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-fertilityAbility of a living organism to reproduce. From a zootechnical point of view: ability to give birth to a calf, a lamb, a goat or a piglet., oestrusAlso known as heat, is the physiological and behavioral phenomena which precedes and accompanies ovulation in female mammals. and ovulationExpulsion of an ovum from the ovary in female animals. synchronisationTwo or more events that occur at the same time or in a precise coordinate succession: oestrus synchronization allows an organised and grouped artificial insemination. protocols to maximise submission rate for seasonal-calvingGiving birth to a calf. systems, the role of micronutrients, and strategies to utilize sexed semen in cattle production. He is actively involved in improving dairy cow fertilityAbility of a living organism to reproduce. From a zootechnical point of view: ability to give birth to a calf, a lamb, a goat or a piglet. 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 fertilityAbility of a living organism to reproduce. From a zootechnical point of view: ability to give birth to a calf, a lamb, a goat or a piglet.. 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.