ALTERNATIVE METHODS UTILIZING EMBRYOTRANSFER (ET) FOR THE FORMATION OF BEEF-CATTLE HERDS

The presented paper evaluates alternative methods of the formation and extension of beef cattle herds by means of ET. The following alternat ives have been studied: embryo import aimed at the formation of a pure bred herd- recipient conception rate varied from 20 to 85.7 % transfer of embryos produced in the owner's herd aimed at the herd extension - recipient conception rate ranged from 44.7 to 66.7 % formation of the beef cattle herd by purchase of fresh and frozen embryos produced in Czech Republic conception rate amounted to 37.5 - 72.7 % extension of the herd by transfer of unfreezable embryos - conception rate varied f rom 32.6 to 57.0 %. Obtained results illustrate evident technological and breeding efficiency of ET application for the mentioned purpose. E conomical costs of heifer production are lower by 30-60 % (according t o conception rate and embryo price) as compared to the purchase of liv e animals.