IVF or MOET
Advantages and Disadvantages of Either Technique
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IVF |
MOET |
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Embryo Collection Timing | |
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Oocytes can be collected from 30 days post calving |
Embryos can be collected from 60 days post calving |
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Additionally, IVF embryos can be collected up to 100 days of pregnancy |
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Embryo Collection Frequency | |
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Oocytes collected weekly, bi-weekly or monthly |
Embryos collected every 35 days |
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Semen Utilisation | |
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Requires 1 straw per flush |
Usually requires 2 straws per flush |
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Additionally, 1 straw can be used in multiple donors; up to 10 donors |
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For rare or very expensive semen, 1 straw can be spread over multiple donors. | |
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Embryos Frozen Per Collection | |
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4-5 frozen embryos |
5-6 frozen embryos |
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Failure To Collect Viable Embryos From Donor | |
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10-15% |
20-25% |
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Conception Rates of Embryos | |
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40-50% |
60-70% |
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Use Of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (Foltropin) | |
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Does not require Foltropin, however, embryo quality significantly improves. when Foltropin is used. |
Requires Foltropin |
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This is especially evident in Bos Taurus and Dairy Donors |
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Average Cost Of Embryo Production (Average 5 Embryos) | |
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$275/embryo |
$200/embryo |
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Cost per Live Calf – Based on an average of 5 embryos, transfer of embryo into recipient and average conception rates | |
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$585-$625 / calf |
$410-$40 / calf |
Other Advantages of IVF
You can maintain a cow with their normal 365 day calving interval if multiple embryo collections are required. Since donors can be pregnant up to 100 days, they can be collected before and after pregnancy. Importantly, raw data for the Days to Calving EBV can be submitted with confidence that the data is not disrupted by extended flushing periods.
Younger heifers can be collected, because the small/immature uterus can be by-passed, reducing the risk of causing a problem in these young animals.
Donors who become refractory to conventional MOET flushing, have a chance to perform better with IVF.
Although conception rates are lower in IVF, the frequency of collection and ability to collect embryos during pregnancy can result in the ability to produce more calves in a shorter period.
Both embryo transfer techniques have advantages and disadvantages compared to each other. Overall, both techniques allow producers to identify elite genetics and multiply these genetics rapidly.