Specific Gravity as an Assessment of Embryonic Viability to Improve Implantation Rates for in Vitro Produced and in Vivo Derived Bovine Embryos.

The main focus of the first study is the evaluation of a specific gravity chamber (SGC) as a noninvasive method to assess embryonic viability and improve implantation rates in bovine embryos produced in vitro (IVP) and in vivo derived (IVD). The study found no significant difference in conception rates between embryos evaluated with the SGC and those not evaluated, suggesting the chamber does not negatively impact embryo viability. Although no significant correlation was observed between embryo descent time in the SGC and pregnancy outcomes, numerical trends support further investigation of this technology. The second study examines the effect of Neogen Igenity Beef Index genomic scores on the finishing performance of Angus steers, showing that higher average daily gain (ADG) scores correlate with increased weight gain and slaughter weight without reducing feed efficiency, while higher milk scores are associated with reduced feed efficiency. These findings suggest that Igenity ADG scores can aid in selecting cattle for improved growth performance, and milk scores may help predict feed efficiency.