Not sure if this is new or old news. On Landline.

At least 30 merino sheep have been born using semen that was frozen in liquid nitrogen by the University of Sydney 50 years ago.

Good sperm viability.

This is longer than human sperm has been stored cryogenically. Cattle sperm has been stored for longer, but not yet used to produce calves.

I can’t help wondering whether frozen sperm and embryos can save critically endangered species. And help with interstellar flights.

mollwollfumble said:

Not sure if this is new or old news. On Landline.

At least 30 merino sheep have been born using semen that was frozen in liquid nitrogen by the University of Sydney 50 years ago.

Good sperm viability.

This is longer than human sperm has been stored cryogenically. Cattle sperm has been stored for longer, but not yet used to produce calves.

I can’t help wondering whether frozen sperm and embryos can save critically endangered species. And help with interstellar flights.

Brings a new meaning to the word popsicle

I wonder how many generations of merino have passed in 50 years and if there is any appreciable difference between a merino now and one of 50 years ago. Maybe a coarser wool?

AwesomeO said:

I wonder how many generations of merino have passed in 50 years and if there is any appreciable difference between a merino now and one of 50 years ago. Maybe a coarser wool?

They are calling them retro sheep. Luckily, some of the sperm came from a prize-winning ram, so farmers are eager to see what the results are.

AwesomeO said:

I wonder how many generations of merino have passed in 50 years and if there is any appreciable difference between a merino now and one of 50 years ago. Maybe a coarser wool?

That is an interesting scenario that could well be.