New Technologies in Cattle Reproduction and the Correlated Acceleration of Genetic Gain

Over the last 50 years, the cattle industries, both beef and dairy, have dramatically increased the rate of genetic change for economically important traits by harnessing the power of quantitative population genetics theory coupled with the development and implementation of advanced reproductive technologies (ART). These technologies have increased the impact of genetically superior individuals in cattle populations for both sexes. Breakthroughs in the ART tool box continue to decrease generation interval, while at the same time, becoming more efficient in the production of animals. Such breakthroughs include in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo production that equals or is greater than in vivo embryo production, and juvenile heifer calf embryo production resulting in the calves being born before the young donor is biologically mature enough to calve herself. Current technology advancements continue to accelerate genetic gain, not just in elite germplasm, the power of these technologies is beginning to be harnessed in the commercial production sectors as well. This discussion will review the current status of ART and the impact it has on genetic improvement in all sectors of the cattle industry.