Reproductive Biotechnology

Current research

• Improving reproductive efficiency in a wide range of species e.g. by se­lecting fertile sperm sub-populations from the rest of the ejacu­late for use in various reproductive biotechnologies; devising new markers of fertility; improving cryo­preservation protocols; researching the roles of seminal plasma in modu­lating sperm function and also its effects on the female reproductive tract; and under­standing how external factors such as season or the age of the animal can affect both sperm quality and seminal plasma; epigenetics. In addition, a major interest is in removal of pathogens from semen and in finding alter­na­tives to anti­biotics for controlling bacteria that contaminate the ejaculate during semen collection. We have collaborative research projects to develop reproductive biotechnologies in exotic animal species e.g. camelids.
• Developing or optimizing flow cytometric analyses of sperm quality.
• Methods to improve sperm cryopreservation in dogs and cats, and in opti­mi­zing insemination protocols in these species.
• The role of melatonin in the reproductive cycle of the bitch.
• Wildlife conservation.
• Embryo vitrification. In vitro bovine or porcine embryo production is cur­rently used as a model for human early embryonic development (impact of pollu­tants) and as a 3R (replace, reduce, refine) method for toxicological testing. In one project, we are studying the effect of environment on female fertility.
• Establishment of embryo methods in Sweden for research and for com­mercial embryo production.
• Gamete interactions, particularly the effect of zona pellucida proteins on sperm binding.

In addition, together with KV-Lab, we offer a service for animal breeders in sperm mor­pho­logy evaluation. Collectively we offer an advisory service to animal owners on all aspects of fertility and herd health which can serve as a springboard for research projects.

These areas are strongly in line with the University´s and Faculty´s research stra­tegy, especially to provide a sustainable and secure food supply, to reduce the use of antimicrobials, to continue research on wildlife, and to conduct research of bene­fit to animals.