About Us
Embryo Plus offers expert services in embryo transfer, in vitro production, semen collection, and related fields.
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Our Journey
Founded in 1980 by Dr. Ronnie and Helena de la Rey, Embryo Plus began as a family practice with a commitment to advancing reproductive technologies. The company has consistently been a pioneer in the embryo industry, adopting the latest technologies in commercial embryo transfer.
The company’s growth in staff and facilities reflects its leadership in the embryo and semen industry in South Africa.
Ronnie de la Rey was the founding chairman of the South African Veterinary Semen and Embryo Group (SAVSEG, 1994-2001) and the South African Semen and Embryo Group (SASEG, 1994-1999).
In 2000, he received the South African Veterinary Association’s Boswell Award for outstanding service.
Embryo Plus employs a highly qualified team with expertise in veterinary science, mathematics, veterinary nursing, veterinary technology, and agriculture. The company provides additional in-house training for embryo and semen work at its Brits facility.
Location and Operations
Embryo Plus operates from five registered quarantine centers in South Africa and additional centers in Kenya and Zimbabwe. The main center, located near Onderstepoort and just 30 minutes from Johannesburg, facilitates efficient cattle movement and embryo and semen shipments.
Specializations
Embryo Plus specializes in bovine embryo transfers and semen collection, while also working closely with sheep and goat quarantine centers. The company processes approximately 60,000 doses of semen annually for beef and dairy animals. Notable clients include SEMEX, Genetic Actions International, ABS, and World Wide Sires, all of whom have consistently provided positive feedback.
The company has stringent quality controls on semen, particularly for African breeds, and has facilitated 90% of all embryo exports for breeds such as Afrikaner, Bonsmara, Nguni, and Tuli to countries including Canada, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Paraguay, Kenya, and Uganda. Embryo Plus has also exported Dorper, Merino, Angora, and Boergoat embryos to Canada, Germany, Brazil, and Australia.
Services and Memberships
- Embryo collection, transfer, and freezing
- Embryo splitting and sexing
- Embryo exports and imports
- Semen collection and freezing
- Semen exports and imports
- Approved team leaders
Research and Innovation
Embryo Plus has achieved several significant milestones in reproductive technology and wildlife conservation:
- 1994: First in Africa to perform embryo sexing.
- 1995: First in Africa to carry out embryo splitting in sheep and goat embryos.
- 1998: Produced Africa’s first Arabian horse embryo foal.
- 2003: Contributed to the birth of Africa’s first cloned calf, named Futhi.
- 2011: Achieved the world’s first Sable Antelope calves born through embryo transfers.
- 2013: Produced the world’s first pregnancies in African Buffalo via embryo transfers.
- 2016: Created the world’s first IVF African Buffalo calf.
- 2018: Selected to harvest and freeze the genetics of Sudan, the last northern white rhino bull, before his euthanasia.
- 2019: Conducted the first synchronized artificial insemination (AI) on white rhinos in Africa.
- 2021: Produced the first white rhino morula embryos using intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a live southern white rhino in Africa.
Embryo Plus’s expertise and innovative work have positioned it as a leading figure in the field of assisted reproductive technologies and wildlife conservation. The company’s groundbreaking research includes pioneering embryo flushings on superovulated African buffalo, inner cell mass transfer in buffalo and cattle, and the flushing and transfer of Roan Antelope embryos to increase the population of rarer species. Additionally, Embryo Plus is involved in semen collection and freezing for various antelope species and has facilitated the export of ostriches to Hong Kong and China.
Client Feedback
Real success stories from our clients showcase the impact of Embryo Plus’s expertise, innovation, and dedication to excellence in livestock reproduction.
“We started with stud farming in 2011 and heard about the massive advantages of flushing your best cows to improve your stud herd immensely in a matter of a few years. We were referred to none other than Dr Robert Treadwell of Embryo Plus. Embryo Plus we feel are extremely professional and are always willing to help with any questions you may have before,during and after a flushing program”
Dylan MeintjiesSterkfontein Borane
“Dr Robert Treadwell is a definite 1st choice for me when it comes to flushing and transferring embryos. The results speak for themselves: 41 flushing’s over the past 5 years delivered 575 embryos at an average of 14.0 embryos/flush and a 70.6% conception.”
Philip BarnardMequatling Angus
“I want to voice my greatest appreciation to Embryo plus and specifically to Dr Robert Treadwell and his team who contributed to the successes of WENSIM SIMMENTALERS. With the support of EMBRYO PLUS it is proven that a small stud can be run successfully on a relatively small farm through artificial insemination and embryo flushing.”
Willie O’BrienWensim Simmentalers
“IWhen I started flushing my Boran in 2010, I was told to use Dr Robert Treadwell, because he is the best. Over the past four years I’ve been extremely impressed with Robert and Karina’s professionalism and techincal ability, and have also enjoyed getting to know them in the long days we’ve spent together.”
Quentin & Marisa de BruynVastrap Boran
“Of utmost importance to me is the integrity and competence of Dr Robert Treadwell and his team at Embryo Plus. The experience, support and knowledge they part with are attributes I can barely do without. No request for assistance to any member of the entire office complement is too far from a complete, friendly and efficient solution. I value our professional relationship.”
Andries SchuttePlatinum Beef Wagyu
Contact us for Livestock Reproductive Solutions
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