As producers increasingly adopt embryo transfer practices to fast-forward the genetic progress of their herds, selecting the right approach can often be the difference between maximising their reproductive efficiency and incurring unnecessary costs.
For decades, Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET), which relies on hormone treatment to stimulate multiple ovulations in a donor cow, followed by embryo flushing and transfer, has been the standard approach for embryo transfer in cattle breeding. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) through the Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) process, however, is a more ground breaking innovation that allows for the collection of eggs directly from the ovaries of donors, which are then fertilised in a lab and cultured into embryos.
Both methods have proven effective for improving cattle genetics, but they come with distinct differences in terms of process, cost, flexibility and efficiency. For producers looking to make informed decisions about their breeding strategies, it’s important to understand these differences.
Understanding the differences: Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) vs In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) using Ovum Pick-Up (OPU)
Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET), also known as in vivo embryo production, involves fertilising eggs that have been naturally ovulated within the donor cow’s reproductive tract. Then, around seven days after fertilisation, the resulting embryos are collected, or “flushed,” from the uterus. Hormonal treatment is used to stimulate the donor cow to release multiple eggs.
In contrast, the IVF process begins with collecting oocytes directly from the ovarian follicles of the donor cow, a procedure known as Ovum Pick-Up (OPU). These oocytes are then fertilised in a laboratory setting, typically using a Petri dish or plate.
The fertilised embryos are then cultured in an incubator under controlled conditions to mimic the natural process that would happen in a cow, until they reach day seven post-fertilisation. Once the embryos reach the appropriate stage of maturity, they are either implanted fresh into the uterus of a recipient cow or frozen for future use.
Why producers are switching to Vytelle’s hormone-free IVF solution
Vytelle’s innovative hormone-free IVF technology offers significant advantages over the traditional MOET approach. While MOET requires potentially stressful hormonal treatments and limits collections to every 60-90 days following the cow’s natural cycle, Vytelle’s IVF system enables collections every 7-10 days without hormonal stimulation, dramatically accelerating genetic progress.
Vytelle’s technology also performs well with diverse donor types, including young heifers and pregnant cows (up to 100 days gestation) that wouldn’t be viable MOET candidates. This flexibility allows producers to maximise the genetic contributions from their most valuable animals regardless of their reproductive status or age.
One of Vytelle’s most powerful advantages is the precision genetic matching capability that traditional methods can’t match. Their IVF process allows a single oocyte collection to be fertilised with multiple sires simultaneously, enabling producers to create targeted genetic combinations and test multiple mating strategies efficiently.
While Vytelle’s advanced technology represents an investment in sophisticated laboratory facilities and technical expertise, its scalability and efficiency make it increasingly cost-effective as breeding programs expand. The accelerated genetic progress and superior flexibility deliver compelling returns that forward-thinking producers recognise as essential for staying competitive.
Though MOET remains a well-established breeding option, its limitations in collection frequency, donor flexibility, and genetic customisation make Vytelle’s hormone-free IVF system the clear choice for progressive breeding programs focused on rapid genetic advancement. By partnering with Vytelle, producers can unlock unprecedented possibilities for genetic improvement and position their herds for future success.
