IETS 2026 Program Theme: Transformative Advances and Innovative Solutions in Reproductive Technologies

Program Chairs: Joanna Souza-Fabjan and Alan Ealy

Friday, January 16

IETS Board of Governors

13:00 – 20:00

Board Meeting       

 Cocle

Saturday, January 17

IETS Board of Governors

08:00 – 17:00

IETS Board Meeting

 Cocle

17:30 – 20:00

Foundation Meeting

 Cocle

 HASAC Committee Meetings

08:00 – 17:00

8:00-8:45: Manual Subcommittee

9:00-10:45: Forms and Certificates Subcommittee

11:00-12:00: Research Subcommittee

12:00-12:45: Lunch (invite only)

12:45-14:45: Research Subcommittee (cont.)

15:00-17:00: Regulatory Subcommittee

 La Caleta

Bovine Reproduction Preconference Symposium

Additional registration required

08:30 – 17:00

Bridging Science and Practice: Innovations in Bovine Reproductive Management

Gran Baru II

08:30 – 09:00

Welcome and Introductory Remarks

Session I
Chaired by Matthew Wheeler, PhD (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA)

09:00 – 09:45

How improving well-being can increase livestock productivity

Janeen Salak-Johnson, PhD (Michigan State University, USA)

09:45 – 10:30

Latest developments in synchronization programs for beef and dairy embryo recipients

Gabriel A. Bo, Med. Vet, MVSc, PhD (Instituto de Reproducción Animal Cordoba (IRAC), Argentina)

10:30 – 11:00

Break

Session II
Chaired by Brittany Scott, MS (SMART Reproduction, USA)

11:00 – 11:45

Embryonic loss, impact on calf production for dairy and beef herds in tropical environments

Roberto Sartori, PhD, DVM (University of São Paulo, Brazil)

11:45 – 12:30

High-fertility cycling in dairy cattle

Milo Wiltbank, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA)

Paul Fricke, PhD (University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA)

12:30 – 13:30

Lunch (Bovine Preconference Attendees Only)

Session III
Co-Chaired by Brittany Scott and Matthew Wheeler

13:30 – 14:15

Exploring the role of metabolomics in understanding the factors associated with fertility in beef cattle

Pietro S. Baruselli, PhD (University of São Paulo, Brazil)

14:15 – 15:00

Challenges for implementation of large-scale programs with in vitro produced embryos

Rodrigo Mendes Untura, DVM (ABS Global, Brazil)

15:00 – 15:30

Break

Session IV
Chaired by Luiz Nasser, PhD (Born Animal Biotechnology Corporation, Panama)

15:30 – 17:00

Round Table Discussion

Featuring All Speakers and Moderators

17:00 – 18:00

Hosted Happy Hour (Bovine Preconference Attendees Only)

Companion Animals, Non-Domestic and Endangered Species (CANDES) Preconference Symposium

Additional registration required

Sponsored by Toronto Zoo

08:30 – 17:00

Transformative Advances in Wildlife Reproductive Technologies

Gran Baru I

08:30 – 08:45

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Session I

08:45 – 09:30

Integrating assisted reproductive technologies for wildlife conservation: 20 years’ experience on the collared peccary

Alexandre Rodrigues Silva, DVM, PhD (Federal University of Semiarid Region, Brazil)

09:30 – 10:15

Application of assisted reproduction in exotic bird species to improve species conservation and genetic diversity

Dominik Fischer, Dr. Vet Med, DipECZM (WPH) (Greifvogelstation und Wildfreigehege Hellenthal and Der Grüne Zoo, Germany)

10:15 – 10:45

Break

Session II

10:45 – 11:30

Bridging science and survival: A model for integrating assisted reproductive technologies, biobanking, and conservation in Panama and beyond

Gina Della Togna, PhD (Amphibian Survival Alliance and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama)

11:30 – 12:15

Assisted reproduction in snakes: What do we know?

