To help United States cattle farmers improve breeding efficiency and genetic quality, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) are investing $705,871 through a FFAR Seeding Solutions grant to increase the success of in vitro embryo production (IVP), a process of fertilizing eggs from cows with desirable genetics in a lab and implanting the resulting embryos into surrogate cows. While IVP can breed cattle with select genes, it often has low success rates due to several factors affecting the quality of the harvested eggs. Only 20–40% of eggs develop into viable embryos, and only half of those result in pregnancy. This research is investigating whether the supplement myoinositol, already shown to enhance fertility in women, can improve egg quality and increase IVP success in cattle.
Researchers led by Dr. Sarah Moorey, an associate professor of animal science at UTIA are investigating whether adding myoinositol to eggs in the lab improves fertilization and early embryo development. The research team is also examining whether giving the supplement directly to donor cows increases the number and quality of eggs collected for embryo production. The findings from this grant could improve egg quality and pregnancy rates, enabling ranchers to breed higher-quality cattle more efficiently.
“This study advances precision breeding technologies that are essential for the future of U.S. beef production,” said Dr. Jasmine Bruno, FFAR scientific program director. “Improved IVP success rates support the beef sector’s goals of increased efficiency and continued economic viability.”
Cattle production is the leading sector in U.S. agriculture, consistently representing the largest share of total cash receipts for agricultural commodities. In 2024, U.S. cattle production made up about 22% of the $515 billion in total cash receipts for agricultural commodities.
“Our research is part of a broader effort by farmers, veterinarians and consumers to build a U.S. cattle industry rooted in healthy, productive and resilient animals,” said Moorey. “By improving breeding methods, we’re not only helping farmers meet growing demand for high-quality, responsibly raised beef, we’re also advancing solutions that support farm profitability, promote animal welfare and strengthen consumer trust in the U.S. beef supply.”
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