| dc.description.abstract | In an attempt to explore the realm of Animal Science and gain a deeper appreciation for the field, I devoted my Honors Thesis to conducting research in the area of animal reproduction. I was interested in following this particular area of study for two reasons: firstly, I have had limited experience with real research and wanted to expose myself to this crucial aspect of animal science; secondly, I will be entering veterinary medicine in the fall of 2016 and I wanted to engage in a review of sorts to prepare me for more intensive studies. I began by reviewing the reproductive cycle and anatomy of the bovine. Then, with the direction of Dr. Craig Gifford, I begin reading literature regrading conception rates, and more specifically, how to increase conception rates. This led to studying how new research is suggesting that immune factors, specifically interferon tau-primed peripheral blood mononuclear bovine cells, could play a vital role in embryo implantation in the bovine and other livestock species. For the research component, Dr. Gifford and I then decided that focusing on how we could improve preserving immune cells for use in these studies through cryopreservation would be the best fit for this project. Through the research, we found that these immune factors can be preserved through freezing, that propylene glycol with 90% fetal bovine serum works as a good freezing medium, that a freezing rate of 1 degree Celcius per minute is appropriate and that the interferon tau stimulated phenotype can be maintained though freezing. For completion of this project, Dr. Gifford and my second reader, Dr. David Lalman asked that I simply create a detailed PowerPoint presentation describing my project, which also served as my medium of presentation and defense of my thesis, which occurred May 5th of this year, 2016. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Animal Science and its research opportunities through the Honors College at Oklahoma State University. I am truly grateful. | |
