Dr Mohanathas Gobikrushanth

Lecturer in Animal Production Medic

School of Veterinary Science

Faculty of Science

m.gobikrushanth@uq.edu.au

Overview

Dr. Mohanathas Gobikrushanth (Gobi) is a lecturer in Production Animal Medicine, with a particular interest in Production Animal Reproduction, within the School of Veterinary Science. Gobi obtained his Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons) degree from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 2011. Following graduation, he worked as a Companion Animal Clinician in the university's Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences for a year.

In 2012, Gobi moved to the USA to pursue a veterinary externship program (Research Scholar) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. In 2018, Gobi earned his PhD in Animal Science (Reproduction) from the University of Alberta, Canada. His doctoral research was focused on identification and evaluation of novel reproductive phenotypes for genomic selection to enhance fertility of dairy cattle through multiple-locational studies conducted in Canada and Ireland. Following his PhD, Gobi undertook a one-year postdoctoral fellowship with an array of studies involving both dairy and beef cattle reproduction at the University of Alberta, Canada.

In 2022, Gobi completed his 3-year combined clinical MS (Project-based; uterine microbiome of dairy cows) and residency in Production Animal Theriogenology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada before joining the School of Veterinary Science, UQ.

Gobi's research focuses on strategies to enhance reproductive efficiency in production animals with a special interest in the bovine species.

Research Interests

Identification of biomarkers associated with better cow-calf bonding in beef cattle
Genetic selection to enhance dairy cattle fertility
Novel techniques for pregnancy diagnosis in cattle
Strategic use of sexed-semen to optimize dairy herd profitability

Qualifications

Masters (Research) of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Saskatchewan
Doctor of Philosophy of Animal Science, University of Alberta
Bachelor (Honours) of Veterinary Medicine, University of Peradeniya

Publications

Journal Article: Uterine microbial profiles in healthy postpartum dairy cows do not vary with sampling techniques or phases of estrous cycle

Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Dos Santos, Scott J., Champika, Fernando, Hill, Janet E. and Dadarwal, Dinesh (2024). Uterine microbial profiles in healthy postpartum dairy cows do not vary with sampling techniques or phases of estrous cycle. Theriogenology, 214, 298-306. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.004
Journal Article: A high dose of initial GnRH increased ovulatory response and fertility in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol

Colazo, M. G., Behrouzi, A., Gobikrushanth, M. and Mapletoft, R. J. (2023). A high dose of initial GnRH increased ovulatory response and fertility in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol. Theriogenology, 206, 11-17. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.026
Journal Article: Estrous activity and pregnancy outcomes in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol with or without administration of initial GnRH

Gobikrushanth, M., Mapletoft, R. J. and Colazo, M. G. (2023). Estrous activity and pregnancy outcomes in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol with or without administration of initial GnRH. Theriogenology, 202, 36-41. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.024

View all Publications

Supervision

An exploration of adult survivors of childhood experiences of trauma: A retrospective study of the impact of companion animals.

Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

The investigation of a hormonal marker to determine preceding lactational status of extensively managed beef cows

Background

Reproductive efficiency is the key determinant of overall profitability of the beef cattle industry. In Australia, beef cattle are mostly managed under either a controlled or continuous mating system. Whilst breeding and calving of beef cattle occur within defined periods of a year in a controlled mating system, those are year-round in a continuous mating system. Regardless of the mating system, the Australian beef cattle industry targets one calf per cow per year to increase income from weaner calf sales. The survival and growth of calves from birth to weaning is dependent on initiation (lactogenesis) and maintenance (galactopoiesis) of lactation by their dams in beef cattle farming. While it is possible to trace calving and weaning records for beef cows managed under controlled mating systems, it becomes challenging for those managed under continuous mating systems, especially, when mustering of cattle occurs only once or twice in a year. The ability to trace preceding lactational status of individual cows in the current mustering would allow the producer to make informed decision on voluntary culling of cows that had neither calved nor lactated, despite confirmed pregnant in the previous mustering. Therefore, developing a crush-side diagnostic test to determine preceding lactational status of beef cows, especially, under continuous mating systems, is of utmost importance.

Requirements

Applicants should hold (or expect to hold) a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline (Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences, or any other similar discipline). In addition, Applicant should be able to fulfill the requirements to apply and secure the University of Queensland Graduate School Scholarships for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program (Please see the following link for more details).

https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/graduate-school-scholarships-uqgss-%E2%80%93-includes-rtp

Research Collaborators
- Dr. Gobikrushanth (Chief Investigator)
- Dr. Ben Wood
- Dr. Gry Boe-Hansen
- Dr. Lee McMichael
Research Location

The School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia

Further Information

Please contact Dr. Gobikrushanth for more information: m.gobikrushanth@uq.edu.au

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and CV by email, to Dr. Gobikrushanth: m.gobikrushanth@uq.edu.au

The School of Veterinary Science is an international leader in research on subtropical cattle production and health, including reproduction and genetics. We offer an outstanding range of facilities for the conduct of laboratory-based, animal-based, clinical and field research. We foster an environment where every voice is heard irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender orientation, mental or physical disability, or other marginalized groups.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Journal Article

Uterine microbial profiles in healthy postpartum dairy cows do not vary with sampling techniques or phases of estrous cycle

Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Dos Santos, Scott J., Champika, Fernando, Hill, Janet E. and Dadarwal, Dinesh (2024). Uterine microbial profiles in healthy postpartum dairy cows do not vary with sampling techniques or phases of estrous cycle. Theriogenology, 214, 298-306. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.004
A high dose of initial GnRH increased ovulatory response and fertility in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol

Colazo, M. G., Behrouzi, A., Gobikrushanth, M. and Mapletoft, R. J. (2023). A high dose of initial GnRH increased ovulatory response and fertility in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol. Theriogenology, 206, 11-17. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.026
Estrous activity and pregnancy outcomes in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol with or without administration of initial GnRH

Gobikrushanth, M., Mapletoft, R. J. and Colazo, M. G. (2023). Estrous activity and pregnancy outcomes in Holstein heifers subjected to a progesterone based 5-d CO-Synch protocol with or without administration of initial GnRH. Theriogenology, 202, 36-41. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.024
Superovulatory response, anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and antral follicle count in Holstein cattle with short or long anogenital distance

Rajesh, I., Colazo, M. G., Gobikrushanth, M., Carrelli, J. E., Oba, M. and Ambrose, D. J. (2023). Superovulatory response, anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and antral follicle count in Holstein cattle with short or long anogenital distance. Theriogenology, 195, 249-256. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.036
Anogenital distance is associated with postpartum estrous activity, intensity of estrous expression, ovulation, and progesterone concentrations in lactating Holstein cows

Madureira, A. M. L., Burnett, T. A., Carrelli, J. E., Gobikrushanth, M., Cerri, R. L. A. and Ambrose, D. J. (2022). Anogenital distance is associated with postpartum estrous activity, intensity of estrous expression, ovulation, and progesterone concentrations in lactating Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 105 (10), 8523-8534. doi: 10.3168/jds.2022-21897
Effects of dietary butyrate supplementation and oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administration on uterine inflammation and interval to first ovulation in postpartum dairy cows

Engelking, L.E., Gobikrushanth, M., Oba, M. and Ambrose, D.J. (2022). Effects of dietary butyrate supplementation and oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administration on uterine inflammation and interval to first ovulation in postpartum dairy cows. JDS Communications, 3 (5), 362-367. doi: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0207
Type of CIDR but not eCG administration affected pregnancy per AI in Holstein heifers subjected to a 5-day estrus synchronization protocol

Sanz, Albina, Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas and Colazo, Marcos G. (2022). Type of CIDR but not eCG administration affected pregnancy per AI in Holstein heifers subjected to a 5-day estrus synchronization protocol. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 50 (1), 504-510. doi: 10.1080/09712119.2022.2106989
Associations between anogenital distance and measures of fertility in lactating North American Holstein cows: a validation study

Carrelli, J. E., Gobikrushanth, M., Corpron, M., Sandberg, W., Rajesh, I., Ahmadzadeh, A., Oba, M. and Ambrose, D. J. (2022). Associations between anogenital distance and measures of fertility in lactating North American Holstein cows: a validation study. Journal of Dairy Science, 105 (7), 6339-6352. doi: 10.3168/jds.2021-20827
Activity and rumination changes as predictors of calving in primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M. and Colazo, M. G. (2022). Activity and rumination changes as predictors of calving in primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows. Livestock Science, 260 104944, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104944
Repeatability of anogenital distance measurements from birth to maturity and at different physiological states in female Holstein cattle

