A review of simulation analyses of economics and genetics for the use of in-vitro produced embryos and artificial insemination in dairy herds.

Albert De Vries,Karun Kaniyamattam

doi:10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0020

Abstract

The use of in-vitro produced (IVP) embryo transfer (ET) in dairy herds is growing fast. Much of this growth is on dairy farms where the focus is on milk production and not on selling breeding stock. The value of implementing IVP-ET in a dairy herd arises from a higher genetic merit of the IVP-embryo, but the cost to produce a pregnancy with an IVP embryo is greater than the cost of artificial insemination (AI). The first objective of this study was to review estimates of the net benefit of using IVP-ET over AI in dairy herds using existing literature. Another objective was to show how much IVP-ET use in a herd is optimal. Most of the literature is based on simulation modeling, including our own work that focuses on the dairy industry in the USA. We found that the most profitable use of AI and IVP-ET is often a combination of the two. More IVP-ET should be used when the value of surplus calves is greater and the cost of IVP-ET is lower, among many other factors. In the future, use of IVP-ET will be further improved by more accurately identifying superior donors and recipients, reducing the generation interval, and achieving greater efficiency in embryo production.

Highlights

Artificial insemination (AI) and in-vitro produced (IVP)-embryos for embryo transfer (ET) are two reproductive technologies that result in genetic gain by propagating offspring from animals with greater genetic merit
One report states that the combination of IVP-ET with sexed semen and genomic selection is being successfully and widely used in North America, South America and Europe (Ferré et al, 2020)
Natural service accounts for approximately a quarter of all dairy breedings

Summary

Introduction

Artificial insemination (AI) and in-vitro produced (IVP)-embryos for embryo transfer (ET) are two reproductive technologies that result in genetic gain by propagating offspring from animals with greater genetic merit. Selection of superior females in the herd reduces the genetic lag with service sires. Use of female sexed semen in younger animals or selection of surplus heifer calves based on genomic test results, produces dairy calves that are on average better than the average unselected dairy calf from the herd.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion