Disease Transmission by Embryo Transfer in Cattle
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro19867578Keywords:
embryo transfer, embryo freezing, germplasm, pathogenic microorganismsAbstract
The number of calves born in North America from commercial embryo transfer has increased from zero in 1970 to approximately 100,000 in 1985. Improvements in basic embryo transfer procedures, as well as in ancillary techniques such as embryo freezing, have resulted in a significant demand for international transport of bovine embryos. Any technique for dispersing genetically valuable germplasm must also be shown to be relatively free of the risk of transmitting pathogenic microorganisms.
