Reproductive and Lactational Physiology

Transcription

1 Reproductive and Lactational Physiology The group currently consists of seven faculty: Farin, Flowers, Hansen, Petters, Trivedi, Washburn and Whisnant. Hansen, Petters and Washburn have research and extension affiliations with other research groups in the department. Historically, the group was much larger than it is at present. Significant losses due to retirement and moves to administration resulted in the FTE in the group being decreased from in 1989 to in Since 1999, the total FTE in this group has further eroded to the present level of 8.00 FTE. FTE in research is 3.18; in teaching is 3.22 and in extension is Lactation physiology is no longer represented in the group with the recent departures of Alston-Mills, Hockett and Pritchard. Table1. Faculty in reproductive and lactation physiology in 1989, 1999 and Name R T E R T E R T E Alston-Mills 1, Armstrong Britt Caruolo Croom Esbenshade Farin Flowers Hansen Hockett Johnson Markert Open position Petters Pritchard 1, Rozeboom Trivedi 9, Washburn Wesen Whisnant Totals Lactation faculty 2 Gastrointestinal faculty 3 Faculty member from 2002 to University Distinguished Research Professor 5 Faculty member from 5/1/1999 to 5/4/ Left for administration 7 Reproduction portion = Department Head (0.09 appointment) 9 EPA non-tenure track faculty 10 Pre-vet advisor & Physiology lecturer (fall semesters); appointment date 08/01/ Appointment date: January 1, 2008 Research productivity is significant with substantial competitive funds being garnered in the past ten years. Publication of results, invited presentations and graduate student training have followed the funding efforts. The extension program has been recognized as being relevant and productive. 221

2 Research collaborations both within and outside of the group have been key to the group s efforts. Relevant data are given below in Table 2. Table 2. Research funding, publications, students trained, invited presentations and collaborations from 1999 to Funding (direct + indirect) Publications Competitive PI Co-PI Industry Gifts Peer reviewed Nonpeer reviewe d Popular press Farin 568, , Flowers 620, , , , Hansen 369,688 99, , Petters 1,495,43 1,835,209 15, Washbur 654, ,000 3, n Whisnant 252, ,000 15, Totals 3,961,37 6 2,916, , , Students trained as major or co-major advisor Invited Presentations Postdoc Ph. D. M. S. MAS Internationa l National Regiona l Farin Flowers Hansen Petters Washbur n Whisnant Totals Within Group Within Departmen t Including Group Significant research collaborations of current faculty Within NCSU Outside Departmen t Other US Universitie s Foreign Universities Other Farin Flowers Hansen Petters Washbur n Whisnant Summary of individual research, teaching and extension programs of current faculty CE Farin Summary of Research and Teaching Program ( ) 222

3 Farin was hired in 1990 to develop a research program in the area of reproductive biotechnologies and contribute to the departmental graduate and undergraduate teaching program. Farin is also a member of the Physiology, Biotechnology and Functional Genomics faculties and an associate member of the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology. Brief Description of Research Program--Farin The long-term objective of Farin s research program is to support development of in vitro systems for the production of bovine embryos. Successful production of bovine embryos in vitro is dependent on both oocyte competence and the conditions used to support development of embryos after fertilization. Therefore, Farin s program has been designed to pursue questions pertaining to each of these issues. With regard to studies of oocyte competence, Farin s group has investigated basic mechanisms that control the progression of meiosis as mammalian oocytes mature in preparation for in vitro fertilization. In the area of post-fertilization development, they have examined mechanisms that control the development of embryos and fetuses derived from in vitro embryo production systems. Brief Description of Teaching Program--Farin Since 1999 Farin s teaching responsibilities have included three major courses for which she has had full responsibility (ANS 220, Reproduction and Lactation in Domestic Animals, ANS 452- ANS/PHY 552, Advanced Reproductive Physiology & Biotechnology and ANS/PHY 702 Mammalian Reproductive Physiology ). In addition, she participates in offering a graduate-level seminar series with Dr. John Gadsby (ANS/PHY 602/802, Seminar in Biology of Reproduction ) and an undergraduate-level introductory course on agricultural biotechnology (ANS/AEE/PB 495Y DE & 495Z, Agricultural Biotechnology in Today s Society ; 495Z, lab) with Drs. Elizabeth Wilson (Dept. Ag Extension Education) and Chad Jordan (Dept Plant Biology). Additional teaching responsibilities include mentoring individual undergraduate student research projects (n=18 students ANS 493 or ALS 498/499H), presenting an annual guest lecture in VMS 987 (Embryo Biotechnologies Selective) and advising undergraduate students (approximately 30 advisees per year). Course # #Credits #Semesters Taught Last Semester Taught ANS Fall 2008 ANS Spring 2009 ANS 452 DE* 3 1 Spring 2009 ANS 495Y DE & Z** Fall 2009 ANS Spring 2009 ANS Fall 2009 ANS/PHY 602/802*** 2 2 Spring 2006 *Distance Education course **33% responsibility ***50% responsibility Billy Flowers Summary of Research and Teaching Program ( ) Flowers was hired in 1987 to support research, teaching, and outreach in applied reproductive management of swine. He was originally hired in a 20% research, 80% extension position, but has shifted to 50% teaching, 50% research in 1989 due to the departure of Drs. Britt, Esbenshade, and Coffey (nutrition faculty) to higher administration and industry. In 1999, his position was changed to 60% teaching and 40% research. He currently is an Alumni Distinguished Professor of Animal Science and Physiology. Brief Description of Research Program--Flowers His research program focuses on management issues associated with artificial insemination including development of replacement boars and enhancement of breeding strategies for gilts and 223

