Combined Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer
& Artificial Insemination Training Course
Course Info
Our Artificial Insemination Course is only taught in conjunction with our Comprehensive Embryo Transfer Course. We add 1 day before the ET course where the student learns AI, they then continue practicing AI the rest of the week while learning ET. The Combined Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer & Artificial Insemination Training Course is a 6 day school that begins on a Monday and ends at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday.
In the Bovine Artificial Insemination portion of the course students learn estrous synchronization, palpating the cervix, and negotiating the AI gun through the cervix. We also supply an excellent AI Management Manual. The course consists of theory and practical work with young cows. Due to innovative techniques and the use of young cows the average student is usually passing the rod through the cervix in less than half a day.
In the Bovine Embryo Transfer portion of the course students are taught the most economical methods to perform embryo transfer in cattle, thereby maximizing profitability. Students will learn how to select and prepare donors & recipients; and how to collect, recognize, manipulate, classify, freeze, thaw & transfer embryos. It is designed for dairymen and ranchers wanting to learn how to perform embryo transfer on their herds; as well as veterinarians wanting to learn embryo transfer to incorporate into their practice. This portion of the course is also RACE-Approved for 50 Hours of Continuing Education for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians in Jurisdictions Which Recognize the American Association of Veterinary State Boards RACE Approval.
Our Embryo Transfer Course Teaches You How to Improve:
- Reproduction
- Palpation
- Estrous Synchronization
- Genetics
- Milk Production
- Animal & Embryo Sales
What You Will Learn:
- Synchronization & donor/recipient management.
- How to flush, search, manipulate and classify embryos.
- Procedure for loading embryos into straws for freezing or transfer.
- How to freeze, thaw and transfer embryos.
- Proper completion of embryo transfer paperwork and documentation using International Embryo Technology Society guidelines.
- We also show you where to purchase all the supplies and equipment that will be needed to successfully perform embryo transfer.
We limit the number of students per school to six. This ensures a high level of teacher/student interaction. Certificates of competency are given to students who complete the course and demonstrate an understanding of the theory & practical techniques of embryo transfer.
Students need to bring clothes adequate for working on cows, we do have boots available if needed. Students are also encouraged to bring a tablet if they have one.
Instructor
Key Benefits of Artificial Insemination
- The primary advantage of artificial insemination is the maximum use of outstanding bulls. Thus, enhancing the genetic value of the herd.
- Providing access to high quality bulls at modest prices.
- Prevention of transmission of diseases.
- Reduces the risk of introducing harmful recessive traits.
- Improved general herd management.
- Shortening the calving season.
- Improved merchandising through the use of well publicized bulls with known reputations.
- Enhanced genetic value of your herd
- Control venereal diseases
- Improved breeding records
- Improved safety due to no bulls
- Learn estrus synchronization programs
- Essential for embryo transfer programs
- Sex control by using sexed semen
Key Benefits of Embryo Transfer
- To produce more calves from a valuable cow. Donors average between 4 to 6 usable embryos per flush (range 0 to 52 in our experience). The average donor can be superovulated successfully about 6 times per year although there is considerable variation between donors. Pregnancy rates should average 65% in beef, and 75% in dairy cattle.
- Circumvention of some types of infertility can be accomplished using embryo transfer techniques.
- More calves are produced per dose of semen. Two doses of semen are sufficient per superovulation, which will produce an average of 3.5 calves from fertile donors. For instance, 0.5 doses of semen compared to 2 doses of semen per calf under normal breeding practices.
- Prevent disease transmission
- Research tool
- Embryos are a safe and efficient method of exporting and importing genetic material.
- Testing for undesirable recessive traits in the dam.
- To obtain bull calves from top cows for young sire programs which identify the best bulls.
- Changing from grade cattle to pure-bred animals is less expensive using embryo transfer than buying pure-bred cattle.
Course Syllabus
Each day of the Combined Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer & Artificial Insemination Training Course consists of lectures, labs, and chute time. Students are taught embryo recovery (flushing), identification of embryos and eggs, classification, freezing, thawing, and transfer of embryos.
