Embryo transfer in cattle has recently gained considerable

popularity with seedstock dairy and beef producers.

Most of the applicable embryo transfer technology was developed

in the 1970s and 1980s; however, the history of the

concept goes back much farther. Embryo transfer was first

performed and recorded by Walter Heape in 1890. He

transferred two Angora rabbit embryos into a gestating Belgian

doe. She went on to produce a mixed litter of Belgian and

Angora bunnies. Embryo transfer in food animals began in

the 1930s with sheep and goats, but it was not until the 1950s

that successful embryo transfers were reported in cattle and

pigs by Jim Rowson at Cambridge, England.