Animal Reproduction Group
Understanding and enhancing livestock and wildlife reproduction
The Animal Reproduction Group at the University of Sydney studies both basic and applied aspects of reproduction in farm and wildlife animals, particularly the development and application of assisted reproductive technologies to animal production and conservation.
The Animal Reproduction Group (ARGUS) is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of reproductive technologies in both farm and wildlife animals. Our objectives include:
Our work contributes to food security through improved livestock production, supports biodiversity through wildlife conservation, and advances scientific knowledge through fundamental research in reproductive biology.
We actively engage with external groups, including Australian Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia, Australian Merino Sire Evaluation Association, NSW Stud Merino Breeders’ Association, Australasian Pork Research Institute, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Australian Reproduction Veterinarians, National Association of Animal Breeders and more to ensure our research addresses current industry challenges and opportunities.
Our experts: Professor Simon de Graaf and Dr Jessica Rickard
Our group is actively developing and refining a broad suite of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) to support both livestock production and wildlife conservation. These include sperm sexing, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), embryo transfer (ET), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), and ovum pick-up (OPU). Our aim is to enhance genetic gain, reproductive efficiency, and access to high-value genetics across a range of animal species.
Our experts: Dr Jessica Rickard and Professor Simon de Graaf
We use advanced proteomic and in vivo imaging techniques to investigate how ram spermatozoa and seminal plasma interact with the ewe’s reproductive tract. These studies aim to uncover mechanisms that influence sperm transport, survival, and fertilisation success, ultimately improving outcomes with frozen-thawed semen in artificial insemination programs.
Our experts: Associate Professor Roslyn Bathgate
We are designing pen-side diagnostic tools to detect key reproductive stages in pigs—oestrus, ovulation, early pregnancy, and impending parturition. Our research focuses on changes in cervical mucus and other non-invasive biomarkers to provide accurate, real-time reproductive status information that supports precision herd management.
Our experts: Professor Simon de Graaf
We apply machine learning and artificial intelligence to develop next-generation reproductive diagnostics. This includes automated assessment of sperm morphology and motility, predictive models for pregnancy detection in sheep, and sensor-based monitoring of reproductive events in real time. These tools aim to improve decision-making, precision management, and reproductive efficiency across species.
Our experts: Dr Jessica Rickard and Professor Simon de Graaf
We are developing and validating in vitro tools to predict fertility before breeding. These include advanced semen analyses (including morphology, motility, and functional assays), assessments of female reproductive status, and environmental condition monitoring. We are also integrating omics technologies—such as transcriptomics and proteomics—to identify molecular markers of fertility and build more accurate, multi-factorial predictive models.
Our experts: Professor Simon de Graaf and Dr Jessica Rickard
We are exploring sperm metabolism to identify the cellular and molecular pathways that support sperm function during storage. This work informs the development of improved extenders, cryoprotectants, and storage protocols—both chilled and frozen—that preserve sperm viability and enhance fertility after thawing.
ARGUS is led by Professor Simon de Graaf, Dr Jessica Rickard and Associate Professor Roslyn Bathgate.
For specific inquiries, please contact the relevant research staff directly through their profiles.