No successful course on embryo transfer can be given without presenting the student with freshly superovulated cows to provide ample opportunities to experience palpating superovulated ovaries. Therefore, we provide freshly superovulated cows, giving the student the opportunity to practice sufficient flushing & palpation. Frozen-thawed eggs and embryos are available for additional practice whenever needed.
We supply all the equipment needed for the school and we only use young, fertile cycling cows which are observed for heat every day to ensure optimal results.
Subjects Taught:
- Artificial Insemination
- Selection of donors & recipients-genetic & physical aspects
- Reproductive physiology
- Synchronisation of estrus using prostaglandins, progesterones & GnRH
- Superovulation-use of follicle stimulating hormones, mechanisms of follicular maturation, ablation & ovulation
- Heat detection methods
- Breeding strategies and techniques
- Methods of embryo & egg recovery
- Techniques of transferring embryos-palpation of cervix, uterus, ovaries, follicles & corpora lutea
- Preparation of media
- Description, preparation & care of stereozoom microscopes
- Location, manipulation & classifiaction of embryos
- Sanitation of embryos for domestic use & for export
- Techniques for cooling embryos for deep frozen storage using ethylene glycol & glycerol
- Preparation of frozen-thawed embryos for transfer
- Record keeping
Monday:
- The morning classroom portion consists of lecture on AI.
- The lab portion in the classroom consists of students practicing on actual cow reproductive tracts and the schools cow model.
- In the afternoon students will be out at the chutes practicing on school cows learning palpation, passing of the cervix, etc.
- The classroom portion consists of lectures and PowerPoint presentations covering all aspects of embryo transfer protocols and techniques.
- The lab portion in the classroom consists of students practicing flushing on actual cow reproductive tracts, getting accustomed to working with microscopes, handling embryos, freezing embryos, etc.
- The remaining part of the day students are out at the chutes practicing on school cows. Students will be practicing passing AI guns, ET guns, and catheters for flushing and ultrasound.
- The lab portion in the classroom consists of students practicing flushing on real cow reproductive tracts, embryo handling, and embryo freezing.
- The remaining part of the day students are out at the chutes practicing on school cows. Students will be practicing catheter placement and flushing of the uterus.
- Students flush school cows to collect embryos and then freeze the embryos collected.
Course Hours
Class starts at 8:00 A.M. each day and finishes at 5:00 P.M. (except on Saturday when class finishes at 1:30 P.M.).
Prerequisites
There are no academic prerequisites for this course. All one needs is the enthusiasm to learn a new technology.
School Location
Our facilities are located in Senatobia Mississippi, just 35 minutes drive from Memphis International Airport. Students flying in to attend our school will need to fly into Memphis International Airport.
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Transportation & Lodging Info
Transportation & Lodging are not included in the cost of the course. If you are flying you will need to fly into Memphis International Airport and rent a vehicle. The training facility is located 35 minutes from the airport. Most students choose to stay in Senatobia or Hernando. However, you may also wish to stay at one of the casinos in Tunica, MS. The closest casinos are the Gold Strike and Horseshoe Casinos, they are located approximately 35 minutes from the school facilities.
Hotels in Senatobia, MS (10 min from training facility)
- Spahn House Bed & Breakfast – (around $85 per night) Phone: 662-288-6851
Hotels in Hernando, MS (20 min from training facility)
- Hampton Inn – (around $100 per night) Phone:662-367-6072
- Days Inn – (around $65 per night) Phone:662-429-0000
- Super 8 – (around $65 per night) Phone:662-429-5334
- Magnolia Grove Bed & Breakfast – (around $85 per night) Phone:662-429-2626
Hotels in Tunica, MS (35 min from training facility)
- Gold Strike Casino – (around $55 per night during the week) Phone:888-245-7829
- Horseshoe Casino – (around $55 per night during the week) Phone:800-303-7463
- Fitz Casino – (starting at $25 per night during the week) Phone:662-363-5825
Course Schedule
Our Combined Comprehensive Bovine Embryo Transfer & Artificial Insemination Training Course begins on a Monday and ends at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday. Please select your desired course date on the enrollment form by clicking on the "Enroll" button at the bottom of this page.
