Key aims and expertise
To enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate early development with a view to improving fertility, long-term development, production efficiency (in the context of livestock and global-food security), and offspring health and wellbeing.
In-house expertise in sperm and oocyte biology, molecular embryology and myogenesis, epigenetics, and behaviour.
Current projects
BBSRC-IPA (BB/K017810/1). Genetics of one-carbon metabolism in sheep in relation to productivity, fertility and health. Levy Board (EBLEX, HCC, AgriSearch) supported in collaboration with Roslin Institute.
TSB (101069). Advanced breeding technologies to amplify and distribute bovine genetics to increase production efficiency and sustainability. Partners: Paragonvet Ltd, XLVets UK, Ltd, Cogent Breeding Ltd
TSB (TS/L004259/1): Optimising the delivery of superior genetics through advanced genomic selection of bovine embryos. Partners: Paragonvet Ltd, XLVets UK, Ltd, Cogent Breeding Ltd, University of Kent
SRUC/Nottingham University PhD studentship: Impact of prenatal and postnatal stress on offspring behaviour and epigenetic regulation of stress axis function in sheep
Significant results
- Reductions in dietary B-vitamins of intending mothers lead to epigenetic modifications to DNA methylation and adult offspring which are obese, hypertensive and insulin resistant.
- Paternal diet modifies offspring cardiovascular and metabolic homeostasis via sperm genomic (methylated DNA) and seminal plasma mechanisms.
- Low-dose exposure to Neonicotinoid affects lipid-carbohydrate-mitochondrial metabolic networks of honeybee larvae.