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AI and embryo transfer for genetic improvement in sheep: the current scene
Author(s) -
McKelvey Bill
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inpract.21.4.190
Subject(s) - artificial insemination , reproductive technology , embryo transfer , assisted reproductive technology , ovulation , welfare , risk analysis (engineering) , microbiology and biotechnology , business , computer science , biology , infertility , embryo , political science , pregnancy , fishery , genetics , law , embryogenesis
SCIENTIFICALLY based programmes for the genetic improvement of sheep which combine the objective assessment of body composition with the reproductive technologies of artificial insemination (Al) and multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) are now beginning to make a significant impact on the UK sheep industry. The economic benefits of these techniques, however, require to be weighed against the welfare costs of the procedures involved, and efforts need to be made to improve the available methodologies. This article reviews the current applications of these reproductive technologies within sheep breeding and the ongoing research aimed at improving their efficiency and acceptability.