Proposal: An Embryo
Transfer Facility
for
Floyd Cattle Co.
Nathan Glenn
Jim Harrison
Cody McCabe
Meredith Pharr
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
ENGL 3365 --- section 009
Professional Report Writing
April 27th 2009
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Artificial Insemination (A.I) and Embryo Transfer (E.T.) have proven to
increase profitability and create value for cattle producing companies.
Despite available resources, studies show that A.I. and E.I. are heavily
underused by American cattle producers. As a result, producers utilizing
genetic enhancing technologies operate under a distinct competitive
advantage.
This proposal provides Floyd Cattle Company with an in-depth look into
the embryo transfer (EI) and artificial insemination (AI) processes. This
report explains the two technological processes in detail. Efficient
planning and management skills are vital to a successful AI program. It is
necessary for all managers in the organization to have a comprehensive
understanding of the processes.
This proposal also gives an overview of the facility needed for AI and ET
operations. Lastly, this report will analyze Floyd’s current situation and
the different ways they can benefit from implementing these breeding
technologies.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ............................................................ 2
Table of Contents ............................................................... 3
Introduction ........................................................................ 4
I.
Process Overview ................................................. 6
Artificial Insemination .................................................................................. 6
Timed Insemination ...................................................................................... 7
Embryo Transfer ........................................................................................... 7
Estrous Cycle................................................................................................. 9
Estrous Synchronization ............................................................................. 10
Prostaglandin .............................................................................................. 11
Getting Certified ......................................................................................... 12
II.
The Facility ................................................................ 13
Layout Description...................................................................................... 14
Facility Operations ...................................................................................... 14
III. Benefits of AI ............................................................. 15
Floyd’s Current Situation ............................................................................ 15
Economic Benefits ...................................................................................... 15
Operational Advantages ............................................................................. 17
Conclusion ........................................................................ 18
Bibliography ...................................................................... 19
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INTRODUCTION
The agricultural industry has always relied on new technologies to increase
productivity. Over recent years, the industry has been adopting new technologies at an
increasing rate. Using technologies, such as GPS systems in tractors or scanner tags in
beef cattle, provide distinct advantages for progressive companies.
The use of artificial insemination in the beef industry has grown increasingly
popular. Breeding with superior genetics can benefit a producer in many ways.
Economic benefits of AI include higher weaning weight, faster birth rate, decreased
labor costs, and long-term value. Operational benefits include quality control and cost
reductions
Estrous in beef cattle is more difficult to detect than in dairy cattle, because they
are handled more infrequently. Breeders use estrous synchronization to control the
time cows come into heat. There are a number of advantages to estrous
synchronization. First, the breeding season may be shortened. This in effect condenses
the calving season into a more manageable time frame. Secondly, a more uniform
group of cattle can be produced.
Product consistency increases the
market value of the cattle. Also,
less time is spent rebreeding due to
weight inconsistencies.
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Currently, there are several different estrous synchronization products on the
market. These products can be administrated via injections, implants, or top dressings
for feed. SMB and CIDR are progestins that, when implanted, release progesterone into
the blood stream. Prostaglandins, such as Lutalyse and Prostamate, are given as an
injection and function by regressing the corpus lutem through decreases of
progesterone and increases of estrogen. Progestin-estrogen is a method that combines,
a CIDR implant and an injection of estradiol. Progestin-prostaglandin combinations
counter act each other. The implant releases progesterone and just prior to removal of
the implant an injection of prostaglandin is given to regress the progesterone levels and
raise estrogen levels.
Breeders have several different breeding regimens to choose from when using
an estrous synchronization program. The optimal time to breed the cow is twelve hours
after showing signs of estrous. The American Breeders Service has labeled this as the
A.M.-P.M. rule. Therefore, if the cow shows signs of estrous in the morning, she should
be bred in the afternoon. A cow showing signs in the afternoon should be bred the
following morning. Most estrous is observed just before sun up or just prior to sun
down. Another method utilized to reduce breeding time is through time breeding. This
method requires the breeder to use estrous synchronization that enables the breeder to
breed his cows at a predetermined time. There are two common time breedings-24
hour timed insemination and 72 hour timed insemination. Different protocols allow the
breeder to better manage the time frame needed for successful insemination.
