This Month's Topics

Embryo Transfer – with the aid of FSH treatment (superovulation) a donor cow can produce an average of 4-5 embryos when flushed 7 days after insemination. The embryos can be transferred direct into heat synchronized recipients to carry the calves to term (below), or frozen for transfer at a later date or for sale. Close liaison between you, your veterinary surgeon and Paragon ET through the program will produce the best results.

Embryo Sexing (advance booking necessary) – Using a microscalpel a small piece can be shaved off the embryo and used in a DNA test to determine sex. The test can be done on farm and adds about 2-3 hours to the day. It is 95% accurate and does not adversely affect pregnancy rate if sexed embryos are transferred fresh.

Embryo Splitting (advance booking necessary) – embryos can be divided with a microscalpel (below) and each half transferred into a separate recipient. Average pregnancy rate is around 50%, i.e. 100% per embryo.

Embryo Export – Paragon have already exported embryos to Holland, Sweden, Germany, USA, Canada and Australia. Regulations are in place for many other countries—please enquire for details.

Although certain conditions must be fulfilled, embryo collection for export can be undertaken on farm, provided that processing for freezing takes place in our approved mobile laboratory. Conditions may vary between countries Please ‘phone us to discuss your requirements.

N.B. prior notice is required for all export programs.

Residential Unit – Our facility at Newbiggin near Penrith offers high health status, individual or small group housing for donors (left). The unit is ideal for those individuals requiring expert veterinary supervision, i.e. problem cows and infertile cows for evaluation and treatment and/or flushing. All donors are screened for metabolic and mineral status and fed a specially formulated diet with supplements aimed at improving embryo production and fertility.

Please 'phone us to book a place and for pre-entry testing requirements.

Semen Collection & Processing – semen from your bull, provided he has been through a simple MAFF testing and licensing procedure, can be collected on farm, processed and frozen for your own use and for sale within the UK (except NI).  

On farm collection is a cost effective way of providing semen for a breeding program as well as insurance for a high performing bull.

Bull & Cow Fertility Examinations – Semen testing a bull after purchase or before sale can save money as well as provide peace of mind!

We are specialists in infertility and are happy to be consulted on individual infertile cows.