Learn Embryo Transfer at the School That Started It All...
OPEN FOR OVER 35 YEARS
OVER 3,500 STUDENTS TRAINED!
INDUSTRY EXPERT INSTRUCTORS
ABOUT US
We are the original world-renowned Embryo Technology School that started it all! We have been providing bovine reproduction training for over 35 years, and have trained over 3,500 students from all over the world! We are located in Senatobia, MS, which is 45 minutes from the Memphis Tennessee International Airport.
Our school was founded by Dr. Reginald Peter Elsden, a world-renowned pioneer in the embryo transfer industry. Dr. Elsden, along with Dr. Seidel, developed the non-surgical technique for bovine embryo transfer while doing research at Colorado State University in the 1970s. Dr. Elsden's groundbreaking research revolutionized cattle and horse embryo transfer, transforming it from a surgical procedure to the non-surgical technique still in use today.
Our Courses
Get trained at the longest running most reputable Bovine Embryo Technology School in the world!
Our Bovine Reproduction Courses Are Open to Dairy and Beef Cattle Producers, Veterinarians, and Anyone Over the Age of 18 That Wants to Learn a New Skill. They focus on hands-on training and real-world tips for what you will encounter. All courses are held in our indoor climate controlled facilities.
While our main focus is Bovine Embryo Transfer, we also offer courses in Bovine Artificial Insemination, and Bovine Ovum Pick-Up (OPU).
Our experience of more than 35 years has led us to discover four courses that are exceptionally effective in teaching advanced techniques in cattle reproduction.
Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer Training Course
Our 4.5-day (50 hour) Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer Training Course is a fully immersive, hands-on experience designed for beef and dairy producers who want to perform embryo transfer on their own cattle and veterinarians looking to add embryo transfer services to their practice. This course blends focused classroom instruction with extensive practical training, including practice using cow models and reproductive tracts, full laboratory setup with live embryos, and real-time embryo transfer and flushing in live cattle. From day one, students work through the entire conventional embryo transfer protocol using commercial-standard equipment and techniques.
By the end of the week, participants will have hands-on experience in palpation, CL identification, flush catheter placement, donor flushing, embryo searching and grading, embryo freezing and thawing, and embryo transfer. You’ll be exposed to all embryo stages commonly encountered in a commercial ET program and leave with the confidence, efficiency, and practical skill set needed to independently schedule and perform traditional embryo transfer procedures. Class size is intentionally limited to ensure personalized instruction, maximum hands-on time, and direct instructor feedback.
Attention Veterinarians: This course is RACE-approved and offers 50 hours of Continuing Education Credits.
Prerequisite: Students must already be competent in Bovine Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques.
Tuition: $3,650 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)
Combined Artificial Insemination & Embryo Transfer Training Course
Our 6.5-day (65 hour) Combined Artificial Insemination & Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer Training Course is a fully immersive, hands-on experience designed for beginners in cattle reproduction, including beef and dairy producers, students, and veterinarians with limited or out-of-practice experience. This course blends focused classroom instruction with extensive practical training, including practice on cow models and reproductive tracts, semen handling, full laboratory setup for live embryo work, and real-time artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and flushing procedures in live cattle.
The first two days of the course are dedicated entirely to artificial insemination, semen handling, estrus synchronization, and building strong palpation skills. These days are especially valuable for students who have little to no prior AI experience, as well as those who have previous training but are out of practice and want a refresher before moving into embryo transfer. The second day is spent primarily palpating cattle and reinforcing reproductive anatomy and synchronization protocols—ensuring all students enter the embryo transfer portion of the course with a solid technical foundation. Beginning on day three, students build directly on these AI skills as they transition into embryo transfer, continuing to refine technique throughout the remainder of the week.
By the end of the course, participants will have hands-on experience in palpation, reproductive tract identification, semen handling and thawing, artificial insemination techniques, estrus synchronization protocols, donor and recipient management, embryo flushing, embryo searching and grading, embryo freezing and thawing, and embryo transfer. You’ll be exposed to all stages of commercial AI and ET protocols and leave with the confidence, efficiency, and practical skill set needed to independently implement artificial insemination and embryo transfer in cattle operations. Class size is intentionally limited to ensure personalized instruction, maximum hands-on time, and direct instructor feedback.
Prerequisite: There are no academic prerequisites for this course. All one needs is the enthusiasm to learn a new technology.
Tuition: $3,850 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)
Bovine Ovum Pick-up (OPU) Course
Our 2.5-day (20 hour) Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) Training Course is an advanced, hands-on program designed for experienced beef and dairy producers and veterinarians seeking to add oocyte aspiration and laboratory techniques to their reproductive toolbox. This course combines focused classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training using industry-standard ultrasound, aspiration, and laboratory equipment, emphasizing the technical skills, decision-making, and workflow required for successful OPU in commercial cattle operations and veterinary practice.
