Federal Grant Award Summary

Colorado State University received a $180,000 project grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program (CFDA 10.310), effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2029. The research project, performed at the university's Fort Collins, Colorado facilities, addresses early pregnancy loss in cattle through improved embryo selection methodologies. The grant supports investigation into the relationship between embryo quality and methylation patterns in bovine embryos, with the objective of developing non-invasive genetic evaluation techniques that preserve embryo integrity while providing transcriptomic data relevant to embryo viability prior to transfer.

This research directly contributes to AFRI's priority area of Animal Health and Production and Animal Products by generating knowledge that will enhance assisted reproductive technologies and improve pregnancy success rates in cattle production. By establishing protocols for embryo quality assessment without damaging viable embryos, the project delivers scientific products and methodological frameworks intended to reduce pregnancy loss—a significant economic concern to the cattle industry—and advance reproductive efficiency in livestock operations.