Dr. Colleen Lewis / December 14, 2016
Most of my clients use embryo transfer (ET) to provide their herds with quick, genetic progress. They might be making full sibs to a Denver Champion, getting one more heifer out of their favorite cow, making show prospects, producing cows with amazing production records, or converting a commercial herd into purebreds. Whatever reason leads you to embark in an embryo transfer program, give it your best shot. Every improvement you make in your program can result in one more calf; this calf may be the best one that you have ever produced.
- Use new, unopened bottles of medications whenever possible. Clean the top of the bottle with a peroxide wipe or alcohol as necessary. Never use old outdated or improperly stored (too hot or too cold) medications.
- Use sterile, single-use syringes when handling all medications associated with ET. Avoid latex plungers.
- When entering into a medicine bottle use a new, sterile needle every time.
- Inject medications deep into the muscle with a new 18 or 20 gauge X 1 ½ inch needle for every cow. Changing the needle between cows completely eliminates the risk of spreading blood borne diseases such as Anaplasmosis and Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV).
- Provide your embryologist with a copy of your donor’s registration papers. It provides the most accurate information.
- Contact your breed registry for protocols, and DNA test your donors.
- Keep the CIDR® applicator clean (sanitize with “Chlorhexidine Solution” or wipes) before each use and shake dry.
- Use single use gloves when handling & loading the CIDR®.
- Dip the CIDR® and applicator as a unit into a lubrication/disinfectant for the ease of CIDR® placement and prevention of infection. Chlorhexidine lube has sanitizing properties and often comes in a wide-mouth gallon jar. This product must be labeled for vaginal use and be detergent free.
- Wash, rinse and thoroughly dry the vulva before inserting a CIDR®. Do not drag any debris into the vagina.
- Insert CIDR® per labeled directions, aiming above the opening to the bladder.
- Hold the tail of the CIDR® stationary while removing the applicator to help keep the CIDR® in position.
- Any type of heat alert products or patches will work if applied properly. Clean and remove any loose hair and dirt from the tail head before applying the estrus patch. Patches that are covered in mud will fail: wash or replace.
- Warm the estrus patch against your skin to soften the glue before applying. Press your warm hand over the patch for 5 to 7 seconds after placement until you feel the cow’s body heat radiating through it.
Give follicular stimulating hormones in 12 hour intervals for the optimum success of the hormone. - Always use individually sterilized sheath covers for artificial insemination to aid in the prevention of infection entering the uterus.
- Make sure your frozen semen is viable. I check every batch at the time of the first breeding. Have a back-up bull planned and the semen in your inventory.
- Save a semen straw from each bull used; the data on the straw is important for accurate and complete paper work.
- Recipient heat detection is extremely important: record the first sign of a standing heat: date and time.
- Use recipients that have a proven track record. Do not waste valuable embryos on cows with questionable fertility. Good mothering, calving ease and milkability are essential.
About the Author
Dr. Colleen Lewis is a 1996 graduate of Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Her career has taken her to many places as a practice owner, consultant, embryologist, and mentor. She enjoys mixed animal practice, teaching, traveling, farming and high school sports with her husband, Andrew and their three boys.
