Résumé:
Embryo transfer or embryo transplantation consists of collecting embryos from a living
female, called a “donor”, which will then be transferred to recipient females. The main objectives of
embryo transfer are better use of females with high genetic potential, and simplified dissemination of
this genetics. In addition, the genetic dissemination allowed by this method is the safest in terms of
health, which is an undeniable advantage.
Currently, embryo transfer in the bovine species can be carried out both on-station and in
breeding. Thanks to the so-called "cervical" transfer technique, practitioners are in fact free from any
invasive intervention.
In an embryo transfer, donors and recipients must first be synchronized. Then, superovulation
treatment is started on the donors, before artificial insemination is performed. The embryos are collected
seven days later, then evaluated before being washed. Embryos can be transferred fresh, that is, the same
day of collection, when recipients are ready, otherwise they can be frozen and then stored in liquid
nitrogen at -196 ° C.
The IETS (International Embryo Transfer Society) gives the instructions to be followed in order
to guarantee the health security of the transfer. Combined with the ease of transporting frozen embryos,
this security allows for large-scale genetic dissemination
