Embryo Transfer

Dr. James K. West, Armbrust professor of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University; joined the College of Veterinary Medicine in August of 2005 as a clinician in the Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine (VDPAM) department. One of his primary duties was to establish an embryo transfer service that provides students and practicing veterinarians with training in embryo transfer, as well as provides members of the general public with embryo transfer services.

Before joining Iowa State University, Dr. West owned and operated an embryo transfer company (Westwood Embryo Services) in northeast Iowa for 25 years. He achieved national and international recognition for his innovation and expertise in bovine embryo transfer.

Marianna Jahnke, Lecturer, received her Master's degree in Animal Physiology (with a specialization in reproductive physiology) at Iowa State University. Her expertise is in the area of embryo biopsing, embryo sex determination, and embryo splitting. She is also involved with all aspects of the embryo collection, transfer, and cryopreservation process.

The Embryo Transfer Service offers clients one of two main options for the production, collection, and transfer of embryos from their genetically outstanding cows. Clients can administer superovulation treatments on their farm and then bring their inseminated donor cow(s) to Iowa State University for the embryo recovery process. Alternatively, donor cows can be housed at Iowa State University for all superovulation treatments and artificial inseminations. After embryos are recovered from the donor cow(s), they can be transferred fresh to synchronized recipient females or they can be frozen for transfer to recipients at a future date. Depending on the specific arrangements made, embryos may be transferred into client-owned recipients or recipients owned by Iowa State University.

A variety of other reproductive services is offered through the Embryo Transfer Service, including embryo biopsy for sex determination and embryo splitting for the production of identical twins. Other services provided are ultrasonography, dominant follicle ablation, hormone assay and embryo exporting

Services

The following services are available for a fee:

1. Embryo Recovery
2. Superovulation Hormones
3. Synchronization Products (e.g., Lutalyse, CIDR)
4. Transfer of Frozen/Thawed Embryo
5. Transfer of Fresh Embryos
6. Biopsy and Embryonic Sex Determination
7. Embryo Splitting to Create Identical Twins
8. Donor Housing
9. Recipient Housing
10. Sale of Recipients
11. Ultrasound Procedures
12. Embryo Exporting
13. Dominant Follicle Ablation