BullNet-Sperm biology and associated reproductive biotechnologies to assist the dairy and beef industries meet growing demands
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch of Biological Sciences
Abstract
BullNet, consisting of 8 beneficiaries and 13 associated partner organisations, will build a multi-disciplinary and inter-sectorial
research programme designed to unravel the complex underlying biology of compromised fertility of individual bulls. Cutting-edge
basic, applied and machine-learning approaches will be used to deliver a robust, flexible semen product from young, appropriately
reared and managed, first-season elite sires that can be used successfully for artificial insemination (AI) with predictable and
consistent fertility, so as to provide the industry with key tools to meet current emissions and animal welfare demands. BullNet will
also lead to the advancement of knowledge in how bull management strategies and semen processing affect the functional and
molecular characteristics of sperm, thus opening scientific horizons for new applications in the area of assisted reproduction. The
overall aim of this programme is to train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative doctoral candidates (DCs) in the
area of bull fertility. BullNet will expose DCs to different sectors and they will acquire a comprehensive set of transferable skills
working in the specific research area relating to their individual research projects, with an emphasis on the need for technology
transfer from academic institutions to commercial users. Moreover, given the wide range of academic and industry organisations
involved, the DCs will be able to face current and future challenges in order to convert knowledge and ideas into products and
services for economic, technological and societal benefit.
research programme designed to unravel the complex underlying biology of compromised fertility of individual bulls. Cutting-edge
basic, applied and machine-learning approaches will be used to deliver a robust, flexible semen product from young, appropriately
reared and managed, first-season elite sires that can be used successfully for artificial insemination (AI) with predictable and
consistent fertility, so as to provide the industry with key tools to meet current emissions and animal welfare demands. BullNet will
also lead to the advancement of knowledge in how bull management strategies and semen processing affect the functional and
molecular characteristics of sperm, thus opening scientific horizons for new applications in the area of assisted reproduction. The
overall aim of this programme is to train a new generation of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative doctoral candidates (DCs) in the
area of bull fertility. BullNet will expose DCs to different sectors and they will acquire a comprehensive set of transferable skills
working in the specific research area relating to their individual research projects, with an emphasis on the need for technology
transfer from academic institutions to commercial users. Moreover, given the wide range of academic and industry organisations
involved, the DCs will be able to face current and future challenges in order to convert knowledge and ideas into products and
services for economic, technological and societal benefit.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Sharon Huws (Principal Investigator) |