IVP ON-FARM COLLECTION

AB Europe cattle teams travel around the UK making collections and embryo transfers every week of the year. Our on-farm service is unique within the UK, and we have established a relatively quick and easy process that takes approximately 15 minutes per donor after initial set-up.

Collections can be made every week or fortnight, compared to MOET flushing where a collection occurs once a month. With IVP we can collect from four weeks post pregnancy up until around 12 weeks of gestation, at which point the ovaries usually move out of reach.

For on-farm collections, our team requires the following facilities 

  • Sheltered cattle crush: it’s crucial the facility is undercover and dry, free from rain, drafts and any dust. The crush surroundings must be free of excessive muck.
  • A two metre space on the right-hand side of the crush (as viewed from behind the donor) to enable equipment set up for oocyte collections. 
  • Electrical supply (safe and PAT tested): two different power sources if possible – one to the right of the crush and one supply to AB Europe’s mobile laboratory (vehicle). 
  • Access to clean water. 

    What to expect

    • On average 12 oocytes (unfertilised eggs) per adult donor (varies from 0 to 40+). 
    • On average three embryos per adult donor per collection, however some cows are consistently producing six or more embryos every week (varies from 0 to 20+).
    • Donors tend to be consistent in the number of oocytes and embryos they produce each week. It is possible to select high yielders. 
    • A single straw of semen can be used to inseminate oocytes for up to eight cows (three straws per donor for MOET) offering a huge advantage where high value semen is involved.

    RECIPIENT SELECTION & MANAGMENT

    IVP DONOR MANAGEMENT

    ON FARM LIVERY