Cattle Reproduction



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Practical Training in Cattle Reproductive Management

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Animal Sciences Department through its Bovine Reproductive Technology Laboratory (BRTL) is offering practical training in cattle reproductive management techniques. Training sessions are directed toward improving the efficiency and profitability of the cattle industry through a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the cow.

Specifically, these sessions offer: a better understanding of the estrous cycle and new ways to manipulate it for improved breeding efficiency; improvement of AI skills of producers and those in the animal husbandry industry; recognition of structures and conditions in pregnant and non-pregnant animals which influence management decisions; exposure to current technology (e.g. ultrasound and embryo transfer) to better evaluate it's potential benefits.

Instructors

Each training session is directed and supervised by academic staff personnel experienced in the areas of reproductive biology, embryology, and animal health. Because of our extensive involvement with applied and basic animal research, we can offer participants information on new techniques, improvements on established techniques and advice based on current research findings worldwide.

Session 1:

Artificial Insemination

Session 1 is a three day course directed toward individuals wishing to gain initial experience in artificial insemination of cattle or to improve their current technique. During this course, participants will thaw and handle frozen semen, practice the insemination procedure on excised tracts and live animals, and discuss synchronization schemes involving the use of prostaglandin, synchromate B or GnRH. Participants will also review the reproductive anatomy of the cow and relate important structures to the reproductive status of cattle.

Participants will cover the following:

   1. The estrous cycle and identification of the major parts of the female reproductive tract.
   2. The factors that determine a successful AI program.
   3. How to detect heat and when to inseminate.
   4. How to use various synchronization schemes and heat detection aids.
   5. Practicing the straw insemination procedure on excised tracts and live animals.
   6. Importance of record keeping to detect infertility.
   7. Care, storage and handling of semen and AI equipment.

Session 2:

Ovarian Palpation, Pregnancy Detection and Embryo Transfer

Session 2 is a five day course for those with AI experience (see Session 1) wanting to improve their skills.

Specific topics covered in the first three days (2A) of this session are:

   1. Discussion of the estrous cycle and pregnancy.
   2. Identification of follicles and corpora lutea by palpation and ultrasound.
   3. Detection of pregnancies by palpation (45-50 days), ultrasound (30 days) and milk progesterone assay; approximation of age of fetus by dissection        (excised tracts) and palpation.
   4. The importance of heat detection, palpation and record keeping in determining pregnancy or infertility.

Following Session 2A is an optional two day session (2B) covering direct transfer of frozen/thawed embryos.

Topics covered are:

   1. Proper thawing and embryo handling techniques.
   2. Recipient heat synchronization methods.
   3. Transfer of thawed embryos to recipients.
   4. Participants wishing to enroll in 2B must enroll in 2A.

Session 3:

Non-surgical Embryo Recovery, Cryopreservation and Embryo Transfer

Session 3 is a five day course covering all aspects of non-surgical embryo recovery and transfer. To get the most from this course, participants should have substantial AI experience.

This course will focus on:
   1. Embryo recovery from donor cows.
   2. Identification, classification and handling of recovered embryos.
   3. Freezing and thawing procedures.
   4. Transfer to recipients.

Frequent discussions and slide presentations will be used throughout to help explain superovulation and breeding of donors, synchronization of recipients, media preparation and quality control, and embryo evaluation. A variety of equipment and supplies will be available for participants to evaluate.

Facilities

All of the courses listed in this brochure will meet in the new Livestock Laboratory located on the agriculture campus at UW-Madison. This facility will allow participants to learn in a unique indoor environment that combines classrooms, laboratories, and cattle holding areas. This indoor facility makes it possible for us to offer courses year-round.

Class Sizes

Small class sizes allow participants more interaction with instructors.

Our goal is to present each participantwith as much repetitive practice as possible under the direction of experienced personnel. Each participant should realize that greater proficiency will come with more practice.

Persons attending these sessions are encouraged to return, or call, to pinpoint and eliminate specific problems as they arise. Refresher sessions may be available depending on demand.

For program information contact:

Mr. David L. Northey
Department of Animal Sciences
1675 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1284
Phone: 608-263-5650
FAX: 608-262-5157

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