Though many factors go into evaluating what makes a “good bull,” higher
profitability is the result of superior genetic make-up. By implementing an embryo
transfer facility, Floyd Cattle Company could in-source all AI services. This way all the
advantages of AI can create long-term value for Floyd Cattle.
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I.
PROCESS OVERVIEW
Artificial Insemination
Artificial Insemination refers to the deposition of spermatozoa in the female
reproductive tract by the use of artificial means rather than by natural service involving
the male. AI is not a new technique. It is believed that in centuries past, Arab chieftains
stole semen from the best stallions of their enemy’s chieftains in the dark of the night
(ABS, 2002). The first record of artificial insemination was by an Italian in
1780 named Spallanzani. He performed AI with dogs and was very successful. In 1890,
the French used AI in their horse breeding operations. The large-scale use of AI in cattle
came in 1910. This occurs after researchers were able to better identify the relationship
between ovulation and signs of estrus. The use of AI constantly improved over time.
The dairy industry was the first to take advantage of AI on a large-scale basis, but
now the popularity is growing within the beef industry. The use of AI is a very valuable
tool. A bull that could only breed 25-30 cows naturally can now breed hundreds of
different cows from all over the world. This is a superior way for breeders to spread
excellent genetics throughout the industry. Through AI, superior bulls that get injured
or die are able to continue to sire offspring. AI also allows a breeder to eliminate the
expense and danger of keeping a bull. AI also helps control the spread of diseases and
promotes the keeping of better and more accurate records.
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Timed Insemination
The Dairy Industry has been taking full advantage of timed AI for a number of
years. However, each year less than 5% of the national beef cow herd is inseminated
artificially. This small percentage may be attributed to the fact that cattle are
maintained in range environments, and AI programs require extensive labor and
management skill (Odde, 1990). Recently however, timed insemination has become
more widely used in the beef industry. Timed Insemination also called mass mating is a
method of estrous synchronization and specifically timed insemination. Timed
insemination disregards the detection of estrus as a factor limiting the time of service.
Timed insemination is very convenient for a breeder who wants to take advantage of
the use of AI while minimizing time spent on detecting estrus (ABS, 2002).
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer (or ET) is the transfer of multiple embryos (fertilized eggs) in
female cattle from one female (the donor) to several other females (the recipients),
which carry them to term. ET can allow superior females to increase their contribution
to the cattle industry by having multiple calves in one year.
For a successful embryo transfer, several conditions must be met. First, both a
donor cow and the recipient cows should be in good physical condition and cycling
regularly. The donor cow must also be given a superovulation shot prior to transfer. In
addition, the donor cow and recipient cow must be synchronized in their estrus cycles.
This is generally taken care of through the administration of drugs used to keep all cows
in a herd synchronized. Typically because multiple eggs have been released, the donor
cow will be inseminated twelve hours after the heat cycle has occurred, and then will be
re-inseminated possibly three to four more times in twelve hour increments. After
seven days, the uterus is flushed several times, and all embryos are ready to be
transferred. If freezing the embryo for later use, the embryo recovery must be done
prior to six days because it will be too big for successful freezing at seven days.
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In order to recover an embryo from the donor cow, there are two methods that
may be performed: non-surgical and surgical. The surgical method however, is no longer
used to recover embryos. The non-surgical ET is performed much like the artificial
insemination. A catheter is gently implanted into the vagina, guided through the cervix
and into one of the uterine horns where the embryos lie. Once the catheter has reached
one of the uterine horns, several milliliters of warmed sterile salt-buffered saline may be
induced into the horn in order to flush out the embryos. The fluid is then recovered in a
collection bottle, and the process is then repeated in the second uterine horn since the
horn that produced the eggs is unknown. Once the embryos have been recovered, they
are found under a microscope, transferred into a second solution where they can be
held at room temperature for eight to twelve hours if necessary, and then prepared for
the transfer.
Transferring the embryos to recipient cows can also be carried out nonsurgically. To carry out a successful transfer, the embryo is placed in a straw and
attached to an insemination gun. The pipette is aided into the uterus, as previously
explained, where the embryo is deposited slowly into the uterus. Generally, five
sufficient embryos can be expected from the donor cows, but it is often customary to
set up for eight transfers. The recipient cows must then be monitored closely to ensure
they do not come back into heat. Ultrasounds should be made on a twenty-day-old
fetus, or thirteen days after the transfer to insure a pregnancy. The key to a successful
ET is considered to be the proper selection in recipient cows.
