Factors affecting fertility of female pigs
This animal science project will study the effect of maternal parity and suckled litter size on sexual development of female pigs.
Improving the fertility and reproductive efficiency of breeding sows is vital to maintaining the productivity of the pig industry.
Previous work in my group has demonstrated a relationship between maternal parity, pre-weaning growth and circulating anti-mullerian hormone levels on ovarian characteristics of female pigs.
This project will further define this relationship, whilst also establishing the relationship between AMH, ovarian function and sexual maturity in female pigs.
Skills learnt will include: hormone assays, pig handling, blood collection, and in vitro embryo production.
Study production animal health
Dr Will Van Wettere's research focuses primarily on developing management strategies to improve the reproductive performance of female production animals (in particular pigs, sheep and cattle). This includes:
- increasing neonatal survival, as well as their growth and reproductive potential
- developing phenotypic markers of reproductive potential and longevity,
- improving the quality of oocyte/embryo donors and embryo recipients,
- alleviating seasonal infertility, and
- improving ovarian function.
If you have a specific interest in the above areas and would like to discuss potential honours projects, please contact Will.
Supervisor
Research area: Production animal health
Recommended honours enrolment: Honours in Animal Science