Professor

Reproductive Physiology, Swine

Research Interests

Reproductive Physiology

Optimum reproductive efficiency is a necessity in the livestock industry.

Our laboratory utilizes a balanced approach of applied and basic research techniques to elucidate underlying physiological mechanisms associated with reproductive processes in farm animals with a particular emphasis on attainment of puberty in swine. Experiments are being conducted to determine: (1) the mechanisms whereby swine reared in environmentally controlled buildings attain puberty, (2) the importance of air quality and photoperiod in altering reproduction in swine, and (3) the mechanisms whereby the mycotoxin zearalenone disrupts early pregnancy in swine.

Research Techniques

• Radioimmunoassay
• Radioreceptor assays
• Vascular catheterization
• Immunoneutralization

Selected Publications

Diekman, M.A., and J.D. Armstrong. 2000. Curriculum review for the Department of Animal Sciences. J. Anim. Sci. 78(Suppl. 1):95.

Johnson, A.E., M. Lane, D.K. Gardner, M.A. Diekman and R.L. Krisher. 2001. Changes in follicular fluid environment between 5 mm and 10 mm follicles. Biol. Reprod. 64(Suppl. 1):128.

Belstra, B.A., M.A. Diekman, W.L. Singleton and B.T. Richert. 2002. Effects of lactation length and exogenous progesterone and estrodiol 17b regimen during embryo attachment on endogenous steroid concentrations and embryo survival in sows. Theriogenology 57:2063-2081.

Diekman, M.A., W.D. Braun, A.J. Peter and D. Cook. 2002. Seasonal concentrations of melatonin in cycling and noncycling mares. J. Anim. Sci. 80:2949-2952.

Trout, W.E., C.T. Herr, B.T. Richert and W.L. Singleton. 2002. Effects of zeranol upon luteal maintenance and fetal development in peripubertal gilts. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 1):56.

Diekman, M.A., B. Delks and R. Allrich. 2003. Retention of non-traditional agriculture students in animal sciences. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):87.

Diekman, M.A., M.K. Neary and G.R. Kelly. 2003. Repeated injections of PMSG failed to induce antibody production in fall lambing ewes. Sheep and Goat Research Journal 18:114-115.