Abstract:
The project investigates the spreading of M. bovis infections through reproductive technology and how the spreading can be prevented.
Aims:
The objective of the project is to prevent the spreading of M. bovis infection through artificial reproduction. The general objective is to improve the competitiveness of the stock breeding business, the profitability of bovine production and the welfare of animals. Detailed project objectives:
- To prevent the spreading of the bacterium with a semen dose by finding the correct antibiotics, additives and methods for handling sperm.
- To examine the interaction of the bacterium and the embryo and ways of preventing the transfer of the infection with embryo transfer.
- To produce, for the purposes of risk assessment, epidemiological information about the incidence of M. bovis infections in bull's sperm and in M. bovis infection stocks in the external reproductive tract of female animals.
- To determine what kind of risk is involved with the use of M. bovis positive semen by studying statistically the effect of semen doses contaminated by the M. bovis bacterium on inseminated cows and their stocks.
- To make available reliable laboratory methods for the in-house control of semen doses and embryos by developing and validating diagnostic PCR tests for the reliable detection of the M. bovis bacterium.
Keywords:
Mycoplasma bovis, bovine reproductive technology, embryo transfer, artificial insemination
Responsible project leader:
Pelkonen, Sinikka, Head of Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Veterinary Bacteriology and Pathology Unit
In cooperation with:
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Viking Genetics Ltd.;
Valio;
University of Helsinki
Project status:
In progress
Year of commencement:
2017
Year of completion:
2020
Project financing by:
Agricultural Development Fund, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 1490/03.01.02/2016;
Valio Ltd;
Finnsih Food Authority;
Luke