Induced twinning in cattle by UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines] animal scientists
2001
Orig, T.S.
Researchers at DTRI [Dairy Training Research Inst., College, Laguna, Philippines]-UPLB have come up with their own "first-ever non-identical twin dairy calves" through induced twinning. Described as a major break through, the feat was achieved through the combined use of embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI). According to DTRI-UPLB officials, this singular accomplishment in animal science and technological pursuits could result in unprecedented improvement of the local cattle industry. Quoting veterinarian Dr. Antonio Rayos of DTRI, induced twinning was done by a research team by first impregnating through AI. a surrogate or recipient cows. After seven days, the ovaries of the surrogate cow was diagnosed to determine the location of the "corpus luteum" (a yellowish structure which secretes progesterone if fertilization occurs) and check whether the resulting embryo settled in the female animal's right or left uterine horn or womb. Once confirmed, a seven-day old embryo is collected and transfered to the "vacant" uterine horn, in this particular case, the left one of the surrogate cow (the right having received the first embryo). Dr. Rayos also said that induced twinning may also be used in horses and carabaos - two of the most important large Philippine animals being utilized for draft (work), sports (races), meat and milk and other dairy products of nutritional value. Carabaos would also stand to benefit from this latest technique since previous studies had concluded that "our carabaos are getting smaller and smaller and lighter and lighter because of one possibility: in breeding."
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