Dairyland Veterinary Service is excited to offer conventional embryo flushing and embryo freezing services for our cattle clients. Dr. Eric now provides flushing, freezing, and transfer of bovine embryos, while Dr. Mike continues to offer embryo transfer services.
Embryo technologies allow producers to accelerate genetic progress and improve herd quality through strategic reproductive management.
request an appointmentWhat Is an Embryo?
An embryo is created after a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell. The resulting cells begin dividing and form the early structure of a developing fetus.
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer allows us to place an embryo — either freshly flushed or previously frozen — into a recipient animal different from the original donor.
Superovulation
Through a controlled process called superovulation, we stimulate the donor animal to recruit multiple follicles during a heat cycle. Instead of producing a single embryo, this allows for the possibility of generating multiple embryos at one time. Our clinic will create a customized superovulation schedule for each donor.
Conventional Embryo Flushing
Flushing is the process of collecting embryos from the donor animal. The uterus is gently filled with fluid, which is then filtered to recover embryos.
Staging and Grading
After collection, embryos are evaluated under a microscope. Each embryo is staged and graded to determine whether it is best suited for immediate transfer or freezing.
Embryo Freezing
Freezing embryos allows flexibility in timing and herd planning. Embryos are cooled at a controlled rate using specialized equipment and stored in liquid nitrogen until ready for use. Frozen embryos may also be sold if desired.
Why Use Embryo Technologies?
- Rapid genetic advancement of your herd
- Replacement of lower-tier genetics more efficiently
- Use of recipient animals to carry higher-value embryos
- Improved long-term herd profitability
What to Expect from Superovulation and Flushing
The average number of viable embryos recovered from a superovulation and flush ranges between 5–7 embryos. However, as we are working with live animals, response can vary and some donors may produce fewer or no embryos.
First Steps
Contact Dairyland Veterinary Service to discuss your goals and schedule a superovulation and flush plan. We recommend allowing approximately two months before your desired flush date to ensure proper preparation.
Alternative Options
If flushing and freezing embryos is not the right fit for your operation, embryos can be purchased from genetic companies and transferred into your recipient animals by our team.
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