A cutting edge integrated approach to sperm biology and associated reproductive biotechnologies to assist the dairy and beef industries meet growing societal, environmental and economic demands

Projektinformationen

BullNet

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101120104

DOI

10.3030/101120104

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 14 Juli 2023

Startdatum 1 März 2024

Enddatum 29 Februar 2028

Finanziert unter

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Gesamtkosten

Keine Daten

EU-Beitrag

€ 2 718 979,20

Koordiniert durch

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BullNet (A cutting edge integrated approach to sperm biology and associated reproductive biotechnologies to assistthe dairy and beef industries meet growing societal, environmental and economic demands)

Berichtszeitraum: 2024-03-01 bis 2026-02-28

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

The overall research aim of BullNet is to use cutting-edge molecular and machine-learning techniques, coupled with functional and applied methods to unravel the underlying sperm biology surrounding compromised fertility of individual bulls, which is a complex biological question. Developing an in-depth understanding of the molecular changes to sperm in the testes, epididymis and in the semen processing laboratory as well as how sperm interact with the endometrium and have legacy effects in the embryo, will allow us develop new strategies to improve fertility through improved management of young bulls, new semen processing and cryopreservation techniques (including reduced antibiotic usage) as well as the more accurate and reliable prediction of the fertility of sex-sorted and conventional semen.

The BullNet doctoral network brings together a truly multidisciplinary transnational group of leading academic and non-academic partners in the field of bull fertility, sperm/cell biology, epigenetics, genomics, microbiology, RNA sequencing, nutrition, as well as bioinformatics, data science and machine-learning. Recognising a lack of coordinated activities in this interdisciplinary area of research,

BullNet will train 14 early doctoral candidates (DCs) to the highest international standards and develop novel and effective methodologies to improve and predict the fertility of semen as well as improve the management of breeding bulls. Our vision is the delivery of high-quality semen from all bulls, including a robust, flexible sex-sorted semen product, from young, appropriately reared and managed, first-season elite sires that achieve predictable and consistent fertility, so as to provide the industry with a key tool to meet current animal welfare and emissions demands.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

BullNet is a European research project exploring how bull sperm develop, function, and ultimately affects fertility in cattle. Researchers working on the BullNet project are studying this from multiple angles: how young bulls are fed and raised, how sperm forms and matures in the body, how it is handled and stored for artificial insemination, and how it interacts with the female reproductive system.

The team carried out large animal trials where bulls were fed different diets, showing that higher energy diets can speed up growth, bring forward puberty, and improve early sperm quality. At the same time, laboratory studies examined sperm at a microscopic and molecular level, looking at DNA signals, proteins, and tiny RNA molecules that influence how sperm function and how embryos develop after fertilisation. Researchers also investigated how stress factors, like heat or handling during freezing, affect sperm survival, and explored the communities of bacteria naturally present in semen.

The project has already delivered several important breakthroughs. It has shown that a bull’s environment, such as diet or temperature, can influence sperm quality not just physically, but also at a deeper biological level that may affect the health of future offspring. BullNet scientists discovered that sperm can “communicate” with the female reproductive system, helping to prepare it for pregnancy, and that differences between bulls influence this process.

They also found new ways to predict which semen samples will perform best, using advanced data analysis and artificial intelligence, which could help farmers choose higher-quality semen earlier and reduce waste. In addition, the project is uncovering new genetic factors linked to fertility, improving understanding of why some bulls perform better than others. Overall, BullNet is helping to develop more efficient, sustainable, and reliable breeding practices for the cattle industry, with potential benefits for food production, animal welfare, and the environment.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

Scientific work is ongoing and progressing well. We are working closely with our industry partners on work package areas and initial results have been shared by some doctoral candidates with the consortium and at some public conferences. We will look to build on this progress in the next 24 months and look forward to sharing state-of-the-art results then.