First IVF puppies born

Helen Briggs reports that a litter of beagle and beagle-spaniel puppies are the first born through in-vitro fertilization after decades of attempts to use the fertility treatment in dogs.

The puppies-Ivy, Cannon, Beaker, Buddy, Nelly, Red and Green-were born over the summer but kept secret until their wellbeing was secure. All but one are said to have been placed in new homes.

They were from the same litter but have three sets of parents. Frozen embryos were implanted in a female dog using techniques similar to those used in human fertility clinics.

Problems with freezing embryos have caused difficulties in the past, but the group say they have perfected this and other techniques. Lead researcher Dr Alex Travis, from Cornell's college of veterinary medicine, said: "We have seven normal happy healthy puppies."

He added: "Since the mid-1970s, people have been trying to do this in a dog and have been unsuccessful.

According to the researchers, the techniques involved may help conserve endangered species such as African wild dogs.