Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Day 1

The meeting, held in Room A211 of the Animal Science Complex at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), was called to order on May 21, 2024, at 9:10 am by Kayla Mills (Chair) and Brett White (Local Host).  Members present were Kayla Mills (USDA-BARC), Brett White (Nebraska), Lea Rempel (USDA-USMARC), Jeremy Miles (USDA-USMARC), John Parrish (Wisconsin), Benny Mote (Nebraska), Amy Desaulniers (Nebraska), Rob Knox (Illinois), Dave Miller (Illinois), Tim Safranski (Missouri – via Zoom) and Jason Ross (Iowa – Administrative Assistant).

Brett White introduced Hector Santiago (Assistant Dean and Director, Agricultural Research Division, UNL).  Dr. Santiago welcomed the group to Nebraska and provided an overview of the agricultural industry in Nebraska as well as the Agricultural Research Division within the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL. Next, our Administrative Assistant, Jason Ross, congratulated the group on a successful 5-year project renewal. The committee thanked Jeremy Miles for his diligent efforts on the rewrite. Dr. Ross also reviewed deadlines for submission of the final report following this meeting.

At 10:15 am, station reports began.  Amy Desaulniers presented the Nebraska report and Jeremy Miles presented the USDA-USMARC report.  At 11:30 am, the meeting adjourned for lunch and the start of the 2024 NCERA57 biennial symposium.

At 1:00 pm, following a lunch provided by the UNL Meat Science Club, attendees were welcomed to the 2024 NCERA57 Biennial Symposium entitled, “Tools for Reproductive Management” by Dr. Deb VanOverbeke (Head – Department of Animal Science). The speakers and their presentation titles are as follows:

• Review of Offspring Survival – Dr. Jeff Weigert (Texas A&M University)
• New Knowledge on Seasonality, Heat Stress and Semen Production in the Boar – Dr. John Parrish (University of Wisconsin)
• Thomas Livestock, 24/7 Pig Care – Mr. Steve Horton (Thomas Livestock Co.)
• Video Monitoring Pig Care – Dr. Benny Mote (University of Nebraska – Lincoln)
• HotHog Application – Dr. Jay Johnson (USDA ARS – West Lafayette, IN)

The Symposium concluded at 5:00 pm and the Committee adjourned for the day.

Day 2

The meeting was called to order at 8:32 am on May 22, 2024 by Kayla Mills (Chair).  Station reports were presented by Kayla Mills (USDA-BARC), Rob Knox (Illinois) and Dave Miller (Illinois).

The business meeting began at 10:57 am. The committee discussed potential locations for the next NCERA-57 biennial symposium. A symposium associated with the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa was of interest to the committee.  Next, the committee debated the location for the 2025 annual meeting of NCERA-57.  Brett White made a motion to hold the meeting at the University of Illinois. Jeremy Miles seconded the motion, and the committee unanimously approved the motion. Suggested dates for the meeting were May 19-21, May 29-31 and June 2-4. Brett White offered to send out a Doodle poll to identify the most convenient dates for the meeting. The next order of business was to elect a new secretary. Lea Rempel made a motion to elect Dave Miller as secretary. The motion was seconded by Jeremy Miles. The motion passed unanimously.  As the current secretary, Brett White will become the new chair of the committee.  Before adjournment, Jeremy Miles made a motion to thank Brett White, Benny Mote and Amy Desaulniers for hosting the annual meeting and a successful NCERA-57 Biennial Symposium. The motion was seconded by Dave Miller. The committee members also thanked the National Pork Board for their support of the symposium and the UNL Meat Science Club for providing the meal.  The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am. After the meeting, Brett White gave a tour of the Animal Science Complex at UNL.

• In support of Objective 1, researchers determined that boars with varicocele had decreased semen quality during and after a heat stress event (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska).
• In support of Objective 1, researchers validated a novel microscopic imaging approach for high-throughput evaluation of sperm quality (Mississippi, Illinois) and demonstrated the usefulness of nanotechnology-based approaches to improving sperm quality (Mississippi, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1, investigators from different stations examined the mechanisms underlying LH-independent testosterone production. (Nebraska, USDA-USMARC).
• In support of Objective 1, scientists evaluated the number of sperm in AI and impacts on fertilization (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1, researchers validated a novel microscopic imaging approach for high-throughput evaluation of sperm quality (Mississippi, Illinois) and demonstrated the usefulness of nanotechnology-based approaches to improving sperm quality (Mississippi, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objectives 1 and 3, illustrated the influence of antioxidants on fertility of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa (Iowa, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 1 and 3, researchers collaborated with industry on the implications of low-dose semen (Indiana, Illinois).
• In support of Objective 1 and 3, collaborators evaluated sperm kinematics in semen from GnRH-II receptor knockdown and littermate control boars (Nebraska, Illinois).
• In support of Objectives 1 and 3, demonstrated that hyperactivation of sperm provides release from immobilized oviduct glycans (Illinois, Iowa, Missouri).
• In support of Objectives 1 and 3, reported the importance of zinc as a master regulator of sperm capacitation (Iowa, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 1 and 3, evaluated the temperature preference of different commercial breeds of boars (Indiana, USDA-BARC).
• In support of Objective 1 and 3, reported the influence of fish oil supplementation on boar sperm quantity and spermatogenesis (Wisconsin, Iowa).
• In support of Objective 1 and 3, published a book chapter on animal andrology (Illinois, Indiana).
• In support of Objective 1 and 4, researchers identified potential biomarkers in sperm that may provide early indication of fertility reduction due to elevated environmental temperature (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1 and 4, researchers developed predictors and mediation methods for sperm quality in agricultural species (Wisconsin, Mississippi).
• In support of Objectives 1, 3, and 4, identified sperm proteome following acute scrotal temperature in pigs (Missouri, Illinois).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, and 4, identified metabolites involved in binding of sperm to oviduct glycans to extend sperm lifespan (Missouri, Illinois).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, and 4, determined the effects on the sperm proteome of a mild acute increase in scrotal temperature in pigs with over 800 proteins identified (Illinois, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, and 4, identified 4 potential biomarkers found in sperm that may provide early indication of fertility reduction due to elevated environmental temperature (Illinois, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, and 4, evaluated the impact of heat stress on the boar and placental gene expression (USDA-USMARC, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, 4, and 8, initiated a new collaborative USDA-AFRI-NIFA grant: Enhancing boar fertility in the face of climate change through the mitigation of in utero heat stress (Nebraska, USDA-USMARC, Indiana).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, 4, and 8, continued collaboration on USDA-NIFA grant: Proteomic identification of molecular pathways and biomarkers related to porcine seasonal heat-induced infertility in males (Illinois, Wisconsin).
• In support of Objective 1, 3, 4, and 8, continued collaboration on NIH grant: Accumulation, storage, and release of sperm in the oviduct (Illinois, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 2, research stations collaborated to compare endocrine profiles of GnRH-II receptor knockdown vs. littermate control gilts (Nebraska, USMARC).
• In support of Objective 2, investigated how in utero heat stress alters postnatal phenotypes in swine (Missouri, Purdue, Iowa).
• In support of Objective 2, investigators have utilized precision technology tools to improve sow performance and piglet production (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska, Michigan).
• In support of Objective 2 and 3, investigators reported on development and function of GnRH-II and its receptor in both male and female swine using knockdown technology (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, characterized the metabolome of encapsulated conceptuses undergoing initiation of elongation following culture (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, described the genetic basis of sow pelvic organ prolapse (Iowa, Minnesota).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, managed growth and puberty development in replacement gilts (USDA-USMARC, North Carolina).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, mapped genetic variants associated with age at puberty and sow fertility (USDA-USMARC, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, determined the effects of heat stress on the hepatic and ovarian proteome in gilts (Iowa, USDA-USMARC).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, investigators reported on pubertal neuroendocrine development in gilts (USDA-USMARC, West Virginia).
• In support of Objective 2 and 4, researchers evaluated the impact of heat stress, and potential heat-stress mitigation, on ovarian function and reproductive success (Iowa).
• In support of Objective 2 and 5, researchers created a vulva scoring scale and industry wide preliminary investigation into pelvic-organ-prolapse among sows (Iowa).
• In support of Objective 2, 3, and 4, characterized kisspeptin, NKB, and NK3R in the hypothalamus of gilts following Altrenogest treatment (USDA-USMARC, West Virginia, Ohio, Mississippi).
• In support of Objective 2, 3, and 4, identified biomarkers of fertility in gilts (USDA-BARC, Indiana).
• In support of Objective 2, 3, 4, and 8, continued collaboration on National Pork Board Grant: Investigating survivability in swine (USDA-BARC, Indiana, Iowa).
• In support of Objective 2, 3, 4, and 8, continued collaboration on a USDA-AFRI-NIFA grant: Influence of maternal and embryonic extracellular vesicles on the initiation of porcine conceptus Eeongation (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska).
• In support of Objective 3, investigated survivability in swine (Indiana, Iowa).
• In support of Objective 3, experts hosted an all-day workshop at Purdue University for heritage Large Black swine breeders (Indiana, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 3, evaluated the role of GnRH2 and its receptor in the boar (Nebraska, USDA-USMARC).
• In support of Objective 3, examined the presence of GnRH2 and its receptor in the gilt ovary (Nebraska, USDA-USMARC).
• In support of Objective 3 and 4, a team of researchers evaluated the metabolite profile of uterine flushings during early embryo elongation in swine (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska).
• In support of Objective 3 and 4, utilized gene editing to investigate the role of conceptus factors in the establishment of pregnancy (Missouri, Texas).
• In support of Objective 3 and 4, characterized extensive transcriptomic differences in spherical, ovoid and tubular conceptus during the initiation of elongation in gilts (USDA-USMARC, Nebraska).
• In support of Objective 3 and 5, SowBridge (IPIC) expert panel on dealing with delayed puberty in gilts (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 3, 4, and 8, a new collaborative USDA-NIFA grant was awarded: Influence of maternal and embryonic extracellular vesicles on the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation (Nebraska, USDA-USMARC).
• In support of Objective 3, 4, and 8, initiated a new collaborative USDA-AFRI-NIFA grant: Identifying AMR gene reservoirs and bacterial host-AMR gene associations to identify bacterial host range of AMR genes in swine production systems (Nebraska, Iowa, USDA-USMARC).
• In support of Objective 5, developed an extension program (SowBridge) targeted to translating science into usable information for swine farms (Indiana, Missouri, Illinois).
• In support of Objective 5, organized and presented an extension webinar on farrowing induction in sows (Indiana, Pennsylvania).
• In support of Objective 5 and 7, organized and hosted the 2022 NCERA57 Biennial Symposium: Managing the hyperprolific sow (Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri).
• In support of Objective 5 and 7, organized and hosted the 2024 NCERA57 Biennial Symposium: Tools for reproductive management (Nebraska, USDA-USMARC, Missouri, Pennsylvania).

Basic Science and Technology

1. Azain, M., Cline, P.M., Tsai, T.C., Lents, C.A., Stelzleni, A.M., Dove, C.R. 2020. Interaction of dietary carbohydrate and fat on glucose metabolism in growing pigs. Research Square. pp. 22. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-48869/v1.
2. Bernhard, C.J., Sharp, K.G., Safranski, T.J., Lamberson, W.R., and Lucy, M.C. 2020.  Reproduction and reproductive tract morphology of male and female pigs whose mothers were heat stressed during the second month of gestation.  J. Anim Sci. 98(11): skaa352. https://doi.org/doi: 10.1093/jas/skaa352.
3. Boettcher A.N., Kiupel, M., Adur, M.K., Cocco, E., Santin, A.D., Bellone, S., Charley, S.E., Blanco-Fernandez, B., Risinger, J.I., Ross, J.W., Tuggle, C.K., Shapiro, E.M. Human Ovarian Cancer Tumor Formation in Severe Combined Immunodeficient (SCID) Pigs. Front Oncol. 2019 Jan 22;9:9. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00009.
4. Cecil, R.F., Benne, J.A., Chen, P.R., Hord, T.K., Spate, L.D., Samuel, M.S., Prather, R.S. 2020. Chemical stimulation of hypoxia in somatic cell nuclear transfer donor cells permits metabolic reprogramming and improved SCNT efficiency. Mol Reprod Dev. https:/doi: 10.1002/mrd.23392 PMID 32558023, PMCID: PMC7496615.
5. Chaudhari, J., Liew, C., Workman, A.M., Riethoven, J.M., Steffen, D., Sillman, S., Vu, H.L.X. 2020. Host transcriptional response to persistent infection with a live-attenuated porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus strain. Viruses. 12(8):817. https://doi.org/10.3390/v12080817.
6. Chen, P.R., Spate, L.D., Leffeler, E.C., Benne, J.A., Cecil, R.F., Hord, T.K., Prather, R.S. 2020. Removal of hypotaurine from porcine embryo culture medium does not impair development of in vitro fertilization or somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived embryos at low oxygen tension. Mol Reprod Dev. https:/doi: 10.1002/mrd.23393. PMID 32495478, PMCID: PMC7496716.
7. Cho, J., Uh, K., Ryu, J., Fang, X., Bang, S., Lee, K. Development of PCR based approach to detect potential mosaicism in porcine embryos. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology. 2020 Dec. 35. 4.
8. Ciccarelli, M., Giassetti, M.I., Miao, D., Oatley, M.J., Robbins, C., Lopez-Biladeau, B., Waqas, M.S., Tibary, A., Whitelaw, B., Lillico, S., Park, C.H., Park, K.E., Telugu, B., Fan, Z., Liu, Y., Regouski, M., Polejaeva. I.A., Oatley, J.M. Donor-derived spermatogenesis following stem cell transplantation in sterile NANOS2knockout males. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2020 Sep 29;117(39):24195-24204.  PMID: 32929012
9. Cline, P.M., Tsai, T.C., Lents, C.A., Stelzleni, A.M., Dove, C.R., Azain, M. 2021. Interaction of dietary carbohydrate and fat on glucose metabolism in growing pigs. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. 78. Article 106655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106655.
10. de Andrade, A.F.C., Knox, R.V., Torres, M.A., Pavaneli, A.P.P. What is the relevance of seminal plasma from a functional and preservation perspective? Anim Reprod Sci. 2022 Nov;246:106946. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106946. Epub 2022 Feb 17. PMID: 35216848 Review
11. Dong, Y., Bonde, A., Codling, J.R., Bannis, A., Cao, J., Macon, A., Rohrer, G., Miles, J., Sharma, S., Brown-Brandl, T., Sangpetch, A., Sangpetch, O., Zhang, P., Noh, H. 2023. PigSense: Structural vibration-based activity and health monitoring system for pigs. ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks. 20:+1-43. https://doi.org/10.1145/3604806.
12. Geisert R.D., Meyer, A.E., Pfeiffer, C.A., Johns, D.N., Lee, K., Wells, K.D., Spencer, T.E., and Prather, R.S. 2021. Gene Editing to Investigate Role of Conceptus Factors in Establishment of Pregnancy. Reproduction 161: R79-R88.
13. Gruhot, T.R., Rempel, L.A., White, B.R., Mote, B.E. 2020. The effect of varicocele on semen quality in boars exposed to heat stress. Transl Anim Sci. 4:1-6. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa003.
14. Johnson, J.S., Maskal J.M., Duttlinger, A.W., Kpodo, K.R., McConn, B.R., Byrd, C.J., Richert, B.T., Marchant-Forde, J.N., Lay, D.C., Perry, S.D., Lucy, M.C., Safranski, T.J.   In utero heat stress alters the postnatal innate immune response of pigs. J Anim Sci. 98:1-13.
15. Kerns, K., Sharif, M., Sutovsky, P., Bovin, N., Miller, D.J.  2021. Progesterone induces porcine sperm release from oviduct glycans in a proteasome-dependent manner. Reproduction. 161:449-457.
16. Kerns, K., Sharif, M., Zigo, M., Xu, W., Hamilton, L., Sutovsky, M., Ellersieck, M., Drobnis, E.Z., Oko, R., Miller, D., Sutovsky, P. 2020. Sperm cohort-specific zinc signature acquisition and capacitation-induced zinc flux regulate sperm-oviduct and sperm-zona pellucida interactions. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 21(6):2121; Special Issue on Advances in Molecular Regulation of Spermatozoa Function.
17. Kerns, K., Sharif, M., Zigo, M., Miller, D., Sutovsky, S. 2020. Sperm capacitation-induced zinc efflux is necessary for increased proteasomal activity and release from oviduct glycans of the sperm reservoir. Int J Mol Sci 21:2121.
18. Koppes, E., Redel, B.K., Johnson, M.A., Shvorak, K.J., Ghaloul-Gonzalez, L., Yates, M.E., Lewis, D.W., Gollin, S.M., Wu, Y., Christ, S.E., Yerle, M., Leshinski, A., Spate, L.D., Benne, J., Murphy, S., Samuel, M.S., Walters, E.M., Hansen, S.A., Wells, K.D., Vockley, J., Prather, R.S., Nicholls, R.D. 2020. A porcine model of phenylketonuria generated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. JCI Insight doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.141523. PMID: 33055427 PMCID: PMC7605535
19. Li, Y., Adur, M.K., Lonergan, S.M., Keating, A.F., Ross, J.W.   MicroRNA21 inhibition affects porcine oocyte maturation and alters protein expression critical for metabolic pathway function.  Mol Reprod Dev.  89(10):443-458. https://doi:10.1002/mrd.23641.
20. Lucas, C.G., A.M. Spate, M.S. Samuel, L.D. Spate, W.C. Warren, R.S. Prather, K.D. Wells. 2020. A novel swine sex-linked marker and its application across different mammalian species. Transgenic Research doi: 10.1007/s11248-020-00204-z. PMID: 32607872, PMCID: PMC7423754
21. Maskal, J.M., Duttlinger, A.W., Kpodo, K.R., McConn, B.R., Byrd, C.J., JN Marchant-Forde, DC Lay, SD Perry, MC Lucy, TJ Safranski, JS Johnson.   Evaluation and mitigation of the effects of in utero heat stress on piglet growth performance, postabsorptive metabolism, and stress response following weaning and transport.  J. Anim. Sci., 98(9):1-13.
22. Mayorga E.J., Renaudeau, D., Ramirez, B.C., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H. 2019. Heat stress adaptation in pigs. Animal Frontiers 9:54-61.
23. Meinen, R.J., Spiegal, S.A., Kleinman, P.J., Flynn, K.C., Goslee, S.C., Mikesell, R.E., Church, C., Bryant, R.B., Boggess, M.V. 2022. Opportunities to implement manureshed management in the Iowa, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania swine industry. Journal of Environmental Quality. https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20340.
24. Millburn, S., Schmidt, T., Rohrer, G.A., Mote, B. 2023. Identifying early-life behavior to predict mothering ability in swine utilizing NUtrack system. Animals 13(18):2897. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182897.
25. Miller, K.A., Johnson, E.M., Matchan, S.A., Goehring, D., Ross, J.W., Gabler, N.K.   Strategies to manage barn feed supply to prolong and hold late finishing pigs during a supply chain disruption.  Transl Anim Sci. 7(1):txac166. https://doi:10.1093/tas/txac166.
26. Nastasijevic, I., Schmidt, J.W., Boskovic, M., Glisic, M., Kalchayanand, N., Shackelford, S.D., Wheeler, T.L., Koohmaraie, M., Bosilevac, J.M. 2020. Seasonal prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli on pork carcasses for three steps of the harvest process at two commercial processing plants in the United States. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 87(1):e01711-20. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.01711-20.
27. Ostedgaard, L.S., Price, M.P., Whitworth, K.M., Alaiwa, M.H.A., Fischer, A.J., Warrier, A., Samuel, M., Spate, L.D., Allen, P.D., Hilkin, B.M., Ibarra, G.S.R, Ortiz, M.E., Goodell, B.J., Mather, S.E., Powers, L.S., Stroik, M.R., Gansmer, N.D., Hippee, C.E., Zarei, K., Goeken, J.A., Businga, T.R., Hoffman, E.A., Meyerholz, D.K., Prather, R.S., Stoltz, D.J., Welsh, M.J. 2020. Lack of submucosal glands impairs respiratory host defenses in pigs. eLife 2020;9:e59653. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.59653. PMID:33026343, PMCID: PMC7541087
28. Park, C.H., Jeoung, Y.J., Uh, K.J., Park, K.E., Bridge, J., Powell, A., Li, J., Pence, L., Zhang, Y., Liu, T., Sun, H., Gu, Y., Shen, Y., Wu, J., Belmonte, J-C,, Telugu, B.P.*. Extraembryonic Endoderm (XEN) Cells Capable of Contributing to Embryonic Chimeras Established from Pig Embryos. Stem Cell Reports. 2021 Jan 12;16(1):212-223. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.11.011. PMID: 33338433
29. Pfeiffer C.A., Meyer, A.E., Brooks, K.E., Chen, P.R., Milano-Foster, J., Spate, L.D., Benne, J.A., Cecil, R., Samuel, M.S., Ciernia, L.A., Smith, M.F., Wells, K.D., Spencer, T.E., Prather, R.S., and Geisert, D. 2020. Ablation of conceptus PTGS2 provides a new understanding of early pregnancy events in the pig. Biol Reprod https://102:475-488. doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioz192.
30. Rubessa, M., Feugang, J.M., Kandel, M.E., Schreiber, S., Hessee, J., Salerno, F., Meyers, S., Chu, I., Popescu, G., Wheeler, M.B. 2020. High-throughput sperm assay using label-free microscopy: morphometric comparison between different sperm structures of boar and stallion spermatozoa. Animal Reproduction Science. 106509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.
31. Schultz, R., Serao, N.L., Ross, J.W. 2019. Genetic improvement of livestock, from conventional breeding to biotechnological approaches. In: Animal Agriculture:Sustainability, Challenges and Innovations. Eds. Bazer, F.W., Wu, G. In Press (Elsevier).
32. Sharif, M., Kerns, K., Sutovsky, P., Bovin, N., Miller, D.J. Progesterone induces porcine sperm release from oviduct glycans in a proteasome-dependent manner. Submitted.
33. Stoian, A., R.R.R. Rowland, V. Petrovan, M. Sheahan, M.S. Samuel, K.M. Whitworth, K.D. Wells, J. Zhang, B. Beaton, M. Cigan, R.S. Prather. 2020. The use of cells from ANPEP knockout pigs to evaluate the role of aminopeptidase N (APN) as a receptor for porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV). Virology. 2020 Feb; 541:136-140. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.12.007. Epub 2019 Dec 24. PMID: 32056711, PMCID: PMC7112016
34. Studer, J.M., Schweer, W.P., Gabler, N.K., Ross, J.W.   Functions of manganese in reproduction. Anim Reprod Sci. 238:106924. https://doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106924.
35. Tumova L, Zigo M, Sutovsky P, Sedmikova M, Postlerova P (2020) Is the ubiquitin-proteasome system involved in the degradation of porcine beta-microseminoprotein during sperm capacitation? Int. J. Mol. Sci., 21(11):4151.
36. Uh, K., Ryu, J., Farrell, K., Wax, N., Lee, K. TET family regulates the embryonic pluripotency of porcine preimplantation embryos by maintaining the DNA methylation level of NANOG. Epigenetics. 2020 Nov;15(11):1228-1242. doi: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1762392. Epub 2020 May 13.
37. Vande Pol, K.D., Tolosa, A.F., Shull, C.M., Brown, C.B., Alencar, S.A., Lents, C.A., Ellis, M. 2021. Effect of drying and/or warming piglets at birth under warm farrowing room temperatures on piglet rectal temperature over the first 24 h after birth. Translational Animal Science. txab060. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab060.
38. Velez, F.J., Bosilevac, J.M., Singh, P. 2021. Validation of high-resolution melting assays for the detection of virulent strains of Escherichia coli O26 and O111 in beef and pork enrichment broths. Food Control. 128. Article 108123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108123.
39. Walsh, S.C., Miles, J.R., Yao, L., Broeckling, C.D., Rempel, L.A., Wright-Johnson, E.C., Pannier, A.K. 2020. Metabolic compounds within the porcine uterine environment are unique to the type of conceptus present during the early stages of blastocyst elongation. Journal of Molecular Reproduction and Development. 87:174-190. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.23306.
40. White, B.R., Cederberg, R.A., Elsken, D.H., Ross, C.E., Lents, C.A., Desaulniers, A.T. 2023. Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II and its receptor in swine reproduction. Molecular Reproduction and Development. 90(7):469-479. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.23662.
41. Wijesena, H.R., Kachman, S.D., Lents, C.A., Riethoven, J.J., Trenhaile-Grannemann, M.D., Safranski, T.J., Spangler, M.L., Ciobanu, D.C. 2020. Fine mapping genetic variants associated with age at puberty and sow fertility using Sowpro90 genotyping array. Journal of Animal Science. 98(10):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaa293.
42. Zigo, M., Maňásková-Postlerová, P., Zuidema, D., Kerns, K., Jonáková, V., Tůmová, L., Bubeníčková, F., Sutovsky, P. (2020) Porcine model for the study of sperm capacitation, fertilization and male fertility. Cell Tissue Res., 380(2):237-262.
43. Zuidema D, Sutovsky P (2020) The domestic pig as a model for the study of mitochondrial inheritance. Cell Tissue Res., 80(2):237-262. Special Issue on Animal Models.

