Latest News in Animal Reproductive Science and Research

Animal reproductive science is a fascinating field that has huge implications for many parts of our lives, from our food supply to our scientific research. Each year brings new findings and exciting research in the world of animal reproduction, which in turn enables further research and new ideas in multiple areas of our economy, healthcare and sciences.

This past year has been full of new and exciting discoveries that we here at Lifecycle have been keeping an eye on and we’d like to share some of the latest news with you.

Fathers’ Effects on The Sex of Offspring

It has been generally believed that in mammals, mothers were able to influence the sex of their offspring, but fathers could not; however, a new study performed on white-footed mice found that males could influence the sex ratios of their offspring. The study, performed by Oxford University’s Department of Zoology, found that there was a relationship between the genetic quality of the father and the ratio of male and female offspring he had. Males with lower genetic quality would produce more daughters than sons, while males with higher genetic quality produced more sons than daughters. Researchers say the findings are potentially applicable to other mammals, including humans.

Melatonin Treatment Spurs Reproductive Recovery

Researchers found that in Sarda sheep, melatonin treatments could improve reproductive efficiency and advance breeding season. The treatments were given to the sheep in the winter and spring, but the best results for improving reproductive recovery were in the spring. The researchers also found that for treated animals, the lambing peak was ten days earlier than it was for untreated sheep; however, in Sarda dairy sheep, the litter size was not influenced by the treatment.

Mammal Embryos Use Mom’s Mitochondria

A new study shows that mammal embryos quickly shed their father’s mitochondria within days of fertilization. This may happen in order to keep only one set of mtDNA in the embryo and to help ensure a healthy life for the offspring. Having two sets of mtDNA can lead to behavioral abnormalities, so the elimination of paternal mitochondria may be used to help keep the offspring healthy. It also could be a way to shed defective mitochondria and avoid their detrimental effects.

Animal reproductive science and research is an amazing field and at Lifecycle, we’re proud to say we provide many of the products and services that make that research possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your animal health company.