4 sows. One of the big challenges for the swine industry is sow and boar longevity. Current projects are examining the influence of the neonatal environment on adult reproductive function. Reducing competition among littermates appears to increase longevity in sows and sperm production in boars. Although the mechanisms are not fully understood, it appears that programming events which begin during gestation continue postnatally. Reduced competition facilitates their completion, especially in boars. Another fundamental weakness associated with swine A.I. is the lack of proactive fertility tests for boar semen. Recent work has led to the identification of a series of seminal plasma proteins that have strong correlations with the production of live pigs. Use of these tests along with traditional estimates of semen quality has increased the accuracy and precision of estimating fertility. They are currently being adapted for use within the commercial sector. Finally, previous work has resulted in the fairly universal adoption of real-time ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis by the swine industry and the approval of Matrix by the F.D.A. for synchronization of estrus in gilts. One unique aspect of his research program is that many of his studies are conducted on large, commercial swine operations. Brief Description of Teaching Program--Flowers Flowers has taught at least 11 credit hours per year for the past 10 years including ANS Introduction to Animal Science (4 credits); ANS 403 Swine Management (3 credits); and ANS 061 Swine Production and Management (4 credits). He is responsible for the lectures and all the laboratory sections for these courses (ANS laboratory sections; ANS laboratory section; and ANS laboratory sections). In 2006, he developed an on-line graduate level course in applied reproductive management for swine, ANS 590S Applied Swine Reproductive Management. This course is taught every other year and is geared towards continuing education students interested in post baccalaureate certificate programs in animal science. He currently is developing the Breeding and Gestation course for the multi-state, Swine On-Line program. Once completed, this course is scheduled to be offered at least twice per year for interested students. In addition to his current teaching load, he taught an additional lecture section of ANS 150 for students in the University and College Honors programs yearly between 1999 and In 2000, he taught ANS 205 Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals because the scheduled instructor required an emergency medical leave of absence. Flowers typically has between 60 and 70 undergraduate advisees per year and supervises 5 to 10 students yearly in undergraduate teaching or research projects. Gary Hansen Summary of Research and Extension Program (appointment effective 01/01/2008) Hansen was hired in 2008 to serve as Livestock Extension Specialist with responsibility for livestock extension activity in eastern North Carolina along with state-wide responsibility for livestock reproduction and genetics extension programs. Hansen is housed at the Vernon G James Research and Extension Center on the Tidewater Research Station in Plymouth, NC and has responsibility for the beef cattle herd kept on the station. Brief Description of Extension Program--Hansen Hansen s extension program has focused on the development and implementation of Got to Be NC Quality Replacement Heifer Program, Northeast North Carolina Feeder Calf Sale and reproductive management schools. These programs have developed working relationships between livestock producers, veterinarians and livestock agents that will advance technology transfer, enhance information exchange and improve livestock enterprises in North Carolina as well as increase the adoption rate of integrated management practices by North Carolina livestock producers that will improve overall long-term production efficiency and profitability of livestock herds/flocks. He serves on the Hay Day planning committee, a major extension activity in the Northeast Extension District, bringing current research information to stakeholders and extension agents. Brief Description of Research Program--Hansen Hansen s research will continue to focus on feed efficiency, crossbreeding, and reproductive technology in beef cattle. The goal of his research program is to develop and integrate new 224

