Reproductive Services

 

Our Reproduction Services

Apiam Genetic Services provides reproductive services across species including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs and dogs. Apiam Genetic Services is primarily located in Dubbo and Deniliquin in New South Wales and in Smithton,  Tasmania. We offer a range of reproductive services and access to experienced vets and reproductive research through Apiam Animal Health production animal and small animal veterinary practices situated across regional Australia.

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Artificial Breeding Program

Organising the semen requirements for your AI or ET program well in advance is essential to ensure the smooth running of your program. Semen coming from other centres, particularly from interstate, can take a long time to be organised and transported therefore it is extremely important to make sure the semen owner and their nominated breeding centre is well aware of your requirements and time frame.

Once you have determined which sires you want to use and, if required from another breeder, organised purchase and shipment details, you should email us at geneticsdubbo@apiam.com.au. Once we know your requirements we can follow up your order and ensure everything is in place ready for your team on the day of insemination.

Preparing yourself and your animals for an AI or ET program takes time and plenty of forethought but is essential to achieving maximum results. A big step in this preparation is selecting the date for your program and locking it in with us. To ensure you get the date you want contact Apiam Genetic Services as early as possible so that we can book you in. Dates for the breeding season are in high demand and we can’t always guarantee you will get the exact date you are chasing but we will do our best to get as close as we can. To book your program contact geneticsdubbo@apiam.com.au

Cattle Reproduction

Dubbo | Deniliquin | Smithton

In both beef and dairy herds, accurate pregnancy diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective management practices. Dairy herds rely on accurate pregnancy test results to plan for the coming season. Pregnancy testing via rectal palpation For many years, rectal palpation has been the gold standard of pregnancy diagnosis. Ultrasound pregnancy testing Over recent years, ultrasound pregnancy testing has become more commonly used.

  • Ultrasound pregnancy testing is faster and more accurate than rectal pregnancy testing.
  • Ultrasound can also identify twins and an infected uterus.

Our cattle reproduction vets are  NCPD accredited in ultrasound pregnancy testing, an Australian Cattle Vet scheme that guarantees accuracy through examination of vets pregnancy testing. In most circumstances we will use a combination of both methods to pregnancy test your cows.

How accurate is pregnancy testing?
As long as the cow is far enough in calf, we can tell you if the cow is pregnant or not.
Why pregnancy test early?
Whilst we can tell you yes (pregnant) or no (not pregnant or empty) later on, to efficiently run your dairy farm, you need to know what stage of gestation the cows are. The further in calf a cow, the harder it is to be accurate about how far pregnant she is: > From 6 to 16 weeks of pregnancy we are very accurate. > Above 16 weeks, the accuracy is reduced.
When should I pregnancy test my herd?
To get the most information try to present cows for preg testing when they are between 6 and 16 weeks pregnant. The minimum number of preg. tests should be: > Test 6 to 7 weeks after the end of AI. > Test 6 to 7 weeks after the bull is removed.
What can I do to help with pregnancy testing?
Good facilities are quicker, safer and less stressful. Talk to us about the design of a vet (AI) race or stand for a rotary if you do not have one. A list of AI dates converted to the number of weeks pregnant at the time of preg testing optimizes pregnancy testing accuracy. Cow identification needs to be accurate, easy to read, not have 2 or more cows with the same identification and not have cows with no identification. The pregnancy testing results need to be recorded accurately. Recording results is not an easy job – the person doing that job cannot do other jobs. If the cow identification is difficult to read, then the recorders job is more difficult. If you do not have a spare person to record results, let us know and we can bring an extra person to record.
How can I make more use of my pregnancy test results?
As well as deciding empty cows, knowing when cows are going to calve lets you plan for the next season. Some things you do with your information include: Planning inductions Inducing late cows 10-12 weeks prior to their expected calving dates gives the best chance of bringing these cows in line with those calving to A.I. and therefore tightening up the calving period. Cull empty cows  Knowing how many empty cows you have allows you to calculate how many other cows you can afford to cull. Formulate a feed budget A feed budget is an accurate assessment of the herd’s future feed requirements compared to feed availability. An accurate predicted calving pattern is required for the calculation of a feed budget. Benchmark your Results You have spent a lot of money on joining your cows – how do your results compare? A danger in talking about figures with other farmers is that you are often comparing apples with oranges. For example comparing how many empty cows you have compared to another farm is meaningless, if you joined for 10 weeks and they joined for 20 weeks.

