Research Interests Improving reproductive efficiency of mares and stallions is the goal of my research program. Hormonal regimens are evaluated for their efficacy in controlling estrus and ovulation in mares. These synchronization schemes are becoming very important with increased use of cooled, transported and frozen semen. A series of studies is being conducted to determine the cause of seasonal and postpartum anestrus. Research currently is focused ondevelopment of methods for administering GnRH to mares and stallions.
Studies also continue on embryo preservation, culture, freezing and bisection.
We developed techniques for embryo transfer. Efforts to obtain foals from older mares are being made by developing techniques for oocyte collection, maturation and in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Studies on preservation of stallion spermatozoa also are of interest, with current research on determining the most appropriate cooling rate for storage of liquid semen and evaluation of seminal extenders. Lastly, emphasis is being placed on investigating causes of lowered fertility in older, barren mares, such as uterine infection, failure of fertilization and early embryonic death. For additional information on current projects, consult the page on Reproductive Technology .