Gregg P.
Adams, DVM, PhD
University of Saskatchewan
Ovulation Inducing Factor (OIF) in Seminal Plasma of Alpacas
9/06-8/08
$35,040
Camelids have been categorized as induced ovulators and present dogma suggests that physical stimulation of the genital tract during copulation is primarily responsible for eliciting ovulation. Recent discoveries, however, challenge this dogma. The project focuses on the isolation and characterization of an ovulation inducing factor (OIF) present in the seminal plasma of camelids. The existence and nature of this factor has direct implications on fertility, infertility, breeding management and possibly pharmaceutical development for alpacas.