Award details

Translating miRNA biomarker discovery into novel veterinary diagnostics to increase the efficiency of milk production

Reference	BB/T004037/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Francesc Donadeu
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Alastair Macrae
Institution	University of Edinburgh
Department	The Roslin Institute
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	387,602
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/01/2020
End date	30/06/2022
Duration	30 months

Abstract

unavailable

Summary

This study will address the long-standing problem of low fertility in dairy cows which through reduced milk production results in significant profit loss by UK and global industries. We will develop and commercialise a robust, affordable assay for early pregnancy detection to facilitate reproductive management of cows and increase milk production efficiency. Specifically, following on our previous discovery of early pregnancy biomarkers we will establish optimum conditions for miRNA quantification in blood and milk for accurately determining early pregnancy status in commercial cattle. We will then seek to develop and test a novel assay platform for direct and accurate detection of miRNAs in cattle samples using proprietary nucleic acid technology. Finally, we will launch a laboratory-based or pen-side assay through spin-out company creation or licensing to existing Diagnostics companies. We envision this will bring significant improvements to productivity and welfare of dairy cows.

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Technology and Methods Development
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Follow-On Fund Super (SuperFOF) [2012-2015]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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