Files titled 'Large Offspring (MAFF)'

• Reference:GB 237 Coll-1320/2/1/3
• Dates of Creation:1992-1996
• Physical Description:
  4 Files

• Scope and Content

  Papers relating to the projects 'Regulation of fetal size at birth' and 'Identification of factors and mechanisms in embryo culture associated with the large offspring syndrome'. Contains correspondence with MAFF, SOAFD and other project partners; copies of costings and grant application forms; Ian Wilmut's handwritten notes from discussions and meetings; reports and data from experiments and some reprints.

• Administrative / Biographical History

  A number of changes had been observed in ruminant offspring following the transfer to recipients of embryos subjected to a variety of treatments, including in vitro culture. The first of these changes to be noted was an increase in size at birth, which sometimes prejudiced the survival of both mother and offspring. This phenomenon became known as 'Large Offspring Syndrome', which was first described in 1991 after the production of calves by nuclear transfer by Steen Willasden. The aim of these research projects was to establish culture systems which support the development of cattle embryos reliably and at high frequency, without causing Large Offspring Syndrome; to identify potential genetic markers in the pre-implantation embryo which might predict an oversize foetus, and to study embryo development and different culture systems. Research was carried out with sheep and cattle by Roslin Institute in collaboration with the Scottish Agricultural College and the Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen. The project 'Manifestation of increased foetal size at birth' was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and 'Factors affecting foetal size in ruminants' was funded by the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department.

• Access Information

  Some material is restricted and cannot be produced. Researchers will need to fill out a Data Protection undertaking form to access the rest of this material.

• Subjects

  Large Offspring Syndrome

  Growth Disorders

• Corporate Names

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. MAFF (1955-2002)

  Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department (SOAFD)