Modern techniques for enhancing reproduction in suckler cattle systems

Extract

For those involved in suckler cattle systems, there are likely to be several new opportunities for increasing production efficiency in the years ahead. As a result of recent developments in embryo production technology the future is likely to see embryo transfer being used on an increasing scale and eventually taking over from artificial insemination as a major factor influencing the production of beef calves. Sex control techniques, applied to sperm or to embryos, are likely to be of particular value in making bull calves available for twinning or heifer calves for once-bred heifer production systems. The paper examines the various possibilities for applying reproductive technology in enhancing fertility, controlling oestrus and ovulation, inducing twin births, increasing the efficiency of once-calved heifer production systems,in the application of cloning techniques and the use of recombinant DNA technology.