From sperm to embryos; lessons learnt from Tim Rowson's career

L.E.A.Rowson (1914–1989) raised horizons in farm animal research and the impact of his reproductive contributions remains of major importance worldwide. First, his studies with E.J.C. Polge on the successful deep – freezing and thawing of bull spermatozoa enabled artificial insemination to be applied on an international scale. Second, his development of non-surgical embryo transfer techniques in cattle gave a major boost to the breeding industry, facilitated by deep -frozen storage of embryos during international transport. He also guided many research students whose work in cattle, sheep and horses has become prominent during the past 60 years.