Synchronisation in cattle
Dr. Stephen Butler is the leader of dairy cattle reproduction research in Teagasc Moorepark. He has comprehensive knowledge of dairy cattle reproduction and nutrition. After completing a Masters degree in University College Dublin in 1999, he carried out a Ph.D. in Cornell University (New York) and graduated in 2004 with a major in Physiology of Reproduction and Minors in Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry. He was awarded the Maynard Award in 2003 by Cornell University faculty in recognition of his outstanding graduate student achievements. Since starting a Research officer position with Teagasc in 2004, his main areas of research include exploring the genetic basis of sub-fertility, oestrusEnsemble des phénomènes physiologiques et comportementaux qui précèdent et accompagnent l'ovulation chez les femelles des mammifères. (Pour les animaux domestiques, l'œstrus constitue les chaleurs.) and ovulationExpulsion d'un ovule par l'ovaire, chez les animaux femelles. synchronisationFaire se produire deux ou plusieurs choses dans le même temps ou dans une succession précise, les coordonner : synchronisation des chaleurs qui permet d'organiser le chantier d'insémination artificielle. protocols to maximise submission rate for seasonal-calving systems, the role of micronutrients, and strategies to utilize sexed semen in cattle production. He is actively involved in improving dairy cow fertility through the design, implementation and reporting of research conducted at Moorepark and on commercial farms. He is also involved in strategic industry-wide initiatives led by both Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland to improve fertility. He has presented at many national and international conferences to veterinarians, scientists and dairy herdowners. In 2011, he successfully completed a part-time Masters degree in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.