AETA President’s Report – Fall 2023

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Published on: September 25, 2023

On August 25, my wife and I loaded up the minivan and took daughter number three to college. For those of you that have not taken a daughter to college, let me warn you that there may be some tears that show up unexpectedly and it is good to keep tissue in your pockets for such times. Since this was our third time, we were a bit more prepared for what might happen, and of course it did, but we were able to navigate it much better than with daughters number one and two. From what I am told, it is a bit different taking sons to college. For those of you who have children at home, don’t blink. The days are long, but the years are fast.

The AETA committees have been quite active in 2023. I am thankful for the commitment that each committee chair and member has given to this great association. Please join me in thanking them for their time and efforts on behalf of the AETA. There are many committees that are looking for new members, so please let me know if you are willing to get more deeply involved in the AETA.

The Cooperator Committee is finalizing their embryo shipments and trade mission details for Uruguay and Argentina. There has been a lot of time and energy that went into the application for funding, embryo submissions, selection, and now shipment and transfer of these embryos. The trade missions to transfer these embryos will need to be completed before the end of 2023. At the time of this writing, the committee was still accepting volunteers to complete these trade missions. The Cooperator Committee in 2023 will have completed a total of seven projects of 100 embryos each. Please join me in thanking them for their efforts!

Thank you to everyone who contacted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make them aware of the Folltropin shortage we were all faced with this year. This seems to be largely behind us now as backorders are covered and orders are being filled as they come in. I am aware of quite a few instances of members who were out or almost out of Folltropin earlier this year who were helped by another member who had some product to spare. These were trying times that affected our businesses and livelihoods. I’d like to give a big shout out to those of you who helped a colleague in need. You know who you are. I would also like to thank Fred Gingrich and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) as well as Lindsey Hornickel and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for their support in communications with the FDA. These two associations were advocating on behalf of the AETA to strengthen our voice to the FDA.

Daniela Demetrio and the Convention Committee have done an outstanding job of putting together the 2023 annual convention at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. I look forward to connecting with you all again! It will be a great opportunity to learn, catch up with colleagues, and welcome new members to our association. Remember to register by September 30 to get the early registration discount.

As we were taking our third daughter to college, my business partner, Aaron Prososki, and his wife welcomed their third child into the world, so there were tears in their house as well. The circle of life continues. Don’t blink, my friends. See you in Orlando!

Greg Schueller, DVM

2023 AETA President

Register Now for the AETA Annual Convention!

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Published on: September 25, 2023

2023 AETA and CETA/ACTE Joint Convention Program

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Published on: September 25, 2023

October 27–29, 2023
Orlando, Florida

NOTE: The 2023 conference takes place Friday to Sunday.

Thursday, October 26

7:00 am-5:00 pm AETA Board of Directors’ Meeting Suwannee 11
7:30 am–11:00 amCETA/ACTE Certification Committee Meeting Suwannee 20
11:00 am–5:00 pmCETA/ACTE Board of Directors’ MeetingSuwannee 20
1:00 pm–5:00 pmCETA/ACTE Certification Exam (for initial certification)Suwannee 19

Friday, October 27

Friday Audio Visual Sponsored by Boviteq

7:00 am-2:00 pm ………………….. Golf Tournament
(additional registration required)
Cosponsored by Partner Animal Health and Reproduction Resources
Meet at the
Shingle Creek
Golf Club at
7:00 am
8:00 am–10:00 amAETA Certification Committee MeetingSuwannee 19
8:00 am–12:00 pmCETA/ACTE Certification Exam Review
(for applicants who wrote the exam)
Suwannee 20
10:00 am–12:00 pmAETA Recertification Session
(additional registration required)
(maximum 50 participants)
Suwannee 19
11:00 am–5:00 pmRegistration OpenPanzacola
Registration
12:00 pm–5:00 pmExhibit SetupPanzacola
South
G2F34H34
2:00 pm–5:00 pmPreconference Seminar I: What’s the Plan? Bovine Embryo Production and Transfer Case Discussion
(additional registration required)
Presented by ET Practitioners and chaired by Drs. Charles Looney and
Alvaro Garcia-Guerra
Experienced bovine embryo transfer practitioners will present and discuss cases related to: donor and recipient management; embryo selection, manipulation, cryopreservation, transfer, and pregnancy outcomes; and export requirements.
Sponsorship Opportunity!
Panzacola
F12
2:00 pm–5:00 pmPreconference Seminar II: Small Ruminant AI and ET
(additional registration required)
Presented by Dr. Lynn Tait
Sponsorship Opportunity!
Panzacola G1
6:00 pm–7:00 pmSocial Hour
Open Bar Sponsored by Reproduction Resources
Sebastian K
Foyer
7:00 pm–10:20 pmBanquet Followed by Entertainment by Safia Valines
Open Bar Sponsored by Reproduction Resources
Sebastian K

Saturday, October 28

Saturday Audio Visual Sponsored By Boviteq

6:45 am–5:00 pm
……………………………
Registration Open Panzacola
Registration
6:45 am–5:00 pmExhibits OpenPanzacola
South
G2F34H34
6:45 am–7:45 amThe Broken Wagon Ranch House Breakfast
(additional registration required)
Presented by Dr. Glenn Crumpler
Sponsorship Opportunity!
Suwannee 19
6:45 am–7:45 amBreakfast
Sponsored by PETS and MAI
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
7:45 am–8:00 amWelcome and Exhibitor/Sponsor RecognitionPanzacola
G1F12
8:00 am–8:50 amSession 1: Superovulating and Flushing Cows, How Far Have We Come?
Presented by Dr. Gabriel Bó
Panzacola
G1F12
8:50 am–9:30 amSession 2: Forty-Two Years of AETA: How Did It Start, and Where Are We Heading?
Presented by Dr. Chris Keim
Panzacola
G1F12
9:30 am–9:45 amPractitioner Tip: Young Heifer Flushing—Troubleshooting a
Difficult Cervix

Presented by Dr. Matt Iager
Panzacola
G1F12
9:45 am–10:00 amSelected Poster PresentationPanzacola
G1F12
10:00 am–10:45 amBreak and Poster Session—Meet the Exhibitors!
Sponsored by PETS and MAI
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
10:45 am–12:00 pmAETA Certification Session
Presentations by members of the AETA Certification Committee and Dr. Ashley Swenson
Panzacola
G1F12
10:45 am–12:00 pmCETA/ACTE SessionPanzacola
H1
10:45 am–12:00 pmStudent/Technician Session: Quality Control in the Embryo Laboratory: Perspectives from Industry and Academia
Presented by Drs. Peter Hansen and Rocío Rivera
Panzacola
H2
12:00 pm–1:00 pmStudent/Mentor Lunch
All students attending the convention are welcome to attend the student/mentor lunch. Attendees will get food from the main lunch area and then gather in the meeting room to eat.
Suwannee 11
12:00 pm–1:00 pmLunch
Sponsored by PETS and MAI
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
12:00 pm–1:00 pmAETA and CETA/ACTE Boards of Directors’ Joint LunchSuwannee 20
1:00 pm–2:00 pmSession 3: Predicting and Improving Uterine Function Toward a
Successful Pregnancy

Presented by Dr. Mario Binelli
Panzacola
G1F12
2:00 pm–3:00 pmSession 4: Genomic Testing in Dairy Cattle: Progress, Challenges,
and Perspectives

Presented by Dr. Francisco Peñagaricano
Panzacola
G1F12
3:00 pm–3:45 pmPractitioner Tip: Heifer Laparoscopic OPU
Presented by Dr. Edwin “Skip” Coles
Panzacola
G1F12
5:30 pm–9:00 pmConference Social
(additional registration required)
Sponsored by Vetoquinol
Gatlin
Terrace

