Description of Organization
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is a not-for-profit organization operating at the intersection of research, industry, and government. Funded across all livestock sectors alongside provincial and federal governments, we shape a vibrant future for livestock production through our programming. We support our members by supporting the research ecosystem, contextualizing discoveries within real-world livestock operations, identifying emerging trends and opportunities, and driving long-term strategic vision for the sector.
Problem area
Artificial insemination (AI) has significantly advanced breeding strategies and genetic progress across the dairy, beef, swine, and poultry sectors. However, adopting these standard AI tools in the sheep sector remains a major challenge. The ewe's unique reproductive anatomy (specifically a convoluted, tortuous cervix) makes conventional insemination nearly impossible. Three main strategies currently used includes:
- Cervical/vaginal insemination using a speculum which results in unpredictable conception rates (20-40%),
- Transcervical AI (TCAI) using restraint and specialized tools which result in moderate conception rates (40-50%) but is technically difficult, time consuming, and causes tissue trauma, and
- Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAI) which is the gold standard and involves a minor surgical procedure conducted by a veterinarian, and yields the highest conception rates (60-80%).
While laparoscopic surgical AI is the gold standard option, it requires a specialized veterinarian, and very few practitioners perform the procedure in Canada. Sheep producers primarily rely on purchasing genetically superior rams for natural breeding. Developing a practical, non-surgical AI methodology for sheep would be a revolutionary breakthrough for global sheep production.
Main objectives
Design and develop a novel, non-surgical artificial insemination (AI) method for sheep using a specialized apparatus designed for efficient transcervical semen transfer.
Scope of work
- Conduct a literature review on past and current research and technology used for artificial insemination in sheep.
- Design and prototype a novel artificial insemination applicator/apparatus tailored to navigate or bypass the unique cervical anatomy of the ewe.
- Evaluate the mechanical usability, passage efficiency, and functional deployment of the prototype using an anatomical benchtop model (e.g., 3D-printed silicone or ex vivo tract).
- Assess the operational and economic feasibility of the prototype for practical, on-farm adoption by a sheep producer.
Deliverables
- Report
- Presentation
- New protocols/processes
Frequency
- Monthly
Skills and training required
Students will gain specialized expertise in ovine breeding technologies and reproductive physiology alongside practical experience in device prototyping and benchtop testing. Additional competencies include critical analysis of academic literature, protocol evaluation, and active stakeholder engagement across the livestock value chain (producers, researchers, farm staff, and industry representatives).
Resources required
Computer, supplies and equipment for building prototype, fabrication of sheep reproductive tract model (eg. Silicone model, 3D printing, or access to ex-vivo reproductive tract if possible), transportation to visit sheep farms or an abattoir.
NDA or a commercialization agreement for this project?
Yes