One of the essential factors of livestock production is reproductive efficiency and a West Virginia University graduate student is on his way to contributing to the body of knowledge that ensures efficient reproduction in cows.

Swamy K. Tripurani, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in genetics and developmental biology in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, was honored for his research at the 36th Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) held in Cordoba, Argentina, Jan. 9-12. Tripurani was one of three students honored in the organization’s graduate research competition.

Tripurani’s work describes the cloning of the bovine NOBOX (newborn ovary homeobox) gene and its functional role in early embryonic development in cattle. New knowledge gained through his research may ultimately lead to the development of new strategies to improve the efficiency of nuclear transfer and reproduction in cattle.

Nuclear transfer is a form of cloning that involves removing the original DNA from an unfertilized egg and replacing it with the DNA of the animal one wishes to clone. In livestock production, this process would allow breeders to reproduce an animal with particularly desirable qualities linked to its genetics.

“Swamy was one of six finalists selected by the competition committee from 57 students around the world who participated in the competition,” said Jianbo Yao, associate professor of animal biotechnology and genomics in the Davis College.

The six finalists competed at the meeting for three awards, one winner and two runners-up. Competition is based on oral and poster presentations of their research.

The International Embryo Transfer Society was formed in 1974 in Denver, Colorado to serve as a professional forum for the exchange of information among practitioners, scientists, educators, regulatory officials, livestock breeders, suppliers of drugs and equipment, and students.

The purpose of the IETS is to further the science of animal embryo transfer by promoting more effective research, disseminating scientific and educational information, fostering high standards of education, maintaining high standards of ethics, and cooperating with other organizations having similar objectives.

Members of the Society are engaged in the practice of embryo transfer in a variety of species, and in research on embryo production, transgenesis and cloning, on mechanisms regulating embryo development, and on development following embryo transfer. Species studied include domesticated and laboratory animals, and endangered species.

-WVU-

dw/02/04/10

CONTACT: David Welsh, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304-293-2394, David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu