[The analysis of selected performance parameters following embryo transfer in the example of cattle]

Gestation lengths and birth weight of calves from German Red Pied cows were used to analyse differences between embryo transplant offsprings (n = 76) and offsprings from natural pregnancy (n = 118). Furthermore differences were examined in milk traits between embryo transplant (n = 76) and not embryo transplant offsprings (n = 66) from the same dam (German Black Pied, n = 38). After embryo transfer gestation lengths was shorter, but only with a clear difference in first calving cows. Calves from embryo transfer had lower birth weights, because most of the time recipients are maiden. Even the age effect was taken into account, birth weights were about 1.5 kg lower for embryo transplant offsprings. For milk traits no significant differences could be ascertain between embryo transplant and not embryo transplant offsprings. With the exception of fat yield the estimated breeding values of the offsprings correspond to the expectations.