Just as AI has its advantages, ET also can be quite rewarding. As previously
mentioned, ET can allow superior females to increase their genetic production.
Secondly, older cows are capable of passing on their genetic makeup despite the fact
they are no longer able to carry a calf to term because of possible uterine arterial
hemorrhage. Injured cows are also capable of passing on their genetic makeup even
though they are not physically able to carry a calf. Finally, cows are able to produce
more than one or two calves per year with the ET, making ET a more sufficient way of
reproduction.
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Estrous Cycle
There are three different types of estrus cycles:
a) polyestrous meaning that the female will experience an estrous cycle
throughout the year.
b) Seasonally polyestrous; meaning that the female will experience an estrous
cycle repeatedly for a season.
c) Monoestrous meaning that the female will only experience one estrus cycle
with a time frame in between.
The female bovine is classified as a polyestrous. The average estrus cycle is 21 days (Senger, 1999).
On day 0 of the cycle the bovine female is in the first stage known as the estrus
stage. This is the period of time when the female is receptive to the male. At this time,
there are peak levels of estrogen in the bloodstream. An ovarian follicle that is located
on the ovary secretes high levels of estrogen just prior to the time it ruptures and
releases the ova. In cattle, ovulation occurs approximately 10-12 hours after the onset
of estrus. The high levels of estrogen in the blood stream, brings about certain behavior
and physical characteristics in the cow. The primary characteristic of estrus is that the
female will stand to be mounted, called standing heat. There are also several secondary
characteristics of estrus. The female will have increased activity; she may appear to be
restless. The female could have clear mucus secreting from her vulva, which may look a
little swollen, and a deeper color. The female will also attempt to mount other cows.
On day 2-3 of the cycle, the female is in the next stage of estrus called
metestrus. At this stage there is a formation of a corpus luteum on the ovary at the site
of the collapsed follicle. This is the location of the last graffian follicle that produced an
egg. The corpus luteum’s function is to secrete progesterone, also known as the
pregnancy-maintaining hormone.
The third stage of the estrus cycle is known as the diestrus stage. This stage
begins with an increase of blood concentration of progesterone. The increase in
progesterone is the result of a fully functional corpus luteum that last from day 6-17 of
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the estrus cycle. Diestrus is the longest stage of the cycle and it ends with the
regression of the corpus luteum.
The last stage of the estrus cycle is known as proestrus, which occurs on days 1821. In this stage the corpus luteum is completely regressed resulting in the decline of
progesterone levels. New ovarian follicle will then start to develop producing high
estrogen levels that initiates the next estrogen cycle.
Estrous Synchronization
Estrous Synchronization refers to the manipulation of the estrous cycle or the
induction of estrus in order to bring a large percentage of a group of females into estrus
at a predetermined time (Odde, 1990). Synchronization is simply a tool used in AI to
more easily facilitate both heat detection and breeding. One of the greatest benefits
received from an estrous synchronization program, when properly used, it can reduce
the amount of time and labor that is spent on heat detection. A breeder could not
effectively practice an AI program properly without the use of estrous synchronization.
The effectiveness of the AI program may be enhanced through estrous synchronization
because beef cattle are often maintained on range conditions and are not conditioned
to handling. Thus estrus synchronization reduces the number of times that a producer
must handle or work the cattle. Other benefits from estrous synchronization include:
a.) A breeder would have the potential for faster genetic improvement by breeding
to genetically superior sires, resulting in the production of more productive
calves.
b.) This will allow for the breeding season to be shortened, since more cows could
be bred during the first week of the breeding season.
c.) This will also shorten the calving period.
d.) Which will result in a more uniformed calf crop.
Synchronization programs will work well with first calf heifers. A beef breeder
can breed heifers earlier than cows. Early breeding of heifers allows the producer to
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focus more attention to the heifers during calving season. Early breeding also affords
more recovery time before the next breeding season (ABS, 2002).
Prostaglandin
Prostaglandin can be used in the estrous synchronization process by itself or
along with other estrous synchronization treatments. When it is administrated
intramuscularly it will regress a developed corpus luteum. Prostaglandin is a naturally
occurring hormone that is essential in the normal regulation of animal’s reproductive
cycle (ABS, 2002). The corpus luteum is a yellow body located on the ovaries and
produces progesterone; it develops generally on days 6-17 of the estrous cycle, also
known as the diestrus stage. Prostaglandin can be used alone and can be given as a
one-injection system or two-injection system. When used as a one-injection system,
days 1-5 should be used to heat-detect and breed all cows that come into standing heat.
On the 6th day decide whether or not the rest of the cows are cycling. An equation may
be used to determine the feasibility of the breeding cycle. The equation may be utilized
by dividing the number of eligible females heat detected and inseminated during the
five-day period by the total number of eligible females. The answer should be
multiplied by four to project the approximate number in a 21-day cycle (ABS, 2002). If
this is an acceptable number, then on day 6 administer the injection of prostaglandin.
On days 7-11 heat detect and breed the cows as they come into heat. A two-injection
system involves giving two separate injections 10-12 days apart. This allow for estrous
synchronization because all cattle will have been given an injection during the proestrus
stage (Odde, 1990). Estrus should then be observed within the next five days.
Prostaglandin is also administered in conjunction with other protocols, such as
progesterone and estrogen. The administration of a progesterone for 7 days before the
prostaglandin will ensure that the CL will regress in response to the prostaglandin
because all the cattle will have a fully developed for 7 days (Lucy, Billings, Butler, Ehnis,
Fields, Kesler, Kinders, Mattos, Short, Thatcher, Wetterman, Yelich, and Hafs, 2001).
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These different protocols provide the opportunity for breeders to have good heat
detection and thus an improved AI program.
Getting Certified
In order to use AI, an individual must attend a three day class and pass a
certification exam. It is not that complicated of a process, but it is required that one be
certified. The certification to perform an embryo transfer is more intensive. One must
complete a two week training course and pass a certification exam. Enrollment in the
class requires at least a B.S. in Animal Science.
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II.
THE FACILITY
To find the most effective layout for the facility, we consulted
Dr. Reagan Brooks, Floyd Cattle’s resource for ET services. We
developed and outline of the basic attributes needed for an
embryo transfer facility. The image below is a basic facility layout
for an embryo transfer operation.
Proposed Layout
Gray
Covered shed (over the Chute)
Green
Wheat Pasture Turnout
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Layout Description
The covered shed extends over the top of the chute, where the actual ET
procedure takes places. The pen on the top right has a small trap built in that funnels
directly into the chute. This minimizes the time loading the cattle into the chute. The
trap also will also reduce stress on the cattle. The cows are turned out into the wheat
pastures at the bottom of the diagram. The wheat pastures funnel into gates that lead
to the alley. Like the traps, this technique also reduces stress on the cattle. According to
Dr. Brooks, stress reduction is a key component to a successful ET operation.
The lab should be as close to the lab as possible to allow for a more convenient
procedure. The lab consists of a microscope, several semen tanks, egg containers,
defroster, and standard lab equipment.
Facility Operations
PHASE 1 -- Cattle start the process in the first pen at the top left of the diagram.
At this time they are checked in, evaluated, and all paperwork is completed.
PHASE 2 – Next, the cattle are moved to the second pen. Here they are given
their three shots, and the CIDRS are inserted. This induces them into heat. The
cattle are then put into the Stage One Turnout for a week. During this time, the
CIDRS releases the hormones that induce the estrous cycle.
PHASE 3 -- After the week period, the cattle are run through the chute in order
to remove the CIDRS. A KAMAR patch is applied to their backs, and they
administer another series of shots. Then, the cattle are turned out into Stage 2.
PHASE 4-- As individual cattle begin to show signs of being in heat, they are
brought up through the chute again. At this time, the AM PM rule dictates the
time of breeding. If a cow comes into in heat in the morning, breed her that
night. The opposite is true when a cow comes into heat at night. She should
breed in the morning. The cow will then be artificially inseminated, and turned
out into stage 3 for another three weeks.
Phase 5 -- After a three week period, the cattle are brought through the chute to
be flushed. The fertilized eggs are then collected in the lab. The eggs are
inserted into recipient cows. Then, the donor and recipient cows are turned out
to stage 4.
Recovery Period (time until cow can start the process over again)
Donor cow
--- four months
Recipient cows --- around eight months
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III. BENEFITS OF AI
An Embryo Transfer facility can be a source of
profitability and value for Floyd Cattle Company. By
eliminating the need to outsource AI needs, Floyd Cattle can
completely absorb the benefits of AI. An Embryo transfer
facility could be a direct source of growth and increased
profits.
