Person

Sarah E Moorey

Assistant Professor | Animal Science

Specialization: Reproductive Physiology and Genomics

Overview

Reproductive inefficiency is the leading cause of economic loss in beef cattle production systems. Such losses occur when cows fail to become pregnant during the breeding season or become pregnant but do not maintain pregnancy to calving. Additionally, even when animals establish and maintain pregnancy, cows calving after the first 21 days of the calving season are less productive than their early calving counterparts. Therefore, Dr. Moorey’s overarching research goal is to improve fertility of beef cattle to a single insemination or natural service and thereby increase the percentage of early calving cows in the beef herd. Optimal reproductive success is a combination of genetics and management; thus Dr. Moorey’s program investigates both genetic components of fertility and the complex physiology through which pregnancy is successfully achieved. Our lab leverages molecular techniques, -omics technologies, and bioinformatics to contribute advancements of knowledge in the above areas with the end goal of improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. Dr. Moorey’s lab works heavily in both the basic and applied aspects of research related to reproduction. Students will have opportunities to advance their skills in both areas and will tailor their program to advance their specific goals. Dr. Moorey is excited to work with dedicated students who wish to advance their education and future career opportunities through research in reproductive physiology and genomics. Please reach out if you are interested in joining our team.

Teaching Focus

ANSC 515 - Endocrinology; ANSC 624 - Advanced Mammalian Reproduction

Research Questions
  • How does the follicle contribute to pregnancy success? - We study the impact of follicular maturity or health on both (i) the maternal environment and (ii) oocyte competence and the resulting conceptus.
  • How does maternal nutrition impact pregnancy outcome? - We investigate impacts of differing maternal nutrition, such as the grazing of toxic endophyte infested fescue, on gamete quality and successful pregnancy establishment.
  • Can we identify genetic components of fertility? - We investigate differences in genotypes, transcript profiles, and resulting protein abundances in animals of varied fertility that allow us to (i) better understand female infertility and (ii) develop potential biomarkers of fertility in cattle.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
ANSC 624 - Advanced Mammalian Reproduction
3 credit hour(s)

Current topics and new frontiers in reproductive biology.

Recommended Background: Reproductive physiology course.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

ANSC 625 - Mammalian Endocrinology
3 credit hour(s)

Different endocrine glands and hormones of the body; hormone types, receptors, and methods of action; hormone signaling axes involved in growth, metabolism, reproduction, thyroid function, calcium homeostasis, inflammation and immune response, stress, and salt/mineral balance; importance of proper endocrine function for health and productivity of mammals; and key disorders associated with altered endocrine function. Primary scientific literature will be used to illustrate different topics. Students will actively participate in discussions of relevant journal articles.

Recommended Background: Physiology and or Biochemistry.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

Picture of Sarah E Moorey
248 Brehm Animal Science Building
2506 River Dr
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • PhD, Animal Sciences, General, Auburn University, 2019
  • MS, Animal Sciences, Other, Other, 2016
  • BS, Animal Sciences, General, Auburn University, 2014

Sarah E Moorey

Assistant Professor | Animal Science
Picture of Sarah E Moorey image
248 Brehm Animal Science Building
2506 River Dr
Knoxville, TN 37996
Education and Training
  • PhD, Animal Sciences, General, Auburn University, 2019
  • MS, Animal Sciences, Other, Other, 2016
  • BS, Animal Sciences, General, Auburn University, 2014
Overview

Reproductive inefficiency is the leading cause of economic loss in beef cattle production systems. Such losses occur when cows fail to become pregnant during the breeding season or become pregnant but do not maintain pregnancy to calving. Additionally, even when animals establish and maintain pregnancy, cows calving after the first 21 days of the calving season are less productive than their early calving counterparts. Therefore, Dr. Moorey’s overarching research goal is to improve fertility of beef cattle to a single insemination or natural service and thereby increase the percentage of early calving cows in the beef herd. Optimal reproductive success is a combination of genetics and management; thus Dr. Moorey’s program investigates both genetic components of fertility and the complex physiology through which pregnancy is successfully achieved. Our lab leverages molecular techniques, -omics technologies, and bioinformatics to contribute advancements of knowledge in the above areas with the end goal of improving reproductive efficiency in beef cattle. Dr. Moorey’s lab works heavily in both the basic and applied aspects of research related to reproduction. Students will have opportunities to advance their skills in both areas and will tailor their program to advance their specific goals. Dr. Moorey is excited to work with dedicated students who wish to advance their education and future career opportunities through research in reproductive physiology and genomics. Please reach out if you are interested in joining our team.

Teaching Focus

ANSC 515 - Endocrinology; ANSC 624 - Advanced Mammalian Reproduction

Research Questions
  • How does the follicle contribute to pregnancy success? - We study the impact of follicular maturity or health on both (i) the maternal environment and (ii) oocyte competence and the resulting conceptus.
  • How does maternal nutrition impact pregnancy outcome? - We investigate impacts of differing maternal nutrition, such as the grazing of toxic endophyte infested fescue, on gamete quality and successful pregnancy establishment.
  • Can we identify genetic components of fertility? - We investigate differences in genotypes, transcript profiles, and resulting protein abundances in animals of varied fertility that allow us to (i) better understand female infertility and (ii) develop potential biomarkers of fertility in cattle.
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
ANSC 624 - Advanced Mammalian Reproduction
3 credit hour(s)

Current topics and new frontiers in reproductive biology.

Recommended Background: Reproductive physiology course.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.

ANSC 625 - Mammalian Endocrinology
3 credit hour(s)

Different endocrine glands and hormones of the body; hormone types, receptors, and methods of action; hormone signaling axes involved in growth, metabolism, reproduction, thyroid function, calcium homeostasis, inflammation and immune response, stress, and salt/mineral balance; importance of proper endocrine function for health and productivity of mammals; and key disorders associated with altered endocrine function. Primary scientific literature will be used to illustrate different topics. Students will actively participate in discussions of relevant journal articles.

Recommended Background: Physiology and or Biochemistry.
Registration Restriction(s): Minimum student level – graduate or permission of instructor.