Davis, Duane L.
Professor
253 Weber Hall
Manhattan KS 66506
785-532-1224
785-532-7059 fax
davis@ksu.edu
Area(s) of Specialization
Swine Reproductive Physiology
View My Curriculum Vitae (pdf)
Publications
Education
B.S. , Kansas State University, 1970
M.S. , Kansas State University, 1974
Ph.D. , University of Missouri, 1976
Bio Brief
Dr.Davis teaches courses in the reproductive physiology of farm animals to both undergraduate and graduate students. His research program addresses embryonic and fetal survival, fetal programming, and stem cell biology.
Current projects include studies of pig umbilical cord matrix stem cells, evaluation of transcription factors in the development of pig embryos, and studies of omega-3 fatty acids on development of pig embryos and fetuses.
Dr. Davis teaches courses in the reproductive physiology of farm animals to both undergraduate and graduate student.
The omega-3 fatty acids, when fed to the sow, can change the composition of the conceptus and alter the prostaglandins in the uterine environment. They may also allow programming fetal development to affect postnatal traits of importance to pork production.
Dr. Davis’ laboratory is also studying the properties of stem cells that were discovered in the umbilical cord of pigs.These cells are found in a matrix (Wharton’s jelly) and are readily harvested and grown in vitro.The umbilical cord matrix stem (UCMS) cells are distinct from those found in umbilical cord blood.
UCMS cells are potentially useful for human medicine as replacements for cells damaged or lost due to developmental or degenerative diseases, accidents or aging.
In agriculture UCMS cells from pigs and other farm animal have great potential. They provide a cheap, plentiful, and easily harvested source of multipotential cells and may find uses to enhance food safety, food production efficiency, and to stimulate resistance to infectious diseases.
Research
Current Research Interests:
His research program addresses embryo and fetal survival, fetal programming, and stem cell biology. Current projects include studies of pig umbilical cord matrix stem cells, evaluation of transcription factors in the development of pig embryos, and studies of omega-3 fatty acids on development of pig embryos and fetuses.
Teaching
- Farm Animal Reproduction [ASI 400]
- Gametes, Fertilization, and Pregnancy in Farm Animals [ASI 802]