Innovis embryo transfer (ET) in sheep
Have you identified an outstanding performing ewe in your flock?
Does she consistently breed good progeny?
Is she of high genetic value in your flock?
If so, then Innovis’ embryo transfer services can enable you to increase your flock’s breeding potential through the female lines. ET reduces disease risk and also enables you to obtain lambs from ewes that would otherwise be unable to carry or rear lambs themselves.
Embryo flushing and transfer is a specialist veterinary procedure and our experienced teams can offer sheep breeders:
- On farm embryo transfer – available anywhere in the UK (minimum of 3 donors needed)
- On centre embryo transfer - donors can be admitted to most of our Centres. Quarantine facilities for the export of embryos can also be provided.
- Out of season embryo transfer/embryo freezing – ewes can be flushed outside of the main breeding season and their embryos frozen for implanting in the next breeding season.
Practising what we preach – over the past 4 years Innovis has been undertaking some of the largest commercial embryo transfer programmes that have ever been conducted in the UK, involving the transfer of around 1700 embryos annually.
Ask our Innovis technical team about embryo transfer (ET)
What is embryo transfer?
Embryo transfer is the process by which fertilized embryos are flushed (removed) from a donor ewe and transplanted into suitably synchronized recipient ewes to establish a surrogate pregnancy. The donor ewe is super-ovulated using hormones so that she produces more eggs than usual at a synchronised mating. This programme usually lasts 20 days with the ewe being artificially inseminated (AI ) on day 14 and the six-day-old fertilised embryos being flushed from her on day 20. Embryos are then either transferred into prepared, surrogate recipient ewes or frozen for future use.
If the embryos are being transferred fresh on Day 20, the recipient ewes must be programmed alongside the embryo donor ewe so that they are ready to receive the embryos.
What does an embryo transfer programme involve?
An embryo transfer programme is split into two parts – synchronization of embryo donors and synchronization of the embryo recipients.
A typical embryo transfer programme lasts 20 days: |
|
|---|---|
Day 0 |
Insert sponges in donors and recipients |
Day 10 |
Superovulating hormone injections begin (donors) |
Day 12 |
Sponge removal from donors and recipients |
Day 13 |
Donor and recipient heat detection |
Day 14 |
Artificial Insemination (AI) of donors |
Day 20 |
Embryos flushed from donors and either transferred into recipients or frozen |
Day 24 |
Donor ewe back on heat for natural service or re-programming |
Why do I need to synchronise my ewes?
The timing for artificial insemination and embryo transfer in sheep is crucial so donor ewes must be synchronized to be on heat at the time of AI and recipients must be programmed so they are ready to receive the developing embryos. Ewes are synchronized using intra-vaginal sponges and PMSG may also be used depending on the breed of sheep and season. Organic sheep breeders can use teasers (vasectomised males) to help synchronise their ewes.
Which ewes should I use as embryo donors for ET?
Donor ewes should be proven and regular breeders in their prime reproductive years and will ideally have responded well to superovulation in the past. Donor ewes should be fit and healthy and on a rising plane of nutrition.
Which ewes should I use as embryo recipients?
Recipient ewes are surrogate mothers and so they should be mature ewes with a sound breeding history and will ideally have good mothering and milking qualities. Embryo recipients should also be in good health and on a rising plane of nutrition.
How many recipient ewes should I prepare?
On average, about 7 embryos are collected per superovulated flush during the breeding season so 5-6 embryo recipients should be prepared for each embryo donor in your programme.
Are all embryos used?
Not all embryos will be suitable for transfer or freezing. Embryos are graded and only grade 1 and 2 embryos are frozen.
What care do my sheep need after embryo transfer?
The embryo begins to implant about 10 days after surgery so the three weeks following ET are crucial and you should avoid any unnecessary stress (including handling). Ewes should be allowed good quality hay and water fro 24 hours after surgery and should then be moved back to similar grazing to that they were on during the four weeks pre-surgery. Beware of overfeeding ewes during these first 3 weeks – overfeeding or access to rich pastures can have a negative affect on embryo development.
How much does embryo transfer for sheep cost?
Current embryo flushing and transfer (ET) costs can be found in our price list. Innovis Terms and conditions apply.
More information
We also have a full range of information, technical factsheets and support available for sheep breeders who want to take advantage of our services and expertise
- Laparoscopic insemination in Sheep
- Checklist for AI / ET – the ideal set up
- Getting your ewes into shape for AI
- Improving Lap AI and ET conception rates
- Why use a teaser or vasectomised ram in your flock?
- Ram preparation Guidelines
- Regulin – its use in AI programmes
Download the semen/embryo order form
Do you want further information about embryo transfer or to book ewes for ET or out of season flushing?
Please contact your nearest Centre: Malvern on 0844 800 9050 or Edinburgh/Belfast on 01875 614500
