Understanding uterine contractility for reducing newborn lamb mortality

该项目的目的是阐明机制的正常和功能失调的子宫收缩在劳动母羊。值得注意的是，约20%的新生羔羊在出生后几天内死亡，每年给澳大利亚绵羊业造成超过7.8亿美元的损失。产羔困难是羔羊死亡的主要原因，子宫收缩乏力是难产（难产）的最重要原因。预期的结果包括更好地了解绵羊功能失调的分娩收缩，这些知识可以有助于确定难产基因检测的更具体目标。这些好处应该包括为提高生产力和盈利能力的选择性育种计划提供更具体的援助。

The project aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying normal and dysfunctional uterine contractions in labouring ewes. Significantly, ~20% of newborn lambs die within days of birth, costing the Australian sheep industry more than $780 million annually. Difficult lambing is the leading cause of lamb mortality and weak uterine contractions are the most important contributor to difficult labour (dystocia). Intended outcomes include a better understanding of dysfunctional labour contractions in sheep, and this knowledge could then contribute to the identification of more specific targets for genetic testing for dystocia. The benefits should include more specific aids for selective breeding programs for improved productivity and profitability.