Sunday, October 29

Sunday Audio Visual Sponsored By Boviteq

7:00 am–3:00 pm
……………………………
Exhibits OpenPanzacola
South
G2F34H34
7:00 am–4:00 pmRegistration OpenPanzacola
Registration
7:00 am–8:00 amBreakfast
Sponsored by ABT 360 LLC
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
7:00 am–8:00 amAETA Past Presidents’ BreakfastSuwannee
19/20
8:00 am–9:30 amAETA Business MeetingPanzacola
G1F12
8:00 am–9:30 amCETA/ACTE Annual General MeetingPanzacola H1
9:30 am–10:00 amBreak and Poster Session—Meet the Exhibitors!
Sponsorship Opportunity!
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
10:00 am–11:00 amSession 6: Predicting and Improving Embryo Survival in Cattle
Presented by Dr. Peter Hansen
Panzacola
G1F12
11:00 am–12:00 pmSession 7: Abnormal Calf Syndrome
Presented by Dr. Rocío Rivera
Panzacola
G1F12
12:00 pm–1:15 pmLunch
Sponsorship Opportunity!
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
12:00 pm–1:15 pmCETA/ACTE New Board of Directors’ MeetingSuwannee 19
12:00 pm–1:15 pmAETA New Board of Directors’ MeetingSuwannee 20
1:15 pm–2:15 pmSession 8: Trying to Save the Valuable, Critically Sick Neonatal Calf
Presented by Dr. Thomas Divers
Panzacola
G1F12
2:15 pm–3:15 pmSession 9: Abnormal Calf Syndrome Case Reports and Panel
Discussion

Presented by Drs. Thomas Divers, Scott Larsen, Ky Pohler, John Prososki, and Rocío Rivera
Panzacola
G1F12
3:15 pm–3:45 pmBreak
Sponsorship Opportunity!
Panzacola
South
G2F34H34
3:45 pm–4:00 pmSelected Poster PresentationPanzacola
G1F12
4:00 pm–4:15 pmPractitioner Tip: On the Road Again
Presented by Dr. Joel Carter
Panzacola
G1F12
4:15 pm–5:30 pmSession 10: 50 Years of IETS and How the Embryo Metabolism Informs Culture Media Development
Presented by Dr. Rebecca Krisher
Panzacola
G1F12
5:30 pm–5:45 pmClosing Remarks
See you in Toronto from October 17 to 19, 2024!
Panzacola
G1F12

2023 AETA Board of Director’s Election

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Published on: September 25, 2023

The following 4 AETA Members are running for the 2024 Board of Directors. Be sure to join us in Orlando this October to chat with them and cast your ballet.

(more…)

Thank you to the 2023 sponsors and exhibitors!

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Published on: September 25, 2023

DOUBLE PLATINUM SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

EXHIBITORS

ABT 360
Agtech, Inc
Boviteq
DRAMINSKI S.A.
E.I. Medical Imaging Inc
IMV Imaging
IVF Bioscience
IVFtech ApS
Minitube USA
Multimin USA/Axiota Animal Health
NovaVive
Partnar Animal Health Inc.
Professional Embryo Transfer Supply (PETS)/MAI Animal Health
Reproduction Resources
Stroebech Media
Trans Ova Genetics
VetMotl
Vetoquinol USA
Vytelle
WTA Technologies

The AETA Certification Exam is Now Electronic!

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Published on: September 20, 2023

The AETA Certification Committee will be conducting it’s first online exam at the end of September.


To see what the exam will look like – and test yourself – please email aeta@assochq.org to get setup as a student for the mock exam (link below). This exam is anonymous and ungraded.

https://testing.exambuilder.com/publicurl/259e65c5f9fdaeafb57d0077535ed964

Electronic Format for AETA Certification Exam

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Published on: September 20, 2023

Further Development of Bovine In Vitro Fertilized Embryos Chosen and Re-Cultured as a Group

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Published on: September 20, 2023

AETA President’s Report – Spring 2023

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Published on: April 21, 2023

As spring is here and the beef calves are hitting the ground, a new busy season of embryo transfer is upon most of us. I am thankful for the research and studies that went into synchronization protocols that have helped us and our clients enjoy a more efficient use of our time.

At the winter Board meeting in February, we decided to create a new website for the AETA. This is currently under development, with the goal of having it rolled out prior to our annual meeting. We also are happy to announce that the Research Committee is currently seeking proposals for grants from the AETA. It is the vision of the AETA Board of Directors that every year, an award is given, with the recipient(s) being announced at our annual meeting. In addition, the recipient(s) of the previous year’s award would present their paper(s) at our annual meeting.

