VPB 321: Animal Biotechnology (2+1)

SELECTION OF DONORS

• Any regularly cyclic cow or heifer can successfully be termed as donor because technically it will respond to superovulatory treatment followed by embryo transfer.
• Usually there are many reasons that a cow is preferable than a heifer because embryo transfer programme is based on milk yield or genetic superiority. In addition the following are the criteria for selection of donor,
  • Donor should be of age between three years and ten years.
  • Donor should be free from genetic diseases and conformational abnormalities.
  • They should exhibit regular oestrus cycle.
  • Superior production traits of economic importance.
  • Previous record of sound reproductive performance including successive fertility and artificial insemination.