Boar Performance

1. Belstra, B.A., Willenburg, K.L., Gómez-López, D.H., Knox, R.V., Stewart, K.R., 2020. Effects of the number of sperm and site of uterine semen deposition on conception rate and the number of embryos in weaned sows receiving a single fixed-time insemination. Journal of Animal Science 98.
2. de Andrade, A., Grossfeld, R., Knox, R.V. 2021 In vitro effects of commercial freezing and thawing extenders on boar sperm quality. Anim. Reprod. Sci. Pages 106906 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106906.
3. de Andrade, A. F. C., Balogun, K., Machaty, Z., & Knox, R. V. (2023). Effects of supplemental antioxidants on in vitro fertility measures for cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology, 200, 33-42. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology. 2023.01.025
4. de Andrade, A.F.C., Balogun, K., Machaty, Z., Knox, R.V.  Effects of supplemental antioxidants on in vitro fertility measures for cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology. 200:33-42. https://doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.
5. de Andrade, A.F.C., Knox, R.V., Torres, M.A., Pavaneli, A.P.P.   What is the relevance of seminal plasma from a functional and preservation perspective? Anim Reprod Sci. 246:106946. https://doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106946.
6. Feugang, J.M., Rhoads, C.E., Mustapha, P.O., Tardif, S., Parrish, J.J., Willard, S.T., Ryan, P.L. 2019. Treatment of boar sperm with nanoparticles for improved fertility. Theriogenology 137:75-81.
7. Hufana-Duran, D., Duran, P.G., Venturina, E., Peralta, M.D., Parrish, J.J. 2019. Predicting bull fertility by sperm nuclear shape in water buffalo (bubalus bubalis). Thai J. Vet Med 49:75-81.
8. Kerns, K., Jankovitz, J., Minton, A., Kuster, C., Robinson, J., Sutovsky, P. (2020) Relationship between the length of sperm tail mitochondrial sheath and fertility traits in boars used for artificial insemination. Antioxidants, 9(11):1033. doi: 10.3390/antiox9111033
9. Lawlor, M., Zigo, M., Kerns, K., Cho, I.K., Easley, C.A., Sutovsky, P.  Spermatozoan Metabolism as a Non-Traditional Model for the Study of Huntington’s Disease. Intl J of Molc Sci. 23(13):7163.  https://doi:10.3390/ijms23137163.
10. Lents, C.A., Supakorn, C., DeDecker, A.E., Phillips, C.E., Boyd, R.D., Vallet, J.L., Rohrer, G.A., Foxcroft, G.R., Flowers, W.L., Trottier, N.L., Salak-Johnson, J.L., Bartol, F.F., Stalder, K.J. 2020. Dietary lysine-to-energy ratios for managing growth and pubertal development in replacement gilts. Applied Animal Science. 36(5):701-714. https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2020-02016.
11. Lugar, D.W., Harlow, K.E., J. Hundley, M. Goncalves, J. Bergstrom, and K.R. Stewart. 2019. Effects of increased levels of supplemental vitamins during the summer in a commercial AI boar stud. Animal 1-13. doi:10.1017/S1751731119001150
12. Mills, K.M., Aryal, U.K., Sobreira, T., Minton, A.M., Casey, T., and K.R. Stewart. 2020. Shotgun proteome analysis of seminal plasma differentiate boars by reproductive performance.  Theriogenology 157: 130-139.  doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.013
13. Nogueira, E., Tirpák, F., Hamilton, L., Zigo, M., Kerns, K., Sutovsky, M., Kim, J., Volkmann, D., Jovine, L., Taylor, J., Schnabel, R., Sutovsky, P.  A Non-Synonymous Point Mutation in a WD-40 Domain Repeat of EML5 Leads to Decreased Bovine Sperm Quality and Fertility. Front. Cell Dev. Biol. https://doi:10.3389/fcell.2022.872740.
14. Parrish, J.J. PREDICITION OF FERTILITY IN MALES, US Patent App. 16/024,335; Patent granted May 2020.
15. Rempel, L.A., Parrish, J.J., Miles, J.R. 2020. Genes associated with chromatin modification within the swine placenta are differentially expressed due to factors associated with season. Frontiers in Genetics. 11:1019. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2020.01019.
16. Sharif, M., Hickl, V., Juarez, G., Di, X., Kerns, K., Sutovsky, P., Bovin, N., Miller, D. J.   Hyperactivation is sufficient to release sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans.  Sci Rep 12, 6446. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10390-x.
17. Sharif, M., Kerns, K., Sutovsky, P., Bovin, N., Miller, D.J.   Progesterone induces porcine sperm release from oviduct glycans in a proteasome-dependent manner.  Reproduction. 161(4):449-457. doi: 10.1530/REP-20-0474.
18. Spooner-Harris, M., Kerns, K., Zigo, M., Sutovsky, P., Balboula, A., Patterson, A. A reappraisal of mesenchymalepithelial transition (MET) in endometrial epithelial remodeling. Cell Tissue Res. 391(2):393-408. https://doi:10.1007/s00441-022-03711-z.
19. Zigo, M., Kerns, K., Sen, S., Essien, C., Oko, R., Xu, D., Sutovsky, P.  Zinc is a master-regulator of sperm function associated with binding, motility, and metabolic modulation during porcine sperm capacitation. Commun. Biol. 5(1):538. https://10.1038/s42003-022-03485-8.

