Artificial insemination and embryo transfer are techniques that have had a major impact on the quality of animals within the dairy industry. Genetic improvement is linked to an annual increase in average national Holstein production of 200-250 pounds. The goal is no longer to simply get cows pregnant; instead, most producers strive to create replacement animals that will improve future herd productivity and profitability. Though the amount of time and energy spent on the genetic aspects of a breeding program vary greatly from farm to farm.