In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), like conventional embryo production, is a powerful tool used to increase offspring from animals with superior genetic merit. Beyond embryo banking, IVF offers several distinct advantages, including optimized gender selection, the ability for pregnant animals to continue contributing genetically, solutions for donors with sub‑fertility, and efficient use of rare or high‑value semen.
IVF involves fertilizing an animal’s eggs outside the body in a controlled laboratory setting, bypassing the uterus as the site of fertilization. Embryos produced through IVF may be transferred fresh approximately one week after collection or frozen, similar to embryos produced conventionally in vivo. Cross Country Genetics offers clients the unique ability to customize breeding programs by combining conventional embryo collection with in vitro embryo production, accelerating genetic progress and optimizing breeding outcomes.
The process from initial donor set-up to embryo transfer is approximately 14 days. OPU can be performed on non-stimulated or super-ovulated donors.
IVF from start to finish
- Day ( -5 through -1): Donor superovulation set-up
- Day 0: Ovum Pick Up (OPU). This is a crucial step in the IVF process where mature unfertilized eggs (oocytes) are retrieved from the ovaries.
- Day 1: In Vitro Fertilization of oocytes happens in a laboratory setting.
- Day 7- Day 8: Freeze or transfer of fresh embryos.