Researchers will investigate the biology of peri-ovulatory and post-ovulatory events that lead to the establishment of pregnancy in dairy cows
The selective breeding of dairy cattle with the sole aim of increasing milk yields has led to a serious decline in fertility. A team of researchers in Ireland now hope to find ways of reversing the trend, with the help of a Euro 7.4m ($10.8m) grant from Science Foundation Ireland. 
Photo: Dan Shirley
The project brings together researchers from University College Dublin (UCD), the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc), and industry partners Pfizer Animal Health and Biotrin Technologies. They will investigate the biology of peri-ovulatory and post-ovulatory events that lead to the establishment of pregnancy in dairy cows.
"The idea is to develop approaches and technologies to improve fertility in dairy cows," said Professor Alexander Evans of UCD. "The intensive selection for increased milk production, coupled with improved nutrition which has led to significant improvements in milk output per cow over recent decades has resulted in a serious decline in cow fertility worldwide. A decline in first service conception rates of about 1% per year has been reported."
Pfizer and Biotrin consider this area of research to have significant potential for the development of new products. Both companies have already commercialized reproduction-related products, and are conducting further research in the area.
Scientists from Pfizer will enhance the commercial strength of the project through chemical synthesis, evaluation and screening of new biomarkers and potential therapies to modulate reproductive function. Biotrin will assist in the development and commercialization of diagnostics.
Email a friend
Digital RSS Feed
