Australian researchers at the University of Queensland have successfully produced eastern grey kangaroo embryos through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) techniques. Utilizing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the team aims to aid endangered marsupials like koalas and Tasmanian devils. The research offers a potential solution for conserving genetic diversity, which is vital for species survival. They have produced over 20 embryos so far and plan to advance the technology to benefit other marsupials in conservation efforts. Importantly, this method requires fewer viable sperm, simplifying the process of preserving genetic materials from deceased animals.
ICSI doesn't require abundant live sperm cells, which is the case for other breeding conservation approaches... We don't need millions of sperm alive, we just need a few of them, Gambini said.
Our next step is to start getting better at the technology, understanding more of the reproductive physiology so we can move towards applying the same technology to other marsupials.
#kangaroo-conservation #in-vitro-fertilization #endangered-species #genetic-diversity #wildlife-conservation
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