A member of our team Dr. Jennifer Kelly has just returned from In Vitro Embryo Production (IVEP) training trip in South Africa. During this time Jen visited a newly formed laboratory, Fire Sky Ankole , with Penny Dobrowsky as the lead embryologist.
The IVEP training conducted over 10 days consisted of theoretical and practical demonstrations of the ART Lab Solutions IVEP protocols and evaluation of the Fire Sky IVF Laboratory. The IVEP protocols were adapted/adjusted to suit the requirements of the Fire Sky IVF Laboratory and the characteristics of the Ankole cattle breed in terms of both COCs and sexed semen.
The main benefits identified from the training include:
- Basic theoretical explanations of IVEP and ART Lab Solutions protocols
- Use of Stereo and Light Microscopes, pipetting techniques, aseptic (sterility) techniques
- Hands-on practical experience in all aspects of IVEP (including oocyte aspiration, searching, handling, IVM, sperm preparation, IVF, IVC and vitrification).
- Adaption of ART Lab Solutions protocols to suit the Fire Sky IVF laboratory setup
- Team building within the group and reinforcement of protocols through revision exercises of IVEP protocols.
- Hands-on experience for troubleshooting and improvising in the IVF laboratory setting
- Identification of trainee strengths and weaknesses.
By the conclusion of the training, all trainees were able to perform the IVEP procedures, with varying degrees of speed and skill. We look forward to keeping track of their progress and growth within the cattle IVEP industry.