The reason why large animal veterinarian Min-jeong carries a one-week-old calf embryo in her arms

Min-jeong, who works as a large animal veterinarian, moves through barns in quarantine suits instead of lab coats to treat cows. Dealing with large cows is physically demanding and involves many risk factors, but Min-jeong bravely challenged herself to become a large animal veterinarian six years ago and is now called a "pro" with skilled expertise. In a recent video from KBS Screening Humanity (broadcast on September 12, 2022), the delicate process of Min-jeong carrying a one-week-old calf embryo against her body to transplant it, along with the daily life of a veterinarian couple, was captured.

From liquid nitrogen at minus 273 degrees to one-week-old embryos

One of the main tasks of a large animal veterinarian is artificial insemination. It is the work of helping cows that are in heat become pregnant by injecting semen from a bull. To do this, liquid nitrogen that maintains an ultra-low temperature of minus 273 degrees Celsius is used. In the video, Min-jeong performs the task of taking out semen straws stored in liquid nitrogen and melting them by adjusting the water temperature. Semen frozen this way can be stored semi-permanently.

Additionally, the hospital where Min-jeong works also directly creates and raises embryos for high-quality cattle breeds. Inside the embryo is a one-week-old calf, and when transplanting this small life, it is extremely sensitive to temperature changes. To prevent temperature rises in cars during summer or sudden temperature drops in winter, Min-jeong carries the embryo in a thermos or puts it inside her clothes to maintain the temperature with her body heat while moving. During this process, the sight of her carrying the embryo in her arms attracts the attention of people in public places such as restaurants, but it is a desperate effort by the veterinarian to protect life.

Protective gear for the unexpected behavior of young cows and the tense transplantation work

The embryo transplantation process requires very delicate attention. In particular, the young cows being treated this time are more likely to express strong dislike or exhibit unexpected behavior compared to adult cows. Min-jeong prepares protective gear to fix the cows' legs in preparation for any situation. This is because if a cow suddenly collapses or kicks during the procedure, there is a risk that the veterinarian could suffer major injuries, such as a broken arm.

Tension flows heavily at the scene. Min-jeong proceeds with the embryo transplantation in a calm manner, but after the work is finished, she pours in so much concentration that she is drenched in sweat. Min-jeong says nonchalantly, "I think it went well," but the tension at the scene was by no means low. Even after the transplantation work, a tight schedule follows, requiring visits to various regions such as Asan and Gangjin.

The sweet daily life of a veterinarian couple and a new beginning

Geon-hak is by Min-jeong's side. Geon-hak is also a veterinarian and is scheduled to start working as an intern at the hospital where his wife works starting next week. The two start their day together from the early morning. The scene depicts the husband preparing a flowerpot for his wife's commute and providing probiotics for her stomach health, as well as the couple meeting for lunch amidst a busy medical schedule. In the video, Geon-hak shows an affectionate side by playing around, saving his wife's name as the nickname '500 won'.

Geon-hak respects his wife's professional expertise and expresses his determination for his intern life, saying he will listen well to his wife. The sight of Geon-hak preparing dinner to match his wife's finish time shows the warm daily life of a large animal veterinarian couple continuing their hard labor. Min-jeong is caring for her patients, the cows, with a sense of responsibility even amidst a continuous medical schedule without a moment to rest.