By Blake Jackson
Artificial insemination is a cornerstone of the U.S. dairy industry, with over 60% of cows bred this way. While researchers have made strides in understanding cattle genetics, particularly for milk production, the genetic underpinnings of reproductive organs remain largely unexplored.
A team at Penn State is delving into this crucial area with a $650,000 grant from the USDA. Led by animal genomics professor Wansheng Liu, the project aims to unravel the complex genetic mechanisms behind testis development and sperm production in bulls.
"Our focus is on male reproduction to better understand the genetic factors affecting cattle health and productivity," Liu said. "This research is vital for the cattle industry, which relies heavily on artificial insemination."
By investigating the intricate interplay of genes during testis development, the team hopes to identify genetic markers linked to bull fertility.
This knowledge will be instrumental in selecting for these traits in breeding programs, ultimately improving cattle health and productivity.
Tae Hyun Kim, an assistant professor of avian biology, is collaborating on the project to fill gaps in understanding the regulatory processes governing sperm development and fertility throughout a bull's life. "This project is crucial for completing the bovine genome map and understanding the genetic processes underlying testis development and sperm production in cattle," Liu added.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steveoehlenschlager
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock