Federal Project Grant Summary

Cornell University's Office of Sponsored Programs received a $300,000 project grant award effective March 1, 2026, through February 29, 2028, from the Institute of Food Production and Sustainability under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational and Applied Science Program (CFDA 10.310). The research addresses early embryonic loss in cattle, a significant constraint on reproductive efficiency for U.S. beef and dairy producers facing economic pressures from drought, rising costs, and declining fertility. The project will investigate the role of the maternal enzyme MOF and its histone modification (H4K16ac) in activating embryonic genes during early development by mapping the temporal and spatial distribution of this epigenetic switch during the first few days post-fertilization and determining developmental outcomes when MOF is depleted.

Deliverables from this research will include identification of molecular markers for embryo quality, clarification of the mechanisms underlying early genome activation in cattle, and actionable targets for improving oocyte handling, in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer protocols, and breeding decisions. Results are expected to establish practical strategies for increasing pregnancy rates and reducing embryonic losses while advancing scientific understanding of how maternal epigenetic signals initiate embryonic development across livestock species. The research will be conducted at Cornell University's facilities in Ithaca, New York, utilizing state-of-the-art genomic and chromatin analysis tools to provide critical knowledge for enhancing fertility, productivity, and sustainability in U.S. livestock production.