Combined Artificial Insemination & Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer Training Course

Course Info

Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer Course

Our 6.5 Days (65 Hours) hands-on Combined Artificial Insemination & Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer Training Course is designed for Beginners in Cattle Reproduction. This course is tailored to students with limited knowledge in cattle reproduction.

The Bovine Artificial Insemination portion of the course students learn estrous synchronization, palpating the cervix, and negotiating the AI gun through the cervix. Students continue practicing AI throughout the week while learning ET.

The Bovine Embryo Transfer portion of the course Students palpate synchronized cattle to learn how to isolate ovaries and identify ovarian structures. Live animals are also used for practice in catheter placement, embryo collection (flushing) and transfer technique. Students learn how to freeze/thaw embryos, grade embryos, and transfer embryos.

Attention Veterinarians:The ET portion of the course is also RACE-Approved for 50 Hours of Continuing Education for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians in Jurisdictions Which Recognize the American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE Approval.

RACE-approved Course

Our Embryo Transfer Course Teaches You How to Improve:

  • Reproduction
  • Palpation
  • Estrous Synchronization
  • Genetics
  • Milk Production
  • Animal & Embryo Sales

What You Will Learn:

  • How to flush, search, manipulate and classify embryos.
  • Procedure for loading embryos into straws for freezing or transfer.
  • How to freeze, thaw and transfer embryos.
  • Donor/Recipient management.
  • How to setup Donor and Recipient schedules
  • Methods of estrous synchronization and superovulation protocols
  • Proper completion of embryo transfer paperwork and documentation using International Embryo Technology Society guidelines.
  • We also show you where to purchase all the supplies and equipment that will be needed to successfully perform embryo transfer.

Class Size
Limited to 8 students maximum, 5 minimum
This ensures a high level of teacher/student interaction. Certificates are given to students who complete the course and demonstrate an understanding of the theory & practical techniques of embryo transfer.

Instructor


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Key Benefits of Artificial Insemination

  1. The primary advantage of artificial insemination is the maximum use of outstanding bulls. Thus, enhancing the genetic value of the herd.
  2. Providing access to high quality bulls at modest prices.
  3. Prevention of transmission of diseases.
  4. Reduces the risk of introducing harmful recessive traits.
  5. Improved general herd management.
  6. Shortening the calving season.
  7. Improved merchandising through the use of well publicized bulls with known reputations.
  8. Enhanced genetic value of your herd
  9. Control venereal diseases
  10. Improved breeding records
  11. Improved safety due to no bulls
  12. Learn estrus synchronization programs
  13. Essential for embryo transfer programs
  14. Sex control by using sexed semen

Key Benefits of Embryo Transfer

  1. To produce more calves from a valuable cow. Donors average between 7-8 usable embryos per flush (range 0-52 in our experience). The average donor can be superovulated successfully up to 6 times per year although there is considerable variation between donors. Pregnancy rates should average 60% in beef, and 70% in dairy cattle.
  2. Changing from grade cattle to pure-bred animals is less expensive using embryo transfer than buying pure-bred cattle.
  3. Circumvention of some types of infertility can be accomplished using embryo transfer techniques.
  4. More calves are produced per dose of semen. Three doses of semen are sufficient per superovulation, which will produce an average of 3.5 calves from fertile donors.
  5. Prevent disease transmission
  6. Research tool
  7. Embryos are a safe and efficient method of exporting and importing genetic material.
  8. Testing for undesirable recessive traits in the dam.
  9. To obtain bull calves from top cows for young sire programs which identify the best bulls.

Course Syllabus

Each day of the Combined Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer & Artificial Insemination Training Course consists of lectures, labs, and chute time. Students are taught embryo recovery (flushing), identification of embryos and eggs, classification, freezing, thawing, and transfer of embryos.

No successful course on embryo transfer can be given without presenting the student with freshly superovulated cows to provide ample opportunities to experience palpating superovulated ovaries. Therefore, we provide freshly superovulated cows, giving the student the opportunity to practice sufficient flushing & palpation. Frozen-thawed eggs and embryos are available for additional practice whenever needed.

