Synchronization of ovulation to improve the efficiency of an in vitro embryo production/embryo transfer program in commercial operations in cattle

In vitro embryo production and embryo transfer (IVP/ET) is a technique that has been developed in cattle for genetic selection to enable rapid improvement in commercially important traits. Technological advances have resulted in a significant increase in the commercial use of IVP/ET in recent years, and have made this one of the fastest growing sectors in the dairy industries. However, pregnancy rates following the transfer of IVP embryos are lower than that of in vivo produced embryos. Asynchrony between the recipient and embryo stage at the time of transfer may be affecting pregnancy rates in IVP/ET programs. In commercial operations, less than 65% of recipients are optimally synchronized to receive an embryo. Preparation of recipients by using heat detection after synchronization with a single dose of prostaglandin may be a limiting factor. The use of treatment protocols to more effectively synchronize ovulation and, consequently, eliminate the need for heat detection may improve the pregnancy rates in cattle. A 10% increase of the number of synchronized recipients eligible to receive an embryo (i.e., from 65% to 75%) will increase the number of transferred embryos and, most likely, the number of pregnant recipients which will benefit economically the cattle industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Marc-André Sirard

Student:

Partner:

L'Alliance Boviteq Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université Laval

Program: