Susanne Meier

Qualifications

• Applied Dairy Cattle Nutrition, 2003, Massey University, Professional Development Course
• PhD, 1996, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
• BSc (1st Class Hon), 1992, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
• BSc, 1990, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

Areas of interest

Research interests include early pregnancy and enhancing the establishment of pregnancy to increase reproductive success. Specific research has focused on examining the uterine environment (gene expression and protein production) in groups of cows classified as having good and poor fertility.

This extends research examining the hormonal control of reproductive function and pregnancy. Other projects have focused on understanding the effect of nutrition on reproductive success. A recent project is specifically examining the effect of low feed intakes during mating on conception rate.

Key accomplishments

• Industry: Focusing on understanding nutrition at mating and its effects on reproductive performance in a project highlighting regional research (Taranaki). Research highlights extended to industry through various media: newspapers, DairyNZ and Fonterra publications. Obtaining industry funding researching novel endocrine selection for improved fertility (Pregnancy Enhancement project).
• Science: Project involvement for both dairy industry and government (FoRST – Research for industry and New Economy Research Fund). Established scientific collaborations with University of Waikato, University of Canterbury, Liggins Institute - University of Auckland, AgResearch – Ruakura.
• Commercial: Project manager for commercial clients, involving development, implementation and reporting on outcomes as required by commercial clients. Developed provisional patent PCT/NZ2004/000332 on Oestrus Detection System in conjunction with Sharp, Burke and Chagas*.
• Awards: Twice recipient of a NZ/USA scientific and technological co-operation programme of the International Science and Technology Linkages Fund (ISAT) award in 2000 and 2002; twice recipient of New Zealand Society of Animal Production travel award in 2000 and 2002. Also received a NZ/FRG Scientific and Technological co-operation programme (NZ/FRG STC) of the International Science in 2000.

Career output summary

Other roles

• Ad hoc reviewer for Animal Reprod Sci, Reprod, Fert Dev., NZ Vet J, NZ Soc Anim Prod, Massey University.
• Member of the following societies: NZ Soc Anim Prod, Soc Reprod Biol, Soc Study Reprod, Int Embryo Transfer Soc.