10002606Use of parthenogenetic embryos or trophoblastic vesicles to improve dairy-cow fertility following artificial inseminationClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe global demand for dairy products continues to grow (combination of increased per capita consumption by 20%, and an increase in population to 9 billion by 2050, FAO), and this demand must be met in an efficient and environmentally sustainable manner. This project will support early pregnancy establishment in lactating dairy cows by the use of either trophoblastic vesicles (embryos containing only the cells which support placental development), or parthenogenetic embryos (non-viable embryos containing only female chromosomes) in addition to artificial insemination. Improving dairy cow fertility in early lactation will increase feed conversion efficiency, and reduce the numbers removed from the herd due to infertility. This allows cows to remain in the herd for longer, thereby improving animal welfare and increasing lifetime production, whilst reducing overall numbers required. The reduction in overall herd size will reduce the environmental impact arising from greenhouse-gas emissions from the UK dairy herd.