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Lisa Cobb

Phone: 217-356-3182

E-Mail: lisac@assochq.org

Ford Receives 2001 Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award

Dr. J. Joe Ford was honored with the Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award during the American Society of Animal Science awards ceremony in Indianapolis on Friday, July 27.

Ford, received a B.S. degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 1966, prior to serving in the U.S. Army as a veterinary technician. He later returned to Iowa State University and completed a Ph.D. with Dr. Robert Melampy as his mentor. Ford accepted a NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Anatomy, Harvard Medical School, after which in 1974 he joined USDA-ARS at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska.

Ford’s research has described changes in reproductive hormones during the follicular phase of the porcine estrous cycle and during pubertal development of boars and gilts. His studies have addressed regulation of follicular development and the use of follicle-stimulating hormone to predict the potential of boars and gilts to produce gametes. Diverse genetic lines of pigs that differ in ovulation rate and testicular size have formed the basis for Ford’s research on genetic regulation of gamete production.

This research has identified key quantitative trait loci that influence swine reproduction. His research has been reported in over 300 scientific and technical publications. He has served the swine industry through numerous committees convened by the National Pork Producers Council.

The Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award is sponsored by Monsanto Company and recognizes excellence in physiology and endocrinology research.