K-State home » Animal Sciences and Industry  » People » PersonalInfo
Animal Sciences and Industry
Davis, Duane L.
Designation :  Professor
On Campus Address : 253 Weber Hall
Manhattan KS 66506
Phone(s) : 785-532-1224
Fax : 785-532-7059
E-mail : davis@k-state.edu
Area(s) of
Specialization		 : Swine Reproductive Physiology
Last Updated :9/1/2009 4:48:31 PM    Get my vCard
   



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.

    Education
B.S. , Kansas State University, 1970
M.S. , Kansas State University, 1974
Ph.D. , University of Missouri, 1976
Selected Publications
 Citation/AbstractYear 
• Troyer DL, Weiss ML, Mitchell KE, Martin PL, Davis DL: Incorporation of bovine bone marrow stromal cells into porcine fetal tissues after xenotransplantation. Anatomia Histologia Embryologia 32(2):98-101,2003. 2003    
•

Brazle, A.B., B.J. Johnson, E. C. Titgemeyer, S.K. Webel, and D.L. Davis.  2005.  Fatty acid composition of the porcine conceptus in response to maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.  KSU Swine Research 2005, Manhattan, KS.  pp. 8-11.

2005    
1