Contribution of genetic factors to pregnancy loss in alpacas: focus on aneuploidy and Polyploidy

Principal investigator:

Terje Raudsepp
Texas A &M Agri Life Research
January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027
$32,724

The alpaca has been documented as a species with relatively low reproductive efficiency where about 50% of females fail to produce offspring despite over 80% of matings result in fertilization. A high proportion of this reproductive failure is attributed to embryo and fetal mortality which is higher than in other domestic animals. Studies estimate the rate of alpaca pregnancies ending in miscarriage to range from 7% to 25%. However, this may be even as high as 40% because not all early pregnancy losses (before 50th day of pregnancy) get recorded. The causes of miscarriages are various and include infectious, non-infectious, environmental and genetic factors. While several studies have addressed infectious causes of pregnancy loss in alpacas, nothing is yet known about the contribution of genetic factors. Given that genetic factors play a significant role in pregnancy loss both in humans and domestic animals, they are likely contributing to pregnancy failure also in alpacas. The proposed research aims to fill this void and initiate research on the genetic component of pregnancy loss in alpacas. We will use whole genome analysis approaches to evaluate miscarriages for whole genome and chromosome number changes. The findings will add an important component to the existing body of scientific knowledge regarding alpaca reproductive biology. Continuing research in this field shows promise for future diagnostic tests, both for natural and assisted reproduction, so that informed breeding decisions can be made to reduce lethality.