Genetics and Genomics

1. Herrera-Uribe, J., Wiarda, J., Sivasankaran, S.K., Daharsh, L., Liu, H., Byrne, K.A., Smith, T.P., Lunney, J.K., Loving, C.L., Tuggle, C.K. 2021. Reference Transcriptomes of Porcine Peripheral Immune Cells Created Through Bulk and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Frontiers in Genetics. 12. Article 689406. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.689406.
2. Johnson, J.S., Stewart, K.R., Safranski, T.J., Ross, J.W. and L.H. Baumgard.  2020.  In utero heat stress alters postnatal phenotypes in swine.  Theriogenology, 154:110-119. doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.013
3. Lents, C.A., Lindo, A.N., Hileman, S.M., Nonneman, D.J. 2020. Physiological and genomic insight into neuroendocrine regulation of puberty in gilts. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 11:106446. doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106446.
4. Wijesena, H.R., Rohrer, G.A., Nonneman, D.J., Keel, B.N., Petersen, J.L., Kachman, S.D., Ciobanu, D.C. 2019. Evaluation of genotype quality parameters for SowPro90, a novel genotyping platform for swine. Journal of Animal Science. 97(8):3262-3273. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz185.
5. Wijesena, H.R., SD Kachman, CA Lents, JJ Riethoven, MD Trenhaile-Grannemann, TJ Safranski, ML Spangler, DC Ciobanu. Fine mapping genetic variants associated with age at puberty and sow fertility using SowPro90 genotyping array.   J. Anim. Sci. 98(10): 1-12.

Sow and Gilt Performance

1. Arend, L.S., Knox, R.V. 2021. Fertility responses of melatonin-treated gilts before and during the follicular and early luteal phases when there are different temperatures and lighting conditions in the housing area. Anim Reprod Sci, 230, 106769. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106769
2. Arend, L.S., Vinas, R.F., Silva, G.S., Lower, A.J., Connor JF, Knox RV.   Effects of nursing a large litter and ovarian response to gonadotropins at weaning on subsequent fertility in first parity sows. J Anim Sci. 101:skac398. https://doi:10.1093/jas/skac398.
3. Belstra, B.A., Willenburg, K.L, Gómez-López, D.H., Knox, R.V., and K.R. Stewart. 2020. Effects of number of sperm and site of uterine deposition on conception rate and number of embryos in weaned sows receiving a single fixed time insemination.  J Anim Sci.,98:9, 1-10. doi:10.1093/jas/skaa260
4. Bhatia, V., Stevens, T., Derks, M.F.L., Dunkelberger, J., Knol, E.F., Ross, J.W., Dekkers, J.C.M.   Identification of the genetic basis of sow pelvic organ prolapse.  Front Genet.  14:1154713.  https://doi:10.3389/fgene.2023.1154713.
5. Bidne, K.L., Romoser, M.R., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F. 2019. Heat stress during the luteal phase decreases luteal size but does not affect circulating progesterone in gilts1. J Anim Sci. 97:4314-4322. doi: 1093/jas/skz251.
6. Harlow, K., Summers, K., Oliver, W.T., Wells, J., Ferguson, M., Crouse, M.S., Neville, B.W., Rempel, L.A., Rivera-Colon, I., Ramsay, T.G., Davies, C.L. 2024. Diet and sow shape fungal and bacterial gut communities in the weanling pig, not administration of probiotic candidate Kazachstania slooffiae. Frontiers in Microbiology. vol:10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1303984.
7. Harlow, K., Ferreira, C.R., Sobreira, T.J.P., Casey, T. and K.R. Stewart.   Lipidome profiles of postnatal day 2 vaginal swabs reflect fat composition of gilt’s postnatal diet. PLoS ONE 14(9): e0215186. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215186.
8. Harlow, K., Suarez-Trujillo, A., Hedrick, V., Sobreira, T.J.P., Aryal, U.K., Stewart, K.R. and T. Casey. Temporal analysis of vaginal proteome reveals developmental changes in lower reproductive tract of gilts across the first two weeks of postnatal.  Sci Rep. 2019 Sep 13;9(1):13241. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-49597-w. 
9. Hines, E.A., Romoser, M.R., Kiefer, Z.E., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Niemi, J., Gabler, N.K., Patience, J.F., Haberl, B., Williams, N.H., Kerr, B.J., Touchette, K.J., Ross, J.W. 2019. The impact of dietary supplementation of arginine during gestation in a commercial swine herd: I. Gilt reproductive performance. J Anim Sci. 97:3617-3625. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz233.
10. Knox, R.V., Arend, L.S., Buerkley, A.L., Patterson J.L., Foxcroft, G.R. 2021. Effect of physical or fenceline boar exposure and gonadotropins on fertility in gilts. J. Anim. Sci. DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab348.
11. Leonard, S.M., Xin, H., Brown-Brandl, T.M., Ramirez, B.C., Johnson, A.K., Dutta, S., Rohrer, G.A. 2021. Effects of farrowing stall layout and number of heat lamps on sow and piglet behavior. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 239:105334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105334.
12. Leonard, S.M., Xin, H., Brown-Brandl, T.M., Ramirez, B.C., Dutta, S., Rohrer, G.A. 2020. Effects of farrowing stall layout and number of heat lamps on sow and piglet production performance. Animals. 10:348. https://doi.org/doi:10.3390/ani10020348.
13. Lindo, A.N., Thorson, J., Bedenbaugh, M.N., Mccosh, R.B., Lopez, J.A., Young, S.A., Meadows, L.J., Bowdridge, E.C., Fergani, C., Freking, B.A., Lehman, M.N., Hileman, S.M., Lents, C.A. 2021. Localization of kisspeptin, NKB, and NK3R in the hypothalamus of gilts treated with the progestin altrenogest. Biology of Reproduction. Article 103. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioab103.
14. Miles, J.R., Walsh S.C., Rempel L.A., Pannier A.K.. 2022. Mechanisms regulating the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation.  Mol Reprod Dev.  DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23623.
15. Mills, K.M., Ferreira, C.R., Stewart, K.R., Casey T.M.   Biomarkers predictive of long-term fertility found in vaginal lipidome of gilts at weaning.  J Anim Sci DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-210669/v1.
16. Mills, K.M., Shirley, L.K., Sharp, K., Garcia, R., Suarez-Trujillo, A., Stewart, K.R. 2021. Effects of induction on the farrowing process and piglet blood parameters at time of birth. TAS 5:108.  doi: 10.1093/tas/txab032
17. Seibert, J.T., Adur, M.K., Schultz, R.B., Thomas, P.Q., Kiefer, Z.K., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Ross, J.W. 2019. Differentiating between the effects of heat stress and lipopolysaccharide on the porcine ovarian heat shock protein response. J Anim Sci. 97:4965-4973. doi: 10.1093/jas/skz343. PMID: 31782954.
18. Suarez-Trujillo, A., Senn, K., Teeple, K., Casey, T., and K.R. Stewart. 2020. Technical Note: A standardized model to study effects of varying 24 h colostrum dose on postnatal growth and development. TAS, txaa212, doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa212.
19. Vande Pol, K.D., Tolosa, A.F., Bautista, R.O., Willard, N.C., Gates, R.S., Shull, C.M., Brown, C.B., Alencar, S.A., Lents, C.A., Ellis, M. 2021. Effects of drying and providing supplemental oxygen to piglets at birth on rectal temperature over the first 24 h after birth. Translational Animal Science. 5(3). Article txab095. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txab095.
20. Walsh, S.C., Miles, J.R., Broeckling, C.D., Rempel, L.A., Wright-Johnson, E.C., Pannier, A.K.  Secreted metabolome of porcine blastocysts encapsulated within in vitro 3D alginate hydrogel culture systems undergoing morphological changes provides insights into specific mechanisms involved in the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation. Reprod Fertil Dev. 35(5):375-394. https://doi.org/10.1071/RD22210.
21. Walsh, S.C., Miles, J.R., Keel-Mercer, B.N., Rempel, L.A., Wright-Johnson, E.C., Lindholm-Perry, A.K., Oliver, W.T., Pannier, A.K. 2022. Global analysis of differential gene expression within the porcine conceptus transcriptome as it transitions through spherical, ovoid, and tubular morphologies during the initiation of elongation. Molecular Reproduction and Development. Article 23553. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.23553.