5 technology and production practices to optimize performance in North Carolina s beef cattle herd. Specific goals include: feed efficiency in growing and mature beef cattle; improved reproductive performance and enhanced beef quality in cattle raised in the Southeastern United States. These studies are being accomplished by collaboration with several research units and fellow colleagues within North Carolina State University and other universities. Bob Petters Summary of Research and Teaching Program ( ) Petters was hired in 1983 to pursue research in biotechnology and to teach at the graduate level. Petters is a member of the Biotechnology, Physiology and Genomics graduate faculty. In the past ten years, Petters research emphasis has shifted from the study of embryo development in vitro to the use of transgenic pigs as genetic models of human disease. This shift allowed Petters to expand his biotechnology interests in reproductive physiology, embryo micromanipulation and genetics to make contributions in biomedicine. In order to support this effort, funds were obtained from the National Institutes of Health and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The rhodopsin transgenic model of retinitis pigmentosa is well recognized within the scientific community studying forms of human blindness. This model has and is being used to evaluate clinical and therapeutic interventions in the disease progression. Studies are currently in progress to make models of macular degeneration and Marfan s syndrome. These studies presaged the current interests in using livestock in the study of human disease, an application that broadens the impact of animal science research. Spin offs of these studies include synchronization and superovulation of embryo donors in the pig and the study of spermatogonial stem cells using transgenic pigs. While being hired to teach at the graduate level, Petters has been called on to teach primarily at the undergraduate level. This effort has featured the development of new courses in relevant areas and the teaching of a wide variety of courses. Courses taught during the past ten years include: ANS 105 Introduction to Companion Animals (3 times, last in 2007); ANS 400 Companion Animal Management (1, 1999); ANS 215 Basic Agricultural Genetics (6, last in 2003); ANS 330 Laboratory Animal Science (5, last in 2009); ANS 706 Mammalian Embryo Manipulation (2, last in 2009). Petters co-advises the Companion Animal Club and advises approximately 30 undergraduates. Shweta Trivedi (appointment effective August 1, 2009) Steve Washburn Summary of Research and Extension Program ( ) Washburn works in three major areas of applied research. These include studies on crossbreeding of dairy cattle, evaluation of pasture-based and organic systems of dairy production, and estrous cycle control and fertility of cattle. He coordinates both research and educational programs associated with the seasonal pasture-based dairy at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems. In that role, he has collaborated with faculty at Clemson, Virginia Tech, and from several departments at North Carolina State University. In extension, Washburn serves on the planning committees for the annual North Carolina Dairy Conference and the regional Southern Dairy Conference. He also has a major role in coordinating educational efforts on pasture-based dairy production systems and organic dairy production systems. This includes providing leadership for biennial multi state dairy grazing conferences and opportunities for in-service training programs for extension agents and other professionals that interact with the dairy industry. Dr Washburn also provides educational support in production management for extension agents and for value-added dairy producers including producers of dairy goat milk products. In his extension role, he has assisted with hosting international visitors and dairy-interest interns. He is also involved in organizing international study tours and has presented talks at international events. Washburn also has leadership responsibilities for co-advising the Dairy Science Club and in assisting with intercollegiate dairy challenge educational events at both the regional and national levels. He is on the planning committee and is the liaison for colleges and universities eligible to participate in the 225

