a closer look - american embryo transfer association (aeta) · e-mail: [email protected] dr. allen...

1

VOLUME 23, NO. 3 SUMMER 2008

A Closer LookAMERICAN EMBRYO TRANSFER ASSOCIATION

“THE VANGUARD OF THE EMBRYO TRANSFER INDUSTRY”

What’s Inside . . .Headquarters Directory .......................................2

AETA Board and Committees .............................3

Ask John ................................................................4

Reprint of Article from Theriogenology ..............7

AETA/CETA Joint Meeting Information..........14

Nominees for 2008-2009 AETA Board ..............26

Reprint of Abstract from Animal Reproduction Science ..............................................................28

AETA Business Office

1111 N. Dunlap Ave., Savoy, IL 61874Phone: 217-398-2217 FAX: 217-398-4119

[email protected]

President’s Message

AETA PresidentDavid Duxbury

As of this writing, we are nearly 12 weeks from our annual convention in Kansas City, and I hope that all AETA members will be able to make plans to attend, remembering to invite a new member from your area as well. Thanks to the great work of Dr. Byron Williams and the convention committee, and with the help of our many sponsors and exhibitors, we can again look forward to an excellent scientific meeting with many fun social offerings. The AETA Convention always provides an opportunity to gather some new ideas, perhaps meet some new people while reconnecting with old friends, and connect to some of the energy that seems to flow at these events.

The time remaining before the annual meeting will be busy for the AETA board. Work on the bylaw revisions will be completed and approved, then moved along to the member-ship to allow approximately 60 days for review before voting on the changes in October at the annual meeting. You may already have received this information in the mail, and we are looking for feedback from any member who would like to offer his or her thoughts. Dr. Allen Rushmer is working on the foundations of an Education Committee that he will chair, and he is well along in that process. This committee will focus primarily on Web-based offerings. We will also be forming a standing convention committee to provide continuity and add efficiency to our annual meeting efforts.

If you have an interest in working on any of these or other committees, please contact me or any board member and we will see that you become involved. I would add that if you are a new member, committee work can be a great way to meet people, connect to the organization, and make a contribution in the process.

Now, if my calculations are correct, this will be my final offering in our newsletter. Time really does fly! I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support you have given me this year and during my time on the board. I have asked many people for counsel or help with an issue or a job, and always there has been an AETA member to lend a hand or with a shoulder to lean on. We have a great organization going because the people in it are great people. It is as simple as that. I have confidence that as the AETA evolves in the coming years, it will remain strong, continue to grow, and serve its membership well.

2 AETA Newsletter

Vicki Paden, AETA Administrative Assistant

As the AETA Administrative Assistant, Vicki works with the AETA members on day-to-day issues. She updates the AETA membership database, processes member-ships, renewals, meeting registrations, orders, claims, invoices and responds to e-mail. She is also the helpful, friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call the AETA line.

AETA Headquarters DirectoryKathy RuffExecutive Assistant/Event Coordinator([email protected])

As the Executive Assistant/Event Coordina-tor, Kathy will be working with the AETA members on everything from day-to-day issues, membership questions and renewals, meeting registrations, Japan certificates, as well as planning the Board of Directors’ meetings and annual conventions. Kathy will also serve as the coordinator for the

AETA newsletter, A Closer Look. Kathy is looking forward to working with AETA and its membership.

Newsletter Advertising 2008Publication Schedule and DeadlinesThe AETA newsletter is published four times per year and is mailed to all AETA members. Distribution is between 350-400 professionals in the animal embryo transfer industry.

Members – Advertise FREE with us!Members wishing to place an advertisement related to sale of practice, buying and selling of used equipment, or employment opportunities may do so free of charge (up to 1/8 page). The advertising information (i.e., short courses, seminars, books, etc.) that is clearly to the benefit of the greater good of the AETA membership, and not considered to be of a commercial nature, may also be advertised free of charge (up to 1/8 page). Standard rates on any advertisements over 1/8 page shall apply. Any advertising request, which does not fit within these guidelines, shall be brought to the Newsletter Committee for approval. The same rationale shall apply to any Web site advertising.

A Closer Look Advertising RatesBusiness Card Size: $50 per issue1/4 Page Ad: $75 per issue1/2 Page Ad: $150 per issueFull Page Ad: $200 per issueAds are due to the AETA office as set forth below. Online ads are full color and print ads are black and white. Payment terms: Advertiser agrees to pay the contract amount in full prior to the start date. This fee is nonrefundable and will not be prorated should the Advertiser decide to discontinue the display of the advertisement at any time prior to the end of the contract period.

Issue Due DateWinter 2008 February 26, 2008Spring 2008 April 14, 2008

Summer 2008 July 11, 2008Fall 2008 October 13, 2008

Winter 2009 December 29, 2008

The advertiser is responsible for providing all information and digital artwork to meet specifications. AETA reserves the right to determine the suitability of all ads submitted for distribution and to reject advertising that does not meet its editorial or digital criteria. Ads must be in PDF or high-quality JPEG, TIF, or EPS graphic files. Changes to ads may be made after each issue unit only. If you would like to advertise in the next issue, please contact AETA at [email protected] or call 217-398-2217.

NOTICE TO READERSArticles published in A Closer Look are not necessarily peer-reviewed or refereed. All statements, opinions, and conclusions contained in the articles in A Closer Look are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of the American Embryo Transfer Association unless specifically approved by the AETA Board of Directors.

Send Us Your Current Email Address!The AETA receives several trade leads from various sources including USLGE. Because of the timely nature of these announce-ments, the AETA will immediately forward them to the membership via e-mail. Therefore, it is important that you provide the AETA with your most current e-mail address. To supply us with or update your current email address, send your name and email address to [email protected]

Summer 2008 3

AETA Committees 2007-2008AETA Officers and Directors 2007-2008

PRESIDENTDr. David DuxburyMidwest Embryo Transfer Service1299 South Shore DriveAmery, WI 54001PHONE: (715) 268-9900FAX: (715) 268-2691E-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENTDr. Byron W. WilliamsEmQuest ET ServiceBox 504Plymouth, WI 53073-0504PHONE: (920) 892-6878FAX: (920) 893-8083E-mail: [email protected]

SECRETARY-TREASURERDr. Sam EdwardsHarrogate Genetics Int’l, Inc.Box 1Harrogate, TN 37752PHONE: (423) 869-3152FAX: (423) 869-5546E-mail: [email protected] IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTDr. Ron KlingNew Vision Transplants456 Springs RoadGrantsville, MD 21536PHONE: (301) 895-5232FAX: (301) 895-5237E-mail: [email protected]

DIRECTORSDr. Steve Hughes7732 Garnett StreetLenexa, KS 66214PHONE: (913) 961-6666FAX: (913) 961-6666E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Allen RushmerNext Generation ET Service3162 Oregon PikeLeola, PA 17540PHONE: (717) 656-6921FAX: (717) 656-6934E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. James R. SpearsProfessional Embryo Services5707 Russellville RoadFranklin, KY 42134PHONE: (270) 586-7430FAX: (270) 586-5697E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Charles LooneyOvaGenix, LP4700 Elmo Weedon RoadSuite 103College Station, TX 77845-3103PHONE: (979) 731-1043FAX: (979) 731-1086E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Richard WhitakerNew England Genetic, LLC10 Business Park WayTurner, ME 04282PHONE: (207) 225-2722FAX: (207) 225-3883E-mail: [email protected]

AUDIT COMMITTEEDaniel Hornickel, DVM, ChairSunshine Genetics IncW7782 Hwy 12Whitewater, WI 53190PHONE: (262) 473-8905FAX: (262) 473-3660E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersEdwin Robertson, DVMRichard Whitaker, DVM

CERTIFICATION COMMITTEEStephen Malin, DVM, ChairMalin Embryo TransferN5404A Highway 151Fond du Lac, WI 54937PHONE: (920) 921-1231FAX: (920) 921-1231E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersGlenn Engelland, DVMLarry Horstman, DVMBrad R. Lindsey, PhDJames K. West, DVM

CONVENTION/PROGRAM COMMITTEEByron Williams, DVM, ChairEmQuest ET ServiceBox 504Plymouth, WI 53073-0504PHONE: (920) 892-6878FAX: (920) 893-8083E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersSam Edwards, DVMCharles Looney, PhDSteve Hughes, DVM

COOPERATOR COMMITTEELarry Kennel, DVM, Co-ChairCornerstone Genetics1489 Grandview RoadMt. Joy, PA 17552PHONE: (717) 653-4825FAX: (717) 653-6966E-mail: [email protected]

Byron Williams, DVM, Co-ChairEmQuest ET ServiceBox 504Plymouth, WI 53073-0504PHONE: (920) 892-6878FAX: (920) 893-8083E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersScott Armbrust, DVM Richard Castleberry, DVMDarrell DeGrofft, DVMGreg Lenz, DVMRobert Leonard, DVMMike Phillips, USLGEJim West, DVM

EXHIBIT COMMITTEEDavid B. Duxbury, DVM, ChairMidwest Embryo Transfer Service1299 South Shore DriveAmery, WI 54001PHONE: (715) 268-9900FAX: (715) 268-2691E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersDan Hornickel, DVMMark Steele, DVM

GMO RESOLUTION COMMITTEERandall H. Hinshaw, DVM, ChairAshby EmbryosAshby Herd Health Services Inc.2420 Grace Chapel RoadHarrisonburg, VA 22801PHONE: (540) 433-0430FAX: (540) 433-0452E-mail: [email protected] Committee MembersDarrel DeGrofft, DVMStephen Malin, DVMDaniel R. Hornickel, DVM

GOVERNMENT LIAISON COMMITTEERichard O. Whitaker, DVM, ChairNew England Genetic, LLC10 Business Park WayTurner, ME 04282PHONE: (207) 225-2722FAX: (207) 225-3883E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersDavid Duxbury, DVM

MANUALS, PROMOTIONS, AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Committee MembersRobert Zinnikas, DVMStanley F. Huels, DVM