Rogerio Zacariotti, PhD, DVM (Scientia Nature, Brazil)

12:15 – 13:30

Lunch (CANDES Attendees Only)

Session III

13:30 – 15:00

Roundtable discussion: Cloning of CANDES species

Moderated by

Andres Gambini, DVM, PhD (University of Queensland, Australia)

Cesare Galli, DVM (Avantea, Italy)

Gabriela Mastromonaco, PhD (Toronto Zoo, Canada)

15:00 – 15:30

Break

Session IV

15:30 – 15:45

CANDES Trainee Travel Award Recipient Presentation 

Abstract 9: Induction of follicular wave emergence in alpacas adapted to coastal conditions: a case report

Luciana Hidalgo Y, Student (Universidad Científica del Sur, Peru)

15:45 – 16:00

Abstract 21: Morphological evaluation, in vitro maturation, and embryo production from oocytes of single individuals of kodkod (Leopardus guigna) and puma (Puma concolor): A case report

Daniel Veraguas, DVM (Universidad de Chile, Chile)

16:00 – 16:45

Keynote Lecture: Stem cell zoo—A platform for exploring species-specific biological time

Miki Ebisuya-Matsuda, PhD (Technische Universität Dresden, Germany)

16:45 – 17:00

Final Discussion and Remarks

Sunday, January 18

07:00 – 08:00

Past Presidents’ Breakfast

Cocle

07:00 – 08:00

Student Competition Finalists Breakfast

La Caleta

08:00 – 08:15

 Welcome & Opening Remarks

Gran Ancon

Session I: Managing Reproductive Health in Complex Environments

08:15 – 09:00

Synchronized Breeding and Reproductive Resilience in Dairy Cattle: Mitigating Metritis, Heat Stress, and Transgenerational Fertility Impairment

Fabio Lima, PhD, DVM (University of California-Davis, USA)

Gran Ancon

09:00 – 09:15

Abstract 16: ReBreed21 program for timed embryo transfer in beef cattle: field data evaluation

Mirela Balistrieri, MSc, DVM (University of São Paulo, Brazil)

Gran Ancon

09:15 – 09:30

Abstract 115: Heat stress alters the miRNA cargo of pre-ovulatory follicular fluid extracellular vesicles and reduces fertility in dairy cattle

Bianca Gasparrini, PhD, DVM (University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy)

Gran Ancon

09:30 – 10:15  

External factors influencing reproductive tract microbiota

Rebecca Poole, PhD (Texas A&M University, USA)

Gran Ancon

10:15 – 10:30

Abstract 92: Strategy to improve pregnancy rates with in vitro-produced embryos in the tropics

Reinaldo De Armas, PhD, (University of Panama, Panama)

Gran Ancon

10:30 – 11:00

 Exhibits and Poster Break

 Network with the exhibitors and sponsors!

Gran Salon

IETS Foundation Student Research Competition Presentations

11:00 – 11:15

Abstract 1: Cattle embryos undergo normal early elongation in the absence of embryonic disc

Inés Flores-Borobia, PhD Candidate (INIA-CSIC, Spain)

Gran Ancon

11:15 – 11:30

Abstract 2: Maternal-embryo crosstalk via extracellular vesicle miRNAs during embryonic reactivation after diapause in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Giuliana de Ávila Ferronato, PhD Candidate (INIA-CSIC, Spain)

Gran Ancon

11:30 – 11:45

Abstract 3: Characterization and MIRNA profiling of oviductal extracellular vesicles in early pregnancy in the rabbit model

Jon Fernández González, PhD Candidate (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain)

Gran Ancon

11:45 – 12:00

Abstract 4: Changes in ovarian architecture are associated with advanced reproductive age in the South African cheetah

Anna Heinrich, PhD Candidate (Northwestern University, USA)

Gran Ancon

12:00 – 12:15

Abstract 5: TFAP2C is essential for first lineage segregation and blastocyst formation in sheep

Nuria Martinez de los Reyes, PhD Candidate (INIA-CSIC, Spain)

Gran Ancon

12:15 – 12:30

Abstract 6: Impact of chilling, cryopreservation, and freeze-drying on DNA fragmentation and PLCz expression in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) epididymal spermatozoa

Patricio Palacios, PhD Candidate, DVM (The University of Queensland, Australia)

Gran Ancon

12:30 – 14:00

Lunch and Exhibits

Sponsored by PETS

Gran Salon

12:30 – 14:00

 IETS Board Lunch with Partner Societies

Cocle

12:30 – 14:00

 Morulas Mentor Lunch

La Caleta

12:30 – 14:00

 HASAC Emerging Technology Subcommittee

Azuero

Session II: Decoding Early Development: Emerging Technologies in Embryo Research

14:00 – 14:45

Deciphering Bovine Embryogenesis Through Cutting-Edge Molecular Tools

Kun Zhang, PhD (Zhejiang University, China)

Gran Ancon

14:45 – 15:00

Abstract 193: Volatolomic profiles of in vitro produced bovine embryos

Monika Nõmm, Research Fellow (Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia)

