Reproduction & Biodiversity Research Group

Membership

Stephen Hall
Paul Eady
Mark Curry
Charles Deeming
Ciara Casey

Background

We study animal reproduction at the cellular, organismal and population levels and use the insights thus obtained to answer fundamental questions on evolution and to advance the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of genetic resources.

Our research outputs since 2001 comprise 1 single-author textbook, 3 edited books, 27 papers in high-impact journals, 6 chapters in academic books and a large number of conference papers and technical communications.

Facilities

We are supported by research facilities including:

Seminology laboratory with computerised image analysis workstation, fluorescent microscopy, and a single-mix stopped-flow system with dual fluorescence recording;
Molecular genetics laboratory
Tissue culture suite
Dedicated walk-in insectary;
Stud of Cleveland Bay horses, breeding flock of Lleyn ewes, breeding herd of Lincoln Red beef cattle;
Collaborative arrangements with commercial poultry, cattle and sheep farmers;
Riseholme campus is a mix of farmland, parkland and woodland which, together with lake, stream and pond habitats, provides a natural laboratory for the study of breeding in birds, reptiles and amphibia.

Currently we have 1 post-doc (Ram Vasudev), and 3 research students

Grant income

Grants held or awarded since 2001 include the following:

NERC grant to Paul Eady (with University of Exeter) for study of effects of sexual conflict coevolution;

Nuffield Foundation scholarship grants in 2004 and 2006 to Paul Eady and Charles Deeming for student vacation projects on avian incubation;

World’s Poultry Science Association, UK Branch grant in 2007 to Charles Deeming for student vacation project on development in avian eggs;

Canine Supporters’ Charity grant to Stephen Hall for canine genetic counselling.

The Wellcome Trust 2 year project grant on Osmotic mapping of the molecular water channel AQP1 in the red cell membrane, to Mark Curry and held jointly with Dr A.E. Hill, Cambridge University;

Lincolnshire Joint NHS Trust/ University of Lincoln 3 year project grant on Investigation of sperm volume regulatory mechanisms and their role in normal and abnormal sperm fertility,to Mark Curry and held jointly with Mr A. Breeson Lincoln County Hospital

PRIME Faraday SPARK Award for Limb length inequality and its relationship to asymmetry of gait dynamics in the horse, to Mark Curry and held jointly with ML Electronics Ltd Salisbury

Specific research interests

Cellular aspects of reproduction

Understanding the structure of the cell membrane is one of modern biology’s main ambitions. Our interest is in the relationship between the membrane of the spermatozoon, and water, in the surrounding medium and within the cell. As well as being medically important, research on this topic will ultimately benefit the conservation and reproductive management of rare species, through making “frozen zoos” (where gametes and embryos are stored at very low temperatures) more reliable. Click here for more details.

Reproduction and the organism

Reproductive efficiency is usually under intense selection pressure making it possible, with well-designed experiments, to quantify the evolutionary process. Considering fertilisation and the behaviour and physiology underlying it, the beetle Callosobruchus maculatus is an ideal subject for research and we have colonies that have been evolving for more than 80 generations enabling experimental studies of how the diversity of reproductive form and function has evolved. Click here for more details.

Parental care is another key area of reproductive biology and by comparing related species, insights can be obtained into its evolution. Avian incubation is an ideal subject for this approach. One would expect incubation period to relate to the body size of the bird, the egg and the environment; new studies in this Group have elucidated many of the subtleties of this relationship. We have carried out many studies on specific aspects of incubation, in birds and reptiles (including dinosaurs) and this work has obvious conservation importance. Click here for more details.

Studies into the functional aspects of the bird nest have developed a technique for determination of thermal conductance. This data have been recorded for nests of British songbirds in order to ascertain how nest characteristics are influencing factors such as incubation behaviour and incubation period. On-going studies will determine whether latitude is important in determining nest structure and function in the Blackbird (Turdus merula) and the Robin (Erithacus rubecula). Click here for more details.

Population aspects of reproduction

As the impact of modern society on the global environment becomes more and more damaging, it is increasingly important to help animal populations of conservation significance to continue to reproduce satisfactorily. We are particularly interested in rare and traditional breeds of livestock, of which many are highly inbred (and therefore possibly at genetic risk), while many are under intensifying commercial pressure. Our Cleveland Bay stud plays an important role in the conservation of this rare breed , while our Lincoln Red herd is a practical demonstration that a minority commercial breed can contribute to modern environmentally-aware farming. Ultimately, biological research in this area will inform policy, and we contribute to developments in this area too. Click here for more details.

Breeding in hole nesting birds is being promoted on campus by provision of nestboxes. Timing of breeding in Great Tits and Blue Tits in a local wood has been studied by Charles Deeming and this is being extended to Riseholme Campus (results for 2007). Records are being kept of breeding diversity and success and will be submitted to the British Trust for Ornithology’s Nest Record Scheme (http://www.bto.org/survey/nest_records/index.htm) [Images available]

Practical application of artificial incubation techniques is being studied in birds of conservation concern, including the Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) and the Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri). Factors affecting hatchability are being investigated in association with research centres in North Africa and New Zealand respectively. Click here for more details.

For many species of conservation priority, zoo populations are of critical importance. Collaboration with zoos and other collections , and with our ethological colleagues is yielding insights into the husbandry conditions that promote satisfactory reproductive performance.

The dynamics of breeding of Smooth Newts (Triturus vulgaris) is being investigated. Individuals can be identified by their unique belly markings [images available] allowing analysis of the immigration and emigration from a breeding pond at Riseholme. Study of juvenile development will allow assessment of breeding success. Click here for more details.

Affiliations

Members of the Group are active in the following organisations:

Future areas of research

In the recent past we have collaborated with other institutions when molecular genetic analysis has been required but now we are establishing our own genetics laboratory where microsatellite analysis of populations will be conducted to strengthen our genetic understanding of reproduction at the cellular, organismal and population levels.

Other areas of interest lie in the re-introduction of endangered species into Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. These include population studies of re-introduced common dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) at Chambers Farm Wood, Lincolnshire and Treswell Wood, Nottinghamshire. Projects on population dynamics and breeding of the Great Crested Newt (Trituris cristatus) are also under development.

Reproduction & Biodiversity Research Group Membership