Rajesh, I., Gobikrushanth, M., Carrelli, J. E., Oba, M. and Ambrose, D. J. (2022). Repeatability of anogenital distance measurements from birth to maturity and at different physiological states in female Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 105 (3), 2699-2707. doi: 10.3168/jds.2021-21419
Theriogenology Question of the Month

Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Zachar, Erin K., Singh, Navgeet, Schumann, Fritz and Dadarwal, Dinesh (2022). Theriogenology Question of the Month. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 260 (2), 170-173. doi: 10.2460/javma.21.06.0285
Economic comparison of an ear tag automated activity monitor for estrus detection with timed-AI in Holstein heifers

Macmillan, K., Boyda, A., Gobikrushanth, M., Plastow, G. and Colazo, M. G. (2021). Economic comparison of an ear tag automated activity monitor for estrus detection with timed-AI in Holstein heifers. Theriogenology, 175, 155-162. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.009
Comparison of two intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices in shortened-timed artificial insemination protocols in beef cattle

Zwiefelhofer, E. M., Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Adams, G. P., Yang, S. X., Anzar, M., Asai-Coakwell, M. and Colazo, M. G. (2021). Comparison of two intravaginal progesterone-releasing devices in shortened-timed artificial insemination protocols in beef cattle. Theriogenology, 168, 75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.03.023
Natural versus induced estrus indicators of Holstein heifers determined by an automated activity monitoring system

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Plastow, G. and Colazo, M. G. (2021). Natural versus induced estrus indicators of Holstein heifers determined by an automated activity monitoring system. Livestock Science, 249 104514, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104514
Relationship of anogenital distance with fertility in nulliparous Holstein heifers

Carrelli, J. E., Gobikrushanth, M., Corpron, M., Rajesh, I., Sandberg, W., Colazo, M. G., Ahmadzadeh, A., Oba, M. and Ambrose, D. J. (2021). Relationship of anogenital distance with fertility in nulliparous Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science, 104 (7), 8256-8264. doi: 10.3168/jds.2020-19940
Prevalence of early postpartum health disorders in Holstein cows and associations with production, reproduction, and survival outcomes on Alberta dairy farms

MacMillan, Kira, Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Behrouzi, Amir, Hoff, Brent and Colazo, Marcos G. (2021). Prevalence of early postpartum health disorders in Holstein cows and associations with production, reproduction, and survival outcomes on Alberta dairy farms. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 62 (3), 273-280.
The effect of altering the timing of GnRH administration and artificial insemination in a modified 5-d CO-Synch protocol using sex-sorted semen in dairy heifers

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Mapletoft, R. J. and Colazo, M. G. (2021). The effect of altering the timing of GnRH administration and artificial insemination in a modified 5-d CO-Synch protocol using sex-sorted semen in dairy heifers. Theriogenology, 159, 53-59. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.016
Performance and optimization of an ear tag automated activity monitor for estrus prediction in dairy heifers

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Plastow, G. and Colazo, M. G. (2020). Performance and optimization of an ear tag automated activity monitor for estrus prediction in dairy heifers. Theriogenology, 155, 197-204. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.018
Relationships between early postpartum nutritional and metabolic profiles and subsequent reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Helguera, I.López, Behrouzi, A. and Colazo, M. G. (2020). Relationships between early postpartum nutritional and metabolic profiles and subsequent reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology, 151, 52-57. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.034
The association of circulating prepartum metabolites, minerals, cytokines and hormones with postpartum health status in dairy cattle

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Behrouzi, A., López-Helguera, I., Cook, N., Hoff, B. and Colazo, M. G. (2020). The association of circulating prepartum metabolites, minerals, cytokines and hormones with postpartum health status in dairy cattle. Research in Veterinary Science, 130, 126-132. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.03.011
The relationships among sire's predicted transmitting ability for daughter pregnancy rate and cow conception rate and daughter's reproductive performance in Canadian Holstein cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Macmillan, K., Hipkin, D. and Colazo, M. G. (2020). The relationships among sire's predicted transmitting ability for daughter pregnancy rate and cow conception rate and daughter's reproductive performance in Canadian Holstein cows. Theriogenology, 149, 117-122. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.026
Circulating Ca and its relationship with serum minerals, metabolic and nutritional profiles, health disorders, and productive and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Macmillan, K., Behrouzi, A., López-Helguera, I., Hoff, B. and Colazo, M. G. (2020). Circulating Ca and its relationship with serum minerals, metabolic and nutritional profiles, health disorders, and productive and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows. Livestock Science, 233 103946, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.103946
Comparison of the effects of two shortened timed-AI protocols on pregnancy per AI in beef cattle

