Vern L. Christensen
Educational Background:
- B.A. (1971) Utah State University, Logan, Utah
- M.S. (1975) Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
- Ph.D. (1978) University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Teaching Interests:
Research Interests:
Research in the laboratory investigates the physiology limiting gamete viability and function. Specific interests focus in molecular events that affect the fertilization and embryo viability of domestic turkeys. The laboratory is equipped to measure sperm and egg viability as well as embryo physiology.
Current studies are investigating the dam and sire effects on fertility, embryo survival, and post-hatch viability. Sire and dam effects underlying metabolic diseases of neonates.
Representative Publications:
- Christensen, V. L., M. J. Wineland, I Yildrum, D. T. Ort and K. M. Mann, 2004. Incubator temperature and oxygen concentration at the plateau stage affect cardiac health of turkey embryos J. of Anim. And Vet. Advances 3:52-65.
- Christensen, V. L., D. T. Ort, M. J. Wineland and J. L. Grimes, 2004. Turkey sire effects on embryonic survival and physiology. Int. J. of Poult. Sci. 3:80-88.
- Christensen, V. L., M. J. Wineland, I. Yildrum, D. T. Ort and K. M. Mann, 2004. Incubator temperature and oxygen concentration at the plateau stage affects intestinal maturation of turkey embryos. Int. J. of Poult. Sci. 3:378-385
