MANILA, Philippines - After a series of failed attempts, scientists at Cornell University have finally worked on the first successful case of "test-tube" puppies.
Using the process of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), used by humans since 1978, seven beagle and cross-bred beagle-spaniel puppies were born to a surrogate mother on July 10.
The birth of the puppies were kept secret for months, until the puppies reached five months.
According to reports, scientists had been experimenting with the IVF in dogs for 30 years to cater to female dogs who do not have the capacity to bear a pup, but it was only this year that they finally had a successful case.
Dr. Pierre Comizzoli, a reproductive physiologist for the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute which works with Cornell explained that this is because the "biology in dogs is much more complicated."
The discovery therefore provides a chance to reproduce and avoid losing a breed's contribution of genetic diversity to the population.
Moreover, it will aid in curing canine diseases caused by less genetic diversity.