Macmillan, K., Gobikrushanth, M., Sanz, A., Bignell, D., Boender, G., Macrae, L., Mapletoft, R. J. and Colazo, M. G. (2020). Comparison of the effects of two shortened timed-AI protocols on pregnancy per AI in beef cattle. Theriogenology, 142, 85-91. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.038
Anti-Müllerian hormone in grazing dairy cows: identification of factors affecting plasma concentration, relationship with phenotypic fertility, and genome-wide associations

Gobikrushanth, M., Purfield, D. C., Canadas, E. R., Herlihy, M. M., Kenneally, J., Murray, M., Kearney, F. J., Colazo, M. G., Ambrose, D. J. and Butler, S. T. (2019). Anti-Müllerian hormone in grazing dairy cows: identification of factors affecting plasma concentration, relationship with phenotypic fertility, and genome-wide associations. Journal of Dairy Science, 102 (12), 11622-11635. doi: 10.3168/jds.2019-16979
Prostaglandin F2α induced luteolysis is delayed but not prevented by acute administration of luteotropic drugs in lactating nonpregnant Holstein cows

Ambrose, Divakar, Colazo, Marcos and Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas (2019). Prostaglandin F2α induced luteolysis is delayed but not prevented by acute administration of luteotropic drugs in lactating nonpregnant Holstein cows. Clinical Theriogenology, 11 (4), 599-606. doi: 10.58292/ct.v11.9458
The factors associated with postpartum body condition score change and its relationship with serum analytes, milk production and reproductive performance in dairy cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Macmillan, K., Behrouzi, A., Hoff, B. and Colazo, M. G. (2019). The factors associated with postpartum body condition score change and its relationship with serum analytes, milk production and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Livestock Science, 228, 151-160. doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.05.016
Evaluation of alternative strategies to treat anoestrous dairy cows and implications for reproductive performance in pasture-based seasonal calving herds: a pilot study

Rojas Canadas, E., Gobikrushanth, M., Fernandez, P., Kenneally, J., Lonergan, P. and Butler, S. T. (2019). Evaluation of alternative strategies to treat anoestrous dairy cows and implications for reproductive performance in pasture-based seasonal calving herds: a pilot study. Theriogenology, 127, 130-136. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.008
Flaxseed improves embryo production in Boer goats

Dutra, P. A., Pinto, L. F. B., Cardoso Neto, B. M., Gobikrushanth, M., Barbosa, A. M. and Barbosa, L. P. (2019). Flaxseed improves embryo production in Boer goats. Theriogenology, 127, 26-31. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.12.038
The relationship between anogenital distance and fertility, and genome-wide associations for anogenital distance in Irish Holstein-Friesian cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Purfield, D. C., Kenneally, J., Doyle, R. C., Holden, S. A., Martinez, P. M., Canadas, E.Rojas, Bruinjé, T. C., Colazo, M. G., Ambrose, D. J. and Butler, S. T. (2019). The relationship between anogenital distance and fertility, and genome-wide associations for anogenital distance in Irish Holstein-Friesian cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 102 (2), 1702-1711. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-15552
Using in-line milk progesterone data to characterize parameters of luteal activity and their association with fertility in Holstein cows

Bruinjé, T. C., Colazo, M. G., Ribeiro, E. S., Gobikrushanth, M. and Ambrose, D. J. (2019). Using in-line milk progesterone data to characterize parameters of luteal activity and their association with fertility in Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 102 (1), 780-798. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-14654
The relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and reproductive performance, and genome-wide associations for serum IGF-1 in Holstein cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Purfield, D. C., Colazo, M. G., Wang, Z., Butler, S. T. and Ambrose, D. J. (2018). The relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration and reproductive performance, and genome-wide associations for serum IGF-1 in Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 101 (10), 9154-9167. doi: 10.3168/jds.2018-14535
The relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and fertility, and genome-wide associations for anti-Müllerian hormone in Holstein cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Purfield, D. C., Colazo, M. G., Butler, S. T., Wang, Z. and Ambrose, D. J. (2018). The relationship between serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations and fertility, and genome-wide associations for anti-Müllerian hormone in Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 101 (8), 7563-7574. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13940
Accuracy of a cow-side test for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia in lactating dairy cows

