Embryos offer opportunities to control your herd’s future

BOISE, Idaho — In today’s competitive dairy environment, herd genetics are more than a science — they’re a strategy.

Forward-thinking producers are re-evaluating their breeding programs and tapping genetics to unlock gains in yield, animal health and sustainability.

According to researchers, embryo transfer is becoming an advanced breeding technology recognized worldwide as the fastest and most economical way to multiply genetics and increase the influence of genetically superior cows in a herd.

By prioritizing genetics that drive animal productivity, improved feed efficiency and greater herd longevity, farms are not only meeting the demands of processors and consumers, but also future-proofing their operations.

“This shift is a pivotal opportunity for producers to align innovation with profitability in ways that strengthen the entire value chain,” said Brady Hicks, manager of Simplot Animal Sciences.

“As dairy farmers adapt to market signals, implementing in vitro fertilization embryos into reproductive programs opens many doors to better meet needs and expectations.”

For instance, embryos can be made from any breed, with any sires, based on a herd’s goals and objectives, enabling farms to switch breeds and improve genetic performance at the same time. Breed-leading sires are used to obtain optimal genetic value for the embryos.

Farms of all types and sizes use this tool to:

• Achieve rapid genetic gains.

• Switch from one breed to another in one generation.

• Increase pregnancies during times of low fertility, like heat stress.

• Consistently meet herd goals.

Embryos provide the option to specifically choose dam genetics in addition to the sire.

“Additionally, IVF technology and processes have rapidly evolved, making it an economically beneficial option for farms regardless of herd size,” Hicks said.

“Strategic implementation of SimVitro HerdBuilder technology gives dairies a unique opportunity to accelerate herd genetic progress over traditional artificial insemination or even conventional embryo transfer.”

Frozen IVF embryos make it viable to use this technology with the same flexibility and outcomes as AI. They also help dairies overcome the impact of seasonal heat stress on reproductive performance, often improving pregnancy rates by 10% or more.

Embryos can also elevate the performance of low-fertility cows, often helping repeat breeders to conceive.

Plus, embryos can be used to create a specific type of calf that is of high genetic value, regardless of the genetics or parentage of recipient cows. This allows for a more rapid rate of genetic progress on a whole herd level.

If a dairy herd currently made up of Jersey cattle is interested in converting to Holstein cattle, the transition could be completed in a single generation. Conversely, a Holstein herd could become a Jersey herd in one generation, if desired.

Lastly, improving genetic gain in breeding programs is limited by the generation interval, or the average age of an animal when replacement progeny is born.

When a systematic approach is taken to decrease the generation interval by balancing accuracy and intensity, more rapid genetic change can be achieved.

“Customized options help intensify the generation interval while driving genetic goals, herd uniformity and economic returns,” Hicks said. “Embryos help you build the herd you want — and need.”