Kerry Hill Embryo Program

In 2024, a handful of 100% Kerry Hill lambs were born in the US via Embryo transfer. Through their purebred genetics, these lambs and their future progeny will improve the existing Kerry Hill population.

Due to lifted import restrictions, breeders are now able to import embryos from abroad and add them into their breeding programs. These embryos will contribute to the responsible growth and genetic diversity of Kerry Hills in the United States.

To learn more about how to purchase embryos, please contact our office.

Embryo Inquiry form

Embryo Program Facilitation

The AKHSS Embryo Program is designed to facilitate and support breeders in purchasing Purebred Kerry Hill embryos from breeders/suppliers abroad. These embryos are shipped to the US and transferred into synchronized recipient ewes here in the US. The AKHSS does not control or profit off of this transaction. Our participation is designed to educate our members and facilitate the responsible growth and genetic diversity of our Kerry Hill population in the US.

Embryo Transfer Process

  • Superovulation: The donor ewe is treated with hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to induce the development of multiple follicles in the ovaries, resulting in the production of many eggs instead of just one per cycle.
  • Artificial Insemination (AI): The donor ewe is artificially inseminated with semen from a selected ram to fertilize the superovulated eggs.
  • Embryo Collection: Around 6-7 days after insemination, the embryos are surgically collected from the donor ewe through a procedure called "embryo flushing" using a laparoscopic technique.
  • Recipient Synchronization: Recipient ewes are hormonally synchronized to be at the same stage of their estrous cycle as the donor ewe to ensure proper implantation of the embryos.
  • Embryo Transfer: The collected embryos are transferred into the uteri of the recipient ewes using a similar laparoscopic procedure. 

For more information on how to introduce embryos into your breeding program, join the American Kerry Hill Sheep Society today.

Join the AKHSS