Spring is here and the Bova-Tech schedule is filling up very quickly.  Our main directive is the collection and processing of top-quality embryos for your program, whether it is for immediate transplant or cryopreservation and storage for use or marketing at a later date.  Please contact the office as soon as possible to secure a date for your implants, In-Vivo Conventional Flushing or In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) requirements at 403-332-1567 or email info@bova-tech.com.

This month's newsletter shares a few key points to remember as we head into the busy season. But first we would like to take a moment to wish you a very Happy Easter! We look forward to visiting with all our friends and clients this spring.

~ Andres, Melissa & Lisa

Please note that Donor cows must be at least 60 days post-partum before the in-vivo program starts or 70-100 days into lactation for dairy cows.

Setting up and Artificially Inseminating donor cows must be done precisely.  Once your appointment is booked we will send you the protocols and the drugs required.

Synchronization needs to begin 16 days prior to the on-farm flush, please ensure you have provided us with the tattoo of the donor.  If you plan to implant fresh or frozen embryos we will need to know how many recipients to set up.  If the frozen embryos are stored at BTL please advise us so we can bring them to your farm.  If they are stored at an alternate facility please contact that facility to pay for storage and have them released to Bova-Tech.

On-Farm Flushing

BTL will send you all the necessary drugs, and provide detailed instructions for their use to insure the best possible results.  Cows will be flushed on farm via the BTL Export Certified Mobile Lab.

Embryo Transfer

We can transfer fresh or frozen embryos as required; the synchronization protocols for recipient females are simple and easy to follow allowing you to keep recipients on-farm if you wish.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography allows us to examine the reproductive tract of donors and recipients cows which enables us to make better decisions on the use of super-ovulatory treatments and timing for synchronization protocols. Ultrasonography also makes a recipient program more efficient by allowing us to re-implant or re-synchronize recipients at sooner intervals after the last implant.

Storage and Transfer of Embryos

If you are selling embryos or having them transferred to another facility, please contact your embryo storage facility to pay for and release the embryos. When releasing embryos, please include the complete name, address, phone and email address of the purchaser. Also have the purchaser contact the place of storage in order to get the shipping organized. It is the purchaser's responsibility to make shipping arrangements and pay for the handling and shipping costs unless the seller has made previous arrangements with the storage facility.

If you have purchased embryos or need to transfer them from one storage facility to another, please contact the storage facility with your shipping instructions, pay the shipping and transfer fees. The breeding season is very busy and tanks may not be readily available so this could take a few extra days. If you are releasing your embryos to Bova-Tech our shipping address is 42128 Township Road 272, Rocky View, Alberta T4C 3A4.

If you are new to BTL we would like to introduce you to our team

1. Nutrition:

Cows need to be under a good nutritional plan including mineral supplementation. Maintaining or increasing an acceptable body condition. Cows losing condition or over-conditioned have a lower reproductive activity.

2. Reproductive tract examination:

It is always recommended that cows are palpated and tested by ultrasound before entering into the ET program. When preparing donor cows to be done on-farm, your local veterinarian can examine your cows to determine the status of their reproductive tract.

Uterus:

Normal uterus involution after calving. Discard the presence of pathological conditions including uterine infections, if there is a problem, it needs to be treated accordingly before a cow is placed into an ET program. Ensure that the cows are open.

Ovaries:

Determine the presence and quality of normal ovarian structures. Cycling vs. non-cycling. Presence of abnormalities such as cystic ovaries, adhesions of scar tissue, etc.

3. Health:

Vaccinations should be up to date. Pay special attention when using modified live vaccines for BVD and IBR. If vaccinating, cows need to be done 40 days or more before starting the super-ovulation protocol. Do not dip the cows with pour on medications for at least 10 days before starting the super-ovulation protocol.

4. Handling:

Handle donors calmly and keep them under as low stress environment as possible. CIDR application and injections can be administered by the producer right on-farm. Apply CIDRs. It is recommended to rinse and disinfect your CIDR applicator between cows. Ensure that all injections are administered intramuscularly (the neck region is preferred especially in over-conditioned cows).  When giving injections, always check donors to ensure the CIDR is still in place.

5. Insemination/Semen:

Two inseminations are required and are performed 12 hours apart; the timing of the 1st breeding will depend on the super-ovulation protocol to be used.

Use high quality semen, in general it is recommended to have three dosages of semen on hand in case one may explode or the cow shows an extended heat that will require a 3rd breeding. On some occasions and under specific circumstances a few more straws of semen will be recommended. If there is any doubt regarding the quality of the semen to be used, please let us know. We can evaluate frozen semen prior to use, increasing the chances for success by discarding potentially infertile or sub-fertile semen. Save all semen straws for us and attach them to the super-ovulation record.

6. Flushing Day:

It is recommended to have an indoor place to flush the donors since at certain times of the year the environmental conditions can be unpredictable. Donor cows cannot be flushed outdoors when it's raining, too cold, or extremely windy. Have the super-ovulation record filled out and returned to us. Please check and let us know if the cow needs to be DNA tested.

NOTE: Keep us informed with the development of the program. In case of any problems or if you have any questions, please let us know so we can help with the situation before is too late. Make sure the instructions are understood and followed precisely, since these programs are very sensitive.