Seasonality and Heat Stress

1. Adur, M.K., Seibert, J.T., Romoser, M.R., Bidne, K.L., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F., Ross, J.W.   Porcine endometrial heat shock proteins are differentially influenced by pregnancy status, heat stress, and altrenogest supplementation during the peri-implantation period.  J Anim Sci. 100(7):skac129. https://doi:10.1093/jas/skac129.
2. Brown-Brandl, T.M., Hayes, M.D., Rohrer, G.A., Eigenberg, R.A.  Thermal comfort evaluation of three genetic lines of nursery pigs using thermal images. Biosystems Engineering. 225:1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2022.11.002.
3. Raber, V.L., Pritchett, R.K., Robbins, L.A., Stewart, K.R., Gaskill, B.N., Green-Miller, A.R., Johnson, J.S.  Evaluating the temperature preferences of sexually mature Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire boars.  Transl Anim Sci.  May 29;7(1):txad060. https://doi:10.1093/tas/txad060.
4. Ramirez, B.C., Hoff, S.J., Hayes, M.D., Brown-Brandl, T.M., Harmon, J.D., Rohrer, G.A. 2022.  A review of swine heat production: 2003 to 2020. Frontiers in Animal Science. 3. Article 908434. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2022.908434.
5. Roach, C.M., Bidne, K.L., Romoser, M.R., Ross, J.W., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F.  Impact of heat stress on prolactin-mediated ovarian JAK-STAT signaling in postpubertal gilts.  J Anim Sci. 100(7):skac129. https://doi:10.1093/jas/skac129.
6. Romoser, M.R., Bidne, K.L., Baumgard, L.H., Keating, A.F., Ross, J.W.   Effects of increased ambient temperature and supplemental altrenogest before pregnancy establishment in gilts. J Anim Sci. 100(2):skac007. https://doi:10.1093/jas/skac007.
7. Rudolph, T.E., Roach, C.M., Baumgard, L.H., Ross, J.W., Keating, A.F., Selsby, J.T.   The impact of Zearalenone on heat-stressed skeletal muscle in pigs.  J Anim Sci. 100(8):skac215. https://doi:10.1093/jas/skac215.

Teaching and Extension

1. Boyd, R., Zier-Rush, C., Moeser, A., Culbertson, M., Stewart, K., Rosero, D., & Patience, J. 2019. Review: Innovation through research in the North American pork industry. Animal, 13(12), 2951-2966. doi:10.1017/S1751731119001915
2. Hines, E., Romoser, M., Cover, J. Improving the gilt selection process.  Penn State Extension Report.  https://extension.psu.edu/improving-the-gilt-selection-process
3. Knox, R. 2021. The New Building Designs on Swine Farms in China. June 2021. Illinois AgriNews.
4. Knox, R. 2021.  New technology used in the swine breeding barn. Dec. 2021. Illinois AgriNews.
5. Mills, K.M., Schinckel, A.P., Casey, T.M., and K.R. Stewart. 2020. Evaluation of on-farm indicators of gilt reproductive performance potential at 21 days of age.  TAS, txaa210, doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa210.  