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEECharles R. Looney, PhD, ChairOvaGenix, LP4700 Elmo Weedon RoadSuite 103College Station, TX 77845-3103PHONE: (979) 731-1043FAX: (979) 731-1086E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersChristy Carson Young, DVMSam Edwards, DVMStanley Huels, DVMJimmy Webb, DVM

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEEBrad R. Lindsey, PhD, ChairOvitra Biotechnology, Inc.PO Box 158Midway, TX 75852PHONE: (979) 450-2599E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersCharles R. Looney, PhDKathy Creighton Smith, DVMLarry Kennel, DVM

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEERon Kling, DVM, ChairNew Vision Transplants456 Springs Road Grantsville, MD 21536PHONE: (301) 895-5232FAX: (301) 895-5232E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersThomas Rea, DVM

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEEDavid B. Duxbury, DVM, ChairMidwest Embryo Transfer Service1299 South Shore DriveAmery, WI 54001PHONE: (715) 268-9900FAX: (715) 268-2691E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersSam Edwards, DVMByron Williams, DVMRon Kling, DVM

STATISTICAL INFORMATION COMMITTEEBrad Stroud, DVM, ChairStroud Veterinary Embryo Service, Inc6601 Granbury HighwayWeatherford, TX 76087PHONE: (817) 599-7721FAX: (817) 596-5548E-mail: [email protected]

Committee MembersIrma Robertson Jeanne M. Reyher

4 AETA Newsletter

Ask John . . .

************************************* Questions for “Ask John” may be addressed to:

Cell: [email protected]

Question:Embryo transfer (ET) practitioners have asked for my opinion on a number of occasions about the feasibility of develop-ing their own in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs.

Response: There are a number of considerations, and I will approach this question by grouping the considerations into separate categories. First of all, I think one must decide whether there is truly a demand for IVF services in your geographic area. Bovine IVF-ET services can be divided into three general categories. 1) By using slaughterhouse-derived oocytes from Holstein cattle, embryos can be produced for sale to dairy herds in which artificial insemination (AI) success rates are low during the summer months. If sexed semen is used, then female embryos can be produced that represent the “average” production quality of the cattle going to slaughter. Several companies in North America are currently producing embryos of this type for sale domestically and internationally. 2) Embryos can be produced following ultrasound-guided ovum pickup (OPU) from “infertile” cows that do not work in conventional superovulation and flushing systems. The IVF program at Em Tran, Inc. concentrated on donors of this category. These donors suffered from a wide range of infertil-ity problems, but more than 90% of approximately 200 donors produced at least one good IVF embryo. The downside

to this type of program is that the average number of oocytes recovered is low (approximately 4 per attempt at Em Tran). 3) Last, OPU can be applied to healthy donors, with embryos subsequently produced by IVF. Advantages include the high frequency of OPU (weekly) compared with conventional flushing and the potential use of sex-selected sperm. This approach has been highly productive in Brazil, where the Bos indicus donors yield large numbers of oocytes per OPU procedure, often with an average of approximately 20 being reported. Oocyte yields from healthy Bos taurus cattle here in North America are more likely to be in the range of 8 to 10. Both program 2 and program 3 will require the purchase of a high-quality ultrasound unit, with a suitable transducer and a handle for transvaginal oocyte collection. In addition, I highly recommend purchasing a handle or probe that allows the use of disposable, single-use needles.

A clean room that can be dedicated to IVF procedures is essential. The purchase of at least one CO2 incubator is almost essential. The IVM, F, and C media all require an elevated level of CO2. In addition, a decreased level of O2 (approximately 5%) is usually recommended for IVC today, which necessitates the use of either a triple-gas incubator, separate incubation chambers that can be put into the incubator, or submersible incubation bags as described by Dr. Gabor Vajta. I personally have no experience with these bags, but they appear to work quite well and may represent a substantial savings compared with purchasing a second incubator. The use of a laminar flow hood decreases the chances of contami-nation when handling ova or embryos, but it is probably not absolutely necessary if the environment in the laboratory is kept very clean, with a minimum of human traffic in and out of it. A compound microscope is necessary for counting sperm. Precision pipettors, a small centrifuge, and an accurate balance, along with assorted miscellaneous items, including a steady supply of disposable Petri dishes of several configurations, will also be required.

A serious consideration in starting a bovine IVF program is where to obtain the various media that are needed. I don’t think there is a commercial source for all the media, and as a consequence, most programs make their own. This necessitates a further investment in equipment and time. If the necessary media become available in the future, getting started in bovine IVF will be considerably easier.

It would be very difficult for any ET practitioner to operate a conventional program and attempt to conduct IVF procedures at the same time. It is absolutely necessary to have an experienced and skilled individual operating the IVF laboratory. The best source for this type of individual may be one of the master’s programs associated with academic IVF laboratories. In addition, there will be something to do in the laboratory virtually every day of the week, which means that some of the responsibilities will need to be shared among personnel. As most of us know, there is a small window of forgiveness when it comes to some of the steps in conventional ET. Fair results are possible even when hygiene is less than optimal. In vitro fertilization is much less forgiving, however, and success will be achieved only when laboratory procedures are highly consistent and conducted under sterile conditions.

One final consideration worth mentioning is that although the average quality of embryos produced in IVF systems is better than in the past, there are still differences between in vitro-fertilized and in vivo-derived embryos. The consequences of this are that pregnancy rates from in vitro-fertilized embryos are lower, spontaneous abortion rates are greater, perinatal survival rates are lower, and there is a greater percentage of abnormalities. These problems must be factored into the economics of a commercial program, and the costs to the consumer (i.e., the farmer) must be acceptable in the long run.

John

Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional questions concerning the problems with starting and operating an IVF program.

Summer 2008 5

Save The Date!

AETA & September 16–19, 2009CETA/ACTE AETA and CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Meeting Montreal, Quebec, Canada For more information, please visit www.aeta.org

AETA & October 13–16, 2010CETA/ACTE AETA and CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Meeting Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina For more information, please visit www.aeta.org

Future Meetings of Interest

September 7–9, 2008 World Dairy Expo and Summit/China ’08 Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China For more information, please visit www.dairyexpo.com

AETA September 12–13, 2008 24th Scientific Meeting of the European Embryo Transfer Association (AETE) Pau, France For more information, please visit http://www.aete.eu/meetings.php

AABP September 25–27, 2008 American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Charlotte, North Carolina For more information, please visit www.aabp.org/meeting/default.asp

AABP January 3–7, 2009 35thAnnual Conference of the IETS San Diego, California For more information, please visit www.iets.org/2009/index.asp

AETA Export Promotional VideoThe Cooperator Committee has completed the AETA Export Promotion DVD Project, and the project is available for public viewing on the AETA home page: http://www.aeta.org.

This DVD/video was created with USLGE (US Livestock Genetics Export, Inc.) and FMD (Foreign Market Development) funding to educate the world’s genetics buyers and animal health officials on the benefits of using embryo transfer to obtain elite US cattle genetics from embryos. It emphasizes the role of AETA in providing the world with high-quality embryos from the United States, with the maximum biosecurity avail-able.

Presentation copies will be readily accessible to breed associations and export groups for trade shows around the world and for viewing at domestic events.

The project is currently available in English, and additional languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Rus-sian, will be added in the future.

Check out “Export Promotion DVD” on the AETA home page!

6 AETA Newsletter

Phone: (800) 735-9215Phone: (903) 567-4536Fax: (903) 567-4927E-Mail: [email protected]: http://www.pets-inc.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

We are a proud sponsor of the AETA – CETA/ACTE annual conference in Kansas City. Come and see us at Booth 407.

Gamma Irradiated Unique Locking Lid Great for Washing and

Holding Round Bottom for Easy

Searching

EZ-WAY FILTER HY-FLOW FILTER MAXI FILTER EMCON FILTER SURE FLUSH FILTER*Most filters available with Y Junction Foley Connector

4-Well and 6-Well Dishes

Embryo Filters

Summer 2008 7

Decreasing the interval between GnRH and PGF2a from

7 to 5 days and lengthening proestrus increases timed-AI

pregnancy rates in beef cows

G.A. Bridges a, L.A. Helser b, D.E. Grum c, M.L. Mussard c,C.L. Gasser d, M.L. Day c,*

aDepartment of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United Statesb Select Sires Inc., Plain City, OH 43064, United States

cDepartment of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United StatesdDepartment of Agriculture and Nutrition Science, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT 84720, United States

Received 1 October 2007; received in revised form 7 December 2007; accepted 7 December 2007

Abstract

Four experiments were conducted in postpartum beef cows to evaluate the influence of reducing the interval from GnRH to

PGF2a from 7 to 5 d in a Select-Synch + CIDR or CO-Synch + CIDR estrous synchronization program. In Expt 1, cows (n = 156)

were treated with either a 7 or 5 d Select-Synch + CIDR program. A second PGF2a treatment was given to all cows in all

experiments at 12 h after the initial PGF2a (to ensure that luteolysis occurred with the 5 d program). Estrous response, interval to

estrus, conception rate, and first service AI pregnancy rates were similar between treatments. In Expt 2, cows (n = 223) were treated

with either a 7 or 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR program, with timed-AI concomitant with GnRH at 60 h after PGF2a. Timed-AI pregnancy

rates were similar between treatments. In Expt 3 (n = 223) and 4 (n = 400) cows were treated with either a 7 or 5 d CO-

Synch + CIDR program with timed-AI concurrent with GnRH at either 60 h (7 d) or 72 h (5 d) after CIDR withdrawal. Timed-AI

pregnancy rates were 13.3% (P < 0.05; Expt 3) and 9.1% (P < 0.05; Expt 4) greater for the 5 than 7 d program. In conclusion,

timed-AI pregnancy rates were improved with a 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR program with timed-AI at 72 h after CIDR withdrawal,

compared to a 7 d CO-Synch + CIDR program with timed-AI at 60 h after CIDR withdrawal.

