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.

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Learn more about our work

Innovation

Pioneering artificial breeding techniques in livestock and wildlife.

Collaboration

Partnering with farmers and the artificial breeding industry to develop reproductive technologies and enhance reproductive efficiency in livestock.

Education

Providing comprehensive training through undergraduate, postgraduate, and industry programs.

Enhancing animal reproduction and artificial breeding through research and technology

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:

Developing and refining assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilisation (IVF), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), and sperm sexing to improve animal production and conservation efforts.
Investigating the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying reproduction to enhance fertility rates and genetic diversity among animal populations.
Collaborating with industry partners, government agencies, and conservation organisations to implement research findings into practical applications that benefit both agriculture and wildlife preservation.

Professor Simon de Graaf, Dr Jessica Rickard and Associate Professor Roslyn Bathgate using the GISmart system with sheep

Our research

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.

news

World's oldest semen still viable

Artificial insemination using the world's oldest known viable semen has a successful impregnation rate in sheep equivalent to recently frozen samples, in research from Associate Professor Simon de Graaf and Dr Jessica Rickard.

Contact us

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.

Animal Reproduction Group

Visit our website

Innovation

Collaboration

Education

Enhancing animal reproduction and artificial breeding through research and technology

Our research

Development of assisted reproductive technologies

Sperm–female tract interactions and fertility outcomes

Precision monitoring of reproductive state in pigs

Machine learning for reproductive diagnostics

In vitro prediction of fertility

Sperm metabolism and semen storage technologies

World's oldest semen still viable

Contact us