Publications by authors named "Thomas G. McEvoy"
There is a growing interest in the influence of vitamin D on ovine non-skeletal health. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between pre-mating vitamin D status, as assessed by serum concentrations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; comprising D and D] and subsequent reproductive performance of genetically unimproved Scottish Blackface (UBF), genetically improved Scottish Blackface (IBF) and Lleyn ewes kept under Scottish hill conditions. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were determined in serum samples harvested in November from ewes grazed outdoors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFScottish Blackface ewes from cobalt-deficient farmland were fed a diet containing 0.06 mg cobalt per kg dry matter from approximately 30 days before embryo recovery/transfer until lambing. Ewes remained untreated (-Co; n = 82) or were given an intraruminal cobalt-containing bolus to compensate for the dietary deficit (+Co; n = 82).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- In vitro embryo production in domestic animals enhances genetic improvement efforts but can lead to complications like large offspring syndrome, which causes abnormal development after embryo transfer.
- Studies have highlighted the genetic and metabolic issues related to embryos cultured for longer periods, particularly in ruminants like cattle and sheep.
- The review stresses the importance of refining in vitro culture strategies to protect embryos and discusses lessons learned that may apply to human embryo culture, emphasizing the need to understand how environmental factors affect embryo health.