Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO

Animal Reproduction Unit

In recent decades, bovine conception rate per artificial insemination (AI) has been declining mainly due to increasing difficulty of estrous detection and embryonic death. In order to improve bovine fertility, we are trying to clarify the factors affecting the appearance of estrus symptoms and to develop practical methods to intensify estrous behavior, to detect the onset of estrus, and to determine the optimal time for AI. Furthermore, we are trying to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of pregnancy establishment and maintenance, and to develop indices for monitoring pregnancy progress to apply them to the early pregnancy diagnosis and the determination of critical time points for embryonic survival in cattle. Besides, we are trying to develop innovative techniques for improving bovine pregnancy outcome by stimulating and maintaining luteal and uterine functions, and for improving reproductive performance of dairy cattle by utilizing antioxidative and antimicrobial agents as feed ingredients or supplements and by preventing retained placenta with a newly developed medicine.

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Unit Leader

SAKUMOTO Ryosuke

Unit Members

Centers・Institutes