Animal reproduction science

Animal reproduction science focuses on dogs, pigs, ruminants and horses.

Research on ruminant reproduction (female reproduction) has focused on three research lines:

  • The use of the GnRH hormone for ovulation induction and the related practice known as brief-cycling
  • Factors having a central impact on embryo production
  • Plant-oestrogen research

Research on pig reproduction focuses on successful labour. How is labour controlled hormonally? What kind of environment supports labour? How has breeding affected success in labour? What kind of problems are associated with labour in pigs? How is immunity transmitted from sow to piglet?

The objective of equine reproduction research is to improve equine fertility as well as to develop artificial insemination techniques and gynaecological treatment.

Mare research has focused on the impact of various insemination techniques on the uterus of the mare, including its contractions and inflammatory responses, as well as on fertility. The passage of sperm in the mare’s body has also been investigated, as has the effect of the cervix on post-insemination inflammation.

In research on stallions, the focus has been on the assessment and development of sperm-grading techniques, as well as on seminal plasma and the improvement of sperm storage methods.

Research on canine reproduction investigates, among other things, the role of aromatase in steroid metabolism and potential new methods for preventing oestrus in dogs. Problems related to labour are also investigated in bitches. 

We also study the effect of environmental toxins on gametes and fertility in, for example, horses and pigs.