We are saddened by the loss of Dr. Brad Stroud, a teacher, mentor, and lifelong learner in embryo transfer. The Stroud family has decided to donate memorial monies given in Brad’s name to the AETA to help fund new research. With this generous act, we have decided to name the award the AETA Brad Stroud Memorial Research Award.

All of us are impacted by the shortened supply of Folltropin, and many have asked what the Board is doing about this. The Board of Directors and Government Liaison Committee are actively working with the FDA to address this ongoing issue. We have encountered a lot of dead-end roads with the FDA, but we continue to monitor and work hard on this urgent membership need. If you are still experiencing supply issues with Folltropin, please report your case to the FDA Animal Drug Shortages by emailing AnimalDrugShortages@fda.hhs.gov.

The Cooperator Committee has a lot of activity going on this year, with a new call for embryos coming out soon for a Quality Sample Project to Uruguay and Argentina. They are also looking for volunteers for trade missions in Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and Uruguay.

Dr. Daniela Demetrio and the Convention Committee are working hard on finalizing an amazing program for our annual meeting in Orlando. The meeting details will be available soon. In the meantime, mark your calendar for October 27–29 for the 2023 AETA Annual Meeting in Orlando. Please note that this is a Friday through Sunday meeting, which is a change for this year only, due to the Rosin Shingle Creek availability dates.

Lastly, we have many committees that would welcome new members. If you would like to become active on a committee, please contact me, and I will try to direct you to a committee that would be a good fit.

I am humbled and honored to be serving as the president of this great association and look forward to serving you, our members, this year. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns related to the AETA.

Greg Schueller, DVM

2023 AETA President

Save The Date: 2023 AETA-CETA/ACTE 40th Joint Annual Convention Happening October 27–29

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Published on: April 21, 2023

The American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) is excited to welcome returning and new attendees to an in-person joint convention with CETA/ACTE from October 27 to 29, 2023, at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida!

The first AETA convention was held in 1983 so we are celebrating AETA’s 40th Anniversary in Orlando! The program committee has been working hard to bring you a great conference and has already confirmed top industry speakers and an innovative program lineup. Registration will open soon so join us to

  • Discuss factors that can improve embryo development and pregnancy establishment;
  • Learn practitioner tips;
  • Understand how to apply genomics in your daily work;
  • Face problems such as pregnancy loss and abnormal offspring syndrome;
  • Dive into the embryo metabolism and the in vitro embryo production (IVP) media; and
  • Review and celebrate the history of AETA;

Please note that the days for this meeting are different than years past. The preconference events will take place on Friday, October 27, and the scientific sessions will take place on Saturday, October 28, and Sunday, October 29.

Friday’s preconference options include

  • Bovine embryo production and transfer case studies and discussion;
  • Small ruminant AI and embryo transfer;

Visit the convention page to

  • Book your hotel early (rooms will fill up fast!);
  • Share a case or a study by submitting your abstract for the poster session by August 10;
  • Apply for a student scholarship; or
  • Check out exhibitor and sponsor opportunities;

Please contact Morgan or a member of the Convention/Program Committee if you have any questions. See you in Orlando!

Daniela Demetrio

American Embryo Transfer Association Vice President

Draft Program: 2023 AETA and CETA/ACTE Joint Convention

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Published on: April 21, 2023

October 26–29, 2023

Rosen Shingle Creek

Orlando, FL

Thursday, October 26

7:30 am–5:00 pmAETA Board of Directors Meeting
7:30 am–5:00 pmAETA Certification Committee Meeting
7:30 am–11:00 amCETA/ACTE Certification Committee Meeting
11:00 am–5:00 pmCETA/ACTE Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 pm–5:00 pmCETA/ACTE Certification Exam
(for initial certification)

