Making BETTER Bovine Babies Vetoquinol Australia

Texas A&M Associate Professor Dr Ky Pohler, one of Amercia's leading bovine reproductive physiologists, shares his extensive knowledge about In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in the US market with Vetoquinol Australia's Rebecca Arnott.

Topics covered include


why 80% of US embryos are produced from IVP (IVF) compared to Australia's 5% or so
whether Australia is likely to follow suit
results (MOET vs IVF, fresh vs frozen embryos)
cost/embryo and cost/pregnancy
differences between and within breeds
why brahmans shouldn't be treated in the same way as Brazil's bos indicus cattle (Nelore)
why Wagyus dont respond as well to IVP and further work needed
technicians and logistical challenges
optimising outcomes
the benefits of stimulated IVP programs with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
the importance of media
pregnancy losses; and
the next ten years

Cattle ET veterinarian Dr Udo Mahne and Walcha Angus seedstock producer Rob Costello of Nairn Park Angus share decades of knowledge and practical experience relating to embryo transfer programs.

For those contemplating MOET or IVF/IVP, these interviews with Vetoquinol's Rebecca Arnott provide valuable tips and insights including:


typical results (and variations seen)
pregnancy rates (fresh and frozen)
getting an extra 30 calves from 5 donor cows
donor and recipient management
the importance of nutrition including minerals
management practices to help maximise the number of calves produced from a single donor cow
significantly lower cost/pregnancy of MOET vs non-stimulated IVF
why MOET is likely to remain the most viable form of embryo transfer for most producers
a common MOET protocol; and
benefits of FSH in MOET and IVF/IVP

In this episode, Rebecca Arnott catches up with Dr Shane Thomson of Holbrook Vet Centre to learn about the different forms of assisted breeding available, how these are continuing to evolve and how to decide which is best suited to your situation.

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of natural mating (NM), Artificial Insemination (AI and FTAI), Embryo Transfer (ET & MOET) and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) are discussed as well as some key differences between breeds and geographic areas.

Shane also shares his thoughts on what the future looks like, particularly given the rapid advances with genomics and embryo transfer as well as some of the key challenges facing the industry.

Vetoquinol’s Rebecca Arnott talks to AACo’s Regional Breeding and Genetics Manager, Matias Suarez and cattle repro veterinarian Dr Adam Wise to understand how such a great result was achieved from a fixed time AI (FTAI) program on wet Wagyu cows in the north.

The high cost of bulls, strong cattle prices and good seasonal conditions are driving an increase in the uptake of Artificial Insemination (AI) in commercial beef herds.  For those wondering how to get started with AI, this podcast is for you.

Here Dr Jo Connolly from Impact Veterinary Services and Vetoquinol’s Rebecca Arnott cover the essentials of starting your first AI program; from finding the right vet or AI technician, different protocols, storing and selecting semen, sourcing Cue-Mate® progesterone devices and repro hormones, the importance of nutrition, infrastructure needed and costs through to expected results and what to do after AI day.

If you would like a hard copy, you will find Getting Started in Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) on our website repro360.com.au/Getting_Started_in-AI

Nuffield Scholar Jack Milbank is undertaking an ambitious project to relaunch the Tuli breed in Australia. Renowned for their fertility, hardiness, tick resistance and meat quality, this African Sanga breed has been cited as having the potential to add $200m to the northern beef industry.