[The genetic value of embryo transfer in South Africa (author's transl)]

The different applications of embryo transfer from the animal improvement, scientific and commercial point of view are outlined. The most important application in South Africa is the production of the next generation's dairy A.I. bulls out of elite cows after superovulation, inseminations with the best available semen and embryo transfer to many foster mothers. The specific difficulties of running breeding programmes with small active breeding populations are discussed, and it is suggested that elite cows should be brought to special farms or government stations during the period of superovulation and transfer. In this way the disadvantage of small breeding populations could to a certain extent be overcome by embryo transfer.