Embryo Transfer in Cattle Can Be Profitable – Vet Guide 2025 🐄💰

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. Embryo transfer (ET) allows top cows to produce multiple calves yearly—but only if pregnancies succeed. This 2025 guide explores hormonal strategies, especially HCG supplementation, to improve ET outcomes, reduce pregnancy loss, and maximize profitability—with Ask A Vet support for planning and execution.

1. Why Embryo Transfer?

ET accelerates genetic progress by letting elite females produce several progenies annually. However, costs must be offset by high conception and live birth rates. Understanding and managing the ET process is key to financial success.

2. Progesterone’s Role in Pregnancy Maintenance

Progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, is essential for pregnancy establishment and maintenance—without it, ET success falters. Enhancing progesterone post-ET reduces early pregnancy loss.

3. HCG Boosts Progesterone via Extra Corpus Luteum

• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG): Administered ~7 days post-ovulation, HCG prompts formation of an additional corpus luteum.
• Higher progesterone: Enhances uterine support and embryo viability.
• Lab‑produced embryos: IVF embryos are more fragile—requiring more uterine support.

4. Evidence from Recent Study

A trial with 300 Holstein heifers compared HCG‑treated recipients to controls. While initial pregnancy rates weren't higher, pregnancy loss between days 32–67 was halved in HCG group—doubling ET success beyond early gestation.

5. Maximizing ET Profitability

• Plan ET timing: Schedule HCG injection at correct luteal stage (~day 7).
• Sync recipient cycles: Align donor and recipient progesterone profiles.
• Pregnancy testing: Check early (30–35 days) and again mid-gestation.
• Record-keeping: Track conception, loss rates, HCG usage, calf output.

6. Ask A Vet Services for ET Programs 📱

• 📅 ET planning, synchronization, and HCG injection reminders
• 🧾 Monitor conception and loss rates to optimize timing
• 🧬 Calf crop tracking and profitability analysis
• 🛠 Troubleshooting failed or lost pregnancies mid-gestation

7. Cost‑Benefit Considerations

• ET cost vs calf value—ensure genetic premium justifies spend.
• Lower pregnancy loss via HCG reduces wasted costs.
• Bulk embryo programs further dilute per-calf cost.

8. Practical ET Workflow Summary

1. Identify donor candidates with elite genetics.
2. Synchronize donor and recipient estrous cycles.
3. Retrieve and transfer embryos.
4. Administer HCG ~day 7 post-ovulation.
5. Pregnancy check day 30–35 and re-check day 60–70.
6. Review losses and optimize future protocols.

9. 2025 Key Take‑Home Points

• ET can be profitable—but only with consistent live calving.
• Progesterone support is critical—HCG provides that extra luteal boost.
• Pregnancy loss even after day 30 can undermine ET success—HCG cuts losses by 50% in that window.
• Ask A Vet supports ET planning, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Embryo transfer is a powerful tool to accelerate cattle genetics—but success depends on live calves, not just conception. Adding HCG around day 7 post-ovulation supports progesterone levels and halves mid-gestation losses—improving overall ET profitability. With Ask A Vet for synchronization, timing, and results tracking, your ET program can thrive in 2025 and beyond. 🐄📈