Friday, October 27

7:30 am–2:00 pmGolf Tournament On Site at the Shingle Creek Golf Club
(additional registration required)
8:00 am–10:00 amAETA Certification Committee Meeting
8:00 am–12:00 pmCETA/ACTE Certification Exam Review
(for applicants who wrote the exam)
10:00 am–12:00 pmAETA Recertification Session
(additional registration requiredmaximum 50 participants)
11:00 am–5:00 pmRegistration Open
12:00 pm–5:00 pmExhibit Setup
2:00 pm–5:00 pmPreconference Seminar I: What’s the Plan? Bovine Embryo
Production and Transfer Case Discussion
(additional registration required)
 
Presented by ET Practitioners (Chaired by Dr. Charles Looney and
Dr. Alvaro Garcia Guerra)
2:00 pm–5:00 pmPreconference Seminar II: Small Ruminant AI and ET
(additional registration required)
 
Presented by Dr. Lynn Tait
6:00 pm–7:00 pmSocial Hour
7:00 pm–10:00 pmBanquet with Entertainment

Saturday, October 28

6:45 am–5:00 pmRegistration Open
6:45 am–5:00 pmExhibits Open
6:45 am–7:45 amBroken Wagon Ranch House Breakfast
(additional registration required)

Presented by Dr. Glenn Crumpler
6:45 am–7:45 amBreakfast
Sponsorship Opportunity!
7:45 am–8:00 amWelcome and Exhibitor/Sponsor Recognition
8:00 am–8:50 amSession 1: Bovine Reproductive Physiology and Superstimulation

Presented by Dr. Reuben Mapletoft
8:50 am–9:30 amSession 2: Forty Years of AETA: How did it start, and how
far have we come?

Presented by Dr. Chris Keim
9:30 am–9:45 amSelected Poster Presentation: TBD

Presented by TBD
9:45 am–10:00 amPractitioner Tip: Young heifer flushing—Troubleshooting a hard cervix

Presented by Dr. Matt Iager
10:00 am–10:45 amBreak and Poster Session: Visit with the exhibitors and sponsors!
Sponsorship Opportunity!
10:45 am–12:00 pmAETA Certification Session
Presentations by TBD
10:45 am–12:00 pmCETA/ACTE Session
10:45 am–12:00 pmStudent/Technician Session
Presented by Dr. Peter Hansen and Dr. Rocio Rivera
12:00 pm–1:00 pmStudent/Mentor Lunch
All students attending the convention are welcome to attend the
student/mentor lunch. Attendees will get food from the main lunch
area and then gather in the meeting room to eat (beverages and cutlery
will be in the meeting room).
12:00 pm–1:00 pmLunch
Sponsorship Opportunity!
12:00 pm–1:00 pmAETA–CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention Meeting
1:00 pm–2:00 pmSession 3: Technologies to Improve the Uterine Environment,
Embryo Development, and Pregnancy Rates in Cattle

Presented by Dr. Mario Binelli
2:00 pm–3:00 pmSession 4: Genomic Testing in Dairy Cattle: Progress, Challenges,
and Perspectives

Presented by Dr. Francisco Peñagaricano
3:00 pm–3:45 pmBreak and Poster Session: Visit with the exhibitors and sponsors!
Sponsorship Opportunity!
3:45 pm–4:00 pmPractitioner Tip: Young Donor OPU

Presented by Dr. Edwin “Skip” Coles
4:00 pm–5:00 pmSession 5: Pregnancy Failure: What do we know, and how do we
prevent it?

Presented by Dr. Ky Pohler
5:30 pm–9:00 pmConference Social On Site at the Rosen Shingle Creek
Sponsored by Vetoquinol

Sunday, October 29

7:00 am–3:00 pmExhibits Open
7:00 am–4:00 pmRegistration Open
7:00 am–8:00 amBreakfast
Sponsorship Opportunity!
7:00 am–8:00 amAETA Past Presidents Breakfast 
8:00 am–9:30 amAETA Business Meeting
8:00 am–9:30 amCETA/ACTE Annual General Meeting
9:30 am–10:00 amBreak and Poster Session: Visit with the exhibitors and sponsors!
Sponsorship Opportunity!
10:00 am–11:00 amSession 6: Predicting and Improving Embryo Survival

Presented by Dr. Peter Hansen
11:00 am–12:00 pmSession 7: Abnormal Calf Syndrome

Presented by Dr. Rocio Rivera
12:00 pm–1:15 pmLunch
Sponsorship Opportunity!
12:00 pm–1:15 pmCETA/ACTE New Board of Directors Meeting
12:00 pm–1:15 pmAETA New Board of Directors Meeting
1:15 pm–2:15 pmSession 8: Abnormal Calf Neonatal Care

Presented by Dr. Thomas Divers
2:15 pm–3:15 pmSession 9: Abnormal Calf Syndrome Case Reports and
Panel Discussion

Presented by Dr. Thomas Divers, Dr. Scott Larsen, Dr. Ky Pohler,
Dr. John Prososki, and Dr. Rocio Rivera
3:15 pm–3:45 pmBreak
Sponsorship Opportunity!
3:45 pm–4:00 pmSelected Poster Presentation: TBD

Presented by TBD
4:00 pm–4:15 pmPractitioner Tip: TBD

Presented by TBD
4:15 pm–5:30 pmSession 10: IETS 50th Anniversary and
The Embryo Metabolism and In Vitro Production Culture Media

Presented by Dr. Rebecca Krisher
5:30 pm–5:45 pmClosing Remarks
See you in Toronto from October 17 to 19, 2024!

Join AETA and CETA/ACTE in the 2023 Poster Session!

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Published on: April 21, 2023

The 2023 AETA-CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention is now accepting abstract submissions for presentation at the poster session at the Annual Meeting and publication in the 2023 AETA-CETA/ACTE Annual Meeting Proceedings.

Bookmark the page today to access at a later date. Highlight the deadline for submitting abstracts on your calendars: August 10, 2023, at 11:59pm CST.

Members and students of AETA and CETA/ACTE are encouraged to submit original research abstracts that will be displayed in poster format. Abstracts should consist of original, completed work that has not been accepted for publication in a journal. If your abstract is accepted, you will be expected to present research findings in the Annual Meeting Poster Sessions. Time will be scheduled in the conference program to allow discussion of research results with conference attendees at your poster. All abstract requirements and restrictions can be found here. Please review these carefully before submitting.

The AETA Research Committee will review all submissions for acceptance. You will be informed of the Committee’s decision no later than Friday, September 2, so you can plan to register for the Annual Meeting. Students whose abstracts are accepted will receive one free Annual Meeting registration!

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

The American Embryo Transfer Association

Reproductive research leading to increased efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies in the American embryo transfer industry

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Published on: April 21, 2023

Request for Proposals 2024

The Board of Directors of the American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) is pleased to provide an opportunity for funding to support practitioner-initiated research projects that focus on advancing the knowledge and efficiency of applied assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in livestock species. The goal of the Association is to provide some financial support and access to statisticians, to help ensure that the data generated by AETA-funded projects will be robust under critical evaluation and will be of benefit to the AETA membership at large.

Please disseminate this request for proposals to be considered for 2023 (project start dates between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024). This request for proposals is open through 2023. The submission deadline is July 31, 2023.

Eligibility

  • The project leader must be a member of AETA in good standing
  • The project must address a contemporary problem in the embryo transfer industry
  • The experimental design must be sufficiently robust to withstand critical review
  • Results must be reported to AETA in an acceptable format (poster presentation, newsletter, etc.)
  • It is strongly encouraged that project leaders include student members of AETA on the research team

Proposal Guidelines

The text of the proposal should be single spaced, in 11-point font, and no more than 3 pages in length, and should include the following information:

  • Title of the proposal
  • Names and addresses of project leader and other key personnel
  • Problem statement and impact on the embryo transfer industry
  • Objectives
  • Materials and methods (including locations of research)
  • Conclusion and intended means of dissemination (e.g., publication, presentation)

A budget sheet should be included with the proposal (not included in the text). Proposals will be funded to a maximum of $10,000. Please consider the following:

  • AETA does not pay for any indirect costs (ICR, F&A, etc.)
  • Funds from AETA cannot be used to make capital purchases
  • Funds from AETA cannot be used to fund internships or externships and must only be used for hours spent on the proposed project
  • For projects that require cooperation from external entities (e.g., livestock businesses or operations that own the animals on which the work will be conducted), letters of support from those entities should also be included in the proposal packet. These letters of support will not be included in the text of the proposal.

Proposals can be submitted to AETA by email at aeta@assochq.org or by mail to

American Embryo Transfer Association

1800 South Oak Street, Suite 100

Champaign, IL 61820-6974

Proposals received by AETA will be forwarded to the co-chairs of the Research Committee. The Research Committee will then evaluate the proposals and determine whether a project should be funded. Each proposal will be reviewed by at least two reviewers and may involve reviewers external to AETA. The Research Committee will have 45 days from the submission deadline to conduct a review and communicate funding status to the project leader.

2022 AETA Research Award

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Published on: April 21, 2023

Congratulations to Dr. Kenneth Bondioli and colleagues of Louisiana State University for receiving the inaugural AETA research award for the proposal titled: Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate for Delivery of a Single Intramuscular Injections of FSH for Follicle Stimulation in Beef Cattle.   

Evaluation of cumulus oocyte complexes

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Published on: April 21, 2023

Daniela Demetrio (RuAnn Genetics, Caruthers, CA)
Jennifer Barfield (Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO)

Grade 1 COCs have more than 3 complete and compact layers of cumulus cells covering the surface of the
zona pellucida (ZP). The ooplasm is dense and has even granulation.
Grade 2 COCs have 1 or 2 compact cumulus cell layers covering the surface of the ZP and the ooplasm is
dense with even granulation. Grade 1 oocytes with speckled ooplasm are downgraded to grade 2.
Grade 3 COCs have less than 1 complete layer of cumulus cells covering the surface of the ZP. Grade 2
oocytes with speckled ooplasm are downgraded to grade 3.
Grade 4 COCs have expanded cumulus cell layers, often with an agglutinated appearance. Grade 3 oocytes with speckled ooplasm are downgraded to grade 4. If the ooplasm is retracted, the oocyte will be
considered degenerated.
Degenerated COCs consist of oocytes with retracted or noticeably light and/or speckled ooplasm, fused
cumulus cells, or cracked and/or empty ZP.

IETS Guidelines – October 2022

Evaluation of in vitro produced bovine embryos

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Published on: April 21, 2023

Jennifer Barfield (Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO)
Daniela Demetrio (RuAnn Genetics, Caruthers, CA)

Stage of Development and Associated Features

Stage 4 – Morula – Blastomeres are compacted so that they cannot be fully resolved or counted. Peri vitelline (PV) space around the embryo proper is visible and the thickness of the zona pellucida (ZP) remains unchanged from
earlier cleavage stages.
Stage 5 – Early blastocyst – A small blastocoele cavity is visible and occupies less than half of the volume of the embryo proper. In most cases, the PV space remains around the embryo proper, which may or may not touch the ZP.
Stage 6 – Blastocyst – The blastocoele cavity occupies at least half of the volume of the embryo proper. Small amounts of PV space may remain or the PV space may be completely occupied by the embryo proper owing to the filling out
of the blastocoele cavity. The thickness of the ZP remains unchanged from earlier stages of development.
Stage 7 – Expanded blastocyst – The embryo proper occupies the space under the zona pellucida fully and no PV space remains. The volume of the blastocoele cavity should be larger than the inner cell mass (ICM), which should be compact and identifiable. The ZP is thinner than earlier stages of development. Expanded blastocysts may vary in diameter depending on expansion of the blastocoele cavity. Any embryo that has initiated the expansion process and is observed to have a thinning ZP may be considered stage 7. If the blastocoele cavity is collapsed, the thickness of the ZP and overall diameter of the embryo including the ZP should be used as the primary indicator of stage.
Stage 8 – Hatching blastocyst – The ZP has thinned and been breached. The trophectoderm (TE) may or may not be herniating through the opening. The ICM has further compacted and is easily identifiable. Regardless of progression of herniation (including no herniation), all embryos with an opening in the ZP (crack) in which the embryo proper is still in contact with the ZP is considered hatching. Some fresh IVP embryos have been observed to hatch without thinning of the ZP. This may be due to zona hardening or from damage sustained during handling. Embryos with a breached ZP are not suitable for export. This information should be noted on the ABC and D forms.
Stage 9 – Hatched blastocyst – The blastocyst has emerged from the ZP completely. The TE will appear bumpy without the presence of ZP. The ICM is compact and easy to identify. Embryos without a ZP are not suitable for export unless accepted by the importing country. This information should be noted on the ABC and D forms.