# 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Cattle; Estrous synchronization; Timed-AI; CO-Synch; CIDR

1. Introduction

To better facilitate the use of AI, synchronization

programs have been developed which allow for the

insemination of all animals at a predetermined time

(timed-AI). The most commonly used timed-AI

program in beef cattle is the CO-Synch [1] program.

Pregnancy rates achieved through this program, with or

without the addition of an exogenous progestin, have

ranged from 31 to 66% across a series of published

reports [1–7]. This program results in timed-AI

pregnancy rates that are acceptable to many beef

producers. However, since 40–50% of cows typically do

not conceive to the timed-AI, the potential to improve

the efficacy of this approach exists.

www.theriojournal.com

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

Theriogenology 69 (2008) 843–851

* Corresponding author at: The Ohio State University, 323 Plumb

Hall, 2027 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.

Tel.: +1 614 292 6583; fax: +1 614 292 7116.

E-mail address: [email protected] (M.L. Day).

0093-691X/$ – see front matter # 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.12.011

Reprinted with permission: G. A. Bridges, L. A. Helser, D. E. Grum, M. L. Mussard, C. L. Gasser, and M. L. Day. Decreasing the interval between GnRH and PGF2a from 7 to 5 days and lengthening proestrus increases timed-AI pregnancy rates in beef cows. Theriogenol-ogy. 69, pp 843–851. Copyright Elsevier 2008.

8 AETA Newsletter

Embryo Armor Technologies is proud to announce that

Advantage Technology Embryo Armor TM

These data are a compilation of 16 separate experiments

utilizing Advantage Technology Embryo Armor in a double

blind study to compare preganacy rates of treated embryos to

control, non-treated embryos. 301 embryos were flushed from

cows treated with advantage Technology Embryo Armor and

frozen prior to transfer to recipient cows, and were compared

to 253 control frozen embryos. The difference between treated

embryos and non-treated embryos was 13% in favor of

treatment. 768 embryos were flushed from cows treated with

Advantage Technology Embryo Armor and transferred fresh

to recipient cows, and were compared to 412 control embryos.

The difference between treated embryos and non-treated

embryos was 10% in favor of treatment.

is now commerically available through embryo transfer technicians across the United States.

Advantage Technology Embryo Armor is a dymanic new

discovery in bovine embryo transfer that improves repro-

ductive efficiency in both in vivo and in vitro applications.

This technology has been proven by researchers at the

University of Tennessee Research Foundation through

comprehensive research and field trials to substantially

increase pregnancies established with fresh and frozen

embryos.

To find out more about this incredible break through in

preganacy rates or to find a participating practitioner please

visit www.embryoarmor.com

TM

TM

TM

TM

Michael N SonacoPresident

Galleria Village Tower1716 Briarcrest DriveSuite 300Bryan, TX 77802

Office: (979) 691-7354Cell: (210) 872-2112Fax: (979) 691-7356

[email protected]

For more information you can contact:

Summer 2008 9

The CO-Synch approach uses GnRH and PGF2a to

sequentially control ovarian follicular dynamics,

luteolysis, the length of proestrus (interval from

initiation of luteolysis to the GnRH-induced LH surge)

and ovulation. Often, an exogenous progestin is used

during the interval from the initial GnRH injection to

PGF2a. The intent of the initial GnRH administration,

given 7 d before PGF2a treatment, is to induce

ovulation and reset follicular growth, leading to the

synchronized development of estrogenic preovulatory

follicles that are induced to ovulate by a second GnRH

treatment given 2–2.5 d after PGF2a. The initial GnRH

injection has been reported to synchronize follicular

growth in only 66% of beef cows [8]. Furthermore, it

has been demonstrated that a proportion of cows are

induced to ovulate follicles of smaller than typical

diameter with the second GnRH administration of CO-

Synch (coinciding with timed-AI) and that these

animals are less likely to become pregnant to timed-

AI [3,9]. Collective consideration of data from a series

of experiments in our laboratory [10–13] suggested that

the impact of the ovulatory follicle on the likelihood of

timed-AI resulting in conception was a function of the

length of proestrus and the capacity of the ovulatory

follicle to produce elevated concentrations of estradiol

preceding timed-AI.

We hypothesized that if the CO-Synch synchro-

nization approach could be modified in a manner

that would be anticipated to increase secretion of

estradiol by the ovulatory follicle and decrease the

incidence of induced ovulation of follicles with

reduced estrogenic capacity, then timed-AI pregnancy

rates would increase. We speculated that reducing the

interval from the initial GnRH treatment to PGF2a(and withdrawal of a progestin) would permit us to

test this hypothesis in postpartum beef cows. The

objectives of the first experiment (Expt 1) were to

compare estrous response, interval to estrus, and

conception rate during the synchronization period

when the interval from GnRH to PGF2a in a Select-

Synch + CIDR estrous synchronization program was

reduced from 7 (7SS) to 5 (5SS) d. For the second

experiment (Expt 2) the objective was to compare

timed-AI pregnancy rates between a 7 d CO-

Synch + CIDR program with timed-AI at 60 h after

PGF2a (7CO-60) and a 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR with

timed-AI at 60 h (5CO-60) after PGF2a. The objec-

tive of the third and fourth experiments (Expt 3 and

Expt 4, respectively) was to compare timed-AI

pregnancy rates between the 7CO-60 treatment and

a 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR, with timed AI done 72 h

after PGF2a (5CO-72).

2. Materials and methods

Postpartum Angus � Simmental beef cows that

calved in the spring were used in all experiments. All

animals were handled in accordance with procedures

approved by The Ohio State University Agricultural

Animal Care and Use Committee.

2.1. Select-Synch + CIDR, 7 d versus 5 d

In 2004, postpartum beef cows (n = 156) maintained

at the Jackson Agricultural Research Station (JARS;

The Ohio State University, Jackson, OH, USA) were

assigned by parity (primiparous, n = 24; multiparous,

n = 132) and days postpartum to either the 7SS (n = 79)

or 5SS (n = 77) treatment (Expt 1). The day of

administration of the initial injection of PGF2a was

defined as Day 0 and Hour 0 of the experiment. Cows

were 68.9 � 1.3 (range, 25–101) d postpartum on Day

0. All cows received 100 mg of GnRH im (OvaCyst1,

IVX Animal Health Inc., St. Joseph, MO, USA) and an

intravaginal-progesterone releasing insert (CIDR1,

Pfizer Animal Health, NewYork, NY, USA) on either

Day-7 (7SS) or Day-5 (5SS). On Day 0, the CIDR were

withdrawn from all cows, and cows were given 25 mg of

dinoprost tromethamine im (Lutalyse1, Pfizer Animal

Health, New York, NY, USA). Since the interval from

GnRH to PGF2a in the 5SS treatment was 5 d, it was

unknown whether luteolysis of accessory CL would

occur in all cows with a single injection of PGF2a in this

treatment. Therefore, all cows in both treatments

received a second administration of 25 mg PGF2a im

(Lutalyse1) at approximately Hour 12, to circumvent

the possible confounding effect of incomplete luteal

regression on the impact of the experimental approach

on fertility. This second injection of PGF2a was

administered at approximately Hour 12 to all cows in

all experiments described herein. To facilitate detection

of estrus, all animals were tail-painted with Tell Tail

heat detection tail paint (Fil Agritech, Little York, NY,

USA) at the initial PGF2a administration. Estrous

detection was performed for a minimum of 1 h in the

AM and PM from Days 1 to 7. Cows observed in

standing estrus were artificially inseminated (AI)

approximately 12 h after detected in estrus. The AI

sires were randomized equally between treatments.

2.2. CO-Synch + CIDR, 7 d with timed-AI at Hour

60 versus 5 d with timed-AI at Hour 60

In 2004, postpartum beef cows (n = 223), maintained

at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (EARS;

G.A. Bridges et al. / Theriogenology 69 (2008) 843–851844

10 AETA Newsletter

Summer 2008 11

The Ohio State University, Belle Valley, OH, USA)

were assigned by parity (primiparous, n = 38; multi-

parous, n = 185) and days postpartum to either the 7CO-

60 (n = 112) or 5CO-60 (n = 111) treatment (Expt 2).

The day of administration of the initial injection of

PGF2a was defined as Day 0 and Hour 0 of the

experiment. Cows were 69.9 � 1.4 (range, 21–99) d

postpartum on Day 0. All cows received 100 mg of

GnRH im (OvaCyst) and a CIDR on either Day-7 (7CO-

60) or Day-5 (5CO-60). On Day 0, the CIDR was

withdrawn from all cows, and PGF2a (Lutalyse1;

25 mg; im) was administered. A second injection of

PGF2a im (25 mg of Lutalyse1) was given to all cows at

approximately Hour 12. Timed-AI was performed in all

cows concomitant with administration of 100 mg GnRHim (OvaCyst) at Hour 60. Animals from both treatments

were maintained together, except from Days 7 to 0.

After the second PGF, treatments were again combined

and timed-AI was performed at random relative to

treatment. Cows were preassigned equally to AI sire by

days postpartum and parity.



In 2005, postpartum beef cows (n = 223), maintained

at EARS were assigned by parity (primiparous, n = 37;

multiparous, n = 179) and days postpartum to either the

7CO-60 (n = 111) or 5CO-72 (n = 105) treatment (Expt

3). The day of administration of the initial injection of

PGF2a was defined as Day 0 and Hour 0 of the

experiment. Cows were 62.9 � 1.2 (range, 26–90) d

postpartum on Day 0. All cows received 100 mg of

GnRH im (OvaCyst) and a CIDR on either Day-7 (7CO-

60) or Day-5 (5CO-72). On Day 0, the CIDR was

withdrawn from all cows, and 25 mg of PGF2a im

(Lutalyse1) was administered. A second injection of

25 mg of PGF2a im (Lutalyse1) was given to all cows at

approximately Hour 12. In the 7CO-60 treatment, cows

were bred by timed-AI, coincident with administration

of 100 mg of GnRH im (OvaCyst) at Hour 60. In the

5CO-72 treatment, cows were bred by timed-AI,

coincident with administration of 100 mg GnRH im

(OvaCyst) at Hour 72. The time of treatment initiation

was offset in a manner that permitted all cows to receive

timed-AI and GnRH on the same date and at the same

time of day (AM). Animals from both treatments were

maintained together except from Days 7 to 0. After the

second PGF, treatments were again combined and

timed-AI was performed at random relative to treat-

ment. Sires were preassigned and randomized equally

between treatments.