Gran Ancon

15:00 – 15:45

Extended Embryo Culture in Ruminants: Illuminating a Black Box of Early Development

Priscila Ramos-Ibeas, DVM, PhD (INIA-CSIC, Spain)

Gran Ancon

15:45 – 16:00

Nanoscaling targeted delivery and expression in the preimplantation embryo

Brad Daigneault, PhD (University of Florida, USA)

Gran Ancon

16:00 – 16:15

Abstract 88: Successful nanoparticle-mediated delivery of transgenes and ribonucleoproteins to the preimplantation bovine embryo

Veronica Rubio, PhD Candidate (University of Florida, USA)

Gran Ancon

16:15 – 16:45

Exhibits and Poster Break

Meet with the exhibitors and sponsors!

Gran Salon

16:45 – 17:15

HASAC Open Forum

Gran Ancon

17:15 – 17:45

Distinguished Practitioner Award: Dr. Charles Looney

Gran Ancon

18:00 – 20:00

Welcome Reception

Socialize with attendees and sponsors/exhibitors!

Gran Salon

20:00 – 21:00

Morulas Forum and Business Meeting

La Caleta

21:00 – 22:00

Student Mixer – Hosted by the IETS Morulas

La Caleta

Monday, January 19

07:00 – 08:00

IETS Foundation Organizational Breakfast

Cocle

Session III: Translating Reproductive Innovations Across Species

08:00 – 08:45

When Less Really Is More: Reducing embryo manipulation to lower metabolic stress and improving long term outcomes

Paolo Rinaudo, PhD, MD (University of California, USA)

Gran Ancon

08:45 – 09:00

Abstract 176: Evaluating FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 supplementation during in vitro maturation to enhance equine ICSI embryo development

Joanne Smith, DVM, PhD Student (The University of Queensland, Australia)

Gran Ancon

09:00 – 09:15

Abstract 121: CRISPR-Cas9 mediated beta-lactoglobulin gene-editing in goat skin fibroblasts for somatic cell nuclear transfer

Mahipal Singh, PhD (Fort Valley State University, USA)

Gran Ancon

09:15 – 10:00

Exploring the potential of prepubertal oocytes: A small ruminant model

Maria Teresa “Maite” Paramio Nieto, DVM, PhD (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain)

Gran Ancon

10:00 – 10:15

Abstract 41: In vitro production of alpaca blastocysts using vitrified oocytes and epididymal spermatozoa

Jaime Antonio Ruiz Bejar, MS, DVM (National University of Huancavelica, Peru)

Gran Ancon

10:15 – 10:45

Exhibits and Poster Break

Meet with the exhibits and sponsors!

Gran Salon

10:45 – 11:15

IETS Business Meeting

Gran Ancon

Peter Farin Trainee Award Presentations

11:15 – 11:20

Introduction

Gran Ancon

11:20 – 11:25

Abstract 173: Extracellular vesicles from heat and oxidative stressed granulosa cells modulate bovine in vitro embryo development and quality

Judith Diaz-Muñoz, PhD Fellow (Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain)

Gran Ancon

11:25 – 11:30

Abstract 179: Rumen-protected methionine supplementation during the periconceptional period to beef cows induces persistent changes in DNA methylation in the whole blood of female offspring

Daniella Heredia, PhD (University of Florida, USA)

Gran Ancon

11:30 – 11:35

Abstract 52: Effect of semen type on embryo development and pregnancy establishment after timed artificial insemination or fresh embryo transfer in multiparous Holstein cows

Megan Lauber, PhD (University of Wisconsin, USA)

Gran Ancon

11:35 – 11:40

Abstract 209: Interleukin-6 Restores Embryonic Disc Development in Bovine Blastocysts Placed into Extended Culture

Mary Ali Oliver, PhD Candidate (Virginia Tech, USA)

Gran Ancon

11:40 – 11:45

Abstract 102: Spatial localization of avian and human influenza A virus receptors in male and female bovine reproductive tissues

Brette Poliakiwski, PhD Candidate (Texas A&M University, USA)

Gran Ancon

11:45 – 13:15

Exhibitor and Attendee Networking Lunch

Gran Salon

11:45 – 13:15

Data Retrieval Committee Meeting

Cocle

Session IV: Pathways to Fertility: The Intricate Journey of Sperm Through the Reproductive Tract

13:15 – 14:00

Sperm interaction with the female reproductive tract: Implications for bull fertility and heterospermic semen use

