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Fall weaned calf program

what is the fall weaned calf program?

After implanting your embryos, recipient cows are preg-checked safe prior to getting turned out for the winter. We begin calving at PVH August 15th – October 31st annually. Calves are fully vaccinated and reared until six months of age or ready to be weaned.

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  • How often can oocytes be collected?
    Oocytes can be collected every two weeks and this is one of the main advantages of IVF as cows can be collected more rapidly to improve genetic genes.
  • What results can be expected with each IVF?
    An average mature breed cow will give 18 oocytes which should translate into roughly 5 freezable quality embryos. Beef heifers will vary more in their oocyte numbers and embryo development rates. However, typically we will see 30-40% of oocytes develop into freezable quality embryos.
  • What donor females make good candidates for IVF?
    Similar to conventional embryo production highly fertile cows will still produce better in an IVF scenario. Donor selection criteria such as age, parity, fertile history and nutritional status are essential in choosing proper candidates for IVF. However, cow that do not perform well in a conventional flush should still perform well in an IVF.
  • How young can heifers be IVF'd?
    Heifers can be collected as early as 8 months, but for best results it is common to wait until they’ve had their own natural heat cycle prior to collection.
  • What are grade 2 IVF embryos?
    According to IETS grading standards a Grade 2 IVF embryo would have a similar classification to a Grade 1 (excellent) conventional embryo. Pregnancy rates between Grade 1 and Grade 2 IVF embryo are very similar.
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