Macmillan, K., López Helguera, I., Behrouzi, A., Gobikrushanth, M., Hoff, B. and Colazo, M. G. (2017). Accuracy of a cow-side test for the diagnosis of hyperketonemia and hypoglycemia in lactating dairy cows. Research in Veterinary Science, 115, 327-331. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.06.019
Characterization of anogenital distance and its relationship to fertility in lactating Holstein cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Bruinjé, T. C., Colazo, M. G., Butler, S. T. and Ambrose, D. J. (2017). Characterization of anogenital distance and its relationship to fertility in lactating Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 100 (12), 9815-9823. doi: 10.3168/jds.2017-13033
Dynamics of pre- and post-insemination progesterone profiles and insemination outcomes determined by an in-line milk analysis system in primiparous and multiparous Canadian Holstein cows

Bruinjé, Tony C., Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Colazo, Marcos G. and Ambrose, Divakar J. (2017). Dynamics of pre- and post-insemination progesterone profiles and insemination outcomes determined by an in-line milk analysis system in primiparous and multiparous Canadian Holstein cows. Theriogenology, 102, 147-153. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.024
Relationships among early postpartum luteal activity, parity, and insemination outcomes based on in-line milk progesterone profiles in Canadian Holstein cows

Bruinjé, Tony C., Colazo, Marcos G., Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas and Ambrose, Divakar J. (2017). Relationships among early postpartum luteal activity, parity, and insemination outcomes based on in-line milk progesterone profiles in Canadian Holstein cows. Theriogenology, 100, 32-41. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.021
Characterization of the variability and repeatability of gonadotropin-releasing hormone–induced luteinizing hormone responses in dairy cows within a synchronized ovulation protocol

Gobikrushanth, M., Dutra, P. A., Bruinjé, T. C., Colazo, M. G., Butler, S. T. and Ambrose, D. J. (2017). Characterization of the variability and repeatability of gonadotropin-releasing hormone–induced luteinizing hormone responses in dairy cows within a synchronized ovulation protocol. Journal of Dairy Science, 100 (8), 6753-6762. doi: 10.3168/jds.2016-12529
Repeatability of antral follicle counts and anti-Müllerian hormone and their associations determined at an unknown stage of follicular growth and an expected day of follicular wave emergence in dairy cows

Gobikrushanth, M., Dutra, P. A., Bruinjé, T. C., Colazo, M. G., Butler, S. T. and Ambrose, D. J. (2017). Repeatability of antral follicle counts and anti-Müllerian hormone and their associations determined at an unknown stage of follicular growth and an expected day of follicular wave emergence in dairy cows. Theriogenology, 92, 90-94. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.01.018
Effects of prepartum oilseed supplements on subclinical endometritis, pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine transcripts in endometrial cells and postpartum ovarian function in dairy cows

Salehi, Reza, Colazo, Marcos G., Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Basu, Urmila and Ambrose, Divakar J. (2017). Effects of prepartum oilseed supplements on subclinical endometritis, pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokine transcripts in endometrial cells and postpartum ovarian function in dairy cows. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 29 (4), 747-758. doi: 10.1071/RD15334
Categorization of endometritis and its association with ovarian follicular growth and ovulation, reproductive performance, dry matter intake, and milk yield in dairy cattle

Gobikrushanth, M., Salehi, R., Ambrose, D. J. and Colazo, M. G. (2016). Categorization of endometritis and its association with ovarian follicular growth and ovulation, reproductive performance, dry matter intake, and milk yield in dairy cattle. Theriogenology, 86 (7), 1842-1849. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.06.003
Effects of reducing dietary starch content by replacing barley grain with wheat dried distillers grains plus solubles in dairy cow rations on ovarian function

Subramaniam, E., Colazo, M. G., Gobikrushanth, M., Sun, Y. Q., Ruiz-Sanchez, A. L., Ponce-Barajas, P., Oba, M. and Ambrose, D. J. (2016). Effects of reducing dietary starch content by replacing barley grain with wheat dried distillers grains plus solubles in dairy cow rations on ovarian function. Journal of Dairy Science, 99 (4), 2762-2774. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-10172
Pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows of a single herd following timed artificial insemination or insemination at detected estrus

Thangavelu, G., Gobikrushanth, M., Colazo, M. G. and Ambrose, D. J. (2015). Pregnancy per artificial insemination and pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows of a single herd following timed artificial insemination or insemination at detected estrus. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 95 (3), 383-388. doi: 10.4141/CJAS-2014-122
Low-dose natural prostaglandin F2α (dinoprost) at timed insemination improves conception rate in dairy cattle

