Superovulation and embryo transfer in decline with pedigree beef cattle.

29 Jan 2020

On calls in County Clare today, reveal pedigree Charolais and Limousin breeders presenting cattle for reproductive assessment. These breeders would traditionally have cattle presented for assessment for superovulation and embryo transfers programmes from months of November through March each year.

Discussions with breeders here in County Clare revealed that sale prices of pedigree stock do not justify routine use of superovulation and embryo transfer to generate progeny for subsequent sales. The cost of superovulation programmes and purchase of recipients etc, is proving cost prohibited. It must be an exceptional cow that justifies the use of superovulation and embryo transfer.

My advice for clients would be to use superovulation and embryo transfer to generate embryos as a safeguard in the case of depopulation with the likes of Tuberculosis or indeed an animal that is reproductively sound but the line of genetics is disappearing from the herd and the animal has proven herself in the past.

Testimonials

I have been using Dr Dan Ryan’s services for the best part of 20 years now at this stage. I completely depend on the information I get from his service.

I do 4 scans during the year. The first scan is in early April to see that every cow is cycling properly and to see where there are problems in the herd.

The second scan is in the first few days in June. I get all cows served over 28 days, cows pregnant, late calvers and heifers. I also learn if there are any embryonic deaths from this scan.

The third scan is in the first week of July. I get cows gone 28 days checked and also check for any embryonic deaths.

The final scan is in mid September. I get a clear picture as to which cows are in calf or not. I get projected calving dates for the following Spring. This scan can pick up services that the stock bull would have performed that I may have missed. I may see cows on heat and yet the scan would confirm that they are in calf. Multiple pregnancies can be picked up as well.

If I see a cow doing something unusual during the breeding season Dan and his team are always at the end of the line for advice.
All the above information is invaluable.

Kieran & his mother Marie Irwin
Ballingarry, Co. Limerick