While fresh embryos remain the gold standard in livestock in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) due to their consistently high conception rates, Australia’s vast geography makes frozen embryo technology an increasingly vital solution for the industry. However, not all freezing methods were made equal, leaving producers navigating a choice between traditional vitrification and newer direct thaw (DT) technologies.
Understanding the Difference
Traditional vitrification has been the industry standard for years. This process rapidly freezes embryos using cryoprotectants (chemical substances that help protect biological tissues, cells or embryos) to prevent ice crystal formation. However, the thawing process requires specific media and precise timing, creating logistical challenges in field conditions. The process can sometimes lead to cellular damage during thawing – comparable to what happens when a coke bottle is frozen too long: expansion occurs and sometimes they simply explode, rendering them completely unusable.
In contrast, direct thaw (DT) technology offers a more streamlined approach. At Vytelle, DT embryos are frozen using a proprietary media specifically designed to mimic the bovine gestation environment rather than relying on standard chemical formulations. The key advantage is the simplified thawing process – embryos can be placed directly in a thaw bath and implanted without any additional steps or specialised media in the field.
Why This Matters to Producers
The freezing method directly impacts conception rates, which affects a producer’s bottom line. While vitrification can be effective when perfectly executed, the complexity of the thawing process introduces variables that can compromise success rates, particularly in remote field conditions throughout Australia.
Not only does the DT method’s simplified handling requirements reduce the risk of human error during the critical thawing stage, the specialised protective media used in the DT process is designed to maintain embryo integrity throughout the freezing and thawing cycle.
For Australian producers working across substantial distances with varying field conditions, the reliability and simplicity of direct thaw technology may provide significant advantages in consistency, practicality, and ultimately, conception success rates.
