Effects of Embryo Transfer on Genetic Change in Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
Impact of embryo transfer on rate of genetic gain was examined for development of bulls for progeny test, development of replacement females and progeny testing of dams of bulls and replacement females. Increased selection intensity by embryo transfer potentially could improve genetic merit of bull dams by 17% when applied to production of sires for progeny test. Additional benefits arise from increased availability of sisters to such bulls. Genetic merit of dams of replacement females increases more than genetic merit of dams of bulls with embryo transfer. Increases in generation interval offset improvement in rate of genetic gain per generation from progeny testing females. Mass selection on own performance and pedigree produce a higher rate of genetic gain per year than progeny testing females. Application of embryo transfer to selection schemes for multiple traits may be beneficial.