FfFfFfFF 58,135 Posted July 16, 2020 Share Posted July 16, 2020 One of Britain’s rarest horse breeds may have been saved from extinction after scientists successfully bred a filly whose sex was pre-determined in a laboratory. Once an important part of Britain’s agricultural industry, the Suffolk Punch is now at risk of extinction. There are fewer than 72 Suffolk Punch mares left in the UK, but the recent birth offers new hope for this beautiful breed. Stallion AI Services, a UK-based center for equine reproduction, spearheaded this project to bring new life to the iconic Suffolk Punch horse breed. The main issue the breed faces is there are not enough mares viable for reproduction to maintain genetic diversity. Every Suffolk Punch filly born is extremely vital to the breed’s survival. By being able to choose the sex of a foal, scientists provide a much-needed lifeline to the breed’s population. Ruby (foal's mom) was first inseminated in June 2019, but a later scan showed she was not in foal. Breeders made a second attempt in August, and they were thrilled to confirm a normal pregnancy. After 11 long months of waiting, Ruby recently gave birth to her healthy filly. The birth offers a glimpse of hope for the future of many endengered and vulnerable species. Sources: 1, 2, 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregJA 5,536 Posted July 16, 2020 Share Posted July 16, 2020 Epona? Mr. No Award Winner 2020 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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