U of S researchers discover animal hormone that could promote pregnancy

Cows are shown grazing on an organic dairy farm in Jordan, Minn., in a May 31, 2006 file photo. (AP / Jim Mone)

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have discovered a hormone in animal semen that could help women get pregnant. It's an exciting find that could lead to new testing and treatment of infertility.

Professor Gregg Adams, with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, is part of the study.

He helped discover a hormone in the seminal fluid of llamas which induces ovulation. In cows, the same hormone influences the timing of ovulation.

Researchers found the same substance in the semen of 10 different mammals, including people. They believe this finding could have huge implications on the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.

"We think it will have an important impact on fertility not just in animals, but as well in humans,” says Adams.

The next step is to figure out if the amount of the substance found in semen affects a male's fertility, and how exactly a female responds to and absorbs it.

The Saskatchewan led study was published this week by the National Academy of Sciences.

And the impact could go far beyond llamas and cows. It could help kick-start conception for couples who have given up hope of having a child.