EFFECT OF SEMEN PROCESSING ON SPERM CHARACTERISTICS, EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF PREGNANCY IN HOLSTEIN HEIFERS.

Theaim of my doctoral trainingis to understand the basic physiology, economics, and practical implementation of sexed semen on the establishment of pregnancy in dairy cattle. I have focused on the practical implementation and economics of sexed semen throughout my training and now will focus on understanding the basic physiology of sexed semen. Theoverarching goals of this proposal are: 1) to provide the technical and professional development skills to achieve my career aspirations as a professor with a research and extension appointment at a Land Grant University and 2) to understand the effect of semen processing on sperm characteristics and embryo development to improve fertility with sexed semen in dairy herds. These goals will be accomplished through specific training and short-term career development objectives.Specific training objectives are to:1) elucidate the effect of semen processing (conventional vs. sexed) on sperm characteristics andin vitroembryo development, 2) determine the effect of semen processing onin vivoembryo development and establishment of pregnancy, and 3) deliver research-based recommendations to stakeholders through a multiplatform, high-impact extension program.Short-term career development objectives are to:1) publish multiple (4-5) peer-reviewed publications, 2) attend at least one international scientific conference annually to disseminate research for peer feedback and networking, 3) disseminate research to stakeholders through extension programming to increase my communication and outreach skills, and 4) network and collaborate with industry professionals and stakeholders to address critical knowledge gaps.