Use of embryo transfer in future cattle breeding schemes

Abstract

The present use of traditionally selected bull dams as donors for MOET has very little influence on the rate of genetic progress. The main reason is that the estimated breeding values of older potential bull dams frequently are biased. The rate of genetic gain can be increased by 30–50% by using MOET on yearling females to produce young bulls and potential bull dams. Both the yearling donors and their dams should be daughters of highly selected progeny tested bulls. MOET, and other new reproductive technologies offer increased rate of genetic improvement and the chance to exploit heterotic effects. The breeding systems are expected to be changed towards more hierarchical schemes including establishment of nucleus breeding units. A proposal for the frame of a future breeding scheme is outlined. The scheme is an open MOET hybrid scheme including field progeny testing of bulls and performance testing of potential bull dams and young bulls.