In 2006, postpartum beef cows maintained at EARS

(n = 250) and JARS (n = 150) were assigned by parity

and days postpartum to either the 7CO-60 (n = 201) or

5CO-72 (n = 199) treatment (Expt 4). The day of

administration of the initial injection of PGF2a was

defined as Day 0 and Hour 0 of the experiment. At

EARS, there were 39 primiparous and 211 multiparous

cows that were 70.1 � 1.1 (range, 15–93) d postpartum

on Day 0. The distribution by parity at JARS was 30

primiparous and 120 multiparous cows that were

79.2 � 1.4 (range, 28–115) d postpartum on Day 0.

Treatments in Expt 4 were identical to Expt 3 with one

exception. The PGF2a used in Expt 4 was cloprostenol

(estroPLANTM, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY,

USA) rather than Lutalyse1. On Day 0, cows received

500 mg of cloprostenol im (estroPLANTM) in conjunc-

tion with CIDR withdrawal, and a second similar

dosage at approximately Hour 12. As in Expt 3, the time

of initiation of treatments was offset in a manner that

permitted all cows to receive timed-AI and GnRH on

the same date and at the same time of day (AM). At each

location, animals from both treatments were maintained

together except from Days 7 to 0. After the second PGF,

treatments were again combined and timed-AI was

performed at random relative to treatment. Sires were

preassigned and randomized equally between treat-

ments. All cows were administered Tell Tail heat

detection tail paint at CIDR removal. During the period

when timed-AI was being performed, cows were

observed for behavioral estrus and tail paint scored

(1 = paint completely removed; 2 = paint obviously

disturbed by mounting and partially removed; 3 = paint

largely undisturbed and no evidence of mounting) by

two individuals (working independently). Based upon

mean tail paint score and detection of estrus at timed-

AI, cows were classified as: (1) in estrus before timed-

AI (cows with an average tail paint score �2 at timed-

AI and not observed in estrus at timed-AI); (2) in estrus

at timed-AI (visual observation of estrus during the

period of timed-AI regardless of tail paint score); or (3)

not in estrus (no visual detection of estrus and an

average tail paint score of �2.5). Additionally, cows

located at JARS were visually observed for estrus twice

daily (AM and PM) from Day 0 to timed-AI.

2.5. Determination of reproductive status

In all experiments, a blood sample was collected

from all cows between Days 14 and -17 (7–12 d before

G.A. Bridges et al. / Theriogenology 69 (2008) 843–851 845

12 AETA Newsletter

BOVET CREATIONS TANK EMBRYO FREEZERa good choice for your freezing needs

RESEARCH AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE – Dr. Joe Wright did much ofthe research using both sizes of the freezer and different tanks.

EASY TO USE – Seeding temperatures can be stabilized for the length of time you wish. From seedingtemperature to plunging, you do not have to stay with the freezer.

ADJUSTABLE – For accuracy by unit’s adjuster plate, for different tanks by attachable extension blocks. Findthe protocol for your tank and use the same setting each time.

RELIABLE, ECONOMICAL – Nothing to break, fix or malfunction. Can use standard mercury thermometeralong with an inexpensive thermocouple to double check the temperature. Nothing to calibrate.

2 CONVENIENT SIZES – Large size can hold over 100 straws at one time. Small size can hold 85 straws.For travel convenience, can be used with a shipper tank that measures only 9” x 18”.

USES ALCOHOL OR AIR – Dr. Jim Evans has frozen over 10,000 embryos using only ambient air.

WALTER NORTH, VMD3070 WHISKEY RUN ROADMUNCY VALLEY, PA 17758

STAINLESS STEEL TRANSFER INSTRUMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FREEZERSEE OUR WEBSITE at www.doctornorth.com.Order by FAX at 570-946-4152 or e-mail at [email protected]

Summer 2008 13

insertion of the CIDR), and a second blood sample was

collected at the time of CIDR insertion. Progesterone

concentrations in these samples were used to determine

the reproductive status of cows at the time of initiation

of treatments. Blood samples were collected via the

jugular vein in 10 mL tubes containing EDTA (BD

VacutainerTM; BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) and

immediately placed on ice. Within 4 h after collection,

blood was centrifuged at 2785 � g for 20 min, plasma

was recovered, and frozen at �20 8C until analyzed for

progesterone concentration. Progesterone concentra-

tions were determined using a commercially available

RIA kit (Coat-a-Count, Siemens Medical Solutions

Diagnostics, Los Angeles, CA, USA), as described

previously for our laboratory [14]. Across all experi-

ments, the intra-assay CV (10 assays) was 2.84% and

the inter-assay CV for pooled plasma samples contain-

ing 1.73 ng/mL and 2.89 ng/mL were 7.9 and 9.7%,

respectively, and the average sensitivity of the assays

was 0.07 ng/mL (95% confidence interval). Cows with

plasma progesterone concentrations greater than 1 ng/

mL in either (or both) samples were classified as cyclic

at the initiation of treatment. Females with plasma

progesterone concentrations of less than 1 ng/mL for

both samples were classified as anestrus at treatment

initiation.

2.6. Breeding season and pregnancy diagnosis

After the synchronization period (Days 1–7, Expt

1), visual detection of estrus was performed twice

daily until Day 25 in all cows, and AI was performed

at approximately 12 h after detection of estrus. After

timed-AI (Expts 2, 3 and 4), visual detection of estrus

was performed between Days 18 and 25 (16–23 d

after AI) in all cows, and AI was performed

approximately 12 h after detection of estrus. After

Day 25 of the experiment, intact bulls were placed

with the cows until approximately Day 62. In all

experiments, pregnancy diagnosis was performed

between Days 32 and 35 using transrectal ultra-

sonography (5 MHz linear-array transducer, 500 V,

Aloka, Wallingford, CT, USA) to determine con-

ception during the synchronization period (Expt 1)

or to timed-AI (Expts 2, 3 and 4). To determine

25-d AI pregnancy rate (pregnant to either the first

or second AI) and breeding season pregnancy

rate (overall pregnancy rate during the season),

pregnancy diagnosis was performed again on

approximately Day 95 (minimum of 30 d after

cessation of the breeding season) via transrectal

ultrasonography.

2.7. Data and statistical analysis

For all experiments, the 25-d AI pregnancy rate was

determined by dividing the total number of animals that

were pregnant to either the synchronized/timed-AI or the

returns to service (between Days 18 and 25) by the total

number of animals treated. Breeding season pregnancy

rate was defined as the percentage of all treated animals

that were pregnant at the end of the breeding season.

Cows were classified as primiparous (2 y old cows) or

multiparous (�3 y of age) for all statistical analyses.

2.7.1. Expt 1

Conception rate is presented as the number of cows

that were detected in estrus during the synchronization

period, inseminated, and determined to be pregnant,

divided by the number of cows detected in estrus and

inseminated during the synchronization period. First-

service AI pregnancy rate was derived by dividing the

number of cows that became pregnant during synchro-

nization period by the total number of animals treated.

Estrous response was defined as the percentage of all

animals treated that were detected in estrus between

Day 1 and 7 of the experiment. Interval to estrus was

calculated as the hour of the experiment (in 12 h

increments) at which estrus was initially detected for

each cow (e.g. Hour 36, Hour 48, Hour 60, etc.)

Estrous response, conception rate, first service AI

pregnancy rate, 25-d AI pregnancy rate, and breeding

season pregnancy rate were analyzed using the

GENMOD procedures of SAS (2005). For all dependent

variables, the initial statistical model included treat-

ment, parity, reproductive status and the appropriate

interactions. Terms with a significance value of

P > 0.15 were removed from the complete model in

a stepwise manner to derive the final reduced model for

each variable. Interval to estrus was analyzed using the

mixed procedures of SAS using the stepwise reduction

model as described above.

2.7.2. Expts 2 and 3

Timed-AI pregnancy rate was defined as the

percentage of all animals treated (and that were timed-

AI) that became pregnant. Timed-AI pregnancy rate, 25-

d AI pregnancy rate, and breeding season pregnancy rate

were compared using the GENMOD procedures of SAS.

The same model and stepwise model reduction process

described in Expt 1 was used in both Expts 2 and 3.

2.7.3. Expt 4

Timed-AI pregnancy rate was defined as the

percentage of all animals treated (and that were


14 AETA Newsletter

2008 AETA & CETA/ACTEJoint Convention

Exhibitors and Sponsors

AgTech, Inc.ALOKA Ultrasound

Albion Animal NutritionBiogenics

Bioniche Animal Health USA, Inc.Bioniche Animal Health Canada, Inc.

BioZyme Inc./VitaFernBovance

Chemometec A/SClassic Ultrasound Equipment

Daniels ManufacturingDuzan Insurance AgencyElsevier/Mosby/Saunders

Embryo Armor TechnologiesEstrotect

Hamilton Thorne Biosciences, Inc.I.M.V. International Corporation

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health USAIVFonline.com/Zenith Biotech

Minitube of America, Inc.Ovitra Biotechnology, Inc. Partnar Animal Health, Inc.

Pfizer Animal HealthProfessional Embryo Transfer Supply, Inc.

Reproduction ResourcesSteuart Medical

Veterinary Concepts

Summer 2008 15

A CLOSER LOOK…INSIDE THE 2008 ANNUAL MEETING

Take Your Business and Your Life to the Next Level

We have worked to develop a new industry. We have made some money, had some fun, and helped a lot of people. Now what? On October 17, 2008, Joe Calhoon, CSP, will help you understand and apply the truth in Alvin Toffler’s famous quote, “Inside every old company is a new company waiting to be born.” Come prepared to imagine a better future for your business and your life.

Preconference Seminars

Emerging Technologies

This seminar will cover the emerging technologies of vitrification, in vitro fertilization, and laser-assisted hatching, including demonstrations and opportunities for hands-on experience. Emphasis will be placed on the equipment and supplies, setup, laboratory design, and implementation in the field. The current status of the industry will be examined, including production, performance, and financial data, to give experienced ET practitioners an idea of what it would mean to their businesses to incorporate these technologies.

ET 101

Drs. Randall Hinshaw and William Beal will be providing a breakout session in ET 101 with a technical slant. This will be an excellent opportunity for practitioners, new and old alike, to get the latest information on the basics of ET.

16 AETA Newsletter

2008 AETA & CETA/ACTE JOINT CONVENTION October 16–18, 2008 Kansas City, MO

Registration Form

Participant Companion Company Preferred Name on Badge _______________________ Street E-mail City Province/State Country Postal/Zip Code Telephone Fax

REGISTRATION/EVENT—ALL PRICES IN U.S. DOLLARS Before Aug. 15

After Aug. 15

Qty

TOTAL

AETA & CETA MEMBER REGISTRATION(Includes Fri. and Sat. scientific sessions, breakfast and lunch, and one banquet ticket)

Awards Banquet Menu Selection (choose one) _____ Prime Beef Tenderloin _____ Roasted Supreme Chicken Breast _____ Pan-Seared King Salmon _____ Vegetarian Pasta

$400 $475 $

AETA & CETA NONMEMBER REGISTRATION(Includes Fri. and Sat. scientific sessions, breakfast and lunch, and one banquet ticket)


$500 $575 $

TECHNICIAN REGISTRATION (individual employed as a technician and working with a veterinarian)

(Includes Fri. and Sat. scientific sessions, breakfast and lunch, and one banquet ticket)


$350 $425 $

STUDENT REGISTRATION (must be registered in school full-time)

(Includes one seminar, Fri. and Sat. scientific sessions, and breakfast and lunch)

**NOTE: does not include banquet tickets

Please indicate seminar choice: _____ ET 101 (Beal, Hinshaw) _____ Emerging Technologies (Looney, Lindsay)

$65 $130 $

COMPANION REGISTRATION (nonpractitioner companions attending, but not scientific sessions) (Includes breakfast buffet coupon at Brasserie’s restaurant at the Westin Hotel on Fri. and Sat., and one banquet ticket)


$125 $200 $

Summer 2008 17

Participant Companion

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES—ALL PRICES IN U.S. DOLLARS REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Before Aug. 15

After Aug. 15

Qty

TOTAL

PRECONVENTION SEMINAR: October 16 (seminar not included in registration fee—space is limited)

Please indicate one choice: _____ ET 101 (Beal, Hinshaw) _____ Emerging Technologies (Looney, Lindsay)

$75 $75 $

GOLF TOURNAMENT: October 16 Shoal Creek Golf Course—6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Includes golf, range balls, food, motor coach transportation, fun and prizes)

$90 $90 $

PRECONFERENCE SOCIAL: October 16An Evening of Jazz and BBQ at Historic Union Station—6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. *Event limited to registered attendees and one companion

Name(s) _______________________________________________________________

$25 $25 $

COMPANION TOURS (each tour includes transportation, admission & lunch) Friday, October 17—10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., The Culinary Center of Kansas City

Saturday, October 18—9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Webster House and Steamboat Arabia

$95

$85

$95

$85

$

LUNCH TICKETS (for those not covered by registration fees)

Friday, October 17 Saturday, October 18

$35 $35

$35 $35

$

AWARDS BANQUET TICKETS (for those not covered by registration fees)

Menu Selection (choose one) _____ Prime Beef Tenderloin _____ Roasted Supreme Chicken Breast _____ Pan-Seared King Salmon _____ Vegetarian Pasta

$75 $75 $

PAYMENT METHOD AmexMasterCard Visa Check Card Number _____________________________________________________________ Expiration ______________________ Signature ________________________________________________________________

Return form with payment to: American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) 1111 North Dunlap Ave, Savoy, IL, USA 61874

Phone (217) 398-2217 • Fax (217) 398-4119 E-mail [email protected]

TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED (USD)

$

CANCELLATION POLICY: To be eligible for a refund of meeting registration fees, requests must be received in writing before the following dates:

On or before September 15, 2008—90% Refund After September 15, 2008—NO REFUND

The cancellation dates apply only to the meeting registration fees. Ticketed events may be cancelled because of minimum attendance requirements. Refunds will be issued for CANCELLED ticketed events only. There will be NO REFUNDS for noncancelled events. All approved refunds will be issued after the meeting, in the form in which payment was received.

PLEASE NOTE: Please be sure to preregister for nonprogram ticketed events; they will not be available for purchase on site.

18 AETA Newsletter

Summer 2008 19

timed-AI) that became pregnant. For cows in Expt 4

from JARS, the interval preceding timed-AI, at which

estrus was first detected was calculated. For example, in

the 5CO-72 treatment, timed-AI occurred at Hour 72. If

estrus was detected at Hour 48, this female was

calculated to be in estrus at �24 h (Hour 72–Hour 48).

Cows from both locations were classified, as previously

described, based upon tail paint scores as 1 (estrus

before timed-AI), 2 (estrus coincident with timed-AI),

or 3 (not in estrus).

Timed-AI pregnancy rate, 25-d AI pregnancy rate,

and breeding season pregnancy rate were compared

using the same model and stepwise model reduction

process described for Expts 1, 2 and 3, except that

location (JARS and EARS) and all appropriate

interactions were added to the model. Due to limited

numbers of primiparous cows, three-way interactions

that included parity were excluded from the model.

Additionally, since collection of these data in 2006

coincided with the release of the GLIMMIX procedures

of SAS (2006), this procedure for analysis of binomial

data, rather than GENMOD were used to analyze these

data. Time of estrus relative to timed-AI for cows at

JARS in 2006 was compared using the mixed

procedures of SAS. The distribution of estrus classifica-

tion (1, 2, and 3) derived from tail paint scores were

compared among treatments using Chi Square in the

Frequency procedures of SAS.

In all experiments, the number of days postpartum

on Day 0 was included as a covariate in the statistical

models, and differences were considered significant

when P � 0.05. Also, in each experiment, AI

technician was initially included in all analyses,

however, differences were not detected for technician

and interactions with other variables were not

detected, therefore this term was removed from the

final analyses.

3. Results

3.1. Select-Synch + CIDR, 7 d versus 5 d

In Expt 1, 54.4% of the cows in the 7SS treatment

(Day 7) and 57.1% of the cows in the 5SS treatment

(Day 5) were cyclic at CIDR insertion. Estrous

response was similar between treatments (Table 1).

The interval from CIDR withdrawal to estrus did not

differ between the 7SS (55.9 � 1.5 h) and 5SS

(58.9 � 1.3 h) treatment. Estrus distribution between

treatments is presented in Fig. 1. Conception rate and

first service AI pregnancy rate did not differ between

treatments (Table 1). There was a treatment by

reproductive status interaction (P < 0.05) for 25-d

AI pregnancy rate (Table 1). In anestrous cows, 25-d

AI pregnancy rate did not differ between treatments.

However in cyclic cows, 25-d AI pregnancy rates were

greater (P < 0.05) in the 5SS than the 7SS treatment.

Breeding season pregnancy rate did not differ between

treatments (Table 1).


Table 1

Reproductive performance of postpartum beef cows receiving either a

7 d or 5 d Select-Synch + CIDR estrous synchronization program

(Expt 1)

Treatmenta

7SS 5SS

Variable

No. multiparous cows (�3 y of age) 67 65

No. primiparous cows (2 y of age) 12 12

Estrus response (%) 91.1 83.1

Conception rate (%) 51.4 56.3

First service pregnancy rate (%) 46.8 46.8

25-d AI pregnancy rate (%)b

All cows 62.0 68.8

Cyclic cows 55.8c 77.3d

Anestrous cows 69.4 57.6

Breeding season pregnancy rate (%) 82.3 85.7

a Cows in all experiments received 100 mg of GnRH and a CIDR on

either Day-7 (7SS) or Day-5 (5SS). On Day 0, the CIDR was with-

drawn and PGF2a (25 mg dinoprost tromethamine) was given. A

second, similar dose of PGF2a was given to all cows approximately

12 h later.b Treatment by reproductive status interaction; P < 0.05.c Means differ between treatments, P < 0.05.d Means differ between treatments, P < 0.05.

Fig. 1. Estrus distribution for postpartum beef cows synchronized

with either a 7 d (7SS) or 5 d (5SS) Select-Synch + CIDR program

(Expt 1). Visual estrus detection was performed twice daily (AM and

PM) for 7 d following PGF2a (dinoprost tromethamine) administra-

tion. In both treatments, two doses (25 mg) of PGF2a (dinoprost

tromethamine) were administered 12 h apart, with the initial dose

given at CIDR withdrawal.

20 AETA Newsletter

Save the Date!

September 16—19, 2009

AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Meeting

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Summer 2008 21

3.2. CO-Synch + CIDR, 7 d with timed AI at Hour

60 versus 5 d with timed AI at Hour 60

In Expt 2, approximately 59% of cows were anestrus

at the initiation of treatments (Table 2). Timed-AI

pregnancy rate and 25-d AI pregnancy rate did not differ

between the 7CO-60 and 5CO-60 treatments (Table 2).

There was a treatment by reproductive status interaction

(P < 0.05) for breeding season pregnancy rate. In cyclic

cows, breeding season pregnancy rate was similar

between treatments. In cows that were anestrus at

treatment initiation, breeding season pregnancy rate

was less (P < 0.05) in the 5CO-60 treatment compared

to the 7CO-60 treatment (Table 2).



In Expt 3, approximately 90% of cows were anestrus

at the initiation of treatments (Table 2). Timed-AI

pregnancy rate was approximately 13% greater

(P < 0.05) in the 5CO-72 treatment than in the 7CO-

60 treatment (Table 2). Neither 25-d AI pregnancy rate

nor breeding season pregnancy rate differed between

treatments and no significant interactions of parity or

reproductive status were detected (Table 2).



In Expt 4, over 80% of cows were cyclic at the

initiation of treatments at JARS, whereas, at EARS,

approximately 50% of cows were cyclic at treatment

initiation (Table 2). At JARS (n = 150), detection of

estrus was performed twice daily from Day 0 until

timed-AI in both treatments. The time of estrus, relative

to timed-AI, was greater (P = 0.05) in the 5CO-72

(�11.6 � 1.1 h) than the 7CO-60 (�8.3 � 1.2 h) treat-

ment. Distribution of estrus for cows at JARS is shown

(Fig. 2). When evaluated across locations (JARS and

EARS), the proportion of cows in estrus prior to timed-

AI (57.6%), at timed-AI (19.0%), or not in estrus

(23.3%) did not differ between treatments (Fig. 3).

Timed-AI pregnancy rate was approximately 9%


Table 2

Reproductive performance of postpartum beef cows receiving either a 7 d or 5 d CO-Synch + CIDRa estrous synchronization program

Variable 7CO-60 vs. 5CO-60,

Expt 2b7CO-60 vs. 5CO-72,

Expt 3c7CO-60 vs. 5CO-72,

Expt 4d

7 d 5 d 7 d 5 d 7 d 5 d

No. 112 111 111 105 201 199

Cyclic (%) 41.1 40.5 11.7 8.6 63.2 65.8

JARS – – – – 85.3 82.7

EARS – – – – 50.0 55.6

Timed-AI PR (%)e 52.7 56.8 66.7f 80.0g 56.2f 65.3g

25-d AI PR (%) 69.4 67.3 80.2 84.8 79.9 77.8

JARS – – – – 76.0 84.0

EARS – – – – 82.3h 74.0i

Season PR (%)j 96.4 90.9 93.7 96.2 89.4 90.9

Cyclic cows 93.3 97.7 – – – –

Anestrus cows 98.5f 86.4g – – – –

a Cows in all experiments received 100 mg of GnRH and a CIDR on either Day-7 (7CO) or Day-5 (5CO). On Day 0 the CIDR was withdrawn, and

PGF2a was given. A second dose of PGF2a was given to all cows approximately 12 h later.b Cows received dinoprost tromethamine (25 mg) at each PGF2a injection. Timed-AI was performed concomitantly with a second GnRH

treatment (100 mg) at 60 h after the first PGF2a injection in both the 7CO-60 and 5CO-60 treatment.c Cows received dinoprost tromethamine (25 mg) at each PGF2a injection. Timed-AI was performed concomitantly with a second GnRH

treatment (100 mg) at 60 h after the first PGF2a injection in the 7CO-60 treatment and 72 h after the first PGF2a injection in the 5CO-72 treatment.d Cows received cloprostenol sodium (500 mg) at each PGF2a injection. Timed-AI was performed concomitantly with a second GnRH treatment

(100 mg) at 60 h after the first PGF2a injection in the 7CO-60 treatment and 72 h after the first PGF2a injection in the 5CO-72 treatment.e PR = pregnancy rate.f Means differ between treatments within experiment, P < 0.05.g Means differ between treatments within experiment, P < 0.05.h Means tended (P = 0.08) to differ between treatments within experiment.i Means tended (P = 0.08) to differ between treatments within experiment.j Treatment by location interaction, P < 0.05.

22 AETA Newsletter

Summer 2008 23

greater (P < 0.05) in the 5CO-72 treatment than in the

7CO-60 treatment (Table 2). The magnitude of the

increase in timed AI pregnancy rate with the 5CO-72 as

compared to the 7CO-60 treatment appeared to be

greater (treatment x location; P = 0.083) at JARS (73.3

vs. 53.3%, respectively) than EARS (60.5 vs. 57.9%,

respectively). A treatment by location interaction

(P < 0.05) for 25-d AI pregnancy rate was observed.

At EARS, 25-d AI pregnancy rate tended (P = 0.08) to

be increased in the 7CO-60 treatment compared to the

5CO-72 treatment. At JARS 25-d AI pregnancy rate did

not differ between treatments. Breeding season preg-

nancy rate did not differ between treatments, and no

significant interactions of parity, reproductive status, or

location were detected.

4. Discussion

The objective of this collection of experiments was

to modify an existing GnRH-based, timed-AI program

based upon physiological principles, to attempt to

increase timed-AI pregnancy rates in suckled beef cows.

With the modified 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR program,

when timed-AI concomitant with GnRH was conducted

at 72 h post-PGF2a, timed-AI pregnancy rates were

increased in suckled beef cows. Across experiments, the

5CO-72 program increased timed-AI pregnancy rates

by 10.5% over the 7CO-60 program (7CO-60, 187/312

[59.9%]; 5CO-72, 214/304 [70.4%]). Moreover, based

on the lack of a statistical interaction of timed-AI

pregnancy rate with parity or reproductive status, we

inferred that the benefit of the 5CO-72 program was not

limited to a subgroup of animals, but increased

pregnancy rate across these classifications.

Increased pregnancy rates following timed-AI have

been observed in cows with increased estradiol at

induced ovulation [9]. Furthermore, Lopes et al. [15]

observed that greater plasma estradiol concentrations at

AI increased the likelihood of pregnancy in lactating

dairy cows. It was hypothesized that increased estradiol

production by the ovulatory follicle would be achieved if

luteal regression and withdrawal of the CIDR occurred

earlier relative to follicularwave emergence. Further, this

would occur as a result of the greater potential of younger

follicles to secrete estradiol relative to older follicles, and

a longer interval between PGF2a and second GnRH that

might be achieved with this approach. It has been

reported that growing dominant follicles, 4 d after

emergence, have increased intra-follicular estradiol con-

centrations and a greater capacity to produce estradiol

following in vitro cell culture than dominant follicles

evaluated later in the follicular wave [16]. Furthermore,


Fig. 3. Estrus classification for postpartum beef cows synchronized

with either a 7 d (7CO-60) or 5 d (5CO-72) CO-Synch + CIDR

program (Expt 4). Using visual estrus detection at timed-AI and tail

paint scores (1 = paint completely removed; 2 = paint obviously dis-

turbed by mounting and partially removed; 3 = paint largely undis-

turbed and no evidence of mounting), cows were classified as: (1) in

estrus before timed-AI (cows with an average tail paint score �2 at

timed-AI and not observed in estrus); (2) in estrus at timed-AI (visual

observation of estrus during the period of timed-AI regardless of tail

paint score); or (3) not in estrus (no visual detection of estrus and an

average tail paint score of �2.5). In both treatments, two doses

(500 mg) of PGF2a (cloprostenol sodium) were administered 12 h

apart, with the initial dose given at CIDR withdrawal. Timed-AI

concurrent with GnRH administration was performed at 60 h (7CO-

60) or 72 h (5CO-72) following the initial PGF2a administration.

Timed-AI pregnancy rates (%) for cows in each estrus classification

are reported in the parenthesis.

Fig. 2. Estrus distribution for postpartum beef cows synchronized

with either a 7 d (7CO-60) or 5 d (5CO-72) CO-Synch + CIDR

program (Expt 4) at JARS. Visual estrus detection was performed

twice daily (AM and PM) following PGF2a (cloprostenol sodium)

until timed-AI. In both treatments, two doses (500 mg) of PGF2a(cloprostenol sodium) were administered 12 h apart, with the initial

dose given at CIDR withdrawal. Timed-AI concurrent with GnRH

administration was performed at 60 h (7CO-60) or 72 h (5CO-72)

following the initial PGF2a administration. Timed-AI pregnancy rates

(%) for cows in each period of estrus are reported in parenthesis.

24 AETA Newsletter

concentrations of estradiol in the caudal vena cava were

greater [17] at approximately 3 d after emergence of the

first wave dominant follicle, compared to later in the

lifespan of this follicle. With a 5 d, as compared to a 7 d

program, follicles would be approximately 3–4 d, versus

5–6 d from emergence, respectively, at the time of luteal

regression and withdrawal of the CIDR. Based upon

these previous reports, greater concentrations of estra-

diol, or an extended period of elevated estradiol during

proestrus might be achieved with this approach, even

though follicles would be younger and perhaps of lesser

diameter at the time of PGF2a. This idea was supported

by results of Expt 1 and previous research from our

laboratory [18]. In Expt 1, treatmentswere designed such

that the interval from emergence of the future dominant

follicle to PGF2a treatment and withdrawal of the CIDR

was 2 d less in the 5SS than the 7SS treatment, in all cows

that responded to the initial GnRH treatment. Although

the age of the follicle in these females in the 5SS

treatment would be expected to be 48 h less than in the

7SS treatment at the time of PGF2a, spontaneous estrus

occurred at the same time in both treatments. Therefore,

we inferred that the younger and potentially smaller

follicles in the 5SS treatment were capable of producing

concentrations of estradiol that were sufficient to induce

estrus in a similar interval. We previously reported [18]

that when progesteronewas removed on either Day 1 or 4

of the follicular wave in cyclic heifers, the interval to

estrus only differed by approximately 13 h. Therefore,

even when the difference in age of the dominant follicle

was extended to 72 h, this was only marginally reflected

in the interval to estrus. It appears that relatively

immature follicles have the capacity to produce

concentrations of estradiol that are sufficient to induce

estrus at almost the same rate as older and larger

preovulatory follicles (once progesterone concentrations

were basal). Further research is necessary to describe the

dynamics of follicular growth and estradiol concentra-

tions in the 5 d programs evaluated in the present study.

