Why Choose GENSTOCK?

• Australia's largest on centre Embryo Transfer (ET) facility.

• ET can be performed on farm or on centre. Ewes can be flushed on centre and then implanted on farm.

• Mature ewes averaged 7.5 pregnancies per donor flushed.
  Maiden ewes from 6 months of age averaged 5.1 pregnancies per donor
  flushed.

• One ewe produced 112 lambs from 4 flushes in a 5-month period.

• Our on centre facility makes embryo transfer management "easy" for clients - with GENSTOCK taking full management responsibility.

What Does ET Involve?

Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) is the process whereby superior donor ewes are superovulated and artificially inseminated to produce fertilised embryos. These embryos are surgically removed at days 5-6 and then laparoscopically transferred to synchronised, commercial grade recipient ewes to establish a surrogate pregnancy.

• Embryos can be transferred fresh, or frozen and transferred at a later date

• Embryos can be frozen and then sold to anywhere in Australia or overseas

• Embryos can be chilled for up to 36 hours after flushing and then transferred anywhere in Australia. However, recipient ewes must be programmed to receive the embryos the following day. Chilled embryos obtain a higher take rate than frozen embryos.

Advantages of ET

• Allows utilisation of superior female genetics, enabling large numbers of progeny to be produced per ewe

• Rapid multiplication of genetic lines or introduced sheep breeds

• Facilitates exporting and importing of elite female genetics

• Offers a reduced risk of disease spread

Ideal Donor Ewe

A maiden ewe (at least 8 months of age) should weigh at least 50kg.

• Donors should have no history of reproductive disorders. These ewes can be checked by GENSTOCK prior to programming.

• Score 2-3 body condition

• On a rising plane of nutrition at CIDR insertion

• Management practices should be performed at least 2 weeks prior to programme commencement.

Ideal Sire

• Semen must be of the highest quality for an ET programme. The donor ewe ovulates over a period of time, hence the semen must be able to survive for this time period.

• GENSTOCK prefers to use freshly collected semen. Frozen/thawed semen may be used, however, there may be a corresponding decrease in the overall success rate.

Ideal Recipient

• GENSTOCK recommends programming 10 recipients per donor programmed. This allows for careful selection of mothers - 2-4 y.o. ewe who has previously lambed, 2 functional teats, trimmed feet and good body condition (2.5-3).

• Ensure all management practices (shearing, worming, back lining etc.) are carried out 2 weeks prior to programme commencement.

• Do not disturb the recipient ewes for at least 6 weeks after ET.