USDA names BSE testing sites

The USDA has selected seven veterinary facilities to conduct high-volume testing for the presence of BSE as part of its enhanced surveillance program. The network of laboratories will conduct testing in addition to work already being done at USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. Veterinary schools and their diagnostic laboratories designated by the agency include Colorado State University (CSU); University of California, Davis; Cornell University; Texas A&M University; University of Georgia; University of Wisconsin (UW); and Washington State University
(WSU). According to Barbara Powers, director of the CSU diagnostic lab, the seven labs have more than enough capacity to conduct USDA’s targeted goals.

Trans Ova Genetics And Xy, Inc. Agreement Means Great News For Livestock Sex Selection

Trans Ova Genetics and XY Inc. announced an agreement that will enhance livestock producers’ ability to produce cattle of a specific sex.

"Simply stated, we make embryos and transplant them into cows. Through this agreement, we have the ability to provide our customers with the sex of the animals they prefer," said David Faber, Trans Ova Genetics president.

"We’ve been watching [XY Inc.] sex selection technology for some time. They produce tremendous results, with better than a 90-percent success rate in pre-selection of the sex of cattle, and their technology is affordable," Faber said. "Trans Ova’s core competency of embryo technology, including in-vitro fertilization, is complemented by this sex selection technology."

Faber indicated that Trans Ova Genetics would begin its initial work with XY sorted sperm in approximately 30 days.