Embryo Questions

Lately I have been planning on buying embryos and implanting them in one of my cows. The more I think about it, the more questions I get about it. As I am young and am growing I was wandering what everybody thought about the following plan. I mainly want to raise high quality show calves. I have been thinking about from now on just keeping strictly repics and just buy embryos and implant them. I think that would be the most successful way and probably the most economical way also, but what does everyone else think, I don't have much experience doing this. Also when you implant embryos what is the process? Is all the things that are needed to be given to the recips done by the transplanter or what is the owner/caretakers role in getting the recips ready. And what is the price range for implanting? Thanks.

If you have the recips all you need is for them to come into standing heat. Then have a vet come out 7 days later and check for a CL. If the cow is good to go, they can then implant the embryo at that time. Usually around $75 to $100 per embryo implanted.
In my opinion, this is not a bad plan. It will all depend on whether or not your recip cows will retain the embryo or not. You need good uddered cows that can have large calves easily. You will want to have a good feeding program for the recip cows making sure that they get quality hay, salt, and quality free choice mineral (not a trace mineral block). Don't let your cows get too fat and make sure your embryo technician or vet is experienced with a good record.

Stage 2 to your plan could be to purchase an older, proven donor cow that where you have seen her calves, they sell well, and she still has some flushing life left to her. Then you can get your own eggs. Good luck to you!