Donor Services

Embryo Recovery, Freezing, and Transfer

Conventional embryo recovery is the use of hormones to superovulate a donor cow to produce multiple follicles, breed the donor, and recover the resultant embryos in 7 days. After recovery, embryos can be transferred into recipients owned by the individual farm. Embryos can also be cryopreserved (frozen) for use later during a specific breeding season, banked to preserve valuable/irreplaceable genetics, sold domestically, or sold and exported internationally. MultiGen is certified by the AETA and approved by the USDA to meet all of these requirements.

In addition to in house recovery and transfers MultiGen offers these services on farm. MultiGen has a mobile lab unit that they will bring to your farm to provide a temperature controlled embryo handling area. MultiGen can also provide on farm transfers with fresh embryos at the time of recovery, or for frozen embryos. We will provide customers with a simple calendar detailing the steps to follow for the estrous synchronization protocol tailored specifically to each customers program.

InVitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF is the process of recovering unfertilized oocytes (eggs) from the ovaries of cows via ultrasound guided aspiration. These embryos are then matured, fertilized, and grown in a laboratory culture system. After 7 days of culture, these embryos can be transferred into recipients or frozen for transfer later. IVF offers several advantages not available with conventional ET.

Problem donors-IVF can be used on cows with reproductive issues that prevent the collection of embryos conventionally (uterine infections, adhesions, loss of a horn or entire uterus due to disease, oviductual diseases, etc) or in cows where conventional ET has been unsuccessful (low embryo recovery or poor quality embryo recovery) IVF also offers capability to produce embryos on older or lame donors without the induction of estrous or heat activity.

Pregnant donors-Embryos can still be produced from donors who are pregnant (between days 30 and 120 of gestation). This allows the donors to maintain a close calving interval for production records or be bred for a particular sale or show season without losing valuable time for embryo production.

Frequency of Collection-Donors on IVF schedules can be aspirated every 14 days. This is at least half the time interval between conventional embryo collection techniques. This allows the production of a greater variety of sire selections per unit time.

Artificial Insemination

MultiGen offers comprehensive artificial insemination services and consultation. Through communication with the producer a particular breeding program can be established. Breeding strategies as simple as heat detection and AI of a prize show heifer to complex estrous synchronization protocols and timed breeding of your entire herd are offered.

The MultiGen staff will walk you through either process and assist with any questions along the way. A calendar easily outlining the steps to follow will be provided.

A complete inventory of reproductive medicines and supplies is available and can be shipped directly to your farm.

 

Housing

MultiGen is a 45 acre farm that offers multiple different housing options. MultiGen strives to offer superior donor housing to keep your investment secure and comfortable. We have general population housing for donors who can go out on pasture. We also offer special needs housing for cattle that need to be kept separate. We have box stalls and stalls with runs for special need housing. We can house conventional flush donors, IVF donors, A.I. cows, recipient cows, and problem cows. If your cow has a special need, we will provide it. All cattle are tested for BLV, BVD and Johne’s at entry.

Ultrasound

MultiGen offers reproductive ultrasound technique. Reproductive ultrasound includes early pregnancy diagnosis, fetal aging, fetal sexing, and evaluation of problem breeders and problem donors.

Early pregnancy diagnosis can be performed at 28 days of gestation. While the animals are in the chute, open cows can be managed to decrease days open and days to next service saving the producer valuable time and money.

Fetal aging is used to more accurately determine AI, ET, or natural service pregnancies. This determination allows the producer to market sale cattle more effectively adding a premium to the desired pregnancies. Evaluating conception rates of AI and ET systems earlier in the production cycle helps determine the success of the technique employed and allows changes in the system to be made prior to the next breeding window.

Fetal sexing allows the determination of the sex of a fetus between 60 and 100 days of gestation. The information can open marketing opportunities or add value to pregnancies already being marketed.

Reproductive problems can be evaluated with greater detail utilizing ultrasound technologies. Using this information along with a thorough physical exam, history, and diagnostic samples (uterine biopsy, cytology, and culture), a more accurate diagnosis of uterine pathology can be made allowing for a more successful treatment protocol administered. Hopefully, allowing the return to normal reproductive performance.

Problem Donor Evaluations and Treatment

MultiGen strives to maximize success of every donor collected and thoroughly evaluates each donor as an individual to tailor the specific protocol to each animal. Donors with a problematic history of infertility or unsuccessful history of embryo collection are evaluated by physical exam, palpation, ultrasound and uterine biopsy/culture when necessary to fully diagnose the issue and treatment plan instituted. Based on our findings and treatment success, a long term plan will be selected with your marketing strategy in mind. We work hard to listen to your plans, evaluate your cows' specific needs, and then work together to accomplish the common goal.

Embryo Export, Storage and Shipping

MultiGen is certified by the AETA and approved by the USDA and European Union (EU) for export of embryos produced in clinic as well as on farm. Whether your market is domestic or international we can help supply your needs. Let us know the intended export country and we will do the research and management of the testing requirements for you.

MultiGen also has ample storage space to keep your embryos safe and secure. Our tanks are insured and monitored daily. Want to bank some irreplaceable genetics for future use but don't' want them in your breeding tank, let us help.

 
Shippers are always available for fast and accurate shipping anywhere in the world.