From the work planned we will produce and need to integrate / relate information from phenotypic information, genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics in different types of tissues i.e. oocytes, granulosa cells and embryos, obtained without or after exposure to metabolic stressors (4 or 5). It is also planned to study the basic status of cells (0h) and response at different times (at least 24h maturation) after challenge with metabolic stressors. In the second project, oocytes will be produced in vivo from OPU and from slaughter house. Embryos will be produced in vitro and in vivo. Breed effects will be studied in the basic situation (absence of metabolic stressors and following challenges). It is planned to test different dosages (at least 3) per type of metabolic stressor (insulin project 1, NEFA project 2) On oocytes and granulosa cells.

Dairy cow fertility has been decreasing for a long time due to genetic selection mainly orientated towards milk production. Metabolic imbalance is affecting around 70% or more of dairy cows during the period following parturition. Some cows recover from metabolic imbalance rather rapidly while others remain in negative energy balance that Induces reproductive disorders such as delayed resumption of ovarian activity and poor fertility / embryo quality. This induces longer intervals between calving and conception due mainly to conception failures and early embryonic death. There may be also differences in relation with genetic origin, in the way cows suffer from the disease and in the way reproduction is affected. The proposed projects (submitted to FORMAS in 2010 and 2012) aims to integrate phenotypic and molecular information to understand, predict and find solutions to lower the impact of metabolic stress in cows. One of the aims is to find molecular markers from oocytes, granulosa cells or embryos which may be related to different phenotypic expression and which may be differentially expressed in relation with genetic origin of cells.

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