Abstracts/Posters/Professional Presentations

1. Adur, M.K., Romoser, M.R., Bidne, K.L., Schultz, R.B., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Ross, J.W. 2019 Proteomic assessment of the intra-uterine secretome during the peri- implantation phase to understand effects of increased ambient temperature on the porcine heat stress 52nd Annual Meeting Society for the Study of Reproduction, San Jose, CA. July 18-21.
2. Ahern, D.F., Florez, J.M., Martins, K., Huisman, A., Sonstegard, T.S., White, B.R., Lents, C.A. 2023. KISS1 knockout boars have decreased concentrations of gonadotropins leading to smaller testes and reduced skatole in backfat. American Society of Animal Science Proceedings. 101(Supplement 3):226-227. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.275.
3. Arend, L.S., Vinas, R.F., Silva, G., Lower, A., Connor, J.F., Knox. R.V.  Effects of nursing a large litter and ovarian response to gonadotropins at weaning on subsequent fertility in first parity sows. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 100, Issue Supplement_2, May 2022, Page 85, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac064.137.
4. Corredor, F.A., Sanglard, L.P., Ross, J.W., Keating, A.F., Serao, N.L. 2019. Phenotypic and genomic relationships between vulva score and reproductive performance in first- parity sows. American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section Meeting. Omaha, March 11-13.
5. Davies, C.L., Garrett, W.M., Xiong, W., Cole, R.N., O'Meally, R., Oliver, W.T., Wells, J., Summers, K.L. 2023. Microbiome taxa involved in carbohydrate breakdown and synthesis of SFCA in the piglet gut. Meeting Abstract. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.773.
6. Desaulniers, A.T. Physiological effects of atrazine on swine: implications for agriculture and human health. Midwest Public Health Innovation and Research Expo (PHIRE). November 3^rd, 2023.
7. Desaulniers, A.T. Programming of testis development via milk extracellular vesicles. Veteran Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System Seminar Series. September 22, 2023.
8. Desaulniers, A.T. Lactocrine Programming of the Testis is mediated by Extracellular Vesicles from Mother’s Milk. University of Wyoming. Department of Animal Science. September 20, 2023.
9. Desaulniers, A.T. Enhancing boar fertility in the face of climate change through the mitigation of in utero heat stress. USMARC Seminar Series. May 17, 2023.
10. Desaulniers, A.T., Bernhard, D. Lagundžin, K. Sharma, K. Sharp, T. Safranski, M. Lucy. 2023. In utero heat stress programs Leydig cell dysfunction in neonatal boars. Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting. Ottawa, Canada.
11. Desaulniers, A., Cederberg, R., Knox, R., Lents, C.A., White, B. 2019. Use of genetic engineering to elucidate reproductive physiology of the boar. In: Missouri Physiological Society 2019 Annual Meeting Abstracts, 26Oct2019, Columbia, MO. pp. 6.
12. Desaulniers, A.T. Milk exosomes: Facilitators of Lactocrine Programming in the Testis? NPOD Monthly PI Meeting. Zoom. January 20, 2023.
13. Doungkamchan, K., Lucas, C., Wells, K., Molina, L., Whitworth, K., Prather, R., Miller, D.J. 2024. Knockout of PKDREJ, a candidate oviduct receptor on porcine sperm, reduces fertility assessed by competitive insemination. Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
14. Doungkamchan, K., Parrish, J.J., Miller, D.J. 2020. Proteomic identification of molecular pathways and biomarkers related to porcine seasonal heat-induced infertility in males. 53rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
15. Ebrecht, M.A., Ross, C.E., Cederberg, R.A., Lovercamp, K.W., Desaulniers, A.T., White, B.R. 2019. Effects of GnRH-II on spermatogenic function of swine. Proceedings of the 16th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproduction and Perinatal Research. p. 44.
16. Faltas, S.S., Nguyen, C., Metcalf, R., Bernhard, C., Lagundžin, D., Sharma, K., Sharp, K., Safranski, T., Lucy, M., and Desaulniers, A.T. Impaired seminiferous tubule development in neonatal boars after in uteroheat stress. UNL Undergraduate Research Fair.
17. Geisert, R. Gene editing provides a tool to investigate the role of conceptus factors involved in the establishment of pregnancy.  Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  (Invited presentation)
18. Hauxwell, K., Ostrand, L.M., Schmidt, T.B., Psota, E., Mote, B.E., Rohrer, G.A. 2021. Activity and bone lesion analysis on gilt retention to the breeding herd [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 99(Supplement 1):154. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab054.264.
19. Hines, E., Stewart, K.R.   Farrowing induction and your sows.  Extension Webinar.  Penn State Extension.  https://extension.psu.edu/farrowing-induction-and-your-sows-webinar.
20. Kerns, K. Capacitation Patterns.  Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  (Invited presentation)
21. Kerns, K., Sharif, M., Zigo, M., Miller, D.J., Sutovsky, P. 2019. Sperm capacitation-induced zinc efflux is necessary for increased proteasomal activity and release from oviduct glycans of the sperm reservoir. 52^th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
22. Kiefer, Z.E., Chipman, A.L., Studer, J., Johnson, C., Rademacher, C.J., Linhares, D.C.L., Ross, J.W. 2019. Update on Prolapses and Pig Survivability Initiative. James D. McKean Swine Disease Conference. Ames, Iowa. November 7-8.
23. Kiefer, Z.E., Chipman, A.L., Studer, J.M., Koester, L.R., Showman, L., Keating, A.F., Schmitz-Esser, , Ross, J.W. 2019. Identification of putative factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse in sows during late gestation. 52nd Annual Meeting Society for the Study of Reproduction, San Jose, CA. July 18-21.
24. Knox, R.   Follicle Development in Pigs:  State of the Art.  Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  (Invited presentation)
25. Knox, R.V., Belstra, B.A., Willenburg, K.L.D., Gómez-López, D.H., and Stewart, K.R.   Effects of number of sperm and site of uterine semen deposition on conception rate and number of embryos in weaned sows receiving a single fixed time insemination. IXth International Conference on Boar Semen Preservation. Sydney, Australia
26. Knox, R. V. 2021. Overview of Management of Reproduction: Pigs. Merck Veterinary Manual. pp 1-22. Management of Reproduction: Pigs - Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com)
27. Knox, R.V. 2021. Gilt puberty, subsequent fertility, and incidence of silent heat in response to boar exposure and hormone induction, A.D. Leman Pre-Conference Workshop.
28. Knox, R.V. 2022. Tools used and needed in the gilt pool. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 100, Issue Supplement_2, May 2022, Pages 9–10, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac064.013
29. Lents, C.A., Florez, J.M., Martins, K., Bostrom, J.R., Rodriquez-Villamil, P., Ongaratto, F., Huisman, A., Larson, S.A., Ahern, D.F., Ross, C.E., Elsken, D.H., Cushman, R.A., White, B.R., Sonstegard, T.S. 2023. The kisspeptin knockout pig; a new model for dissecting mechanisms controlling reproduction. American Society of Animal Science Proceedings. 101(Supplement 3):234-235. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad281.283.
30. Loucks, A., Hines, E.A.   Processed soy ingredients may adequately replace soybean meal in sow transition diets.  Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  Abst. 36. (Poster & Flash talk)
31. Miles, J.   Mechanisms regulating the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation. Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  (Invited presentation)
32. Miles, J.R., Rempel, L.A., Snider, A.P., Pannier, A.K. 2023 Characterization of mRNA expression for key glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid enzymes within trophectoderm and embryonic disc during initiation of porcine conceptus elongation. Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  57. (Poster)
33. Mills, K., Aryal, U.K., Sobreira, T., Minton, A.M., Casey, T., Stewart, K.R. 2020. Shotgun proteomics reveal seminal plasma proteomes are reflective of boar reproductive performance. 2020 Midwest ASAS.
34. Molina, L., Lam, K., Doungkamchan. K., Unverzagt, C., Miller, D.J. 2024. Sperm maturation regulates function and binding of sperm to complex and hybrid-N-linked oligosaccharides. Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
35. Nguyen, C., Faltas, S.S., Wegner, M., Rupert, J., Bernhard, C., Lagundžin, D., Sharma, K., Sharp, K., Safranski, T., Lucy, M., Desaulniers, A. 2023. Effects of in utero heat stress on development and function of porcine Leydig cells. UNL Undergraduate Research Fair.
36. Nordell, N.E., Sharma, K., Mote, B.E., Kumar, V., and Desaulniers, A.T. Lactocrine Programming of the Porcine Testicular Proteome via Extracellular Vesicles. Rocky Mountain Reproductive Sciences Symposium. Fort Collins, CO.
37. Nordell, N.E., C.J. Bernhard, M. Wegner, R. Metcalf, J. Rupert, D. Lagundžin, Sharma, K.G. Sharp, T.J. Safranski, M.C. Lucy, and A.T. Desaulniers. 2023. In utero exposure to maternal heat stress impairs Leydig cell development and function in the boar. ASAS Midwestern Section Annual Meeting. Madison, WI.
