Procedures and Requirements for Embryo Transfer

Frozen semen must be used in accordance with the Artificial Insemination Requirements for Jerseys (i.e., DNA genotyped, listed with AJCA).

The donor dam and specified female ET progeny must be DNA genotyped.

Mixed semen from two (2) sires may be used under the following conditions:

(a)  The donor dam and all potential sires must have a DNA genotype on record at the AJCA.

(b)  Only combinations of two sires will be considered.

(c)  An interpretation of combinations of sires must be made by the genotyping lab prior to use of mixed semen. The interpretation will determine if progeny resulting from mixed semen can be positively qualified to only one sire. If the potential exists that progeny may qualify to both sires, the mixed semen may not be used.

(d)  Results of interpretations will only be provided in writing.

A fee of $10.00, plus $3.00 per bull pair, will be charged for interpretations.

Female ET progeny must be DNA genotyped in accordance with DNA Genotyping Rules for Embryo Transfer. Applications for registration should be submitted prior to genotyping, at which time DNA kits will be issued. Registration will only be official when DNA genotyping is complete.

The suffix "-ET" will be added to the name of all embryo transfer animals registered.

Ownership transfers must be recorded for all embryos sold (Rule IV, Rules for the Registration and Transfer of Jersey Cattle). Normal transfer fees apply. For frozen embryos, a single transfer fee applies to all embryos from a single flush sold to one buyer. The First Owner is the recorded owner of the embryo on the date the calf is born.

DNA Genotyping Rules for Embryo Transfer

Effective January 1, 2002, the American Jersey Cattle Association Board of Directors approved new DNA genotyping rules for embryo transfer animals. These new rules will reduce the number of ET animals that require genotyping, resulting in substantial savings to breeders.

Every tenth (10^th) Embryo Transfer female will be DNA genotyped at the owner’s or breeder’s expense.

Animals to be genotyped will be chosen at random by AJCA staff. DNA kits with necessary paperwork will be sent to the owner for all animals chosen for genotyping.

Registration certificates of animals chosen for genotyping will be held at the AJCA office until required genotyping is satisfactorily completed.

The AJCA will require, at its discretion, DNA genotyping of other animals from the flush in the event the chosen animal’s DNA results in a parentage exclusion.

All restrictions regarding the use of mixed semen will still apply. ALL embryos resulting from mixed semen must be DNA genotyped.

DNA genotyping of all donor dams is still required.

With the new rules, ET females born after June, 1998 may not be assumed to have a DNA genotype based solely on the “-ET” suffix. However, AJCA staff will be glad to check the DNA status for you on any animal.