Cows may carry calves without a protein once thought essential for pregnancy
A study suggests cows can give birth to healthy calves without interferon tau, a protein previously believed necessary for pregnancy. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about early pregnancy in cattle.
This challenges established biological understanding, though more research is needed to confirm the results.
What protein was involved
Interferon tau, produced by the early embryo, was thought to signal its presence to the mother and prevent hormonal changes that would end the pregnancy.
How the study was conducted
The research involved observing cattle pregnancies and measuring the presence of interferon tau and its effects on maternal hormones.
Common questions
What is interferon tau's role in pregnancy?
It was previously believed to signal the embryo's presence to the mother and prevent hormonal changes that would end the pregnancy.
Does this study prove interferon tau is unnecessary?
No, the study suggests it may not be essential, but further research is needed to confirm this.
Sources
- Cows deliver healthy calves without embryonic protein long thought essential for pregnancy Phys.org · phys.org
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