The following is a current list of scheduled course dates:
| 1/18/2021 - 1/23/2021 FULL | 3/8/2021 - 3/13/2021 |
| 5/24/2021 - 5/29/2021 |
Price
Tuition for the Combined AI and ET course is: $3,650.00 US Dollars
We Accept the Following forms of Payment:
To register for this course click the "Enroll" button, you will select the date you wish to attend on the registration form. You may add additional courses and products to your cart prior to checkout.
Testimonials
"Wesley Larkin does an excellent job of instructing the AI/ET course, both in the classroom and chute-side. He takes the time to ensure that every student, regardless of experience level, is comfortable with the entire process by course completion. This includes flushing donors, transferring to recipients, and performing necessary lab work such as freezing, thawing, and grading embryos. Wesley’s patience and attention to detail make for an enjoyable learning experience, and it has given me the skills and confidence needed to offer ET services to my clients. I highly recommend this course to those interested in expanding their skill set, as it is well-worth the investment."
Brad Schmitt, DVM
Four Star Veterinary Service, LLC
Veterinary Care and Consultation, P.C. Rushville, IN
April 2019 class
“The combined ET and AI course was a very valuable course, Wes provided excellent instruction and his willingness to help and answer questions beyond the class is greatly appreciated. The small class size allowed for him to assist everyone, and provide advice to help with each individuals success moving forward. There was a perfect balance of time spent in the classroom, with laboratory work and getting inside of cows.”
Megan Bergsveinson
Alberta, Canada
April 2019 class
“Wes Larkin provides the absolute best learning experience, bar none. Very knowledgeable and great practical application of topics and practices. Well worth the investment of time and money to enroll in one of his courses. He provides not only an exceptional learning experience during the course but is a vital resource after. It has been a game-changer to my operation. I would definitely recommend his course to anyone wanting to invest in themselves.”
Aaron Tenney
Triangle T Cattle
Kimberly, ID
November 2018 class
"I found the embryo transfer course taught by Wesley Larkin to be exactly what I needed and more than I expected. Through veterinary school, I did not get enough actual hands-on learning with advanced reproduction procedures. Being taught by Wesley in a small class setting was an ideal learning environment, I gained the tactical skills and knowledge needed to successfully and confidently flush cattle for myself and future clients. I would recommend the class to anyone ready to take their veterinary practice or cattle program to the next level. Wesley was more than willing to answer any questions I had and even help me after my completion of the course. A quality class taught by a quality instructor - it was well worth my money and my time."
Stanley Soehnlen DVM
Soehnlen Cattle Company
Navarre, OH
August 2019 class
“Wes, I wanted to thank you for putting on such a great class back in November. With all your tips and tricks of the trade I learned more than I had expected I would. It has been a great year with some successful flushes and more confirmed pregnancies than we have ever had in the past. By using your methods my conception rate is up more than 20% and I couldn’t be happier with amount of great genetics I will be adding to my herd next year thanks to your complete knowledge and experience in the cattle industry.”
Brad Sardelli
November 2018 class
“Wes did a good job in teaching the material. Really liked the format in that we were learning about it in the mornings and applying what we learned in the afternoon. Thanks for teaching me a skill that will help me for as long as I am in this industry.”
Gerrett Boer
Dalhart, TX
August 2019 class
"The embryo transfer class I took was very informative and hands on. There was a good balance of classroom and cattle handling. I learned a lot from Wes, and he answered all questions clearly. I honestly feel I can work my whole herd by myself after this class."
Charles Godsy
Godsy Farms
Van Buren, Mo
August 2019
“I was part of Wesley’s first class after he took over for Dr. Elsden. He did a great job of moving slow and making sure we were all on the same page and understood each step. We spent a lot of time looking at embryos either in pictures or through the microscope. He wanted all of us to be confident in what we were looking at when we left the school. When it came to cow work, he allowed us to get in the cows as much as we wanted to ensure we were confident in what we were doing. My first group of embryo calves are currently being born and I could not be happier.”
Colton Tom
Animal Science Co-Manager
University of Findlay
Findlay, Ohio
August 2018 class
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