At 605 Sires + Donors, we are committed to providing cutting-edge reproductive solutions for breeders looking to optimize their genetic programs. Two of the most effective reproductive technologies available today are In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Embryo Transfer (ET). While both methods offer significant advantages, understanding the differences can help breeders choose the best approach for their herd.

IVF vs. Embryo Transfer: Key Differences

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

IVF allows breeders to create embryos using oocytes (unfertilized eggs) collected directly from donor cows or heifers. These oocytes are fertilized in a controlled lab environment and then transferred fresh into recipients or frozen for later use.

IVF Advantages:

  • Averages 4-6 embryos per collection
  • Can be performed on pregnant cows up to 120 days
  • Suitable for virgin heifers and infertile cows
  • Shorter procedure intervals (every 14 days)
  • Uses less semen per donor (a single straw can fertilize multiple donors)
  • Compatible with sexed and reverse-sorted semen

IVF Disadvantages:

  • Slightly lower pregnancy rates than ET (6-7% lower for fresh transfers, 10% lower for frozen)
  • Slightly higher cost per embryo

Embryo Transfer (ET)

ET involves hormonally treating donor cows to induce ovulation of multiple follicles. The donor is then inseminated using artificial breeding, and embryos are collected via a non-surgical procedure seven days later.

ET Advantages:

  • Averages 5-6 embryos per collection
  • Higher pregnancy rates than IVF in both fresh and frozen transfers
  • Lower cost per embryo for high-producing donors

ET Disadvantages:

  • Can only be done every 45-60 days
  • Limited availability of sexed semen
  • Requires more semen per donor
  • Higher boarding costs
  • Not available for pregnant cows

What is Reverse Sorting?

Reverse sorting is an advanced technique that allows breeders to sort previously frozen conventional semen into male or female sperm cells before fertilization. This gender-specific approach ensures breeders can produce embryos tailored to their herd’s goals.

The process, licensed by ST Genetics, takes place on the day after Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) in our Marion, SD, embryo lab. Using flow cytometry, sperm cells are sorted based on their fluorescence to achieve ~90% accuracy in gender selection. This technology provides more control over breeding outcomes while maintaining semen quality and effectiveness in IVF procedures.

Donor Housing: A State-of-the-Art Facility

Our brand-new donor housing facility is now complete! Designed to maximize donor health and comfort, the facility includes:

  • Small group housing (5-12 cows per pen)
  • Loafing shed & fence-line feeding system
  • Spacious grass traps for exercise and a natural environment

This new facility ensures that donors are managed in optimal conditions for successful breeding and embryo collection.

Pregnant Recipients Now Available

Through our partnership with Madison Genetics in Madison, SD, we offer high-quality pregnant recipients (recips) for purchase. Each recipient cow is health-checked, screened for disposition, structure, and body condition, ensuring top-tier genetics for breeding programs.

📞 Contact: Cody Williams (605-695-0931) or Sheryl Vanhove (605-480-4186) for more information.

Semen Options at 605 Sires + Donors

We provide a variety of semen options to meet your breeding needs:

  • Conventional Semen
  • Sexed Semen
  • CSS Certified Semen
  • Fresh Semen

With advancements in reproductive technology, breeders now have more tools than ever to enhance herd genetics, improve pregnancy rates, and increase efficiency. At 605 Sires + Donors, we are here to help you navigate these options and choose the best reproductive strategies for your herd.