Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET)
While users of AI benefit from the improved genetics that sires can offer, MOET allows genetically elite ewes to produce more lambs than they can through natural mating.
The number of lambs that one ewe can produce from one session of MOET ranges from 1 to 12 or more depending on the breed.
How is it done?
- Attention to detail to the preparation of the donor and recipient ewes (surrogate mothers) is essential for good results. This is carried out on farm by the breeder.
- Synchronisation and superovulation is achieved by following detailed programme and management advice provided by us. It is a 4-week programme which includes a 12 day treatment with an intra vaginal device and 4 days of twice daily injections.
- Six days after fertilisation by either pen mating or AI two or more people from Genetic Gains travel to the farm to recover and transfer the embryos into recipient ewes as singles or twins. The vet for the property is invited to be involved in the programme and to assist on the day.
Traditionally, the hold rate of embryos collected and implanted fresh on the same day has been around 85%.
Implantation of Frozen/Thawed Embryos
Although attention to detail is still essential, the thawing and implantation of frozen/thawed embryos is a simpler process.
- Recipient ewes are prepared on farm by the breeder by following the detailed programme and management recommendations we provide.
- On the day of surgery, two or more people from Genetic Gains travel to the farm to thaw and transfer the embryos into recipient ewes as singles or twins. The vet for the property is invited to be involved in the programme and to assist on the day.
- While the generally accepted hold rate for frozen and thawed embryos is 60%, our programmes have usually resulted in approximately 70% live lambs born.
It is always a privilege to do AI, MOET and implantation of frozen/thawed embryos for breeders. It is exciting to be closely involved in accelerating the genetic performance of their stud flocks, to discuss breeding programmes and to see the results that dedication to their sheep brings.
Do you need to implant imported embryos or breed more progeny from your top ewes?