Synchrony Programs

Our commitment to our cattle farmers is to use evidence based research and results to guide reproductive recommendations that will result in positive benefits for their herds. An example of the successful use of GnRH, in combination with other hormones, is in a synchrony program aimed at treating post-partum anoestrus cows. In 2011, Apiam Animal Health Veterinary Clinic, Warrnambool Veterinary showed that an equivalent 1st insemination conception rate (CR1) and 6 week in-calf-rate (6 wk ICR) could be achieved in non- cycling cows when compared to their cycling herd mates (40% CR1 and 57% 6wk ICR). This is an outstanding result for the most difficult cows in a herd to get in calf! However the use of GnRH in an attempt to enhance fertility at the time of AI, which is referred to in an article “No value in blanket treatment with GnRH at AI” (The Australian Dairy farmer May-June 2014, pg33) should clearly be differentiated from synchrony programs using GnRH. This study from Gippsland found a benefit in a small group of cows when GnRH was used at the time of insemination. In these cows the conception rate was increased slightly, but overall there was no benefit from treatment. These findings reinforce our current recommendation that the blanket use of GnRH at the time of AI is not an economically worthwhile practice to increase conception rates.

Sheep & Goat Reproduction

Dubbo | Deniliquin 

As members of the Australian Sheep Veterinarians and being accredited under APAV, we are able to advise and test on a number of bio-security matters including Ovine Johnes Disease, Ovine Brucellosis and footrot. We provide a service to producers that include:

  • Obstetrical work including lambings, caesareans and prolapse treatment
  • Diagnosis and treatment of pre and post lambing diseases in ewes including pregnancy toxaemia and nutritional deficiencies
  • Advice on parasite control and management
  • Diagnosis and treatment of sick sheep on an individual and flock basis
  • Nutritional advice Pre-joining examination of rams
  • Preparation of teaser rams by vasectomy or by the use of hormone treated wethers
  • Semen collection , evaluation and freezing via Riverina Genetics
  • We also provide an ultra-sound pregnancy testing service that enables you to most economically manage your ewes by optimising fertility in your flock and by assessing their future nutritional requirements.

Our professional operators have provided a laparoscopic insemination and embryo transfer service in sheep and goats throughout Australia for the past 25 years, and also specialise in designing and managing successful artificial breeding programs in China, United Kingdom, United States and Fiji.

Embryo Transfer

Embryo Transfer

Embryo Transfer involves the programming of DONORS (the ewes we obtain fertilised embryos from). At the same time, we program RECIPIENTS (the ewes we transfer the fertilised embryos into) with the help of TEASERS (a wether who feels like a ram again) who stimulate ovulation in females. A typical program commences 3 weeks before the desired embryo transfer day. A series of hormonal injections to the donor ewe encourages multiple ovulations, then 6 days  before ET the ewes are inseminated with fresh or frozen thawed semen. At the same time recipients are programmed in conjunction with the donors to ensure they are synchronised and ready to receive an embryo on the flushing day. It is advisable to program 10 recipient ewes for each donor as typically 5 to 10% are unsuitable to receive an embryo on the day. Apiam Genetic Services carries out ET both on farm or at their dedicated facility in Dubbo. Embryos can be transferred immediately (“fresh”), or frozen for transfer at a later date. Embryos can also be chilled for a maximum of 24 hours to allow transfer into recipients the following day and/or enable transport to another property for transfer. This provides greater flexibility and convenience for your embryo transfer program.

Why Choose Embryo Transfer?

Why Choose Embryo Transfer?

Embryo transfer is a highly effective means to achieving maximum productivity from your best ewes. This means more superior lambs on the ground in a short space of time. In addition, you can use semen from the best suited sires from anywhere in the world. Incorporating embryo transfer into your breeding program allows rapid entry for a new bloodline or breed while developing a smaller “elite” flock. Rapidly improved productivity and potential for a  rapid increase in profit!

Why Choose the Apiam Genetic Services Method?

Why Choose the Apiam Genetic Services Method?

Experience, Experience, Experience Dr David Osborn is a LEADER in the field of Embryo Transfer. With the most experienced operators in Australia (if not the world) you will be pleased all your eggs are in one basket ! Embryo transfer requires an experienced and highly skilled operator for maximum results. With poor surgery and “rough” hands, ewes can soon be rendered infertile. Skilled surgery is key to the ongoing fertility of your ewes, either through further ET programs, AI programs or natural mating. Donors can be re-flushed every 6 to 8 weeks providing they remain in suitable condition. Apiam Genetic Services’ veterinarians are highly experienced and dedicated to producing top results for their clients and will always take the greatest of care handling your valuable animals. All embryos will be assessed by a qualified, experienced embryologist. This will determine which embryos are suitable for transferring into a recipient, or for freezing for transfer at a later date. An experienced team will also reduce the cost per lamb through better results.

What does Embryo Transfer cost?

What does Embryo Transfer Cost?