Subjects Taught:

  • All techniques needed to perform conventional embryo collection and transfer
  • Adequate chute and lab time throughout the course
  • Selection of donors & recipients-genetic & physical aspects
  • Management and nutrition of donors
  • Reproductive physiology
  • Synchronization of donors and recipients
  • Synchronisation of estrus using prostaglandins, progesterones & GnRH
  • Superovulation-use of follicle stimulating hormones, mechanisms of follicular maturation, ablation & ovulation
  • Heat detection methods
  • Breeding strategies and techniques
  • Methods of embryo & egg recovery
  • Techniques of transferring embryos-palpation of cervix, uterus, ovaries, follicles & corpora lutea
  • How to load embryos in straws for fresh transfers
  • Description, preparation & care of stereozoom microscopes
  • Location, manipulation & classifiaction of embryos
  • How to identify which cryoprotectant was used to freeze the embryo so you can thaw it properly
  • How to properly freeze and thaw embryos
  • Sanitation of embryos for domestic use & for export
  • Preparation of frozen-thawed embryos for transfer
  • Embryo Transfer Lab setup
  • Record keeping
  • learn of all equipment and supplies needed to perform ET
  • Embryo Transfer Textbook included

Sunday:

  • Classroom portion consists of lecture on AI.
  • The lab portion in the classroom consists of students practicing on cow reproductive tracts and the schools cow model.

Monday:

  • Students will be out at the chutes practicing on live cows learning palpation, passing of the cervix, etc.

Tuesday-Thursday:

In the Morning Session students are in the classroom

  • lectures and PowerPoint presentations covering all aspects of embryo transfer protocols and techniques.
  • Students practice flushing on cow reproductive tracts
  • Searching, manipulating, and grading embryos using stereozoom microscope
  • How to load embryos in straws for fresh transfers
  • How to identify which cryoprotectant was used to freeze the embryo so you can thaw it properly
  • Practice freezing and thawing embryos
  • Methods of estrous synchronization and superovulation, frozen transfers and protocols
  • How to setup donor and recipient schedules

In the Afternoon Session students are out at the chutes practicing on live cows

  • Passing ET guns
  • Palpating ovaries to find active CLs and identify follicular cysts.
  • Catheter placement
  • Flushing
Friday:

In the Morning Session students are in the classroom

  • Lecture
  • Practice flushing on cow reproductive tracts
  • Practice Embryo handling
  • Practice Embryo freezing

In the Afternoon Session students are out at the chutes practicing on live cows

  • Students flush super-ovulated cows to collect embryos and then freeze the embryos collected.
Saturday:
  • This is a review day, the students choose what they want to work on.
  • A lot of practice tips!

Note: All students will be at different levels of experience, there are two chutes for everyone to be able to work on whatever they would like, along with reproductive tracts and models in the classroom. While we have a schedule, the school is focused on giving every student the needed practice they require. Throughout the week students will be able to choose what they would like to focus on and practice during the time at the chutes.

Course Hours

The Combined Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer & Artificial Insemination Training Course is a 6.5 day course that begins on a Sunday and ends on Saturday.
On Sunday class starts at 1:30 P.M. and ends at 6:30 P.M.
Monday-Friday class starts at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 6:00 P.M.
Saturday class starts at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 1:30 P.M.

Prerequisites

There are no academic prerequisites for this course. All one needs is the enthusiasm to learn a new technology.

School Location

Our facilities are located in Senatobia Mississippi, just 45 minutes drive from Memphis International Airport. Students flying in to attend our school will need to fly into Memphis International Airport.


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Transportation & Lodging Info

Transportation & Lodging are not included in the cost of the course. If you are flying you will need to fly into Memphis International Airport and rent a vehicle. The training facility is located 35 minutes from the airport. Most students choose to stay in Senatobia or Hernando. However, you may also wish to stay at one of the casinos in Tunica, MS. The closest casinos are the Gold Strike and Horseshoe Casinos, they are located approximately 35 minutes from the school facilities.

