THE rapid pace of reproductive technologies in livestock industries has been a worldwide phenomenon.  The development of hormone-free In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), direct-thaw frozen embryo programs, and greatly improved success rates have transformed the way producers in many livestock sectors view the role of artificial breeding.

The Australian beef industry is no different, with many producers increasingly exposed to, or considering implementing an IVF program within their beef breeding enterprises.

Commercial role for IVF?

For many producers, increasing the speed of genetic gain has often been seen in the context of using basic artificial insemination. Taking a step towards more advanced forms of reproductive technologies has often been considered a strategy only applicable to seedstock production.

While this may be a view that was commonly held up until only a few years ago, the rapid developments in IVF technology have potentially opened opportunities for producers that are now commercially viable and logistically possible in most systems.

It is worth noting the subtle differences in the application of AI and IVF in genetic improvement in beef production systems.

An AI program is generally aimed at introducing new sire genetics into a herd at a relatively low cost (compared to purchasing an elite sire at auction) and at low risk. In essence, it is a male-driven genetic improvement decision reliant on selection of superior sires.

In contrast an IVF program focusses on multiplying elite female genetics from females within a herd. In effect, it allows a producer to identify the maternal lines that perform and have proven their performance in a herd and accelerate their influence more swiftly than would be possible through natural reproduction or AI.

This process additionally allows producers the opportunity to more efficiently and strategically utilise genetics from superior sires on those maternal lines. This becomes a more effective way to fast-track genetic gain than relying on sire-driven improvement alone.

While many producers may appreciate this opportunity, there are often concerns around the logistical challenges (along with the success rate) of implementing an IVF program. However modern IVF programs are generally designed to integrate into commercial production systems (at least in reasonably closely managed herds) without requiring significant changes to management programs.

The process of IVF commences with collection of eggs from selected cows – based on a producer’s decisions around desired production or genetic values.

After fertilisation in the laboratory, embryos are either transferred fresh into synchronised recipients or frozen for later use. Regardless of the method of transfer, success relies heavily on the preparation of recipient animals.

Andrew Donoghue

However in conversations during International Dairy Week with Vytelle’s regional director for Australia & NZ, Andrew Donoghue, the largest concern many producers appeared to have regarding IVF was not the process of the program, but rather the misconceptions regarding frozen embryos.

For many producers, decisions regarding fresh or frozen embryos have an impact across several factors, such as on farm logistics, as well as distance and access to livestock and facilities as well as on success of the program. Fresh embryo transfers are generally associated with slightly higher pregnancy rates. However, this success is dependent on exact timing between collection and synchronisation of recipients. This generally makes logistics more difficult and is a factor in many commercial producers’ reluctance to consider this form of reproduction.

Frozen embryos present an alternative option, particularly where logistics or geographic spread are a factor for producers to manage.

The vice president of operations for Vytelle, Dr Bruno Sanches noted in presentations (including one I heard during the 2023 Zoetis Angus National Conference) that “relying on the logistics of fresh embryos is very risky.”

“Leveraging frozen embryos – having those embryos sit in the tank ready to be used at the best time – is what will move this industry even faster,” he said.

Fresh versus frozen

Historically there is a significant difference in success rates between fresh and frozen embryo programs. Typically, the broader IVF industry has experienced as much as a15-20pc difference in success between the two methods.

However, the development of new approaches to IVF, including the media used to develop embryos through the process of Direct Thaw, have made a significant improvement on success rates for frozen programs.

Data presented by during a presentation I saw during the Beef 2024 event in Rockhampton last year by Vytelle showed global pregnancy rates of 48pc with frozen embryo transfers, compared to 52pc with fresh transfers.

Although much of the success of embryo development can be attributed to the media used, for commercial producers the actual process of Direct Thaw has had a greater impact on simplifying on-farm embryo handling.

Embryos are thawed in a warm water bath and immediately transferred into recipients. This removes the need to undertake rehydration in laboratory processes.

One of the key advantages promoted by companies such as Vytelle has been the increase in operational flexibility. The transfer of fresh embryos requires matching recipient readiness precisely to the timing of donor collections.

Utilising frozen embryos, producers can plan larger transfer days, opening the potential to create defined calving periods, as well as better managing labour availability or seasonal constraints.

As Dr Sanches noted in his comments, “Frozen embryos give producers more control – you can store them until the time and conditions are right.”

Preparation

Importantly, the success of any IVF program – whether using fresh or frozen embryos – still relies heavily on the preparation and management of recipient cows.

Good quality embryos require healthy, cycling, disease-free recipients managed to a high standard to ensure the investment translates into viable pregnancies.

For commercial beef producers, the opportunity to strategically multiply proven maternal genetics, combined with the flexibility offered by frozen embryo technology, presents a genuine opportunity to accelerate genetic gain across herds.

As the technology continues to improve and integrate into commercial practice, IVF stands to become a far more common and accessible tool for herd improvement in Australian beef enterprises.

Alastair Rayner is Principal of RaynerAg.  Alastair has over 28 years’ experience advising beef producers & graziers across Australia.   He can be contacted here or through his website www.raynerag.com.au