Research

1. At the applied level, we are seeking to establish active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) as a non-invasive alternative to physical castration in management of domestic and companion animals. In addition, we have recently developed a melatonin-containing implant that we feel may be useful in promoting out-of-season breeding in sheep.
2. At a more basic level, we are using active or passive immunization against GnRH as a research tool to identify the sites and mechanisms by which gonadal steroids modulate gonadotrope responsiveness. Our emphasis in these studies has been examination of the endocrine control of GnRH receptor gene expression.
3. Another component of our research seeks to determine the physiological basis for genetic difference in ovulation rate. The research models used in these studies are Finnish Landrace and Rambouillet sheep, two ovine breeds that differ markedly in native prolificacy.
4. Lastly, the recent work of post-doctoral fellows and doctoral students in our laboratory has focused on characterization of the mechanisms by which photoperiod, nutritional stress, and bacterial infection impinge on reproductive processes.