Animal Reproduction & Development
entails the study of life processes in cells, organs, and whole animals to enhance
efficient production of high quality animals and animal food products. Students use antibody based assays, molecular genetics, protein chemistry, embryo and tissue culture, electron chemistry, and other modern laboratory techniques in research in areas of animal reproduction, development and growth.
Past research projects (examples):
- Progestin analysis by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in plasma, and feces of horse, cattle, and sheep. Chad Miller. Mentor: Dr. Don Holtan, Animal Sciences.
- Prediction of lambing number in mid and late-gestational ewes by fecal hormone analysis. Sara Davis. Mentor: Dr. Howard Meyer, Animal Sciences.
- Comparison of uterine protease and protease inhibitors present in the pregnant and non-pregnant llama. Lisa Bidstrup. Mentor: Dr. Alfred Menino, Animal Sciences.
- Using sheep to control an invasive bunchgrass weed species. Ryan Scholz. Mentor: Dr. Howard Meyer, Animal Sciences.
- Expression of prolactin in feline mammary adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Danielle Trummel. Mentor: Dr. Michelle Kutzler, College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Effects of Sarcocystis neurona infection on cell-mediated immune responses in horses. Laura Barth. Mentor: Dr. Sue Tornquist, Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine
