30 October 2006

UQ scientists today unveiled koala joeys produced by artificial insemination (AI) as part of the development of the world’s first koala sperm bank.

Three of the eight joeys, all born on the Gold Coast, made their first public appearance this morning.

They were conceived using new breeding technology, which uses sperm mixed with a special solution that
prolongs the sperm’s shelf-life.

The research is a joint project for UQ advanced reproductive technology scientists, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, David Fleay’s Wildlife Park and the Zoological Society of London.

Dr Steve Johnston, the project leader and reproductive biologist at UQ’s School of Animal Studies, said his team now had the technology to use transported koala semen in Australia and eventually overseas.

“Eight of the twelve current test-tube joeys were born following the artificial insemination of freshly diluted sperm samples,” Dr Johnston said.

"The next vital step is the use of chilled sperm and then thawed frozen sperm from the sperm bank."

When the sperm bank is up and running the genetic background of each animal will be available to ensure there will be appropriate genetic management.

Samples are also being screened for common koala diseases such as chlamydiae and retroviruses by other members of the research team in UQ`s School of Integrative Biology.

With the arrival of the current joeys, 25 koalas have now been produced by AI with a success rate approaching that of natural mating.

The koala is not classified as an endangered species but it is listed as vulnerable to extinction in parts of Queensland and in New South Wales.

“We don`t want to claim the technique as the solution to koala conservation but more of a tool for genetic management and animal welfare — an extra insurance policy," Dr Johnston said.

He said this technology could help manage the genetic diversity of koala populations but eventually also help conserve other threatened marsupials.

Funding for the work has been provided by a three-year, Commonwealth Government (ARC Linkage) grant to investigate artificial breeding, population genetics, disease resistance and improved semen freezing.

Linkage grants involve a collaborative arrangement between the Commonwealth, UQ and industry partners who provide partial funding and in-kind resources.

The use of AI technology is a component of the Queensland Government’s Koala Conservation Plan and builds on previous collaborative research under an historic agreement between UQ and the Queensland Government.

MEDIA: Dr Johnston (0408 280 963) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (07 3365 2619, m.holland@uq.edu.au)

Survey sent to Dr Johnston 03/11/2006