Service to AETA Internationally
by Matthew Dorshorst, DVM: Cooperator Committee Member
As a member of the AETA, I was asked to participate on the Cooperator Committee. I did not have any idea what I was in for. I began to realize this when the committee met with a group of people from Russia at World Dairy Expo in 2010. The Russians were interested in learning more about the American dairy and beef industries and importing embryos.
Several members of the committee were at that meeting. Three of us were decidedly younger than the rest of the representatives. When the discussion turned to who would travel to transfer embryos and conduct information seminars, I assumed it would not involve me. To my surprise, they said they wanted me to go, as well as Dr. Michael Pugh and Dr. Nate Dorshorst. We could hardly say no.
The three of us and a Russian-born US-based dairy herd manager named Vadim traveled to Russia in January 2011. Vadim served as a translator and guide for us while in Russia. One hundred embryos had been sent to Moscow before we arrived and we would be traveling to 4 locations in Russia to educate personnel and transfer embryos. We enjoyed long hours of travel by plane, train, and automobile and were treated to wonderful hospitality by our hosts.
We traveled to Yaroslav, Velekie Luki, Ryazan, and Orenburg. We drew a crowd when we worked and often encountered individuals who were very interested in what we did. They enjoyed seeing the ultrasound in use and hearing about how we practice in the United States. We transferred 79 embryos and achieved pregnancy rates between 25 and 71% by location and an average of 60% for all embryos transferred.
There were 4 trips to Russia as part of the AETA and USLGE market development project. One of these trips was focused on assessment of the project by USLGE because they provided the funding. We had the opportunity to work closely with the US Embassy agricultural attaché and their Russian counterpart. Based on my travels, there is a great need for Russia to update and upgrade its agricultural industries. They appear to be a food-insecure country and a potential market for American technology, genetics, and services.
We had the chance to see some sights as we traveled in Russia, including Red Square. It was amazing to me that when Russians spoke of history, they talked about things going back 1,500 years. They are proud of their culture and history. Many of them spoke candidly about the challenges they face and welcomed our input.
I thank the AETA and the Cooperator Committee for the opportunity to travel on their behalf. I have enjoyed these opportunities to travel to Russia, Kazakhstan, and China. Had someone asked me if I ever expected to travel because of my occupation, I would have guessed not, but it has been very rewarding.
Matthew Dorshorst, DVM
A crowd in Rayzan as Dr. Michael Pugh transfers and embryo.
Calf born in Velikie Lukie. Dr. Matt Dorshorst, Dr. Andrea, Dr. Kory Bigalk. She has Holstein USA tags applied.
The Kremlin, Lenin’s Tomb and the Cathedral on Red Square.
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