Embryo transfer! Because the Witter Center maintains a strict biosecurity system, it makes it difficult to bring new animals into the farm. So when we wanted to start a beef herd here, the best option was embryo transfers. This would allow us to bring in new genetics, without needing to bring in new animals.
So, how does this work? An embryo from an angus cow is fertilized by a Hereford bull to create “Baldy” cattle, which gets its name from their typical “bald” faces. These calves are typically black with a white face. Once the embryo is fertilized, it is flushed out and put into one of our Holstein girls. The embryo grows in the uterus of our cow, and she calves out just as she would if it were biologically her calf. The embryos are also pre-sexed, so we know if the calf will be a heifer (female) or bull (male). It is a pretty interesting process!