Experimental Reproductive Biology Unit

The research work of the Experimental Reproductive Biology Unit is aimed at analyzing the potential of reproduction of cows and sows while considering genetic variation and differential environmental conditions. We mainly focus on mechanisms of cycle control as well as factors influencing embryonic development, implantation, pregnancy and vitality of offspring.

The isolation and provision of defined biological samples (e.g. blood, follicular fluid, oocytes, embryos as well as fetal, ovarian, oviductal, uterine and placental tissues) by minimal- and non-invasive as well as surgical techniques at specific stages of the cycle and pregnancy and under different environmental conditions (heat stress, nutrition etc.) is a crucial prerequisite for our research.

These samples and those obtained from appropriate tissue culture models are analyzed with physiological, biochemical and molecular biological methods for a better understanding of basic molecular processes of reproduction. Eventually, these novel insights can be utilized in animal husbandry programs.