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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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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk