Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infer ....Mechanisms of manchette function. This project aims to define the function of the manchette, a poorly understood microtubule-based structure present in haploid male germ cells. This project aims to define key mechanisms underpinning manchette development and movement, and to generate a detailed picture of the dynamics of germ cell development using imaging technologies and unique animal models. Such knowledge should improve the understanding of how male fertility is achieved, the origin of infertility and how species-specific differences in sperm form are achieved. Such insights may ultimately lead to improved agricultural efficiencies and job creation.Read moreRead less
Maximizing male fertility: the role of CRISP proteins. This project aims to investigate the function of cysteine rich secretory protein (CRISP) family members in fertility. It is expected to generate new knowledge on the role CRISP1 and 4 play in sperm competition in vivo, and thus, evolutionary processes; to define the role seminal plasma CRISPs play in fertility; and identify the mechanism underpinning their biological activities. This will be achieved using a range of innovative, state-of-the ....Maximizing male fertility: the role of CRISP proteins. This project aims to investigate the function of cysteine rich secretory protein (CRISP) family members in fertility. It is expected to generate new knowledge on the role CRISP1 and 4 play in sperm competition in vivo, and thus, evolutionary processes; to define the role seminal plasma CRISPs play in fertility; and identify the mechanism underpinning their biological activities. This will be achieved using a range of innovative, state-of-the-art approaches. Expected outcomes and benefits include an enhanced knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning fertility and infertility, enhanced collaboration and research knowhow, and an evidence base for future applied projects aimed enhancing fertility in agricultural species.Read moreRead less
Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro. For the dairy and beef industries, the hundreds of eggs (oocytes) in a high value cow's ovary that fail to produce a pregnancy are a wasted genetic resource. A key technology to unlocking this resource is in vitro maturation of oocytes, but the process is inefficient. One possible cause is that the current approaches to maturing oocytes in vitro do not adequately mimic the natural process in vivo. We will design new systems to matu ....Improving the efficiency of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro. For the dairy and beef industries, the hundreds of eggs (oocytes) in a high value cow's ovary that fail to produce a pregnancy are a wasted genetic resource. A key technology to unlocking this resource is in vitro maturation of oocytes, but the process is inefficient. One possible cause is that the current approaches to maturing oocytes in vitro do not adequately mimic the natural process in vivo. We will design new systems to mature cow oocytes in vitro by altering the chemical composition of maturation medium, thus improving the efficiency of laboratory embryo production and related technologies.Read moreRead less
Seafood CRC: Visiting Expert: Dr Standish Allen - Enhancement Of Tetraploid And Triploid Production In The Australian Pacific Oyster Industry
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$14,200.00
Summary
SCL’s overall goal with regard to tetraploid technology is to make it work as effectively as anywhere in the world. In some ways, SCL is ahead of the game already, with dedicated facilities and technicians to pursue this goal. The objective of this Visiting Expert project is to get SCL fully on this path and to continue the improvement of tetraploid technology in Australia, and by example, the world.
There is currently only a hand full of commercial operations producing natural trip ....SCL’s overall goal with regard to tetraploid technology is to make it work as effectively as anywhere in the world. In some ways, SCL is ahead of the game already, with dedicated facilities and technicians to pursue this goal. The objective of this Visiting Expert project is to get SCL fully on this path and to continue the improvement of tetraploid technology in Australia, and by example, the world.
There is currently only a hand full of commercial operations producing natural triploids and even fewer assessing breeding technologies required to enhance the breeding of tetraploid populations.
At SCL, commercial production of natural triploid oysters in Australia has been successful for a number of years. The regeneration of tetraploids through large mass populations of tetraploids are accomplished each year by SCL research staff. We also have the know-how for the production of both natural mass spawning of tetraploids and chemical induction of tetraploids.
The opportunity exists to enhance our tetraploid lines through the infusion of genetics from the industry owned breeding program (Australian Seafood Industries). This request from industry is based on the following two, and likely very distinct, traits. 1. Specific resistance to OsHV-1 µVar 2. Increase fitness in general oyster populations to combat mortalities in South Australia or Tasmania probably due to the high metabolism of triploids in food poor waters.