The 7 dCO-Synch program resulted in a proportion of

cows that ovulated follicles of smaller than typical dia-

meter at timed-AI, which resulted in decreased fertility

[3,9]. These females had lower preovulatory estradiol

concentrations [9].We and others have presumed that the

smaller follicles at the time of synchronized ovulation

were the result of spontaneous atresia of follicles and

initiation of a newwave of follicular development during

the latter stages of the interval between the initial GnRH

treatment and PGF2a in cows that did not respond to the

first GnRH treatment. Reducing the length of this interval

from 7 to 5 d would be expected to reduce the likelihood

that this pattern of follicular growth would occur, and

result in greater estradiol concentrations during proestrus

in these females. Further research is necessary to

determine if this is a benefit of the 5 d program as

compared to the 7 d approach.

In Expt 1, changing the interval from emergence of a

dominant follicle to spontaneous estrus and ovulation did

not influence fertility, even though follicleswere younger

and would be expected to be of smaller diameter at the

time of spontaneous estrus in the 5 d program. Likewise,

if the same interval from PGF2a to timed-AI (60 h) was

used with the 5 d and 7 d CO-Synch + CIDR program

(Expt 2), timed-AI pregnancy rates did not differ between

treatments. Similarly, Perry et al. [9] observed that if

cows spontaneously exhibited estrus, diameter of the

ovulatory follicle did not influence conception rate to AI.

Findings of the present andprevious research suggest that

factors in addition to age and diameter of the dominant

follicle are critical to the likelihood of pregnancy.

In Expts 3 and 4, the decision was made to extend the

interval from PGF2a to GnRH to 72 h for the 5 d CO-

Synch + CIDR program and compare this to the

standard 60 h interval with the 7 d program. This

approach permitted us to test the effect of extending

proestrus on timed-AI pregnancy rates in cows with the

younger follicles resulting from the 5 d approach. For

the 7 d CO-Synch + CIDR program, Dobbins et al. [19]

compared pregnancy rates when timed-AI was per-

formed at 48, 56, 64, and 72 h after PGF2a; pregnancy

rates were maximized when timed-AI was performed at

56–64 h after PGF2a. Therefore in Expts 3 and 4, the

5CO-72 treatment was compared to the 7CO-60

treatment. Extending proestrus potentially increased

circulating concentrations of estradiol in the 5CO-72

treatment due to additional gonadotropic support for the

dominant follicle, particularly in those cows that were

in estrus after 60 h and cows that did not exhibit estrus.

The present studies did not directly determine if the

5CO-72 treatment increased preovulatory estradiol

concentrations or decreased the likelihood of sponta-

neous follicular turnover during CIDR treatment as

compared to the 7CO-60 treatment. It is evident that the

additional 12 h between PGF2a and GnRH in the 5CO-

72 treatment increased timed-AI pregnancy rates as

compared to the 7CO-60 treatment. This improvement

in fertility may be the result of an increased duration of

gonadotropic support of the ovulatory follicle and

increased estradiol prior to ovulation. Future experi-

ments are planned to determine if this is the case.

Additional factors, such as a reduced duration of

dominance of the ovulatory follicle [20,21], may also

have contributed to the improved fertility observed with

the 5 d program. In addition, investigations are under-


Summer 2008 25

way to determine if the increased timed-AI pregnancy

rate associated with the 5CO-72 treatment can be

achieved with a single injection of PGF2a.

In summary, reducing the interval from GnRH to

PGF2a from 7 to 5 d, administering two injections of

PGF2a approximately 12 h apart, and extending the

period from thefirst PGF2a to timed-AI from60 h to 72 h,

substantially increased timed-AI pregnancy rates in

suckled beef cows. The 5 d CO-Synch + CIDR program

with timed-AI at 72 h was an effective estrous

synchronization program to facilitate AI in all classes

of beef cows.

Acknowledgements

Salaries and research support provided by State and

Federal funds appropriated to the Ohio Agricultural

Resource Development Center (OARDC; Manuscript

No. 2/08AS). Appreciation is expressed to Select Sires,

Plain City, OH, USA, and COBA/Select Sires, Colum-

bus, OH, USA for funding provided to support this

research and semen donations. Gratitude is extended to

PfizerAnimal Health (NewYork, NY,USA) for donation

of Lutalyse1, estroPLAN1 and CIDR1 and to IVX

Animal Heath (St. Joseph, MO, USA) for donation of

OvaCyst1. The assistance ofGregg Fogle and staff at the

OSUBeef andSheepCenter, Columbus,OH,USA;Gene

Balthaser and the staff at the Jackson Agricultural

Research Center, Jackson, OH, USA, andWayne Shriver

and the staff at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center,

Belle Valley, OH, USA, is also recognized.

References

[1] Geary TW, Whittier JC. Effects of a timed insemination follow-

ing synchronization of ovulation using the Ovsynch or COSynch

protocol in beef cows. Prof Anim Sci 1998;14:217–20.

[2] Geary TW, Salverson RR, Whittier JC. Synchronization of

ovulation using GnRH or hCG with the CO-Synch protocol in

suckled beef cows. J Anim Sci 2001;79:2536–41.

[3] Lamb GC, Stevenson JS, Kesler DJ, Garverick HA, Broan DR,

Salfen BE. Inclusion of an intravaginal progesterone insert plus

GnRH and prostaglandin F2a for ovulation control in postpartum

suckled beef cows. J Anim Sci 2001;79:2253–9.

[4] Martınez MF, Kastelic JP, Adams GP, Cook B, Olson WO,

Mapletoft RJ. The use of progestins in regimens for fixed-time

artificial insemination in beef cattle. Theriogenology 2002;57:

1049–59.

[5] Stevenson JS, Lamb GC, Johnson SK, Medina-Britos MA,

Grieger DM, Harmoney KR, et al. Supplemental norgestomet,

progesterone, or melengestrol acetate increases pregnancy rates

in suckled beef cows after timed inseminations. J Anim Sci

2003;81:571–86.

[6] Larson JE, Lamb GC, Stevenson JS, Johnson SK, Day ML,

Geary TW, et al. Synchronization of estrus in suckled beef cows

for detected estrus and artificial insemination and timed artificial

insemination using gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prosta-

glandin F2a, and progesterone. J Anim Sci 2006;84:332–42.

[7] Kasimanickam R, Collins JC, Wuenschell J, Currin JC, Hall JB,

Whittier WD. Effect of timing of prostaglandin administration,

controlled internal drug release removal and gonadotropin

releasing hormone administration on pregnancy rate in fixed-

time AI protocols in crossbred Angus cows. Theriogenology

2006;66:166–72.

[8] Geary TW, Downing ER, Bruemmer JE, Whittier JC. Ovarian

and estrous response of suckled beef cows to the select synch

estrous synchronization protocol. Prof Anim Sci 2000;16:1–5.

[9] Perry GA, Smith MF, Lucy MC, Green JA, Parks TE, MacNeil

MD, et al. Relationship between follicle size at insemination and

pregnancy success. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2005;102:5268–73.

[10] Mussard ML, Burke CR, Day ML. Ovarian follicle maturity at

induced ovulation influences fertility in cattle. In: Proceedings of

the Annual Conference of the Society for Theriogenology; 2003.

p. 179–85.

[11] Mussard ML, Burke CR, Gasser CL, Behlke EJ, Colliflower KA,

Grum DE, et al. Ovulatory response, luteal function and fertility

in cattle induced to ovulate dominant follicles of early or late

maturity. Biol Reprod 2003;68(Suppl. 1):332 [Abstract].

[12] Bridges GA, Mussard ML, Gasser CL, Grum DE, Day ML.

Influence of duration of proestrus on circulating estradiol, the LH

surge, and luteal function in cattle. J Anim Sci 2004;82(Suppl.

1):102 [Abstract].

[13] Mussard ML, Burke CR, Behlke EJ, Gasser CL, Day ML.

Influence of premature induction of an LH surge with GnRH

on ovulation, luteal function and fertility in cattle. J Anim Sci

2007;85:937–43.

[14] Burke CR, Mussard ML, Gasser CL, Grum DE, Day ML.

Estradiol benzoate delays new follicular wave emergence in a

dose-dependent manner after ablation of the dominant ovarian

follicle in cattle. Theriogenology 2003;60:647–58.

[15] Lopes AS, Butler ST, Gilbert RO, Butler WR. Relationship of

pre-ovulatory follicle size, estradiol concentrations and season to

pregnancy outcome in dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci

2007;99:34–43.

[16] Valdez KE, Cuneo SP, Gorden PJ, Turzillo AM. The role of

thecal androgen production in the regulation of estradiol bio-

synthesis by dominant bovine follicles during the first follicular

wave. J Anim Sci 2005;83:597–603.

[17] Rhodes FM, Fitzpatrick LA, Entwistle KW, Kinder JE. Hormone

concentrations in the caudal vena cava during the first ovarian

follicular wave of the oestrous cycle in heifers. J Reprod Fert

1995;104:33–9.

[18] Burke CR,Mussard ML, GrumDE, DayML. Effects of maturity

of the potential ovulatory follicle on induction of oestrus and

ovulation in cattle with oestradiol benzoate. Anim Reprod Sci

2001;66:161–74.

[19] Dobbins CA, Tenhouse DE, Eborn DR, Harmoney KR, Johnson

SK, Stevenson JS. Conception rates after altered timing of AI

associated with the CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. J Anim Sci

2006;84(Suppl. 1):50 [Abstract].

[20] Santos JE, ThatcherWW, Chebel RC, Cerri RL, Galvao KN. The

effect of embryonic death rates in cattle on the efficacy of estrus

synchronization programs. Anim Reprod Sci 2004;82/83:513–

35.

[21] Thatcher WW, Bilby TR, Bartolome JA, Silvestre F, Staples CR,

Santos JEP. Strategies for improving fertility in the modern dairy

cow. Theriogenology 2006;65:30–44.


