Improving Offspring In Mammals

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Invention Summary: Scientists at NDSU have developed a method for predicting and/or confirming the success of pregnancy and/or litter size in mammals as well as devices for field testing of mammal samples for pregnancy success and reproduction prosperity (fecundity). Measuring hematocrit levels or blood oxygen saturation near the time of insemination of a mammal can indicate the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and also predict litter size. These methods can also be used to confirm a successful pregnancy sooner than other methods. Also included are compact, portable devices to diagnose rapidly the receptivity of a female to become pregnant upon insemination and also to confirm pregnancy. Valuable research animals that are difficult to reproduce can be increased in larger numbers. Benefits: Improves efficiency of increasing the size of a breeding population Allows faster time for reinsemination of a non-pregnant mammal after unsuccessful insemination attempt Allows field testing of pregnancy status Identifies qualified candidates for successful embryo transplants from an embryo donor