38. Nordell, N.E., Mote, B., Lents, C.A., and Desaulniers, T. 2023. Consumption of bioactive factors in mother’s milk alters the secretion of reproductive hormones within the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. 20^th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Kansas City, KS. Elevator Pitch.
39. Nordell, N.E., Mote, B., Lents, C.A. and Desaulniers, A.T. 2023. Consumption of bioactive factors in mother’s milk alters the secretion of reproductive hormones within the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. 20^th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Kansas City, KS.
40. Nordell, N.E., Qiu, H., Sharma, K., Mote, B., Kumar, V., and Desaulniers, A.T. 2023. Lactocrine Programming of the Porcine Testicular Proteome via Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. NPOD Fall Symposium. Lincoln, NE.
41. Nordell, N.E., Sharma, K., Mote, B.E., Kumar, V., and Desaulniers, T. 2023. Lactocrine programming of the porcine testicular proteome. Society for the Study of Reproduction Annual Meeting. Ottawa, Canada.
42. Nordell, N.E., Sharma, K., Mote, B.E., Kumar, V., and Desaulniers, A.T. Impacts of dietary milk extracellular vesicle consumption on the testicular proteome. NPOD Spring Retreat.
43. Nordell*, N.E., Bernhard, C.J., Wegner,* M., Metcalf,* R., Rupert,* J.D., Sharma, K., Sharp, K.G., Safranski, T.J., Lucy, M.C., Desaulniers, A.T. 2023. In utero exposure to maternal heat stress impairs Leydig cell development and function in the boar. ASAS Midwest Animal Science. Madison, WI. (Oral presentation)
44. Nordell, N.E., Bernhard, C.J., Wegner, M., Metcalf, R., Rupert, J., Lagundžin, D., Sharma, K., Sharp, K.G., Safranski, T.J., Lucy, M.C., Desaulniers, A.T. 2022. In utero heat stress impairs Leydig cell development and function in a porcine model. 19th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Kansas City, MO. Abst 13.  (Poster)
45. Ostrand, L.M., Tranhaile-Grannemann, M.D., See, G., Schmidt, T.B., Psota, E., Rohrer, G.A., Mote, B.E. 2021. Utilization of NUtrack to assess variance components and heritability of activity traits [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 99(Supplement 1):17. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab054.030.
46. Park, S.B., Gruhot, T.R., Liao, S.F., Rude, B.J., Mote, B.E., Feugang, J.M. 2019. Favorable seminal plasma environment to sperm fertility after L-arginine addition to boar diet. 42^nd International Conference of Boar Semen Preservation (ICBSP), Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia.
47. Parrish, J.J., Gall, T., Wilson, M., Ballard, M. 2022. Salmate fish oil supplement to boars and impact on sperm production and spermatogenesis.
48. Parrish, J.J., Gall, T., Wilson, M., Parsley, M., Ballard, M.   Protected fish oil supplement to boars and the impact on sperm production and spermatogenesis.  ASAS Midwest Animal Science. Madison, WI.  (Oral presentation)
49. Polivanov, L.J., Shelton, J., Nordell, N.E., Qiu, H., Rogan, E.G., Bartelt-Hunt, S.E., Zahid, M., White, B.R., Sillman, S.J., and Desaulniers, A.T. Maternal atrazine consumption via drinking water impairs offspring development. 20^th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Kansas City, KS. Elevator Pitch.
50. Polivanov, L.J., Shelton, J., Nordell, N.E., Qiu, H., Rogan, E.G., Bartelt-Hunt, S.E., Zahid, M., White, B.R., Sillman, S.J., and Desaulniers, A.T. Maternal atrazine consumption via drinking water impairs offspring development. 20^th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Kansas City, KS.
51. Rohrer, G.A., Cross, A.J., Keel, B.N., Brown-Brandl, T.M., Cassady, J.P. 2019. Genetic factors associated with changes in feeding behavior due to elevated temperature. In: Proceedings of the Plant and Animal Genome Conference, San Diego, CA, Jan. 12-15, 2019. pg. 8, W034. Available: https://www.intlpag.org/2019/images/pdf/2019/PAGXXVII-abstracts-workshops.pdf.
52. Ross, C.E., Desaulniers, A.T., Cederberg, R.A., Choat, F.H., Elsken, D.H., Kurz, S.G., Mills, G.A., Lents, C.A., White, B.R. 2023. Diminished reproductive hormone concentrations in GnRHR-II knockdown gilts during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle may be attributed to reduced GnRHR-II levels in theca cells [abstract]. Molecular Reproduction and Development. 90(7):724. https://doi.org/10.1002/mrd.23697.
53. Ross, C.E., Choat, F.H., Plager, K.N., Desaulniers, A.T., Cederberg, R.A., Mills, G.A., White, B.R. 2019. Effect of GnRH-II and its receptor on boar semen quality. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 32(2):201. https://doi.org/10.1071/RDv32n2Ab53.
54. Ross, J.W., Hale, B.J., Seibert, J.T., Adur, M.K., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H. 2019. Physiological mechanisms through which heat stress compromises reproduction in pigs. 52nd Annual Meeting Society for the Study of Reproduction, San Jose, CA. July 18-21.
55. Schultz, R.B., Bidne, K.L., Romoser, M.R., Adur, M.K., Baumgard, L.H., Keating A.F., Ross, J.W. 2019. Effect of heat stress on the corpus luteum proteome during early pregnancy establishment in pigs. 52nd Annual Meeting Society for the Study of Reproduction, San Jose, CA. July 18-21.
56. Sharp, K., Mills, K., Garcia, R., K.R. Stewart.   Impacts of various farrowing induction protocols in attended farrowings.  Midwest ASAS, Omaha, NE.
57. Shelton, J., L.J. Polivanov, N.E. Nordell, H. Qiu, E.G. Rogan, S.E. Bartelt-Hunt, M. Zahid, B.R. White, S.J. Sillman, and T. Desaulniers. 2023. The effect of environmentally relevant atrazine exposure on maternal physiology. 20^th Annual Gilbert S. Greenwald Symposium on Reproductive and Developmental Sciences. Kansas City, KS.
58. Shirley, L.K., Burgett, M., Schinckel, A.P., Field, T., Garcia, R., Johnson, J.S, Stewart, K.R., Stwalley, R.M. Evaluations of cooling pads on late lactation sows.  Midwest ASAS, Omaha, NE.
59. Stewart, K.R., Casey, T., Mills, K., Aryal, U.K., and Minton, A.M. Shotgun proteome anaylsis of seminal plasma proteins differentiate boars by reproductive performance.  ICBSP, Hunter Valley, Australia.
60. Stewart, K.R., Knox, R.V. 2022. Applied animal andrology: Boar in Manual of Animal Andrology, edited by P.J. Chenoweth and S.P. Lorton, CAB International, 2022, pp95-107.
61. Studer, J.M., Kiefer, Z.E., Gianluppi, R., Adur, M.K., Shultz, R.B., Horst, E.A., Mayorga, E.J., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Lents, C.A., Ross, J.W. 2021. Direct and indirect effects of heat stress on the hepatic and ovarian proteome in gilts [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 99(Supplement 1):106-107. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab054.173.
62. Studer, J., Kiefer, Z.E., Koester, L., Johnson, E., Baumgard, L.H., Schmitz-Esser, S., Greiner, L.L., Keating, A.F., Farkas, A., Galina-Pantoja, L., Vonnahme, K.A., Ross, J.W.   Metabolites in Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Altered in Sows Suffering from Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome.  Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Reproduction 56^th Annual Meeting, Ottawa, Canada.  Abst P489 (Poster) 
63. Studer, J.M., Kiefer, Z.E., Keating, A.F., Baumgard, L.H., Olsen, K.M., Rambo, Z., Wilson, M.E., Rapp, C., Ross, J.W. 2019. Investigating the impact of manganese supplementation on corpus luteum function. 52nd Annual Meeting Society for the Study of Reproduction, San Jose, CA. July 18-21.
64. Supakorn, C., Lents, C.A., Martinez, X., Vallet, J.L., Boyd, R.D., Rohrer, G.A., Dedecker, A.E., Stalder, K.J. 2019. Associations between day one piglet serum immunocrit ratio and subsequent growth during gilt development [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 97 (Supplement 2):146. Abstract 352. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz122.258.
65. Taechamaeteekul, P., Sang-Gassanee, K., Lin H.Y., Collell, M., Komolpis, K., Knox, R.V., Tummaruk, P. 2023 A clinical application of serum progesterone strip test to determine reproductive status in replacement gilts. Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium. 28. (Poster)
66. Vinas, R.F., Arend, L.S., Silva, G., Lower, A.J., Connor, J.F., Kaustubh, B., Furugen, A., Andrade, A., Knox. R.V. Evaluation of electrical impedance spectroscopy to determine swine herd reproductive status using the accuracy of ultrasound and hormonal assays as diagnostic tools. Journal of Animal Science, Volume 100, Issue Supplement_2, May 2022, Page 84, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac064.135.
67. Walsh, S., Miles, J.R., Wright-Johnson, E.C., Keel, B.N., Rempel, L.A., Pannier, A.K. 2019. Transcriptomic profiles of uniform populations of in vivo-produced spherical, ovoid, or tubular porcine embryos during the initiation of elongation. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 32(2):152. https://doi.org/10.1071/RDv32n2Ab53.
68. White, B.   Gonadal steroidogenesis in boars and gilts with reduced endogenous levels of GnRH-II receptor.  Proceedings of the 11^th International Conference on Pig Reproduction, Ghent, Belgium.  (Invited presentation)
69. Zigo, M., Kerns, K., Ahlering, P., Sutovsky, P.   Comparison of Human and Porcine Sperm Zincoproteomes with Focus on Clinical and Evolutionary Implications.  Proceedings of the Society for the Study of Reproduction 56^th Annual Meeting, Ottawa, Canada. Abst P456.

Multi-station Funded Grants (Active):

1. NIH, R01HD095841, “Accumulation, Storage, and Release of Sperm in the Oviduct” Miller¹, D. (PD), Prather², R,. Sutovsky², P. (¹University of Illinois; ²University of Missouri).
2. USDA-AFRI-NIFA Grant #2021-67015-34416, $500,000, Jul 1, 2021 – Oct 1, 2024, “Influence of Maternal and Embryonic Extracellular Vesicles on the Initiation of Porcine Conceptus Elongation” Pannier¹, A.K. (PD), Miles², J.R. (Co-PD), Rempel², L.A. (¹University of Nebraska; ²USDA, ARS, USMARC).
3. USDA-AFRI-NIFA Grant #2022-08916, $999,618, May 1, 2023 – May 1, 2027, “Identifying AMR gene reservoirs and bacterial host-AMR gene associations to identify bacterial host range of AMR genes in swine production systems” Fernando¹, S., Burkey¹, T., Miller¹, P., Schmidt², A., Anderson², C., Oliver³, W., Rempel³, L., Wells³, J. (¹University of Nebraska; ²Iowa State University; ³USDA, ARS, USMARC).
4. USDA-AFRI-NIFA Grant #2023-67015-39451, $650,000, May 1, 2023 – May 1, 2026, “Enhancing boar fertility in the face of climate change through the mitigation of in utero heat stress” Desaulniers¹, A.T. (PD), Lents², C., White¹, B., Brito³, L, Johnson⁴, J. (¹University of Nebraska; ²USDA, ARS, USMARC, ³Purdue University; ⁴USDA, ARS, West Lafayette).