26 AETA Newsletter

NOMINEES FOR 2008–2009 AETA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Glenn Engelland, DVM, received his degree from Kansas State University in 1983. After working at Northglen Embryo Transfer for 2 years, he started his own practice in Salina, Kansas, where he houses donors, furnishes and houses recipients, and does on-farm embryo transfer in a two-veterinary practice with three full-time employees. He has been AETA-certified since 1991. Engelland has served previously on the AETA board of directors and is currently serving on the Certification Committee.Engelland and his wife, Kay, have 2 children. Their daughter, Erin, is a schoolteacher in Kansas City, and their son, Alex, is a sophomore at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Engelland is on the Saline County Extension Board, Saline County Health Board, Saline County Fair Board, and Christian Education Task Force at Trinity United Methodist Church. After 25 years, he remains passionate and committed to this profes-sion and the embryo transfer industry. He would welcome the opportunity to serve as a board member.

Stan Huels, DVM, grew up on a registered Holstein farm in Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois, where he received a BS in dairy science (1979) and an MS in reproductive physiology (1982). He began Huels Embryo Transfer Service in 1982. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a DVM in 1988. Since 1995, Huels has operated an embryo transfer exclusive practice. Huels Embryo Transfer Service has been an AETA-certified business since 1992. Huels and his wife, Dr. Nanci Wood-Huels, have two sons, Marcus (17 years) and Matthew (14 years), and they reside in Altamont, Illinois.

Lee Jones, MS, DVM, was born and raised in Georgia, and his parents still live in Gray, Georgia. His grandfather owned and operated a dairy near Nichols, Georgia, until it was bought out in 1985, and his father grew up on a small farm near Gray. Jones graduated from Jones County High School in Gray, Georgia, in 1980. He received his BS in biology from Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1984 and his MS in dairy science (reproductive physiology) from the University of Georgia in Athens in 1987. His major professor was Dr. Russ Page.

After graduation, Jones joined the staff at Granada Genetics in Marquez, Texas, where he worked for Drs. Charles Looney and Mike Wilson. He was project leader for the recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone research, and livestock project manager for several transgenic and nuclear transfer projects. He explored the use of transrectal ultrasound in managing a commercial embryo transfer recipient herd, assisted Brad Lindsey and Dr. Dan Miller in developing the Aloka

continued on p. 25

Summer 2008 27

transducer handle and needle guide for transvaginal ovum pickup and in vitro fertilization in cows, and managed the research donor and recipient herds until Granada was closed in 1991. In 1992 he went to work for Dr. Darrel DeGroft at Colorado Genetics in Loveland, Colorado, as production manager for this commercial embryo transfer facility, which maintained donors and recipients as well as a commercial in vitro fertilization program. In 1994 he entered veterinary school at Colorado State University and graduated in May of 1998.

After graduating from veterinary school, he began work at Medicine Valley Veterinary Hospital in Curtis, Nebraska, as a rural general practitioner. In 2001 he and his wife, Katy, founded Frontier Genetics International, a commercial embryo transfer facility providing on-farm and in-clinic beef cattle and equine reproductive services. Frontier Genetics International is a USDA-approved and AETA-certified embryo transfer business.

The Joneses have been married for 19 years and have 3 children. Ethan, 17, is involved in varsity wrestling, track and cross country, 4-H livestock shows, and FFA; is working on his Eagle Scout project; and is a youth leader at church. Elise, 12, is involved in junior high volleyball and basketball, and 4-H swine and horses. Molly, 11, is involved with English hunter/jumper and dressage and 4-H livestock, owns a sheep flock, and has a paper route. Katy is assistant equestrian coach at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis and helps run Frontier Genetics International.

Jones is a member of AETA, IETS, NVMA (director 2006–2007, Large Animal CE chairman 2008), AVMA, AAEP, SFT, and AABP (Reproduction Committee chairman 2003–2006). He is a member of the Beef Leadership Team (2004–2008) of the North Central Region Reproductive Task Force, which hosts the Applied Reproductive Strategies workshops. Jones has coordinated several seminars for veterinarians on embryo transfer, estrous synchro-nization and reproductive ultrasound, and using reproductive technologies in a beef cattle practice at the Western Veterinary Conference, NVMA, and IETS. He is a scoutmaster for Troop 246 in Curtis, certified lay speaker, and lay leader for the United Methodist Church and is the Habitat for Humanity director for Frontier County.

Jones states, “I have had a wonderful opportunity to work with many people who have committed a lot to AETA. They have been mentors and models for me in practice and our profession. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve AETA as a director. I will strive to continue the quality leadership that guided our organization in its first 25 years. As a director I will work to serve the members, build professional relationships with other organizations, and enhance our reputation and recognition within the veterinary and animal science communities. I appreciate the nomination. I would also appreciate your vote for me as a director of the AETA.”

Rick Leone, DVM, is a 1988 graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colo-rado State University. He and his wife, Trish, their daughter, Gabriella, and their son, Valentino, own and operate Peak View Animal Hospital and Peak View Reproductive Services. Their home and business are located in the southeast corner of Colorado in the small rural town of Fowler. Along with the veterinary business, Leone and his wife have a small ranch with Leone’s parents, John and Virginia.

Peak View Reproductive Services began performing embryo transfer in both horses and cattle in 2003. It maintains in-house herds of recipient mares and cows.

Leone was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine by the gov-ernor in 2005. He is an active member of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. He also holds memberships in the Society for Theriogenology, the American Associa-tion of Bovine Practitioners, the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Leone states, “I appreciate the opportunity to represent the American Embryo Transfer Association. Being a member and participating in the association has been a great and enriching experience for me.”

Nominees, continued from p. 25

28 AETA Newsletter

Reprinted with permission: G. E. Portillo, G. A. Bridges, J. W. de Araurjo, M.-K. V. Shaw, F. N. Schrick, W. W. Thatcher, and J. V. Yelich. Response to GnRH on day 6 of the estrous cycle is diminished as the percentage of Bos indicus breeding increases in Angus, Brangus, and Brahman × Angus heifers. Animal Reproduction Science. 103, pp 38–51. Copyright Elsevier 2008.

Summer 2008 29

30 AETA Newsletter

“MULTIMIN® Makes a Difference –I am a Firm Believer in this Product.”I've been in veterinary practice 30 years, and in school they taught us you can't get nutritionvia a needle. When MULTIMIN came out, I didn't use it for awhile because I still thought that ifcattle needed mineral you should put a supplement out for them to eat.

A client with 35 heifers heard MULTIMIN was supposed to make them breed better and askedme to order some. I palpated the heifers 60 days after he put them with the bull and all but onewas bred. In our dry region this was an amazingly good conception rate.

An Angus breeder with 60 heifers had been trying to get them bred for nearly 90 days andabout 18 were not bred yet. We gave them MULTIMIN and checked them again in 45 days and17 were bred. Results like this got me thinking seriously about the benefits of MULTIMIN. Tohave this many conceive was more than you would expect. That convinced me.

MULTIMIN also enhances fertility in dairy cows. In most dairies it takes 3 to 6 breedings perconception. Using MULTIMIN dropped it to about 2. We've also been giving it to stockers upon arrival and theoverall health has improved.

I've used MULTIMIN on cattle, sheep and goats and am pleased with the results. I went from being thebiggest non-believer in the world to a firm believer in this product.

REQUIRED

See what MULTIMIN® Cattle 70 mg can do for you!Get the Facts www.multiminglobal.com

Copyright © 2007. All Rights Reserved. BLB MM-4215 07/07 1-866-269-6467 • 1-559-791-1000

Laird Laurence, DVMFredericksburg, Texas

Protected by US Patent # 7285 292.

New Certification Exam Thursday, October 16, 2008

9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Exam for members seeking new certification Applications must be postmarked no later than September 15, 2008 Form and guidelines available at http://www.aeta.org

Certification Exam Notice

Certification Forum Saturday, October 18, 2008

7:30 a.m.

AETA certification represents a cornerstone of the Association. Certified and non-certified member alike are welcome to stop by for an informal certification forum. The committee and chairman Steve Malin will be available at this session

to inform, encourage, review and exchange ideas as we build on this principle of self-regulation.

Annual Certification Program Saturday, October 18, 2008

11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. Discussion of pertinent certification issues Required session for current Certified ETB’s Short, graded exam over significant information

Summer 2008 31

IN ANY LANGUAGE, AETA CERTIFICATIONSTANDS FOR EXPERIENCE AND QUALITY.Qualified PersonnelKey personnel have taken and passed acomprehensive exam.

Exceeds High StandardsFacilities, collection and transfer proceduresare subject to inspection by the AETA.

Experience & EquipmentThe qualified individual (s) taking the examination must have performed a minimum of 50 embryo recoveries of superovulated females and handle 250 embryos of which at least 100 were transferred to recipients females and at least 100 were frozen within the last 12 months.

European Export ApprovedAETA certified companies, after inspectionby the USDA, can freeze embryos that can beexported to the 15 countries in the Europeancommunity.

Canadian ApprovalAETA certified companies can freezeembryos to be shipped to Canada, with notesting of the donor dam.

ADD THE MARK OF EXCELLENCE KNOWN AROUND THE WORLDTO YOUR FIRM’S MARKETING PLANS TODAY! American Embryo Transfer Association 1111 North Dunlap Avenue Savoy, IL 61874 phone: 217.398.2217 fax: 217.398.4119 email: [email protected]

The Mark OfExcellence KnownAround The World

The Mark OfExcellence KnownAround The World

• Available in 1, 2and 3L bags

• Most Cost EffectiveComplete Flushing Mediain the Market Today

• Complete ZwitterionicBuffered BioFree Mediawith PVA as the surfactant

New emP3™ Flushing Media

TOLL FREE Ph: 1-866-690-4998 Fax: 1-866-216-3335

Call us for our latest Data Package or visit our websitewww.partnaranimalhealth.com for our complete catalog

EMP3 Flushing media:EMP3 Flushing media 3/18/08 3:51 PM Page 1

32 AETA Newsletter

a closer look - american embryo transfer association (aeta) · e-mail: [email protected] dr. allen...

Documents