Embryo Transfer Technology in Cattle

Although the first mammalian embryo transfers were done more than 100 years ago, commercial bovine embryo transfer came into being in the early 1970s with the importation of European breeds of cattle into North America. Since that time commercial bovine embryo transfer has grown throughout the world, and in 2016, approximately one million bovine embryos were transferred, and several thousands of embryos were transported internationally. Because in vivo-derived bovine embryos can be made specified pathogen-free by washing procedures, they provide the ideal means of moving animal genetics around the world. Embryo transfer techniques have improved over the years so that new methods of controlling ovarian function facilitate superstimulation of donors and synchronization of recipients and nonsurgical procedures facilitate on-farm embryo transfer.