Hotels in Senatobia, MS (10 min from training facility)

  • Spahn House – (around $125 per night)
    Phone: 662-288-6851
  • Private Lodging – Located across the street from the training facility (around $85 per night)
    Phone: 662-501-4438 (ask for Terri)

Hotels in Hernando, MS (20 min from training facility)

  • Hampton Inn – (around $115 per night)
    Phone:662-367-6072
  • Super 8 – (around $85 per night)
    Phone:662-429-5334
  • Magnolia Grove Bed & Breakfast – (around $125 per night)
    Phone:662-429-2626

Hotels in Tunica, MS (35 min from training facility)

  • Gold Strike Casino – (startng at $55 per night during the week)
    Phone:888-245-7829
  • Horseshoe Casino – (startng at $55 per night during the week)
    Phone:800-303-7463

Course Schedule

The following is a current list of scheduled course dates:

4/21/2024 - 4/27/2024 FULL5/26/2024 - 6/1/2024 FULL
6/23/2024 - 6/29/2024 FULL7/21/2024 - 7/27/2024

Tuition

Tuition for the Combined AI and ET course is: $3,850.00 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)

We Accept the Following forms of Payment:
We Accept: Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express

Register

To register for this course click the below Register button, you will select the date you wish to attend on the registration form. You may add additional courses and products to your cart prior to checkout.



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Testimonials

"I took the combined AI and Embryo Transfer class, coming into the class I only had a very basic knowledge of the subject but they taught the classroom material very well and really made sure that you understood the subject/procedures/protocols. When working with the cattle for the hands on training I was having a very difficult time locating the cervix & passing the ai gun, never once did the instructor get upset or frustrated with me. He saw my struggles and made sure that I had all the time I needed and was not rushed. He supported & coached me until I was consistently able to locate & pass the cervix. Before leaving they made sure we knew and had a list of supplies and where to order them which was so helpful. I can't say enough about how good this class was taught and this school is ran! The experience I had at International Embryo technology School was truly a life changing experience through the knowledge learned and relationships made.”
Zachery Thomas

Illustration of AI Technique

“The combined ET and AI course was a very valuable course, the instructor provided excellent instruction and his willingness to help and answer questions beyond the class is greatly appreciated. The small class size allowed for him to assist everyone, and provide advice to help with each individuals success moving forward. There was a perfect balance of time spent in the classroom, with laboratory work and getting inside of cows.”
Megan Bergsveinson
Alberta, Canada

Searching for Embryos

“Implementing embryo transfer into our cattle operation has been an enormous success. We hold the International Embryo Technology School with our highest regard as they are largely responsible for our accomplishments.”
Bob Stevenson
Stevenson Angus Ranch

Bovine Embryos

"I found the embryo transfer course to be exactly what I needed and more than I expected. Through veterinary school, I did not get enough actual hands-on learning with advanced reproduction procedures. Being taught in a small class setting was an ideal learning environment, I gained the tactical skills and knowledge needed to successfully and confidently flush cattle for myself and future clients. I would recommend the class to anyone ready to take their veterinary practice or cattle program to the next level. It was well worth my money and my time."
Stanley Soehnlen DVM
Soehnlen Cattle Company

Manipulating Embryos

"I just wanted to say I think the tuition for your class was the best money I've ever spent for continuing education. I really appreciated the way things were presented. You left no grey areas about which methods and techniques were best."
Bruce l. Chambers DVM

Clones

"The embryo transfer class I took was very informative and hands on. There was a good balance of classroom and cattle handling. I learned a lot! I honestly feel I can work my whole herd by myself after this class."
Charles Godsy
Godsy Farms

Calves Produced from a Heifer via ET

“Had a great experience, a lot of hands-on training in the lab, and with cattle as well. The staff are great people would recommend to anyone who wants to learn E.T.”
Stephanie Vasquez

Calves Produced from a Heifer via ET

"I just wanted to tell you thank you for offering such a great class, this has been a wonderful opportunity for me. Yesterday I saw my first embryo calf born and another is on the way."
Cheri Kraus

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