Brenda Alexander, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Reproductive Biology

B.S., University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
M.S., University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
Ph.D., University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY
balex@uwyo.edu • (307) 766-6278 • Room 405 AS/MB

Research Interests:

Research is focused on reproductive physiology with a focus on neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling reproduction and reproductive behavior in domestic livestock.  A special emphasis of research explores the neuroendocrine control of ram reproductive behavior with an interest in the effect of nutritional stress on fetal neural development and reproduction efficiency.

Reproductive Biology

Teaching:

ANSC 3150 Equine Nutrition & Physiology [Syllabus]

ANSC 4260/5260 Mammalian Endocrinology [CoursePage]

Selected Publications:

Alexander B.M., Kiyma Z., McFarland M., Van Kirk E. A., and Moss, G.E. 2006. Influence of Short-Term Fasting during the Luteal Phase of the Estrous Cycle on Ovarian Follicular Development during the Ensuing Proestrus. Animal Reprod Sci (accepted).

Murdoch W.J., Van Kirk E.A., Alexander B.M. 2005. DNA damages in ovarian surface epithelial cells of ovulatory hens. Exp. Biol. Med. 230:429-433.

Grant, M.H.J., Alexander B.M., Hess, B.W., Bottger, J.D., Hixon D.L., Van Kirk E.A., Nett T.M., and Moss G.E. 2005.Dietary supplementation with safflower seeds differing in fatty acid composition differentially influences serum concentrations of prostaglandin F metabolite in postpartum beef cows. Reprod. Nutr. Dev. 45:1-7.

Alexander, B. M., R. H. Stobart, W. C. Russell, K. I. O’Rourke, G. S. Lewis, J. R. Logan, J. V. Duncan, and G. E. Moss. 2005. The incidence of genotypes at codon 171 of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in five breeds of sheep and production traits of ewes associated with those genotypes. J. Anim. Sci. 83:455-459. 

Kiyma, Z., B. M. Alexander, E. A. Van Kirk, W. J. Murdoch, D. M. Hallford, and G. E. Moss. 2004. Effects of feed restriction on reproductive and metabolic hormones in ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 82:2548-2557.

Alexander, B. M., B. W. Hess, D. L. Hixon, B. L. Garrett, D. C. Rule, M. McFarland, J. D. Bottger, D. D. Simms and G. E. Moss.  2002.  Influence of fat supplementation on beef cow reproduction and calf performance.  Prof. Animal Scientist.  18:351-357. 

Alexander, B. M., Rose, J. D.,  Stellflug, J. N., Fitzgerald, J. A., and  Moss, G. E. 2001. Fos-like immunoreactivity in brain regions of domestic rams following exposure to rams or ewes.  Phys. Behav.  73:75-80.

Alexander, B.M., J.D. Rose, J.N. Stellflug, J.A. Fitzgerald and G.E. Moss.  2001.  Low-sexually performing rams but not male-oriented rams can be discriminated by neuronal soma size in the amygdala and pre-optic area:  A morphometric study.  Behav. Brain Res. 119:15-21.

Alexander, B. M., Stellflug, J. N., Rose, J. D., Fitzgerald, J. A., Moss, G. E. 1999. Behavior and endocrine correlates related to exposure of heterosexual, low-performing and male-oriented domestic rams to rams and ewes in estrus. J. Anim. Sci. 77:1869-1874.