Need CE Credits?

AETA is offering 11 different Continuing Education (CE) sessions — available for just $40 per session for members!
Non-members can still participate at the full rate of $60 per session.

Once you purchase your session(s), please allow 7 business days for AETA to set up your course access.

Need access sooner?

Email us at aeta@assochq.org and we’ll do our best to expedite your request.

Session #1

How do I freeze IVF embryos? Presented by Dr. Jennifer Barfield (1 hour)

Dr. Jennifer Barfield will approach this topic in three parts: where we’ve been, where we are, and where we may go. We will begin with a quick refresher on cryobiology basics followed by a brief historical perspective on freezing IVF embryos, considering the successes and the challenges of past approaches. This will be followed by a summary of the current state-of-the-art for both slow freeze and vitrification of IVF embryos with an overview of the most commonly used protocols and the advantages and disadvantages of each. This discussion will be framed around the needs of the industry. This talk will conclude with a glimpse into the future where we will explore new cryobiological technologies that may be incorporated into future protocols for improving post-thaw/post-warming embryo viability. Hint: The future may be golden! Don’t get the hint? Guess you’ll have to watch the talk.

Session #2

Technology and sustainability. Presented by Dr. Sara Place (1 hour)

In a world facing mounting environmental and resource challenges, technology has emerged as a critical tool in advancing sustainability across industries. This keynote will explore how innovative technologies are transforming the way we produce, consume, and manage resources—with a specific lens on agriculture and livestock systems. From reducing carbon footprints to improving economic viability and environmental stewardship, we’ll dive into how smart systems, genetic tools, and circular practices can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Attendees will gain insight into practical strategies, real-world examples, and emerging innovations that bridge the gap between ecological responsibility and economic growth.

Session #3

Utilizing embryo transfer as a way of mitigating the effects of heat stress on reproduction. Presented by Dr. Peter Hansen (1 hour)

Actions of heat stress on fertility in cattle can be overcome by the use of embryo transfer because the blastocyst transferred into recipients is resistant to heat stress. Pregnancy rates for embryo transfer during heat stress are greater than for AI. There is also little seasonal variation in ET pregnancy success. 

Session #4

The use of intravaginal P4 implants (CIDRs) in ET programs and for research in ET. Presented by Milo Wiltbank (1 hour)

This presentation will focus on the use of intravaginal P4 implants (CIDRs) in ET programs and for research in ET. There will be three sections in the presentation (~20 min each).

 Using used CIDRs to synchronize ET recipients

• Fixed time embryo transfer (FTET) vs. ET after estrus
• Number of times that a CIDR can be reutilized for ET recipients

This first part of the presentation will present data from a recent article that evaluated a simplified and cost-effective program for FTET. (Sala et al., 2020. Optimization of a 5-day fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) protocol in heifers I. Manipulation of circulating progesterone through reutilization of intravaginal progesterone devices during FTET. Theriogenology 156:171-180)

• Pregnancy loss in ET recipients: Is the primary cause embryo death or inappropriate CL regression followed by embryo loss?

This part of the presentation will present the data from two recent, unpublished studies that have evaluated this question using supplementation of P4 with two intravaginal CIDRs to maintain the pregnancy even after regression of the primary CL.

Rapid resynchronization for FTAI or FTET

• ReBreed21 for FTAI in Bos indicus heifers
• ReBreed21 for FTET in Holstein recipient heifers

This last part of the presentation will present data from recently published and unpublished research a rapid resynchronization program (ReBreed21) for FTAI in Bos indicus heifers (Andrade et al., 2020. Development of a novel 21-day reinsemination program, ReBreed21, in Bos indicus heifers. Theriogenology 155:125-131.) Recent, unpublished data will be presented on use of this new rapid resynchronization program during ET programs (ReBreed21-ET) in Holstein recipient heifers.

Session #5

Strategies to simplify in vivo and in vitro embryo production in beef donors; competing or complementary techniques? Presented by Dr. Gabriel Bo (1 hour)

Two important factors affect in vivo and in vitro embryo production in cattle: the intrinsic number of antral follicles in donors and the stage of follicular development at the beginning of treatments. Antral follicle population can be predicted by an ultrasound examination or the measurement of plasma AMH concentrations, but little can be done to modify it. Although embryo production can be increased by stimulating follicle growth with gonadotropins, simplified treatments are required to facilitate on-farm applications. The objective of this presentation is to describe simplified protocols for superstimulating donors and to propose alternatives by which the two embryo technologies can be applied in the same donor at the same time.

Session #6

Control of the estrous cycle among embryo transfer recipients using the 7&7 Synch protocol. Presented by Dr. Jordan Thomas (1 hour)

The 7 & 7 Synch protocol and similar protocols involving presynchronization afford a greater degree of control over the bovine estrous cycle, offering improved results among cows receiving fixed-time artificial insemination or embryo transfer. The fundamental physiology involved in these presynchronization approaches will be presented, along with results of large-scale field trials evaluating pregnancy results in commercial herds.

Session #7

Calves from calves: accelerating genetic advancement. Presented by Dr. Hernan Baldassarre (1 hour)

Laparoscopic Ovum Pick-Up (LOPU) followed by in vitro embryo production in calves of 2-6 months of age, has been proven to be an effective method for accelerated propagation of elite females identified shortly after birth by means of genetic marker selection. This presentation will cover current aspects of this reproductive technology.

Session #8

Slaughterhouse Beef Embryo Production. Presented by Alex Blonski and Brady Hicks (1 hour)

This presentation will talk about the previous and current dairy calf market and why dairymen are now interested in using beef semen or embryos. I will also talk about the challenges in implementing embryo transfer on farms that have not previously had ET experience.

Session #9

Sex-Sorted Semen Use in AI, ET, and IVF. Presented by Dr. Pablo Ross (1 hour)

In vitro gamete and embryo production from stem cell cultures could revolutionize animal production by decreasing generation intervals, increasing the number of gametes per animal, and facilitating the widespread dissemination of elite and uniform genetics. In vitro reconstitution of germ cell development from mouse stem cells has recently been successful, resulting in offspring from completely in vitro generated gametes. Similarly, creation of embryos capable of undergoing gastrulation was achieved when combining multiple stem cells in both mice and humans. The recent isolation of stable bovine embryonic stem cells with in vivo pluripotency potential brings these technologies closer to a possible application in livestock genetics and reproduction. Although functional gametes or embryos with true reproductive potential are still to be obtained from livestock stem cells, it is likely only a matter of time before this goal is achieved. Advances and potential applications of embryonic stem cells in livestock reproduction will be discussed with emphasis on in vitro breeding approaches that could significantly shorten generational intervals and increase genetic progress in cattle.

Session #10

Shipping and Insuring Embryos. Presented by Dr. John Stoesser (1 hour)

Transporting high-value beef genetics across regions or even internationally is a vital part of modern livestock breeding. This session will delve into the specialized logistics and risk management practices involved in shipping and insuring beef embryos. Attendees will learn about best practices for handling, packaging, and maintaining embryo viability during transit, as well as the regulatory requirements for domestic and international movement. The session will also highlight the importance of embryo insurance—what it covers, how to evaluate risk, and how producers can protect their investment from loss or damage. Whether you're a breeder, veterinarian, or livestock exporter, this talk will equip you with the knowledge to ensure both the safe delivery and financial security of valuable genetic material.