Objectives: 1. Evaluating tetraploid spawns, including single pair crosses, mass spawns, and/ or mass selected spawnings, for the development of breeding lines and long term breeding objectives 2. Production of a range of ASI triploids lines for progeny testing, both natural and chemical 3. Assessing the commercial application of producing selectively bred tetraploids utilising a method described by McCombie et al. 2009 4. Expert input to Penny Miller PhD with detail analysis of results to meet project objectives 5. Collaborate with CSIRO in the future enhancement of breeding plans for tetraploid pacific oysters using selectively bred lines from the ASI breeding program 6. Develop a long-term breeding and tetraploid maintenance plan to secure supplies of high quality tetraploids long into the future Read moreRead less
Experimental Production Of Tetraploid Oysters For Use As Broodstock For Commercial Hatchery Production Of Triploids
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$186,362.94
Summary
Objectives: 1. The experimental production of tetraploid (4n) oyster embryos, larvae & Spat 2. On-growing of 4n oyster spat to adulthood and reproductive capability 3. Hybridisation of 2n gametes (from 4n broodstock) with n gametes (form "normal" 2n broodstock) to produce 3n embryos, larvae and spat
Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction. This research proposal offers a pioneering opportunity to develop treatments that overcome the negative impact of stress on reproduction. Specifically, knowledge generated in this project will be vital in the development of strategic defences against the impact of stress on reproduction. This project fundamentally addresses Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining go ....Dissecting the impact of stress on reproduction: Novel peptide mediates inhibitory effects of stress on female reproduction. This research proposal offers a pioneering opportunity to develop treatments that overcome the negative impact of stress on reproduction. Specifically, knowledge generated in this project will be vital in the development of strategic defences against the impact of stress on reproduction. This project fundamentally addresses Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining good health. Given that suppression of reproduction by stress occurs in all mammalian species including humans, domestic animals and wildlife, being able to prevent or overcome stress-induced reproductive dysfunction will generate significant health, social, economic and ecological benefits. Read moreRead less
In vitro prediction tests of fertility of frozen semen of sheep and cattle. Variation in fertility after artificial insemination (AI) of frozen semen is high and leads to economic loss. Routine assessment of the quality of frozen semen relies on crude, simple tests of motility and morphology of sperm. More sophisticated sperm ultrastructural and function tests have recently been developed, but it is not known how these tests relate to fertility in the field. In this project we will test a ran ....In vitro prediction tests of fertility of frozen semen of sheep and cattle. Variation in fertility after artificial insemination (AI) of frozen semen is high and leads to economic loss. Routine assessment of the quality of frozen semen relies on crude, simple tests of motility and morphology of sperm. More sophisticated sperm ultrastructural and function tests have recently been developed, but it is not known how these tests relate to fertility in the field. In this project we will test a range of in vitro methods of assessment of motility and morphology of sperm and compare them with fertility of frozen semen samples after AI, leading to more objective methods of semen analysis.Read moreRead less
The impact of environmental toxicants on the fertility of female animals. This study aims to address a problem of national significance; determining the impact of commonly used environmental toxicants (pesticides) on the fertility and health of female animals, both agricultural and native. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ovarian biology, female fertility and toxicology by using a combination of mouse and marsupial animal models. The expected outcomes include the e ....The impact of environmental toxicants on the fertility of female animals. This study aims to address a problem of national significance; determining the impact of commonly used environmental toxicants (pesticides) on the fertility and health of female animals, both agricultural and native. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the fields of ovarian biology, female fertility and toxicology by using a combination of mouse and marsupial animal models. The expected outcomes include the establishment of interdisciplinary collaborations and provision of world-class training for staff and students in the field of reproductive biology. This project should provide significant benefits, such as improved chemical management in livestock production and the development of marsupial conservation action plans.Read moreRead less
Commercialisation Of Triploid Sydney Rock And Pacific Oysters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$503,347.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. In NSW to produce a large number triploid and diploid Sydney rock oyster spat for farming experiments as described in B3 Objectives 2. In Tasmania to cmpare commercial performance of meiosis 1 and 2 triploids from hatchery through to market size 3. Monitor percent triploid theough larval and nursery phases 4. Compare and optimise alternate tripoidy induction stresses 5. Assess influence of broodstock quality and spawning technique on triploid induction ....Objectives: 1. In NSW to produce a large number triploid and diploid Sydney rock oyster spat for farming experiments as described in B3 Objectives 2. In Tasmania to cmpare commercial performance of meiosis 1 and 2 triploids from hatchery through to market size 3. Monitor percent triploid theough larval and nursery phases 4. Compare and optimise alternate tripoidy induction stresses 5. Assess influence of broodstock quality and spawning technique on triploid induction Read moreRead less
SCRC: PhD 6.06 – Capturing And Maintaining Genetic Variation When Initiating Selective Breeding Programs For Aquaculture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Industry need: The following projects have stated the need for establishing sustainable selective breeding programs; • Development of a genetic management and improvement strategy for temperate marine finfish (2008/723). • Scope and economic analysis of options for a nationally unified breeding program for abalone aquaculture (2008/722). • Development of a genetic management strategy for cultured Barramundi (2008/758).