According to American scientists, after many years of effort, puppies have been born for the first time in the world through the IVF method.
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a reproductive procedure in which the process of creating offspring is initiated artificially in a laboratory. This method is also known as the “test-tube baby” technique.
Scientists at Cornell University say that progress in the IVF procedure will help pave the way for the conservation of species facing the threat of extinction and will also assist in the fight against diseases affecting both humans and animals.
Through a surrogate mother, seven puppies of a mixed breed of Beagle and Beagle–Cocker Spaniel have been born.
All the puppies were born at the same time; however, they have three different biological parents.
The same method used in human fertility clinics was adopted to implant frozen embryos in dogs.
In the past, frozen embryos posed difficulties, but scientists say they have now mastered this technique.
The lead researcher, Dr. Alex Travis of the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, said: “We have seven healthy, playful puppies.”
He added: “Attempts have been made to carry out this experiment with dogs since the 1970s, but success had never been achieved before. Now, through this technique, we will be able to preserve the genetics of endangered species.”
Scientists say IVF is one of the most important methods that can help protect endangered dog species, such as African wild dogs.
This information can also be used in research into hereditary diseases in humans and dogs.
Compared to any other animal species, dogs and humans share more than twice as many similar diseases.
The research, published in the scientific journal PLOS One, is being described as a “major breakthrough” in veterinary medicine.
Professor David Argyle, Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, said that this new technique would greatly help in understanding inherited diseases. It should be noted that Professor Argyle was not involved in the research.
He further said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that humans and dogs share many biological characteristics, and this new technique will be extremely useful in research on human diseases using dogs.”
The puppies were born in June this year, but their birth was kept confidential until the results of the experiment were published in the scientific community earlier this week.