6 Southern Dairy Challenge. Dr. Washburn routinely assists with peer review of undergraduate courses and has chaired 3 such committees. Scott Whisnant Summary of Research and Teaching Program ( ) Whisnant s research has focused recently on the endocrine regulation of feed intake and growth and the interaction between nutrition/metabolism and reproduction. These studies have helped identify hormones that may be used as markers of feed intake in beef cattle and thus indirectly identify those cattle that grow more efficiently. Other studies are aimed at identifying hormones that can help explain the relationship between milk production and reproduction in dairy cows. Whisnant s teaching includes ANS 220 Reproduction and Lactation (4 credit hours) every spring semester. In the fall of even numbered years he teaches ANS/PHY 780 Mammalian Endocrinology (3 hours). In fall 2004 and 2006 he taught 25% of ANS 408 Small Ruminant Management (3 hours) and in fall % of ANS 408. In 2010 and subsequent years Whisnant should revert back to 25% for this course. In fall of odd numbered years he taught 60% of ANS 530 (3 hours) and 531 (1 hour). ANS 530 was a face-to-face course until fall 2007 when Whisnant and Hockett developed it as a distance education course. Additional responsibilities include advising about 30 undergraduate students per year. He also coordinates the reproductive physiology seminar series (ANS 603/803) now being held in conjunction with the animal genetics group. Whisnant does not have a formal extension appointment. However in addition to answering phone or questions from county agents or producers, he has given three presentations on estrous synchronization and another on biotechnology in the beef cattle industry to producer groups and has served as a judge for the North Carolina Beef Ambassador program for the past three years. Twice a year, he coordinates an artificial insemination training course for students and cattle producers. This averages 30 participants a year. Strengths Strengths of the reproductive physiology group include the funding and recognition of strong individual research programs. Each has made significant contributions to their area of specialty. Competitive funding has been adequate to support these efforts and the publication efforts have been good. Within the group of reproductive physiologists, research from the basic to the applied is being accomplished. The group has trained a significant number of graduate students who have gone on to make significant contributions themselves. A weekly seminar program (now in cooperation with the genetics group) enhances the graduate education effort. Most of the reproductive physiologists are located in close proximity in Polk Hall and are able to interact on a daily basis. Ties within the Physiology graduate program and with the body of reproductive physiologists in the RTP area further synergize the efforts in the department. Major items of equipment are shared within the group and the department. The reproductive physiology group has consistently stepped up to contribute to the department, especially in the area of teaching. From the development of new courses to the teaching of core courses, the group has led a major effort in this regard. The teaching of distance education course figures prominently in current teaching efforts. The extension efforts in dairy include more than reproductive physiology. Efforts in assisting producers with pasture-based and organic production systems in recent years has reduced the amount of time available for direct efforts on improving reproduction although such work is still being done. In summary, the reproduction physiology group consists of experienced faculty that can be expected to continue to make significant contributions in research, teaching and extension. Challenges 226

7 The faculty in this group are, for the most part, considered to be senior faculty. While quite productive, the group would benefit from the inclusion of younger, vigorous faculty colleagues. The efforts in research have mostly been at the level of the individual programs and not as a team effort. This can be perceived as a significant challenge, while at the same time, this is recognized as a strength. Consideration and attack on industry issues would benefit from a team approach. Such issues need to be identified and the team effort would have to be rewarded in order to make progress here. Research and teaching efforts are perceived as being under heavy pressure. This stems from budget concerns that are passed to the level of individual faculty who are often unable to respond on short notice to these pressures. Uncertainty at all levels and rapid decisions on budget tends to impact on faculty efforts in often subtle ways. Budgetary problems at the animal units have necessitated faculty funding of routine expenses such as equipment repair. In a number of cases, animals needed for funded research programs have been sold because of lack of funds to feed them. While the competitive funding efforts of this group are significant, erosion of base support such as animal units and technical support will hamper the efforts to shift more of the activities to soft monies. Teaching efforts are hampered by rising enrollments and decreases in FTE to meet these pressures. It is perceived that the teaching efforts of this group, while being laudable, have been a significant drain on the group s research efforts. Enhanced productivity in both areas may not be possible. Stress on time has also hampered communication with stakeholders and development of professional development programs. No member of the group has ever taken a sabbatical. Opportunities The faculty in this research group has the opportunity to make better use of their individual strengths to deal with pressures faced in these times. The pooling of resources needs to be a priority. Programs and grant support will grow better with the enhancement of internal cooperation and collaboration. Serious consideration needs to be given to the addition of faculty to this group. As was articulated ten years ago, the faculty recommend the addition of a vigorous researcher in the area of molecular biology of ovarian function to supplement and extend the efforts of the group. Since then, research FTEs within the group have decreased and the area of lactation physiology is no longer represented. A decision needs to be made about whether this area of research should be returned to the group. A laboratory coordinator position, which could help with labs associated with other classes, could relieve teaching faculty in the group of a large time commitment. This time could then be directed to research. Currently the teaching load is over the faculty percentages and is limiting research funding and productivity. Summary In summary, considerable pressure is felt by this group. The group can increase its interactions to improve its ability to address problems of significance to the industry and obtain support from federal funding agencies. While the group continues to excel, it is not clear that this will be sustainable in the face of present fiscal and personnel challenges. 227

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