IVEP Training in South Africa for Fire Sky Ankole
ART Lab Solutions recently delivered a 10-day In Vitro Embryo Production (IVEP) training program in South Africa for Fire Sky Ankole, a newly formed laboratory led by Penny Dobrowsky.
The training was conducted by Dr. Jennifer Kelly and combined both theoretical and practical instruction across the full IVEP workflow. The program also included an evaluation of the Fire Sky IVF Laboratory to help align laboratory processes with ART Lab Solutions protocols.
Supporting a New IVF Laboratory Setup
A key focus of the training was ensuring that ART Lab Solutions IVEP protocols were adapted to suit the specific requirements of the Fire Sky IVF Laboratory. This included adjustments based on the laboratory setup and the characteristics of the Ankole cattle breed, particularly in relation to cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and sexed semen.
This tailored approach helped ensure the training was relevant to the laboratory’s working environment and operational needs.
What the IVEP Training Covered
Over the 10-day program, trainees received both foundational knowledge and practical laboratory experience in key areas of bovine IVEP.
Theoretical training included:
- Basic explanations of IVEP
- ART Lab Solutions protocols and workflow guidance
Practical training included:
- Use of stereo and light microscopes
- Pipetting techniques
- Aseptic and sterility techniques
- Oocyte aspiration
- Oocyte searching and handling
- In Vitro Maturation (IVM)
- Sperm preparation
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
- In Vitro Culture (IVC)
- Vitrification
Key Outcomes of the Training
The training delivered a range of technical and operational benefits for the Fire Sky IVF Laboratory team.
These included:
- Hands-on practical experience in all aspects of IVEP
- Adaptation of ART Lab Solutions protocols to suit the Fire Sky IVF laboratory setup
- Revision exercises to reinforce IVEP protocols
- Team building across the trainee group
- Practical exposure to troubleshooting and improvisation in an IVF laboratory setting
- Identification of trainee strengths and weaknesses
By the conclusion of the training, all trainees were able to perform the IVEP procedures, with varying degrees of speed and skill.
Building Capability in Cattle IVEP
This IVEP training program provided the Fire Sky team with practical skills development across the embryo production process while helping establish protocols suited to their laboratory and breed requirements.
“Marie and Dr Kelly have been instrumental in the success of the Fire Sky IVF laboratory, and we continue to rely heavily on the expertise offered by ART Lab Solutions. I strongly recommend undergoing training from ART Lab Solutions to any upcoming bovine embryology lab (no matter the breed).” Penny Dobrowsky, Lab Manager, Fire Sky Genetics, South Africa
ART Lab Solutions looks forward to following the progress and continued growth of the Fire Sky team within the cattle IVEP industry.
