Associate Professor Dept. of Animal Science University of Idaho Moscow ID 83844-2330   Phone: 208-885-7409 E-mail: amin@uidaho.edu   Ph.D., 1998 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), RESEARCH INTERESTS: Physiology RESEARCH SUMMARY: Reproductive efficiency is an important contributor to dairy farm profitability. Unfortunately, the reproductive performance of dairy cattle has declined steadily over the last few decades, as evidenced by decreased estrous detection rates, decreased conception rates, and increased number of services per conception. In my research program I emphasize applied research that has a direct impact on reproductive efficiency and management of dairy cows. My research is in the area of applied cattle reproduction with an emphasis on fertility, and management. The focus of my research is to develop a systematic breeding program for dairy cattle to increase fertility rates and improve reproductive and economic advantages of artificial insemination (AI) on dairy farms. Using exogenous reproductive hormones (gonadotropin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2a,, estradiol-17b, progesterone), we attempt to develop new systematic breeding program (or improve upon the existing breeding program) to provide an organized and efficient approach to administering artificial insemination and improving reproductive efficiency in cattle through increasing heat detection efficiency and enhancing conception rate. Other areas of research include: • Examining the role of environment, management, and diseases on cattle reproduction • Interaction between nutrition and reproduction • Enhancing conception rate by reducing early embryonic loss In continuing our research efforts on reproductive efficiency and management, I extensively collaborate with University of Idaho dairy extension specialists, Dr. Joe Dalton and theriogenologist Dr. Ricardo Chebel. Our research program is based on applied research addressing the existing issues on farms and those that have direct implications on practical reproductive management   REFEREED PUBLICATIONS Howard, J, M., R. Manzo, J. C. Dalton, F. Frago, and A. Ahmadzadeh. 2006. Conception rates and serum progesterone concentration in dairy cattle administered gonadotropin releasing hormone five days after artificial insemination. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 96:224-233. Ahmadzadeh, A. M. A. Barnes, F. C. Gwazdauskas, and R. M Akers. 2006. Effect of dopamine antagonist on serum cortisol and prolactin secretion in lactating Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 89:2051-2055. Sellars C. B., J. C. Dalton, R. Manzo, J. Day, and A. Ahmadzadeh. 2006. Time and Incidence of Ovulation and Conception Rates after Incorporating Estradiol Cypionate into a Timed AI Protocol. J. Dairy Sci. 89:620-626. Dalton, J. C., R. Manzo, A. Ahmadzadeh, B. Shafii, W. J. Price, and J. M. DeJarnette. 2005. Conception rates following estrous detection and timed AI in dairy cows synchronized using GnRH and PGF2?. J. Dairy Sci. 88: 4313-4316. Dalton, J.C., A. Ahmadzadeh, B. Shafii, W.J. Price, and J.M. DeJarnette. 2004. Effect of simultaneous thawing of multiple 0.5 ml-straws of semen and sequence of insemination on conception rate in dairy cattle J. Dairy Sci. 87:972-975 Carlin, S.K., A.S. Garst, C.G. Tarraf, T.L. Bailey, M.L. McGilliard, J.R. Gibbons, A. Ahmadzadeh, and F.C. Gwazdauskas. 1999. Effects of ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration on oocyte recovery and hormonal profiles before and after GnRH. Theriogenology. 51:1489-1503. Kendrick, K.W., T.L. Bailey, A.S. Garst, A.W. Pryor, A. Ahmadzadeh, R.M. Akers, W.E. Eyestone, R.E. Pearson, and F.C. Gwazdauskas. 1999. Effects of energy balance on hormones ovarian activity and recovered oocytes in lactating Holstein cows using transvaginal follicular aspiration. J. Dairy Sci. 82:1731-1741 Ahmadzadeh, A., M.A. Barnes, and R.E. Pearson. 1998. Effect of naloxone on serum luteinizing hormone concentration in anovulatory Holstein cows during the early postpartum period. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 15:177-181.