Bovine Embryo Transfer

Policy

The collection and surgical transfer of bovine embryos should only be carried out by veterinarians or by technicians suitably trained by and under the supervision of veterinarians.  At all times the welfare of the donor and recipient shall be the veterinarian's prime concern, and all requirements of the Animal Remedies Act relating to prescription animal remedies shall be observed.

Explanation

Advances in animal breeding technology, such as embryo transfer (ET), impose an additional responsibility on veterinarians in respect of (i) their professional relationship with colleagues, (ii) compliance with legislation and (iii) ensuring the welfare of the animals involved.

All veterinarians involved in ET are expected to have gained sufficient experience and a high level of competence in the techniques involved.  They are expected to follow the guidelines as listed below.

Guidelines

1. An ethical relationship between the veterinarians involved must be maintained at all times.  Supersession must be avoided and a claim of specialist status cannot be made.  By meeting the criteria laid down by the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), an NZVA member veterinarian may have his or her name entered on the NZVA Particular Skills Register, and then advertise that fact.
2. Prescription Animal Remedies used in the technology must be provided only in accordance with the legislation embodied in the Animal Remedies Act 1967, or its successor, its amendments and regulations.
3. All recipient cows should undergo veterinary inspection within 30 days prior to commencement of programming to ensure the proposed recipient animal is of suitable size and condition to receive the embryos and have minimal risk of dystocia.  The embryo transfer veterinarian should ensure that the client has discussed calving management and welfare issues with the local veterinarian.
4. Aseptic techniques must be used at all times.
5. All necessary measures should be taken to control pain or other forms of discomfort, whichever route of transfer or collection is used.  Collection of embryos per vaginum must be carried out by or under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
6. The veterinarian is responsible for the actions of the non-professional technicians in the transfer team.
7. Specific arrangements must be made to meet the possibility of an emergency requiring veterinary assistance following collection and embryo transfer.  Unnecessary suffering must be avoided.
8. Full records of embryo collections and implantations must be maintained.

Special Note

This policy should be read in conjunction with NZVA's policy "Geographically Widespread Veterinary Service"

Policy Files: 

5c - Bovine Embryo Transfer - 16Aug02.pdf