Services

At Breedtech, we specialise in fresh, chilled and frozen Embryo Transfer.

We also offer:

 

Embryo Transfer

  • Collection
  • Freezing
  • Ram training

 
Embryo transfer is the process of removing fertilised embryos from a donor ewe and transferring them into a number of recipient ewes. This is a very complex program. Please click here to read more about Embryo Transfer.

 

Semen Collection and Freezing

  • Collection
  • Freezing
  • Ram training

Breedtech offers clients a quality semen collection and freezing service. Rams are taught to have their semen collected using an artificial vagina, and a teaser ewe (secured in a head bail). They are kept in isolated pens and fed twice daily to maintain health and happiness. Semen quality is very important, we only freeze semen that is of a very high standard. Once semen is frozen, each batch is re-tested to ensure only good quality frozen semen leaves the centre.

Ram facilities adhere to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regulations requiring rams be kept in a quarantine environment.
 
Breedtech is a licensed semen export centre. See Licensed Export and Quarantine Facility below.

 

Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination

Laparoscopic artificial insemination (Lap AI) is a procedure to inseminate ewes with semen directly into their uterus. This is done by visualizing the uterus through a laparoscope inserted into the abdomen of an appropriately restrained ewe.

LapAI is a precise procedure and to achieve satisfactory results a detailed programme of hormonal and stress management must be followed with great care. The group of ewes to be inseminated has their oestrus cycles synchronized by the insertion of a progesterone impregnated device into their vagina. After a period of approximately 13 days the devices are removed and a hormone used to assist ovulation is administered. The insemination takes place at a time determined to coincide with the release of the ovum (egg) and result in fertilization.

For more information on the LapAI procedure and the pre and post management of ewes in an artificial insemination programme, please click here.

 

Licensed Export and Quarantine Facility

Breedtech is licensed with Australian Quarantine Inspection Services (AQIS) as an Artificial Breeding Centre License Number: AB-21-WA for the Collection and Processing of All Ruminant Semen and Embryos. Breedtech is registered as a Veterinary Clinic with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Western Australia. The Export guidelines that Breedtech adheres to are written by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

 

Agency for International Export Services

Breedtech has had experience in the exportation of semen, embryos and live sheep internationally. The procedure involved in exportation is complex and time consuming. The importing countries requirements are often very detailed and rigorous. Breedtech will look at the current importation requirements, organize Zoo Sanitary Certificates, Notice of Intention to Export, will facilitate the issue of Health Permits from the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and liaise with the officials of the importing country.

 

Genetic Advice and Sourcing

Breedtech is happy to advise clients on appropriate genetics for their artificial breeding programmes.

A great deal of importance should be placed on the genetics used in artificial breeding programmes. A significant financial investment is made on an embryo transfer programme and it is important that considerable time and research is undertaken to decide upon genetics. There is a vast range in quality and type of sheep within breeds and it is well worth the research to develop a breeding programme designed to produce the type of sheep desired.
Over the years, Breedtech has been involved with many breeds of sheep. Some of the sheep breeds worked with include: Merino, Poll Dorset, Texel, Awassi, Dorper, White Dorper, Damara, I’l de France, Finn, Kelso, White Suffolk, Wiltshire Poll, Romney, Corriedale, Coopworth and Border Leicester. We have dealt directly with stud breeders, clients purchasing semen, embryos and live sheep, commercial farmers and overseas investors.
Breedtech endorses the use of breeding systems such as Lambplan and Merinoselect to enable producers to accurately select animals of high genetic merit.