In a world first, Australian researchers at the CSIRO have used stem cells to develop surrogate rams and bulls - animals that produce the viable semen of another individual.
Numerous lambs have now been born through the process; with DNA tests proving that up to 10pc of the lambs sired by the surrogate ram in fact carry the genetics of the donor.
The research, conducted at Armidale, NSW, has been described by experts as more significant than artificial insemination or cloning for Australia's livestock industries.
It paves the way for the rapid expansion of superior genetics and is likely to revolutionise the stud stock industry.
- Stem cells implanted in recipient rams produce the semen of the donor
- Has the potential to rapidly increase production of superior genetics
- Lambs on the ground provide proof of concept
Research is still in the experimental phase with results yet to be formally published.
The experimental approach proven so in sheep involves irradiating the testes of ram A whilst placing stem cells from ram B into the testes of ram A.
Over the following weeks ram A produces semen the usual way, using the stem cells of ram B and therefore producing semen carrying the genetics of ram B rather than that of his own.
He effectively becomes a surrogate ram.
The viable semen is then implanted in the ewe and lambs born through this process are normal and healthy.
CSIRO research scientist Dr Muren Herrid is part of the research team behind the work, initially aimed at improving the quality of northern Australian beef by implanting Brahman bulls with sperm stem cells from Angus bulls.
"It has been very exciting and rewarding to work on this project as it potentially has significant ramifications for all livestock industries," Dr Herrid said.
In 2012 the first surrogate Brahman bulls are expected to naturally mate with Brahman cows, which in turn would produce Brahman-Angus cross cattle in remote areas where pure Angus bulls would never survive.
Dr Herrid said in the experiments, the radiation therapy used to temporarily sterilise rams was similar to that used in cancer therapy and lasted between three and six months before the animal regained the ability to reproduce its own sperm.
He said similar work had been conducted on goats and rats in the United States but this was the first time sheep and cattle had been tested.
The stunning development is potentially very significant for the stud industry.
With superior genetics able to be more rapidly distributed through the use of more males, new business opportunities for the stud industry may emerge.
Rapid reduction in the genetic diversity amongst sheep and cattle breeds is also sure to be another question raised by this research.
Head of lamb and sheepmeat research and development with Meat and Livestock Australia, Alex Ball, said the findings had the potential to radically change the way commercial breeders access genetic change.
"It allows people to get the most appropriate animal for markets in a locally adapted form that delivers the semen.
"It will put real pressure on finding the right animal and will change the structure of the seedstock industry," Dr Ball said.
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