can still be accessed by the vet.
5. How many donors can you use a straw of semen over?
One straw of semen can be used over an average of four to five
donors depending on semen quality, concentration, and oocyte
numbers.
6. Can you use fresh semen?
Yes. This requires careful planning prior to collection. Bulls must
be licenced, and the semen must arrive at the AB IVP laboratory in
Edinburgh on the same day as the donor collection.
7. Can IVP embryos be transferred fresh?
Yes. 50% of the embryos produced in our IVP lab are transferred
fresh. Embryos are produced eight days after the initial oocyte
collection, consequently careful planning and early booking is vital
to ensure availability.
48 | www.britishsimmental.co.uk