Cattle Services

Specialized Training, Research, and Services in Embryo Transfer, In Vitro Embryo Production, Semen Collection and More.

In Vitro Embryo Production (IVP)

Embryo Plus is a proud, exclusive IVF partner lab in southern Africa for Vytelle, with a worldwide IVP footprint of over 20 labs worldwide. With Vytelle’s unique serum-free media and sophisticated laboratory techniques, we are able to produce high-quality embryos suitable for fresh transfer or freezing, and reduce the risk of Large Offspring Syndrome, a problem encountered with the use of other media containing bovine serum.

Our Service:

IVP is a breakthrough technology that enables the production of multiple embryos from high-value donors in a laboratory setting. It allows you to preserve and multiply the genetic legacy of elite cattle not sheep or goats.

Benefits:

  • No hormones
  • Safe in pregnant animals
  • Collect every 2 weeks
  • Maximize Genetic Gain
  • Increase Herd Production
  • Sexed Semen can be used

Our IVP Process:

  • Oocyte Retrieval: We collect oocytes (egg cells) from donor cows through ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures, a minimally invasive procedure performed with ultrasound guidance.
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The oocytes are fertilized in our specialized laboratory using high-quality semen selected by the breeder.
  • Embryo Culture: Fertilized eggs are cultured in a carefully controlled environment, where they develop into embryos.

Embryo Transfer or Cryopreservation: After reaching the appropriate development stage, embryos are either transferred to recipient cows or frozen for later use.

Embryo Transfer (ET)

Embryo Transfer is a cutting-edge reproductive technology that accelerates genetic improvement in your herd. Our ET service allows elite donor animals to pass on their superior genetics to multiple offspring in a single season. Here’s how we make it happen.

On-farm guidance or in-centre demonstration available to all clients of Embryo Plus.

Our Service:

We handle the entire process, from the creation of viable embryos to the precise transfer of the already produced embryos into recipient females. We use advanced synchronization and transfer techniques to maximize pregnancy rates and reproductive efficiency.

On-farm guidance or in-centre demonstration available to all clients of Embryo Plus.

How It Works:

After an embryo has been produced, either through IVF or Conventional Embryo Flushing, it can be transferred into a recipient female. Our team of veterinarians are equipped to identify and select viable recipients to carry the valuable embryo through careful synchronization.

Benefits for Farmers:

  • Rapid Genetic Advancement: Multiply the offspring of your best animals.
  • Maximized Reproductive Efficiency: Increase the number of pregnancies from a single donor.
  • Customized Breeding Strategies: Synchronize offspring arrival with optimal farming conditions.

Embryo Transfer is ideal for farmers who want to accelerate genetic progress, increase profitability, and create a more productive and high-performing herd.

Embryo Flushing

Embryo Flushing is a crucial step in harvesting embryos from genetically superior donor cows. This process ensures that the maximum number of viable embryos are collected efficiently and safely.

Our Service:

We provide expert donor management, hormone administration, and precise embryo flushing techniques to collect high-quality embryos for transfer or freezing. Our team prioritizes the health of the donor and the quality of the embryos.

How It Works:

We administer hormones to stimulate the donor cow to produce multiple eggs. After breeding through artificial insemination, we perform a non-surgical embryo flush to collect the fertilized embryos. Each embryo is meticulously graded for viability.

Benefits for Farmers:

  • High Embryo Yield: Increase the number of transferable embryos from your best genetics.
  • Preserve and Multiply Genetics: Use frozen embryos for future transfers or to sell to other breeders.
  • Optimized Donor Management: Our tailored hormone protocols enhance the efficiency of embryo collection.

Embryo Flushing is perfect for farmers looking to capitalize on elite genetics and preserve them for strategic use or market opportunities.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Artificial Insemination (AI) is a proven and efficient way to improve herd genetics by using superior-quality semen from elite sires. Our AI service provides precision, reliability, and exceptional results for livestock breeders.

Our Service:

We offer comprehensive AI solutions, including expert insemination techniques, estrus synchronization, and top-quality genetic selection. Our highly skilled team ensures precise timing and placement to maximize conception rates.

On-farm guidance or in-centre demonstration available to all clients of Embryo Plus.

How It Works:

We synchronize the estrus cycles of your herd to optimize breeding efficiency. Using high-quality semen, we perform AI with precision, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your herd.