Please contact Apiam Genetic Services with details of the number of sheep you wish to inseminate and the approximate time, to receive a written quote providing full details of costs and your AI and ET schedule. Apiam Genetic Services provides all drugs and consumables for your program. All we need on the day of flushing is a clean, dust-free facility, clean water, access to electricity, and 2 to 3 people to assist with labour. Book with Apiam Genetic Services and receive a four page summary on “How to Have a Successful Embryo Transfer Program”

Semen Collection – Ram Preparation

  • Check the testes for lumps and abnormalities. They should feel firm and springy.
  • Check the horns for flystrike
  • Make sure your rams vaccination/drenching schedule is up to date
  • Rams in a body score 3 or 4 condition are great for entry. For rams in a score 1 to 2 condition, supplementary feeding of Lupins at 500g/day is recommended for the 8 weeks leading to entry
  • Shear ram if required or trim around pizzle. (A ram should arrive with a MAXIMUM of 10 months wool growth)
  • Train your ram THREE weeks before they are due to arrive.
  • Familiarise your ram with human contact
  • Paddock fed rams that are trained to eat from feed troughs will be better prepared
  • Expose your ram to a shed environment
  • Foot pare your ram

General activity around your ram will prepare them for the daily routine in the Apiam Genetic Services Semen Processing Centre. Rams that are accustomed to these procedures will begin collecting sooner and have lower levels of production loss, if any.

Regulin – Seasonal Performance

  • Control of the Breeding Season
  • Melatonin – Regulin treatments
  • Reduction in Dry Ewes
  • Increase twinning
  • There are about 5 major areas

Regulin brings Natures Timetable in line with yours!

Regulin contains nature’s day length messenger – melatonin- a substance naturally produced by the ewe’s pineal gland only at night. As night length increases, increasing levels of melatonin signal the ewe’s reproductive system to increase activity reaching a natural peak in Autumn.

Joining in Spring and early Summer for peak reproductive performance
Regulin exposes the ewe to Autumn levels of melatonin for 30 to 40 days prior to joining. This induces the ewe’s reproductive system to respond as if the days are shorter than they really are and triggers the natural sequence of hormonal events. Thus, the ewe simply has a breeding peak much earlier than normal and at a time that suits you. In 19 trials, Regulin increased the percentage of lambs born by an average of 20 prime lambs per 100 ewes joined.This is a similar level of performance you would expect from an Autumn joining.
Increase your return on investment
With breeding ewes at a premium it makes good sense to get the maximum lambing potential they have to offer. Weigh up for yourself whether it is cheaper to produce more lambs from your current flock or to buy and feed more ewes to produce the extra lambs. Regulin does not induce excessive litter sizes such as triplets or quads. The extra lambs come from a reduction in dry ewes and an increase in twins.
A more predictable lambing
Regulin ensures that the flock will come into heat more uniformly, after the rams are introduced. Similar to a Spring lambing pattern, Regulin ensures a more focused and predictable lambing as more ewes conceive earlier on in the joining period.
Easier management
A more focused lambing period allows lamb marking sizes to be far more consistent and you will be handling lambs more uniform in size and age. When it comes to preparing drafts for market you’ll have a more even line of lambs, with fewer late lambs there should be less lambs that require extra feed to finish.
More lambs when you want them!
More lambs when you want them, for increased profit.
Place an Order for Regulin

Canine Reproduction

Dubbo | Gippsland | Terang

Apiam Genetic Services provides our clients a comprehensive canine breeding management program. To ensure consistency of care and maximise results you will have a single dedicated veterinarian to oversee your case from when you contact us on day one of your Bitches cycle through to her pregnancy detection ultrasound.

  • Same day hospital grade progesterone assays
  • Frozen semen storage & insemination
  • Frozen semen transport by arrangement
  • Transcervical Insemination
  • Surgical Insemination
  • Vaginal Artificial Insemination
  • Semen evaluation
  • Pregnancy ultrasounds
  • Caesarean Sections

Equine Reproduction

Gippsland | Warrnambool

Apiam Genetic Services provides a number of Equine Reproductive services. Our purpose built facilities include dummies for training and collecting stallions for fresh, chilled and frozen Artificial Insemination (AI). Mares can be prepared and inseminated with fresh, chilled and frozen semen. We have semen storage tanks for the storage of your frozen semen. We also offer embryo transfer and have a recipient mare herd which can be lined up to receive embryos from your performance horses and hired until the foal is weaned. We offer breeding soundness examination for both mares and stallions including ultrasound of your mares uterus and ovaries and semen morphology for your stallion.

Foaling Down Mare Service

The team at our Gippsland Equine Hospital also offer foaling down services. Mares are housed in our extra large foaling box, put under cameras where they can be monitored 24/7. We also carry out regular milk testing to ensure we have the best idea of when your mare is going to foal and make sure we are present to help if she requires assistance. Following foaling we carry out routine IgG testing of your new foal to ensure that they gained sufficient immunity from the dam.

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
Saturday – Sunday Feeding only

Apiam Genetic Services Dubbo

166L Obley Road
PO Box 6049
Dubbo 2830, NSW, Australia 2830
Phone: 0428 783 126

355 Macquarie St
Dubbo, NSW, Australia 2830
Phone: 02 6884 3204

Email: dubbo@apiamgenetics.com.au

Apiam Genetic Services Riverina

201 Finley Rd
Deniliquin, NSW, Australia 2710
Phone: 03 5881 5515
Email: riverina@apiamgenetics.com.au

Apiam Genetic Services Smithton

3 Rubicon St
Smithton, TAS, Australia 7330
Phone: 0413 488 110
Email: tassie@apiamgenetics.com.au

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