Question

(a)What is the programme called that is involved in improving the success rate of production of desired hybrid and herd size of cattle?
(b)Explain the method used for carrying this programme for cows.

Answer 1

For improving the success rate of production of desired hybrid and herd size of cattle, an advanced method is involved in which the cattle is administered with hormones which have activity like follicular stimulating hormone. These hormones help in maturation of follicles and induces ovulation due to which cow produces multiple eggs per cycle.

Complete answer:
a)Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer is the technique involved which improves the success rate of production of desired hybrid and herd size of cattle. It involves superovulation of 5 weeks which results in release of many eggs from the donor cow. The donor cow is treated with hormones which are injected in the muscles of the cattle.

The advantages of MOET are:
1)Number of offspring per female increases.
2)This method involves easier and rapid exchange of genetic material.
3)Storage and expansion of rare genes.

b)Methods used in MOET:
1)The cow is treated with hormones like FSH and prostaglandins to induce maturation of follicles and superovulation.
2)The cow produces 6-8 eggs.
3)The egg is mated with a bull of higher breed or artificial insemination is carried out.
4)The fertilised egg at 8-32 cell stage is recovered and transferred to surrogate mothers.

Note: The disadvantages of MOET are:
1)It is an expensive method.
2)The process involves highly skilled personnel.
3)The success rate of this procedure is very less.
4)The chances of producing abnormal offspring are higher.
5)The embryo transfer to the surrogate mother can cause infections.