Benefits for Farmers:

  • Superior Genetics: Easily access top-tier genetics from proven sires worldwide.
  • Improved Fertility Rates: Maximize reproductive success with expertly timed and performed AI.
  • Cost-Effective: Reduce the need for keeping bulls on-site and minimize disease transmission risks.

Artificial Insemination is ideal for farmers aiming to improve herd genetics, increase productivity, and streamline breeding programs.

Pregnancy Diagnosis (Rectal Palpation for Cattle)

Our Service:

At Embryo Plus, we offer accurate pregnancy diagnosis through rectal palpation for cattle, a reliable and time-tested method to confirm pregnancy status. Our experienced veterinarians ensure a gentle, precise, and efficient examination.

How It Works:

Rectal palpation is performed by inserting a gloved hand into the cow’s rectum to assess the reproductive tract. This method allows for the detection of pregnancy as early as 42 days. Our skilled professionals identify key indicators like the presence of a developing fetus and changes in the uterus to confirm pregnancy.

Benefits for Farmers:

  • Early Detection: Timely identification of pregnant and non-pregnant cows allows for better herd management.
  • Cost Efficiency: Quickly cull open cows or reschedule breeding, maximizing productivity.
  • Reproductive Planning: Accurate diagnosis helps improve calving schedules and overall herd fertility.
  • Increased Profitability: Ensure optimal use of resources by focusing on fertile animals, improving breeding success rates.

Trust Embryo Plus for precise, professional, and timely pregnancy diagnosis to keep your herd productive and profitable.

Semen Collection

Semen Collection is essential for capturing and preserving the genetic material of top-performing sires. Our expert team ensures high-quality semen is collected efficiently and safely, maintaining the genetic integrity of your bulls.

Our Service:

We use well researched equipment and techniques to collect and assess semen quality. Our facility provides a stress-free environment for the bulls, promoting optimal collection results.

How It Works:

We carefully collect semen from your bulls, evaluating the motility, morphology, and concentration to ensure only the highest quality product is used for breeding or storage.

Benefits for Farmers:

  • Preserve Elite Genetics: Secure high-quality semen from valuable sires for immediate or future use.
  • Market Opportunities: Sell semen to other breeders and expand your genetic influence.
  • Enhanced Breeding Options: Flexibility to use the semen as needed for AI or embryo production.

Semen Collection is an invaluable service for farmers looking to harness the genetic potential of their best bulls and maximize breeding efficiency.

Semen & Embryo Freezing & Storage

Semen & Embryo Freezing & Storage is a vital service for preserving valuable genetic material from your top livestock. Our advanced cryopreservation methods ensure that both semen and embryos are kept viable for future breeding, offering flexibility and security for your breeding program.

Our Service:

We provide professional collection, freezing, and secure storage of semen and embryos. Our high-tech facility ensures optimal conditions for cryopreservation, using state-of-the-art equipment to maintain genetic integrity. We offer comprehensive monitoring and safety protocols to guarantee the quality of your stored genetic resources.

How It Works:

  • Semen Freezing: Semen is carefully collected, evaluated for quality, and prepared using specialized cryoprotectants. It is then frozen using controlled-rate techniques and stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. Our rigorous assessment ensures that only high-quality semen is preserved.
  • Embryo Freezing: Viable embryos are flushed from donor cows or modernly produced through In Vitro, and evaluated. Using cryoprotectants and precise freezing protocols, embryos are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen for long-term preservation. This method allows for future use in embryo transfer programs without compromising embryo viability.

Benefits for Farmers:

  • Long-Term Genetic Preservation: Store elite genetics from your most valuable animals for years, securing your herd’s future.
  • Breeding Flexibility: Access top-quality semen or embryos when needed, even in the off-season or for strategic breeding purposes.
  • Risk Mitigation: Safeguard against disease outbreaks, loss of key animals, or changing market demands by securing a genetic bank.
  • Market Opportunities: Sell or share genetic material globally, creating additional revenue streams and spreading the influence of your breeding lines.
  • Efficiency & Convenience: Maintain genetic diversity and manage breeding plans more efficiently by having stored embryos and semen readily available.

Our Semen & Embryo Freezing & Storage service empowers farmers to maximize the genetic potential of their livestock, protect their breeding investments, and plan for the future with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your long-term breeding goals!

Why Choose Embryo Plus: Your Partner in Reproductive Excellence

Choose Embryo Plus for cutting-edge reproductive solutions backed by expertise and innovation—contact us today to learn more!