Understanding uterine contractility for reducing newborn lamb mortality

该项目旨在阐明母羊正常和不正常子宫收缩的机制。值得注意的是，约20%的新生羔羊在出生几天内死亡，每年给澳大利亚羊产业造成的损失超过7.8亿美元。产羔困难是羔羊死亡的主要原因，子宫收缩弱是难产（难产）的最重要原因。预期的结果包括更好地理解羊的功能失调的产程收缩，这方面的知识可以帮助确定更具体的目标，用于难产的基因检测。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帮助。

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.