Floyd’s Current Situation
There is currently a very high demand for well bred and
well conformed cattle in both the 4-H and FFA arenas.
Currently, for the Floyd Cattle Company to perform the AI or ET
procedures, the cow or cows must be taken to Reagan Brooks, located in San Marcos,
Texas. The additional travel and fuel costs would be immediately alleviated by an inhouse facility.
Economic Benefits
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The only way to keep pace with this high demand is to have in place the most
efficient procedures available. As described earlier in the proposal the two procedures
allow a producer to not only take advantage of the ideal fertility times, but also to
capitalize on superior bloodlines. In the 2004 Mississippi BCIA Fall Bull Sale, AI sired bulls
earned over $250 more per head than naturally sired bulls.
The business of raising and selling show cattle is quite different from that of
regular beef cattle. Certain characteristics can cause drastic price fluctuations. A wellbreed steer with good conformation can be the difference between a sale price of ten
thousand and the market price per pound.
Operational costs are greatly reduced by the AI process. Fewer bulls are needed
because the system is more efficient. Production uniformity is increased. High yield
requires fewer sires. Also, labor costs are reduced by a shorter breeding season.
A 2003 University of Kentucky study estimated that AI increased the average
weaning weight by 73 pounds. The study also found that 23% more calves are born
within the first 30 days of the calving season. (REFERENCE)
Another economic advantage of AI is the storage of semen from genetically
superior bull. One bull can sire thousands of calves through AI. Even after a bull has
died, their stored semen can still be used, serving as a built in life insurance policy.
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Operational Advantages
Leeann Floyd and her brother are currently certified to perform AI procedures.
In addition, they will be attending the ET classes this summer, enabling them to perform
embryo transfer procedures.
This adds another reason why it
would be so beneficial to build
an in house facility. No
additional personnel would be
needed to make the operation
successful.
The Floyd Cattle Company has the opportunity to benefit significantly by putting
in an AI and ET facility. Due to the fragile nature of the process it will be advantageous
to have their own operation, so that they can control each aspect. In addition with the
turnouts all together but separated, it will make monitoring the cows much easier,
because each stage will be at a different step in the process. The travel costs that they
currently endure would no longer be necessary,
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CONCLUSION
By implementing an Embryo transfer facility, the Floyd Cattle Company
can benefit in a number of ways. Not only is the product superior with
AI; the technology offers cost benefits as well.
Along with careful planning, efficient operations, dedicated
management, and qualified workers, an embryo transfer facility could
stimulate profits and increase market share for Floyd Cattle Company.
Floyd Cattle Company has made a reputation for quality. Implementing
these new technologies should only increase that. With the increase in
quality, comes cost savings, additional revenue, and long term value.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
ABS Global, Inc. 1996. A.I. Management Manual. Fourth ed. Deforest, Wisconsin.
Bearden, J.H. and Fuqay, J.W. 1997. Applied Animal Reproduction. Fourth ed. PrenticeHall Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Bridges, P.J, Lewis, P.E, Wagner, W.R, and Inskeep, E.K. 1999. Follicular growth, estrus
and pregnancy after fixed-time insemination in beef cows treated with
intravaginal progesterone inserts and estradiol benzoate. Theriogenology
52:573583.
Cunningham, M., and Acker, D. 2001. Animal Science and Industry. Sixth ed.
Prentice-Hall Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Day, M. 2000. 30.32 Application of the CIDR-B to estrous synchronization in beef cattle
The Ohio Sate University Department of Animal Science.
Field, T.G, and Taylor, T.E. 2004. Scientific Farm Animal Production. Eight ed.
Prentice-Hall Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ.
Lane, E.A, Austin, E.J, Roche, J.F, and Crowe, M.A. 2000. The effect of estradiol
benzoate or a synthetic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone used at the start of a
progesterone treatment on estrous response in cattle. Theriogenology 55:81-90
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Martinez, M.F, Kastelic, J.P, Adams, G.P, and Mapletof, R.J. 2002. The use of
progesterone-released device (CIDR_B) or melengestrol acetate with GnRH, LH
or estradiol benzoate for fixed-time AI in beef heifers. Journal of Animal
Science 80:1746-1750.
Senger, P.L. 2003. Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition. Second ed. Current
Conceptions The Mack Printing Group Sience Press, Ephrata, P.A.
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