User: Boviteq
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important tool in cattle breeding that allows multiple embryos to be produced from elite animals, helping farmers accelerate genetic improvement in their herds. While IVF offers major benefits, it is not yet widely adopted because calves produced this way have a higher chance of developmental problems. These can include abnormal growth, longer pregnancies, difficult births, and increased likelihood of newborn loss. These issues are linked to how embryos develop in laboratory culture systems, which can affect the epigenetic signals, chemical markers, that help regulate healthy growth.
Currently, embryo quality is judged mostly by appearance under a microscope, which cannot reveal deeper molecular problems. Limited genetic tests also miss important epigenetic changes that contribute to IVF‑related syndromes.
This project aims to address these challenges by using advanced omics technologies, particularly DNA methylation profiling, to better understand embryo health at the molecular level. By comparing lab‑grown embryos with those produced naturally, the team will identify measurable biological markers of healthy development. This will guide improvements to culture conditions, leading to healthier calves, more reliable IVF outcomes, and broader access to this technology for Canadian breeders.