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New embryo identification IVF method in Cattle discovered
The breakthrough is set to reduce pregnancy issues in cows.
The new method is 'set to boost' the dairy industry.

Researchers from the University of Kent, the University of Nottingham and L'Alliance Boviteq Inc have established a method of significantly improving in-vitro fertilization in cattle.

Advanced programmes have been able to identify embryos with traits including disease resistance, food conversion and improved meat and milk production.

The researchers discovered a new way to identify a subset of embryos that rarely lead to a live birth – those with a less than 5 per cent chance – due to carrying chromosome disorders. The study found that this process improved overall pregnancy rates in cattle by 7.8 per cent after analysing 1,713 embryos.  

It is thought that this new research could inform future treatment in fertility clinics for humans, with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy being one of the most debated areas of reproductive medicine in humans.

Professor Darren Griffin, senior author of the paper and professor of genetics at the University of Kent, told the University of Kent News Centre: “This new PGT-A method of embryo identification will be an enormous boost for the cattle production industry and will also be the platform for further research into this vital science, for which we anticipate seeing the benefits especially in fertility clinics.”

Published in Cells, 'Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy Improves Live Birth Rates with In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos: A Blind Retrospective Study' is free to read. 

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."