Learn Embryo Transfer at the School That Started It All...
OPEN FOR OVER 30 YEARS
OVER 3,000 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 30 years, and have trained over 3,000 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 Transfer School in the world!
All of our courses are open to dairy & beef cattle producers, and veterinarians. Our courses 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 30 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-days (50 hours) hands-on Comprehensive Embryo Transfer Training Course is designed for dairy and beef cattle producers who would like to perform embryo transfer on their own cattle. It is also intended for veterinarians who wish to add bovine embryo transfer services to their practice.
Attention Veterinarians: This course is RACE-approved and offers 50 hours of Continuing Education Credits.
In the ET 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.
Tuition: $3,650 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)
Combined Artificial Insemination & Embryo Transfer Training Course
Our 6 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.
Tuition: $3,850 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)
Bovine Ovum Pick-up (OPU) Course
Our 2.5 Days (20 Hours) hands-on Bovine Ovum Pick-up (OPU) Course is an Advanced Course designed for experienced bovine veterinary practitioners and embryologists who want to expand their services to include the latest advanced
technique. Our globally recognized instructors will lead you through the course, which
includes hands-on cattle arm work to aspirate oocytes, OPU equipment setup, oocyte searching, and oocyte
packing for shipment to an IVF lab. This course will be a valuable investment for anyone looking to
expand their practice and increase their profits.
Tuition: $3,850 US Dollars
(Required Deposit: $1,500)
Thawing & Implanting Bovine Embryos Training Course
Our 1.5 Days (12 Hours) Thawing and Implanting Bovine Embryos Training Course is Embryo Transfer Made Easy for Cattle Producers
who Don't have the time or interest in mastering laboratory techniques but want to use
embryo transfer to enhance genetic progress.
Students learn how to correctly Thaw & Transfer Bovine Embryos. Students palpate synchronized cattle to learn how to isolate ovaries and identify ovarian structures. Enroll today to Discover how to make significant genetic advancements with minimal investments.
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 30 years, and have trained over 3,000 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 30 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.