Morphological Quality Evaluation

Code 1 – Excellent or good – No major abnormalities in the embryo should be observed. The embryo should be symmetrical and spherical with blastomeres that are uniform in size, color, and density. In accordance with evaluations for IVD embryos, at least 85% of the cellular material contained within the ZP should be part of the embryo proper or viable embryonic mass, based on the percentage of material in the PV space relative to the embryo proper. For embryos at the early blastocyst stage of development and beyond, the ICM and TE should be easily discernable. TE cells should be even in size and light in color. The ICM should be increasingly compact as embryo development progresses. Embryos with minor deformities of the ZP that have no other deficiencies may be classified as grade 1.
Code 2 – Fair – Moderate irregularities in overall shape of the embryonic mass or in size, color, and density of individual cells. At least 50% of the cellular material should be part of an intact, viable embryonic mass. Morula with poor compaction on all or part of the embryo proper should be downgraded to a 2. Minor defects of the ICM or TE may be acceptable, but not in both. Defects of the ICM may include poor organization, poor compaction, or speckled/dense appearance of individual cells. Defects of the TE may include cells of uneven size, grouped or scattered excessively dense cells, or irregularities in the shape of the blastocoele cavity.
Code 3 – Poor – Major irregularities in shape of the embryonic mass or in size, color, and density of individual cells are observed. At least 25% of the cellular material should be part of the intact, viable embryonic mass. Major defects in both the ICM and TE are observed. Poor quality embryos may be lacking an easily discernable ICM or have very few cells of varying densities that compose a poorly organized ICM. The TE may have few cells with many tending to be larger than normal.
Code 4 – Degenerated – Unfertilized ova and embryos that have stopped developing at cleavage stages are considered non-viable if evaluations are being done 7 days after in vitro fertilization. Blastomeres may appear

IETS Guidelines – October 2022

Medical microrobots in reproductive medicine from the bench to the clinic

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Published on: April 21, 2023

Richard NauberSandhya R. GouduMaren GoeckenjanMartin BornhäuserCarla Ribeiro & Mariana Medina-Sánchez 

Nature Communications volume 14, Article number: 728 (2023)

 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-36215-7

Abstract

Medical microrobotics is an emerging field that aims at non-invasive diagnosis and therapy inside the human body through miniaturized sensors and actuators. Such microrobots can be tethered (e.g., smart microcatheters, microendoscopes) or untethered (e.g., cell-based drug delivery systems). Active motion and multiple functionalities, distinguishing microrobots from mere passive carriers and conventional nanomedicines, can be achieved through external control with physical fields such as magnetism or ultrasound. Here we give an overview of the key challenges in the field of assisted reproduction and how these new technologies could, in the future, enable assisted fertilization in vivo and enhance embryo implantation. As a case study, we describe a potential intervention in the case of recurrent embryo implantation failure, which involves the non-invasive delivery of an early embryo back to the fertilization site using magnetically-controlled microrobots. As the embryo will be in contact with the secretory oviduct fluid, it can develop under natural conditions and in synchrony with the endometrium preparation. We discuss the potential microrobot designs, including a proper selection of materials and processes, envisioning their translation from bench to animal studies and human medicine. Finally, we highlight regulatory and ethical considerations for bringing this technology to the clinic.

Survey: Training opportunities in embryo transfer

Categories: Catching Up
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Published on: April 21, 2023

The intent of this survey (TTU-IRB Protocol Number IRB2021-971) is to explore potential training opportunities for veterinary students, new graduates, and laboratory technicians interested in embryo transfer.  

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MX2FNDT

Video: Embryo Handling Training – Without an Embryo

Categories: Evidence-Based ET
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Published on: April 21, 2023

Video: Use of Dominant Follicle Ablation Prior to Superovulation

Categories: Evidence-Based ET
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Published on: April 21, 2023
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