First IVF Cape buffalo calf born
THE managing director of Embryo Plus, Dr Morné de la Rey, yesterday introduced to the public the world’s first Cape buffalo calf conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
“The use of assisted reproductive techniques in wildlife management, although still in its infancy, is becoming more of a reality.
“This success is of major importance for the prospective breeding of endangered species, and that is the reason we are undertaking this work,” De la Rey said.
The 3-month-old calf, named Pumelelo, was born on June 28 on the farm Lekkerleef Buffalo Ranch, near Marble Hall, Limpopo.
The technique used was developed by Embryo Plus from Brits, a world-leader in the embryo industry. The IVF procedure used was similar to that used on humans.
“Extensive preliminary research was necessary to mature and fertilise the eggs, and to incubate the embryos to an advanced stage of development, as all species have different requirements for growth and utilise different nutrients during the laboratory phase of the largely uncharted path of IVF/IVP in African game species,” De la Rey said.
“This breakthrough is of great significance as it is the first of its kind in the world and holds great promise for the continued survival of endangered species.”
For example, there are currently only three Northern white rhino left in the world. The rhino bull named Sudan, and his two cows, Najin and Fatu, are at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
De la Rey said every success achieved with the technique in wild animals was a step closer to understanding other species’ reproduction requirements and how to apply assisted reproduction techniques in different species. – ANA