The course begins with targeted classroom instruction covering OPU principles, equipment setup, ultrasound-guided ovary mapping, and oocyte handling workflows. Participants then move quickly into hands-on training, with the majority of the course dedicated to live-animal and laboratory work. Because OPU is a highly technical and invasive procedure, strong palpation skills are essential. This course is best suited for students who are already confident in reproductive anatomy, rectal palpation, and ovary manipulation. In many states, OPU must be performed by a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or under veterinary supervision; participants are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable state regulations.
By the end of the course, participants will have hands-on experience in ultrasound-guided ovary mapping, oocyte aspiration, oocyte identification and handling, and preparation of oocytes for shipment to an IVF laboratory. Students will also gain a clear understanding of how OPU integrates into advanced reproductive programs, including donor management, scheduling, and coordination with IVF laboratories. Class size is intentionally limited to maximize hands-on time, individualized instruction, and direct feedback from instructors.
Technician Option: For an additional $750 fee, OPU students may bring a technician to learn laboratory techniques. Technicians may attend all classroom sessions and laboratory demonstrations but may not participate in arm-work or palpation labs. To enroll a technician, please register for the OPU course online and then contact us directly to complete technician registration.
Prerequisite: Students must be experienced in palpation, Bovine Artificial Insemination (AI) and Bovine Embryo Transfer (ET) or have taken the ET course with us.
Tuition: $3,850 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)
Thawing & Transferring Frozen Bovine Embryos Training Course
Our 1.5-day (12 hour) Thawing & Transferring Frozen Bovine Embryos Training Course focuses on the most commonly used—and most in-demand—application of embryo transfer in the cattle industry: receiving, thawing, and transferring frozen IVF or conventionally produced embryos. While few operations perform the entire embryo transfer process from donor collection to freezing, most producers purchase embryos and rely on trained technicians or veterinarians to handle the thawing and transfer process. This course is designed to build confidence, consistency, and efficiency in that critical final step.
Students receive hands-on training in best practices for embryo thawing, handling, and transfer, with extensive live-animal practice in palpation, CL identification, epidurals, and embryo transfer technique in synchronized recipients. Emphasis is placed on repeatable, real-world protocols that improve pregnancy success and translate directly to commercial application. This course is ideal for beef and dairy producers and veterinarians who want a practical, immediately applicable embryo transfer skill set without committing to a full ET program.
Prerequisite: Students must already be competent in Bovine Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques.
Tuition: $1,550 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,000)
ATTENTION VETERINARIANS:
We are a RACE-Approved Provider of Continuing Education. Our 4.5-day
Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer Course is RACE-Approved for 50 Hours of CE for Veterinarians
and Veterinary Technicians in Jurisdictions Which Recognize American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE Approval.
Meet Our Instructors
Our Instructors Are Top-Notch Industry Experts Who Are the Best in the Business and Have Over 40 Years of Experience! Students Will Benefit From Their Wealth of Knowledge and Tips for What You Will Encounter in the Real-World.
DALE WHITAKER
Courses Taught: AI, ET, Thawing & Implanting Embryos, OPU
Dale Whitaker has over 40 years experience performing bovine reproductive techniques in artificial insemination and embryo transfer. He is the owner/operator of Whitaker Embryo Transfer Services that provides conventional embryo transfer, and OPU service to beef cattle producers in 7 states in the Southeast United States. His company also serves as a satellite facility for TransOva Genetics doing OPU (oocyte asspiration and preparation for shipment to the TransOva IVF lab).
Dale brings his vast industry knowledge and practical skills to each embryo transfer course and shares tips and tricks he has learned over his many years in the industry with the students to make them more successful performing AI, ET, and OPU. Our students learn from one of the best instructors who can not only teach the technique but also discuss implementation logistics, pricing, and start-up expectations.
Dr. Riley Messman
Courses Taught: AI
Dr. Riley Messman, PhD, brings over 9 years of experience in the cattle reproduction sector. Growing up in a small farming community, a passion for agriculture was instilled in her from an early age. During her undergraduate years at the University of Missouri, she actively participated in beef cattle estrus synchronization research, interned at Select Sires, and worked as a research intern for the USDA.
Building on her foundation, Dr. Messman pursued a Master's in reproductive physiology, followed by a PhD from Mississippi State University. Throughout her academic journey, she remained deeply involved in cattle extension activities, including teaching AI schools, assisting producers with estrous synchronization and breeding, and conducting research on developmental programming.
Upon completing her PhD in June 2023, she assumed the role of a professor in reproductive physiology and animal health at Oklahoma State University. She also teaches some of the AI courses at the International Embryo Technology School.
DR. ANDRÉ DAYAN
Courses Taught: OPU
We're pleased to introduce Dr. André Dayan, also known as
the OPU Guy, who will be leading your Ovum-Pick Up
course.
Dr. Dayan holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the
University of Paulista (Brazil, 1994) and a master's degree in
Biotechnology Applied to Animal Reproduction from the
Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho
(Brazil, 2008).
With more than 20 years of experience in bovine OPU, Dr.
Dayan currently serves as an adjunct professor at Texas
A&M, collaborates with major industry partners in Bovine
OPU, and regularly teaches OPU at the International Embryo Technology
School.
BRITTANY SCOTT
Courses Taught: OPU Laboratory Techniques
With over 15 years of experience in advanced
reproductive technologies, Brittany Scott is an
expert in her field. In 2011, she earned a masters in
Reproductive Biology from Louisiana State
University.
Brittany has been a driving force in transforming the
small ruminant reproduction market with the
establishment of SMART Reproduction, a company
that specializes in importing and exporting topquality embryos.
Furthermore, Brittany works with Dale Whitaker and
other major players in the industry on a range of
services, including oocyte processing, semen and
embryo collection, and IVF.
What To Expect
Hands-On Learning Experiences
Our courses prioritize providing ample time for participants to master the techniques taught. This involves hands-on experience with cattle work, setting up equipment, learning laboratory skills, and developing plans for implementing these techniques into your business or operation.
Personable Instructors & Networking
Enrolling in our cattle production courses has many perks, one of which is learning from instructors who are highly praised for their communication and teaching skills. Additionally, with a small class size of only eight students, attendees have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other cattle producers and veterinarians on a global scale.
Industry Knowledge
Our top-notch expert instructors are professionals with extensive experience in the cattle reproduction industry. By teaching techniques to industry standards, we can guarantee that students receive up-to-date information, develop realistic expectations for entering the field, and learn insider tips for future success.
STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES
MODERN
CLASSROOM SPACE
Indoor lectures are held in a spacious, well-equipped classroom with comfortable chairs, ample desk space, and state-of-the-art microscopes that connect to a large TV screen for detailed observation of embryos. Each student has their own microscope to use. The setup creates a conducive learning environment, facilitating group discussions and hands-on learning experiences.
INDOOR WORKING
FACILITIES
Our state-of-the-art facilities prioritize student safety and comfort in all weather conditions. With two Arrowquip cattle working chutes, we ensure easy and safe cattle handling. During the hands-on cattle work, students will be in working in a covered climate-controlled barn. However, on days with good weather, we roll open the doors to enjoy the Mississippi weather.
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS &
AMENITIES
Located on 300 acres of stunning pastureland, our school is situated just 10 minutes from town. Along with beautiful views start your morning, we provide a cozy coffee bar and a self-serve snack and drink station near the classroom to ensure students have a fun and comfortable experience while at the school.
The Life and Legacy of Dr. Peter Elsden,
Founder of the International Embryo Technology School
We are the original world-renowned Embryo Technology School that started it all! We have been providing bovine reproduction training for over 35 years, and have trained over 3,500 students from all over the world!
Our school was founded by Dr. Reginald Peter Elsden, a world-renowned pioneer in the embryo transfer industry. Dr. Elsden, along with Dr. Seidel, developed the non-surgical technique for bovine embryo transfer while doing research at Colorado State University in the 1970s. Dr. Elsden's groundbreaking research revolutionized cattle and horse embryo transfer, transforming it from a surgical procedure to the non-surgical technique still in use today.
After developing the non-surgical technique for bovine embryo transfer Dr. Elsden thought there was a huge need for training cattle ranchers and veterinarians, and thus our school was founded. Dr. Elsden traveled the world setting up embryo transfer programs for governments, corporations, and individuals. He then decided there needed to be a training facility dedicated to training cattle ranchers and veterinarians how to perform bovine embryo transfer and started training students at our current training facility in 1990. Since then, we have been continuously training cattle ranchers and veterinarians Embryo Transfer and other bovine reproduction techniques for over 35 years.
Dr. Peter Elsden was born in Brisbane, Australia, and earned his veterinary degree at the University of Queensland, and later an M.S. degree in reproductive physiology. He worked in a mixed practice and for a large cattle company before spending 9 years teaching and doing research at Colorado State University, where he also directed the Animal Reproduction Laboratory's Embryo Transfer Unit
Dr. Elsden held prestigious positions such as the past director of the International Embryo Transfer Association and past president of the International Embryo Transfer Society, and a past Director of The American Embryo Transfer Association. He was nominated as a member of the Spanish Academy of Sciences for Veterinarians. He received The Oliver Pennock Award from Colorado State University for meritorious teaching and research. He was also named one of the 15 most influential veterinarians!
Dr. Elsden authored "Embryo Transfer In Dairy Cattle" as well as over 60 articles for industry journals and traveled to over 50 countries throughout his career to consult, teach, and implement embryo transfer programs. His expertise was also sought after by the USDA and the United Nations as a consultant.
Dr. Elsden's passing in 2018 left a considerable gap in the field of embryo transfer. However, his legacy endures through the International Embryo Technology School, where students continue to be trained using his innovative principles and techniques. Today, he is remembered as a global leader, researcher, teacher, and pioneer in embryo transfer.
