Young Beef Donor Development

Maximize Genetic Potential:

Producing embryos from young heifers gives you the opportunity to maximize genetic gain and capture the value of your genetics sooner.

Young Donor Expectations:

• The age of the first OPU is dependent on the size (weight and height) of the young donor. Most young donors can start embryo production as early as 10-13-months of age. Increased results tend to come with age.
• Trans Ova data would indicate that there is little difference in young donor conception rates after IVF procedures compared to conception rates in young donors who have not had an IVF procedure prior to breeding age. Often IVF procedures can be done up to 100-120 days of gestation and will not increase the average chances of fetal loss in the first 100 days.
• Young cycling donors average slightly fewer embryos per collection compared to mature cows.
• Collections can occur on a 2-week cycle depending on production and age.

Young Donor Management Practices for Success

Donor selection, appropriate starting age, & husbandry management are critical for the success of your young donor program.

Nutrition Management: Oocyte quality is maximized with a good nutrition program. It is recommended to have a simple, balanced diet containing high roughage sources. If possible, avoid distiller’s by-products. Rations should supply adequate protein and energy for growth. Excessive levels of protein and concentrates can be
limiting to embryo production success. Additionally, the young donor should always have access to high-quality mineral programs.

Management of Environment: Heifers should be managed in groups of similar body condition and size, with adequate pen space with access to fresh water and dry
bedding. Young heifers seem to be more sensitive to stressors and environmental changes than mature cows.

Young Donor Selection: Genetics nutrition and age plays a role in the success of the young donor. We recommend monitoring the cyclicity of your heifer prior to production in order to maximize your young donors’ performance.

While all risks associated with any advanced reproductive technology cannot be completely eliminated, the Trans Ova team has minimized the occurrences of reproductive injury, infection, and in rare instances, death associated with these procedures.

Outstanding Client Service

The Trans Ova team will help you pre-screen donors, customize a synchronization protocol to fit your young donor’s needs, and help get the best results possible. Additionally, a client service representative can also help the client select bulls that excel in the Trans Ova system for embryo production when mating heifers.

Learn more about IVF and Trans Ova services on our resources page.

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