The First Dogs With In Vitro Fertilization Are Born

There is no doubt, in vitro fertilization was one of the greatest human achievements in history. There are many couples who have been able to realize their dream of becoming parents thanks to this technique. However, did you know that it has also been used with animals? Especially with dogs. Now we explain better.

Reading the title of this news, some questions arise, concerning in particular the where, the how and the why. We answer you point by point, so that you understand how the animal world is increasingly entering the orbit of the techniques used on man.

Where were the first IVF dogs born?

It took place at Cornell University in New York, where a group of researchers, for the first time in history, managed to give birth to a litter of no less than 7 specimens. Everyone is excited about the success, as they see it as a big step forward that can prove to be of great use. We will reveal its possible uses to you when we deal with the third question, the reasons for this type of experiment.

How were the first IVF dogs born?

To achieve this, scientists had to overcome at least three major obstacles. Here are which ones:

• Extract the eggs from the animal. Unlike humans and other animals, dog eggs, when they are generated, must remain in the female’s fallopian tubes to mature before being fertilized. How is this impediment overcome? By measuring the dog’s hormone levels daily and extracting several eggs over several days, in order to identify the moment of greatest fertility.

• Create the same fertilization environment. To this end, they prepared the seed in a culture to which they added magnesium, thus managing to replicate the same ideal environment for fertilization that would exist in the female’s womb.

• In 2013 they had already managed to deliver an in vitro fertilized puppy. Those embryos underlying the experiment’s success were then frozen and stored. Once the day of greatest fertility was identified, it was possible to insert these embryos into the bitch. From 19 that were, 7 have led to the birth of the litter we are talking about.

Anyway, why all these efforts? Dogs are not rational beings who have a desire to have children. Why, then?

Why were the first IVF dogs born?

This research originated with the preservation of endangered species in mind. Having obtained the generation of life through frozen embryos means that, in the event that a species becomes extinct, it will be possible to extract eggs from a female and thus stimulate its repopulation.

Another reason concerns the possibility of modifying frozen embryos through innovative genetic techniques capable of healing possible malformations, so that the animals are born healthy. Undoubtedly, a great success for science and species preservation.

Science is constantly evolving, so that there are people who think of its applications to help animals and to conserve species is something that fascinates us. This is why we wanted to share this news with you.

With each passing day, more and more species are in danger of extinction, due to the mismanagement of the planet’s resources by man, resulting from the ambition and thirst for power of individuals. However, there is something we can all do to avoid such ruin:

• Do not buy any clothing or other items made of leather, fur or anything else made from the body of animals.

• Do not attend shows or attractions where animals are employed. They are abused and poorly cared for.

• Don’t buy, adopt. In many of our articles we explain the origin and attitude of the dogs that are sold in stores.

• Report any abuse you may witness, however small it may seem to you.

• If you see any abandoned animals, call a kennel.

If we all do our part, we can change the world! It is up to us human beings to preserve this planet and the species that inhabit it. The environmental balance and habitability of the Earth depend on the behavior of each of us.