| Fertility decline in dairy cattle is of major concern to the dairy industry due to the negative economic impact. A study was designed to determine whether transfer of fresh or vitrified embryos produced in-vitro with sex-sorted semen could improve pregnancy rates during summer in lactating dairy cows compared to artificial insemination (AI). Transfer of vitrified and fresh embryos produced in-vitro using sex-sorted semen improved fertility in dairy cows during summer. In addition to improved fertility, the number of heifers born will be increased allowing for a substantial positive economic improvement for dairy producers. Further improvements of in-vitro conditions, vitrification techniques, and application ease warrant further investigation to allow for rapid adoption in commercial dairy herds. |
