(a) What is the programme called that is involved in improving success rate of production of desired hybrid and herd size of cattle?

(b) Explain the method used for carrying this programme for cows.

a. The programme that is involved in improving success rate of production of desired hybrid and herd size of cattle is called “multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET)”. This technology has been demonstrated for cattle, sheep, rabbits, buffaloes, mares, etc. High milkyielding breeds of females and high quality (lean meat with less lipid) meat-yielding bulls have been bred successfully to increase herd size in a short time.

b. The method used for carrying this programme for cows is as follows:

i. The cow is administered with FSH to induce follicular maturation and super – ovulation to produce 6 to 8 eggs.

ii. The animal is then either mated with an elite bull or artificially inseminated.

iii. The fertilised eggs (8-32 cells stage) are recovered non-surgically and transferred to surrogate mother where they develop into an improved variety.