Technology in Reproduction

For years, farmers and livestock producers have wondered how to make livestock reproduction more profitable. Cows typically only have a handful of calves during their lifetime. And many breeders have that one special bull or calf that they would love to keep around forever to keep the bloodline. Well, scientists have made that possible with new advances in technology that has advanced reproduction possibilities to a maximum. 

Artificial insemination is the most popular and effective method that is used for advancing the genetics of livestock. However, there is also MOET, Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer, IVF which In-vitro Fertilization as well as cloning possibilities. these alternatives to reproduction techniques have assisted in lowering the amount of transmitted diseases.  

Technology has become the a major player in the 21st century in every aspect of life. The new techno gear has changed reproduction forever. As we know, there are hormones on the market that are able to synchronize the estrus cycles in cattle. MOET, IVF, cloning and AI have genetically changed the animal population and livestock production industry forever. These assistive technologies not only give the capability of manipulating reproductive processes but also lowering the ability to spread transmitted diseases. 

IVF-Invitro Fertilization

The first calf through IVF was born in 1981. Invitro fertilization is where unfertilized eggs are harvested and fertilized outside the cow in a laboratory. Invitro fertilization in cattle is similar to the procedure used in humans. After the unfertilized eggs have been harvested and fertilized, they are left to culture until early embryos have began to develop. Once the embryo has started to develop, it is then placed back into a cow in the receptive stage of her estrus cycle. 

Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET)

A cow only produced one egg per estrus cycle, and therefore a cow only produces a handful of calves in her lifetime. But if you want to keep a desirable female or male bloodlines around, one of your options is MOET. Embryo transferring is a common use in producing AI'd sires from desirable bulls and cows. Stages for a MOET are as follows:

1) Donor cows of a selective pedigree are treated with FSH and LH hormones to increase the number of eggs that are released at optimal ovulation. This is called multiple ovulation. (MO) 

2) The cows are then artificially inseminated using semen from a selected bull. 

3) After a few days, typically 6-7, the embryos are non-surgically flushed and four to seven of the embryos are collected. In cattle, there is a delay before the embryos are implanted into the uterine wall making the procedure possible. 

4) Embryos are then implanted into the recipient cow when she is at her prime reception stage of her estrus cycle through hormonal manipulation.

5) Embryos are capable of being frozen and stored using techniques that are similar to the storage of semen. 

Research has shown that there have been around 10% achievability in the genetic gains of cows. Embryo transfers have the ability improve genetics twice as fast compared to artificial insemination alone. 

Cloning is the process in which a cloned animal is an exact duplicate in every single way of its parent. They have the same exact DNA. An entire organism is reproduced from a single cell that is taken and produced in a genetically identical matter. Cloning is not just a man made thing. Cloning happens in nature when development of twins happens from sing fertilized egg or the asexual reproduction of certain organisms. The cloning process involves removing the chromosomal DNA from the mature oocyte and replacing it with a cell from the donor animal that is to be cloned.

Sources: 

Chakravarthi, Vikrama, and P and N. Sri Balagi. "Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies." Veterinary World 3.5 (2010): 238-40. Print