The Farmers Mart Apr-May 2022 - Issue 80 | Page 21

NBA BEEF EXPO 2022 21
• APR / MAY 2022
NBA BEEF EXPO 2022 21

REAPING THE REWARDS FROM IVP AND MORE

Cattle breeders seeking to improve their herd ’ s genetic potential are introducing In-Vitro embryo Production ( IVP ), a cost-effective service and alternative to MOET from East Lothian based specialist artificial breeding technology company , AB Europe . A selection of breeders discuss how IVP is successfully delivering .
“ I could have continued to naturally expand the herd , however I became aware of IVP which actually put Westpit on the map . IVP was preferred to MOET because no stimulation is required and the AB Europe team arrive on the farm to collect , whereas MOET requires multiple injections along with accompanying time , effort and cost .
“ Brockhurst Holy was the first female to undergo IVP , primarily
as an insurance policy . We achieved 20 calves , including 18 bulls of which 16 sold to pedigree herds . Other collections have resulted in calves collecting the silverware at Stars of the Future and society shows , whilst selling privately to leading herds . Sale ring highlights include junior champion , Westpit Oklahoma at 13,000gns . Andrew Gammie , Laurencekirk , Aberdeenshire : 35 cow Westpit Limousin herd .
“ We wanted to fully exploit our herd ’ s top genetics , step up progress and increase the number of progeny we have to show and sell ; IVP was a new way to go . Compared with flushing , it ’ s more cost-effective and we ’ re very impressed by its high welfare , high health status . Our donors include Coley 1 Pippa 356 ; we used European champion , Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks to sire some of her embryos and among the calves is Moralee 1
Valuabull , a Stars of the Future and AgriExpo champion .
Tom and Di Harrison , Hexham , Northumberland : 50 cow Moralee Hereford herd . “ We are trying to improve the herd year on year , develop stronger family lines and be amongst the breed ’ s top herds . After becoming aware of IVP from other breeders , I ’ ve found it ’ s a good way to help improve our herd faster . We got off to a good start . Tonley Lord Hoffman
U588 made 5,500gns and he was out of one of our first IVP cows , Blelack Lady Heather .
“ The Ericas are a very consistent line offering quality and style ; after investing in Hallington Jubilee Erica L322 , five IVP coasting collections resulted in 20 embryos . Two thirds of the first nine embryos held - a very good result . We selected semen from five different sires .”
Mark Wattie , Alford , Aberdeenshire : 140 cow Tonley Aberdeen Angus herd .
AB Europe offers farmers professional and reliable services .
It also provides access to the latest reproductive breeding technologies to maximise and accelerate genetic gain from their superior cows .

We offer the following cattle services

IVP – on farm and at livery Embryo implants Livery facilities Recipients available for implants Bull semen freezing MOET flushing

Come and meet the team at Beef Expo

@ abeurope @ AB _ Europe @ AnimalBreedingEurope 01875 614 500