Sean Fair, PhD (University of Limerick, Ireland)

Gran Ancon

14:00 – 14:15

Abstract 54: Sire fertility affects early pregnancy success but not the incidence of pregnancy loss

Florentino Paz Jose da Silva Junior, MS Candidate (The Ohio State University, USA)

Gran Ancon

14:15 – 15:00

From Reservoir to Rendezvous: The journey of sperm through the oviduct

David Miller, PhD (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA)

Gran Ancon

15:00 – 15:30

Abstract 45: Post-thaw nanoparticle sorting of bull sperm improves cryopreservation outcomes

Emily Nold-Schoelerman, MS Candidate (Iowa State University, USA)

Gran Ancon

15:30 – 17:30

Exhibits and Poster Reception

Gran Salon

Concurrent Sessions
Practitioner’s Forum
Sponsored by Calier

17:30 – 19:30

Maximizing IVF Performance Through Bull-Specific Fertility Evaluation

Gran Ancon

17:30 – 17:45

Setting the Stage

Brad Lindsey, PhD (Ovitra Biotechnology Inc., USA)

17:45 – 18:00

Simplot System

Brady Hicks, PhD (J.R. Simplot Co., USA)

18:00 – 18:15

Managing Sire Selection to Maximize Success at Trans Ova

Jon Schmidt, DVM (Trans Ova Genetics, USA)

18:15 – 18:30

Turning Data Into Embryos: Using Bull Fertility Insights to Drive Results

Paula Rodriguez-Villamil, DVM, PhD (ABS Global/Genus plc, USA)

18:30 – 19:30

Round Table Discussion

Moderated by

Brad Lindsey, PhD (Ovitra Biotechnology Inc., USA)

Matthew Wheeler, PhD (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA)

Domestic Animal Biotechnology Embryology (DABE) Forum

17:30 – 19:30

Cells to Organoids: Advances and Challenges

Gran Baru I

17:30 – 17:35

Introduction

Sofia Ortega, PhD (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA)

17:35 – 18:30

Characterization and Applications of Reproductive Organoids

Riley Thompson-Brandhagen, DVM, PhD, DACT (College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, USA)

18:30 – 18:45

Abstract 201: Establishment of Endometrial Organoids from Cross-Species Mammalian Models: Toward a Comparative Platform for Uterine Biology

Dong-Hyeok Kwan, PhD Candidate (Seoul National University, South Korea)

18:45 – 19:00

Abstract 205: Hormonal modulation of bovine oviductal organoids derived from distinct anatomical regions

Dimitrios Rizos, PhD (INIA-CSIC, Spain)

19:00 – 19:30

Questions and Discussion

 

Tuesday, January 20

07:00 – 08:30

IETS Board of Governors Organizational Breakfast 

Cocle

09:00 – 11:00

Poster and Exhibitor Networking Session

Gran Salon

IETS Foundation Early Career Achievement Award Presentations

11:00 – 11:30

Early Career Scientist: Dr. Sofia Ortega

Maternal and paternal contributions to early development and pregnancy success in cattle

Gran Ancon

11:30 – 12:00

Early Career Practitioner: Dr. Paula Rodriguez-Villamil

From Concept to Commercialization: Applied Reproductive Innovations Shaping Global Livestock Genetics

Gran Ancon

12:00 – 13:30

Lunch

Gran Salon

12:00 – 13:30

Morulas Career Lunch Meeting

La Caleta

12:00 – 13:30

IETS Program Committee Lunch

Cocle

13:30 – 14:00

Pioneer Award Presentation: Dr. Poul Hyttel

Gran Ancon

Session V: George E Seidel Jr. Keynote Lecture

14:00 – 14:30    

Translational pig models for human diseases

Eckhard Wolf, DVM (Center for Innovative Medical Models at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany)

Gran Ancon

IETS Foundation Student Competition Award Announcements

14:30 – 14:35

CSIRO: Best Poster Recipient

Gran Ancon

14:35 – 14:40

Undergraduate Student Poster Competition Recipient

Gran Ancon

14:40 – 14:45

Graduate Student Competition Recipient 

Gran Ancon

14:45 – 14:50

Award Recipient & Competition Finalist Photos

Gran Ancon

14:50 – 15:00

AETE/ICAR Announcements

Gran Ancon

15:00 – 15:30

Closing and Invitation to IETS 2027

Gran Ancon

18:00 – 21:00

Closing Party

Additional registration required

Sponsored by Vetoquinol

Panama Viejo Cathedral

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