Ambrose, Divakar J., Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Zuidhof, Sjoert and Kastelic, John P. (2015). Low-dose natural prostaglandin F2α (dinoprost) at timed insemination improves conception rate in dairy cattle. Theriogenology, 83 (4), 529-534. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.10.034
Uterine microbiota progression from calving until establishment of metritis in dairy cows

Jeon, Soo Jin, Vieira-Neto, Achilles, Gobikrushanth, Mohanathas, Daetz, Rodolfo, Mingoti, Rodolfo D., Parize, Ana Carolina Brigolin, de Freitas, Sabrina Lucas, da Costa, Antonio Nelson Lima, Bicalho, Rodrigo C., Lima, Svetlana, Casey Jeong, K. and Galvão, Klibs N. (2015). Uterine microbiota progression from calving until establishment of metritis in dairy cows. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 81 (18), 6324-6332. doi: 10.1128/AEM.01753-15
Effect of delayed breeding during the summer on profitability of dairy cows

Gobikrushanth, M., De Vries, A., Santos, J. E.P., Risco, C. A. and Galvão, K. N. (2014). Effect of delayed breeding during the summer on profitability of dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 97 (7), 4236-4246. doi: 10.3168/jds.2013-7664
Inducing ovulation early postpartum influences uterine health and fertility in dairy cows

Bittar, J. H.J., Pinedo, P. J., Risco, C. A., Santos, J. E.P., Thatcher, W. W., Hencken, K. E., Croyle, S., Gobikrushanth, M., Barbosa, C. C., Vieira-Neto, A. and Galvão, K. N. (2014). Inducing ovulation early postpartum influences uterine health and fertility in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 97 (6), 3558-3569. doi: 10.3168/jds.2013-7533

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

An exploration of adult survivors of childhood experiences of trauma: A retrospective study of the impact of companion animals.

Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
- Dr Rebekah Scotney

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

The investigation of a hormonal marker to determine preceding lactational status of extensively managed beef cows

Background

Reproductive efficiency is the key determinant of overall profitability of the beef cattle industry. In Australia, beef cattle are mostly managed under either a controlled or continuous mating system. Whilst breeding and calving of beef cattle occur within defined periods of a year in a controlled mating system, those are year-round in a continuous mating system. Regardless of the mating system, the Australian beef cattle industry targets one calf per cow per year to increase income from weaner calf sales. The survival and growth of calves from birth to weaning is dependent on initiation (lactogenesis) and maintenance (galactopoiesis) of lactation by their dams in beef cattle farming. While it is possible to trace calving and weaning records for beef cows managed under controlled mating systems, it becomes challenging for those managed under continuous mating systems, especially, when mustering of cattle occurs only once or twice in a year. The ability to trace preceding lactational status of individual cows in the current mustering would allow the producer to make informed decision on voluntary culling of cows that had neither calved nor lactated, despite confirmed pregnant in the previous mustering. Therefore, developing a crush-side diagnostic test to determine preceding lactational status of beef cows, especially, under continuous mating systems, is of utmost importance.

Requirements

Applicants should hold (or expect to hold) a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline (Veterinary Science, Animal Science, Agricultural Sciences, or any other similar discipline). In addition, Applicant should be able to fulfill the requirements to apply and secure the University of Queensland Graduate School Scholarships for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program (Please see the following link for more details).

https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/scholarship/graduate-school-scholarships-uqgss-%E2%80%93-includes-rtp

Research Collaborators
- Dr. Gobikrushanth (Chief Investigator)
- Dr. Ben Wood
- Dr. Gry Boe-Hansen
- Dr. Lee McMichael
Research Location

The School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia

Further Information

Please contact Dr. Gobikrushanth for more information: m.gobikrushanth@uq.edu.au

Application Procedure

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and CV by email, to Dr. Gobikrushanth: m.gobikrushanth@uq.edu.au

The School of Veterinary Science is an international leader in research on subtropical cattle production and health, including reproduction and genetics. We offer an outstanding range of facilities for the conduct of laboratory-based, animal-based, clinical and field research. We foster an environment where every voice is heard irrespective of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender orientation, mental or physical disability, or other marginalized groups.

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media in the following fields:

Production Animal Reproduction, Theriogenology

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

The University of Queensland

UQ Researchers