Draft:Trans Ova Genetics
American animal reproductive technology company
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trans Ova Genetics is an American animal reproductive technology company headquartered in Sioux Center, Iowa.[1] Founded in 1980 by veterinarian Dr. David Faber, the company provides assisted reproductive technologies for cattle, small ruminants, and swine, including embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed semen, genetic preservation, and cloning.[2] Trans Ova operates a network of regional and satellite centers across the United States and provides export services internationally.[3] In August 2022, the company was acquired by URUS, a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, for $170 million in upfront cash.[4]
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| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animal reproductive technology, Agricultural biotechnology |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Dr. David Faber |
| Headquarters | Sioux Center, Iowa, United States |
Key people | Dr. David Faber (Founder), Dr. Kevin Hoogendoorn (CEO) |
| Products | Embryo transfer, IVF, sexed semen, cloning, genetic preservation |
| Parent | URUS |
| Website | transova |
History
Founding (1980)
Trans Ova Genetics was founded in 1980 by Dr. David Faber, a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, in Sioux Center, Iowa.[5] Faber established the company initially as an extension of a large-animal veterinary practice, with a focus on on-farm embryo transfer services for beef and dairy cattle producers.[6] The company began without outside capital, with Faber developing its foundational techniques and equipment independently.[7]
Early growth and technology expansion
In its early years, Trans Ova transitioned from surgical to non-surgical embryo transfer procedures, a development Faber credited as the first of many technological advances at the company.[8] The company expanded its service offerings over subsequent decades to include in vitro fertilization, embryo splitting, sexed semen, and genetic preservation.[9] In 1998, Iowa's first transgenic bovine was born at Trans Ova's Genetics Advancement Center in Sioux Center.[10]
Trans Ova became involved in biomedical research through joint ventures, including Hematech, a company developing human antibodies using transgenic cattle, and Exemplar Genetics, which produced genetically engineered swine for use as biomedical research models.[11] In 2003, Discovery magazine ranked Trans Ova's transgenic calves, described as capable of producing human antibodies, among the top 100 scientific breakthroughs of 2002.[12]
Corporate ownership changes
Trans Ova Genetics was acquired by Intrexon Corporation, a synthetic biology company, in 2014.[13] The acquisition was documented in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).[14] Intrexon later rebranded as Precigen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, and Trans Ova operated as a non-healthcare subsidiary of Precigen.[15]
In July 2022, Precigen announced a definitive agreement to sell Trans Ova Genetics to URUS for $170 million in upfront cash and up to $10 million in earn-out consideration based on Trans Ova's performance in 2022 and 2023.[16] The transaction closed on August 18, 2022.[17] URUS, which includes dairy genetics brands such as Alta Genetics, ABS Global, and Sexing Technologies, added Trans Ova to its portfolio of cattle genetics and reproduction businesses.[18]
Leadership
Dr. David Faber served as founder and president of Trans Ova Genetics for more than four decades.[19] In 2024, the company announced the appointment of Dr. Kevin Hoogendoorn as Chief Executive Officer to lead the company's next phase of growth.[20]
Services
Trans Ova Genetics provides a range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for bovine (beef and dairy cattle), small ruminant (sheep and goats), and swine species.[21]
Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer (ET) is the process by which embryos are collected from genetically superior donor animals and transferred to recipient cows for gestation.[22] Trans Ova offers embryo transfer services for both beef and dairy cattle producers, operating through regional centers, satellite locations, and on-farm programs.[23]
In Vitro Fertilization
Trans Ova offers bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) services, in which oocytes (eggs) are collected from donor cows via ovum pick-up (OPU), fertilized in a laboratory, and cultured to the blastocyst stage before transfer to recipient cows.[24] The company has reported producing between 40% and 80% of elite Holstein bulls in the United States annually through its reproductive programs.[25]
Sexed Semen
Sexed semen technology allows producers to select the sex of resulting offspring with a high degree of accuracy.[26] Trans Ova offers sexed semen services for both beef and dairy cattle operations.[27]
Genetic Preservation and Cloning
Trans Ova provides genetic preservation services, including the cryopreservation of embryos and semen.[28] The company also provides animal cloning services for cattle, horses, small ruminants, and swine.[29] ViaGen, a subsidiary affiliated with Trans Ova's parent company URUS, specializes in companion animal and livestock cloning.[30]
Small Ruminant Services
Trans Ova offers reproductive services for sheep and goats including embryo transfer, IVF, and laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI).[31]
International Export
The company provides genetics export services, enabling producers to ship embryos and semen internationally.[32] Trans Ova has established partnerships with organizations including Genetics Australia and expanded operations into Canada.[33]
Operations
Trans Ova Genetics operates through a network of regional centers, satellite centers, and on-farm technicians across the United States.[34] The company's main campus is located on a 120-acre facility north of Sioux Center, Iowa.[35]
The company has received federal research funding, as documented in its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) portfolio.[36] Trans Ova has been an exhibitor at industry events including the BIO International Convention[37] and World Dairy Expo.[38]
Trans Ova's operations have been noted for economic development impact in Iowa.[39]
Industry recognition and research
Trans Ova Genetics has been cited in national media coverage of the livestock genetics and cloning industries, including coverage of the cloning of a rare gaur in Wired (2001)[40] and coverage of the food cloning debate in Bloomberg Businessweek (2008).[41] Bloomberg News covered legal disputes in the dairy genetics market with reference to Trans Ova's industry in 2016[42] and 2018.[43] The Atlantic published a feature on the animal cloning industry in 2025 that included discussion of the company.[44]
Trans Ova has sponsored youth programs in livestock and agriculture, including 4-H and FFA competitions, and has awarded scholarships to students pursuing careers in animal reproduction, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology.[45] The company's Dr. David Faber Innovation Award recognizes contributions to the field of reproductive technology.[46]
Parent company: URUS
As of August 2022, Trans Ova Genetics operates as a subsidiary of URUS, a holding company that connects global agricultural genetics and reproduction businesses through a structure combining cooperative ownership and private investment.[47] Other URUS companies include ABS Global (bull semen), Alta Genetics, Acceligen (genomics), and Sexing Technologies (sexed semen).[48] The acquisition was financed through debt and was subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.[49]
Notable technology milestones
1980 — Company founded; non-surgical embryo transfer developed in Sioux Center, Iowa.[50]
1998 — Iowa's first transgenic bovine born at Trans Ova's Genetics Advancement Center.[51]
2001 — Trans Ova's work on cloning of a gaur (a rare wild ox species) reported by Wired magazine.[52]
2002 — Discovery magazine ranked Trans Ova's transgenic calves among the world's top 100 scientific breakthroughs.[53]
2014 — Acquired by Intrexon Corporation (later Precigen).[54]
2022 — Acquired by URUS for $170 million in upfront cash on August 18, 2022.[55]