Biotech Updates

PCC Develops New Technique for Screening Carabao Bull Fertility

May 13, 2015

A research study at the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) is exploring the protein phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) to develop a potentially more efficient technique in determining the fertility of carabao sperm for artificial insemination (AI). The protein, which is usually found in mice, has been identified through recent advances in animal fertilization technology as the major factor that causes egg fertilization and development of embryos in mammals.

The research aims to improve carabao breeding efficiency and is geared towards developing a more reliable technique in determining the fertility of carabao sperm for AI. It is targeted to be completed by 2016, and is supported by the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program (DA- Biotech). It is also in line with PCC and DA's goal of improving livestock productivity and attaining food security.

For more information about this research, contact Dr. Eufrocina P. Atabay of PCC (bingay2003@yahoo.com), or Dr. Antonio Alfonso of DA-Biotech (biotechpiu@yahoo.com). DA-Biotech's info brief about this research and other biotech updates in the Philippines may be found at the website of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC).