Divakar Ambrose, PhD, MVSc, BVSc

Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept

Contact

Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
Email
dambrose@ualberta.ca

Overview

Area of Study / Keywords

Dairy cattle; Reproductive physiology & management; Anogenital distance and fertility in cattle


About

Degree

PhD, University of British Columbia

MVSc,, BVSc, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Job/Research Area 

Reproductive Physiology & Management – Dairy Cattle


Research

Research emphasis is on strategies that improve reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. Primary focus is on endocrine and nutritional factors that influence reproductive outcome, applied embryo technologies, and reproductive ultrasonography. Research interests include: control of ovarian function (synchronization of estrus and ovulation), improving estrus detection efficiency through electronic aids, role of dietary fatty acids on fertility, strategies to reduce early embryonic mortality, postpartum reproductive management (cystic ovarian and anestrous conditions), corpus luteum function, and novel reproductive phenotypes as fertility markers.



Teaching

Graduate Seminar (AFNS 601)

Applied Dairy Production Science (ANSC 472)

Courses

AFNS 500 - Individual Study

Project or reading course under the supervision of a Faculty member requiring preparation of a comprehensive report. Prerequisite: consent of Department. Note: May be taken more than once provided the topic is different.


AN SC 472 - Applied Dairy Production Science

Examination of the structure of the dairy industry, evaluation of management practices to optimize production efficiency and animal well-being, and integration of nutritional, physiological, and biochemical processes involved in production of quality milk. Laboratories emphasize practical applications, field trips, and discussion. Prerequisite: (AN SC 101 or 200), AN SC 260 and 310, or consent of instructor.


Browse more courses taught by Divakar Ambrose

Publications

Superovulatory response, anti-Müllerian hormone concentration and antral follicle count in Holstein cattle with short or long anogenital distance

Author(s): I. Rajesh, M.G. Colazo, M. Gobikrushanth, J.E. Carrelli, M. Oba, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 11/3/2022
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 195
Page Numbers: 249-256
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.036
External Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.036

Effects of dietary butyrate supplementation and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration on uterine inflammation and interval to first ovulation in postpartum dairy cows

Author(s): L.A. Engelking, M. Gobikrushanth, M. Oba, D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 6/17/2022
Publication: JDS Communications
DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0207
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2022-0207

Evaluating automated infrared thermography and vulva exposure tracking as components of an estrus detection platform in a commercial dairy herd

Author(s): Perez-Marquez H.J., A. Schaefer, H. Von Gaza, D.J. Ambrose; C.J. Bench; N. Cook
Publication Date: 6/9/2022
Publication: Animal
Page Numbers: Accepted
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.51044

Anogenital distance is associated with resumption of cyclicity, intensity of estrous expression, ovulation, and progesterone concentrations in lactating Holstein cows.

Author(s): A.M.L.Augusto, T.A.Burnett, J.E.Carrelli, M.Gobikrushanth, R.L.A.Cerri, D.J.Ambrose
Publication Date: 6/1/2022
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Page Numbers: Accepted
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21897

Associations between anogenital distance and measures of fertility in lactating North American Holstein cows: A validation study

Author(s): J. E. Carrelli, M. Gobikrushanth, M. Corpron, W. Sandberg, I. Rajesh, A. Ahmadzadeh, M. Oba, and D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 5/19/2022
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 105
Page Numbers: 6339-6352
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20827
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-20827

Effects of dietary butyrate supplementation and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration on serum inflammatory markers and productivity of dairy cows during the calving transition

Author(s): L.A. Engelking, D. J. Ambrose, M. Oba
Publication Date: 3/17/2022
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 105
Page Numbers: 4144-4155
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21553
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-21553

Repeatability of anogenital distance measurements from birth to maturity and at different physiological states in female Holstein cattle

Author(s): Rajesh, I., M. Gobikrushanth, J. E. Carrelli, M. Oba, D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 1/12/2022
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 105
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21419
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2021-21419

Evaluation of infrared thermography combined with behavior biometrics for estrus detection in naturally cycling dairy cows

Author(s): H.J. Perez Marquez, D.J. Ambrose, A. L. Schaefer, N. J. Cook, C. J. Bench
Publication Date: 6/23/2021
Publication: Animal
Volume: 15
Issue: 7
Page Numbers: 100205
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100205
External Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2021.100205

Relationship of anogenital distance with fertility in nulliparous Holstein heifers

Author(s): J.E. Carrelli, M. Gobikrushanth, M. Corpron, I. Rajesh, W. Sandberg, M.G. Colazo, A. Ahmadzadeh, M. Oba, and D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 4/14/2021
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 104
Page Numbers: 8256-8264
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19940
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19940

Differing planes of pre- and postweaning phase nutrition in Holstein heifers: II. Effects on circulating leptin, luteinizing hormone, and age at puberty

Author(s): T.C. Bruinjé, J.P. Rosadiuk, F. Moslemipur, H. Sauerwein, M.A. Steele, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 10/29/2020
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 104
Page Numbers: 1153-1163
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18810
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18810

Differing planes of pre- and postweaning phase nutrition in Holstein heifers: I. Effects on feed intake, growth efficiency, and metabolic and development indicators

Author(s): J.P. Rosadiuk, T.C. Bruinjé, F. Moslemipur, A.J. Fischer-Tlustos, D.L. Renaud, D.J Ambrose, M.A. Steele
Publication Date: 10/14/2020
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 104
Page Numbers: P1136-1152
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18809

Prostaglandin F2ɑ induced luteolysis is delayed but not prevented by acute administration of luteotropic drugs in lactating non-pregnant Holstein cows

Author(s): D.J. Ambrose*, M.G. Colazo, M. Gobikrushanth
Publication Date: 12/1/2019
Publication: Clinical Theriogenology
Volume: 11
Issue: 4
Page Numbers: 599-606

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in grazing dairy cows: Identification of factors affecting plasma concentration, relationship with phenotypic fertility, and genome-wide associations

Author(s): M. Gobikrushanth, D. C. Purfield, E. R. Canadas, M. M. Herlihy, J. Kenneally, M. Murray, F. J. Kearney, M. Colazo, D.J. Ambrose, S.T. Butler
Publication Date: 9/11/2019
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 11622-11635
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16979
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16979

Carryover effects of pre- and post-weaning planes of nutrition on reproductive tract development and estrous cycle characteristics in Holstein heifers

Author(s): T.C. Bruinjé, J.P. Rosadiuk, F. Moslemipur, J.E. Carrelli, M.A. Steele, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 9/11/2019
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 10514-29
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16249
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-16249

Infrared thermography and behavioral biometrics associated with estrus indicators and ovulation in estrus synchronized dairy cows housed in tie-stalls

Author(s): H. J. Perez Marquez, D. J. Ambrose, A. L. Schaefer, N. J. Cook, C. J. Bench
Publication Date: 3/15/2019
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 4427-40
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15221

Effects of supplementing a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product during periparturient period on performance of dairy cows fed fresh diets differing in starch content

Author(s): W. Shi, C. E. Knoblock, K. V. Murphy, T. C. Bruinjé, I. Yoon, D. J. Ambrose, M. Oba
Publication Date: 2/7/2019
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 3082-96
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15307
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15307

Validation of an automated in-line milk progesterone analysis system to diagnose pregnancy in dairy cattle

Author(s): T. C. Bruinjé, D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2/1/2019
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 3625-3631
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15692
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15692

The effects of amount of milk fed, and starter intake, on performance of group-housed dairy heifers during the weaning transition

Author(s): J. Haisan, M. A. Steele, D. J. Ambrose, M. Oba
Publication Date: 1/30/2019
Publication: Professional Animal Scientist
Volume: 35
Page Numbers: 88-93
DOI: 10.15232/aas.2018-01812
External Link: https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2018-01812

The relationship between anogenital distance and fertility, and genome-wide associations for anogenital distance in Irish Holstein-Friesian cows

Author(s): Gobikrushanth M, Bruinjé T. C., Colazo M. G., Ambrose D. J., and Butler S. T
Publication Date: 12/26/2018
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 1702-11
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15552
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-15552

Morphology, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function in sperm of crossbred beef bulls selected for residual feed intake.

Author(s): T.C. Bruinjé, , P. Ponce-Barajas, A. Dourey, M. G. Colazo, T. Caldwell, Z. Wang, S. P. Miller, D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 12/18/2018
Publication: Canadian Journal of Animal Science
DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0103
External Link: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2018-0103

Using in-line milk progesterone data to characterize parameters of luteal activity and their association with fertility in Holstein cows

Author(s): T.C. Bruinjé, M.G. Colazo, E.S. Ribeiro, M. Gobikrushanth, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 10/18/2018
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 780-98
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14654
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2018-14654

Characterization of anogenital distance and its relationship to fertility in lactating Holstein cows

Author(s): M. Gobikrushanth, T. C. Bruinjé, M. G. Colazo, S. T. Butler, and D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 12/1/2017
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 100
Page Numbers: 9815-9823
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13033
External Link: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-13033

Dynamics of pre- and post-insemination progesterone profiles and insemination outcomes determined by an in-line milk analysis system in primiparous and multiparous Canadian Holstein cows.

Author(s): T.C. Bruinje, M. Gobikrushanth, M.G. Colazo, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 10/15/2017
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 102
Page Numbers: 147-153
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.024
External Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.024

Relationships among early postpartum luteal activity, parity, and insemination outcomes based on in-line milk progesterone profiles in Canadian Holstein cows.

Author(s): T. C. Bruinjé, M. G. Colazo, M. Gobikrushanth, D. J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 9/15/2017
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 100
Page Numbers: 32-41
DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.021
External Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.021

Dairy cows continuously-housed in tie-stalls failed to manifest activity changes during estrus

Author(s): C.A. Felton, M.G. Colazo, P. Ponce-Barajas, C.J. Bench, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2012
Publication: Canadian Journal of Animal Science
Volume: 92
Page Numbers: 186-196

Neither duration of progesterone insert nor initial GnRH treatment affected pregnancy per timed-insemination in dairy heifers subjected to a Co-synch protocol

Author(s): M.G. Colazo, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2011
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 76
Page Numbers: 578-588

Relationships between endometrial cytology and interval to first ovulation, and pregnancy in postpartum dairy cows in a single herd

Author(s): A. Dourey, M.G. Colazo, P. Ponce-Barajas, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2011
Publication: Research in Veterinary Science
Volume: 91
Page Numbers: 149-153

The applications of timed artificial insemination and timed embryo transfer in reproductive management of dairy cattle

Author(s): D.J. Ambrose, M.G. Colazo, J.P. Kastelic
Publication Date: 2010
Publication: Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia
Volume: 39
Page Numbers: 383-392

Plasma luteinizing hormone concentrations in cows given repeated treatments or three different doses of gonadotropin releasing hormone

Author(s): M.G. Colazo, T. O. Ree, D.G.V. Emmanuel, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2009
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 71
Page Numbers: 984-992

The effect of porcine luteinizing hormone on synchronization of ovulation and corpus luteum development in beef and dairy cattle

Author(s): T.O. Ree, M.G. Colazo, A.G.A. Lamont, J.P. Kastelic, M.K. Dyck, R.J. Mapletoft, B.N. Ametaj, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2009
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 72
Page Numbers: 120-128

Reproductive performance of dairy cows is influenced by prepartum feed restriction and dietary fatty acid source

Author(s): M.G. Colazo, A. Hayirli, L. Doepel, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2009
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 92
Page Numbers: 2562–2571

Effects of dietary energy and protein density on plasma concentrations of leptin and metabolic hormones in dairy heifers

Author(s): P.K. Chelikani, D.J. Ambrose, D.H. Keisler, J.J. Kennelly
Publication Date: 2009
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 92
Page Numbers: 1430-1441

Pregnancy rates to timed-AI in dairy cows treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone or porcine luteinizing hormone

Author(s): M.G. Colazo, M.B. Gordon, R. Rajamahendran, R.J. Mapletoft, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2009
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 72
Page Numbers: 262-270

Postpartum anestrus in dairy cattle

Author(s): A.T. Peter, P.L.A.M. Vos, D.J. Ambrose
Publication Date: 2009
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 71
Page Numbers: 1333-1342

Pregnancy rates to timed AI in Holstein heifers given prostaglandin F2a concurrent with, or 24 h prior to, removal of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert

Author(s): D.J. Ambrose, D.G.V. Emmanuel, M.G. Colazo, J.P. Kastelic
Publication Date: 2008
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 91
Page Numbers: 2678-2683

Mixed-breed twin production by contralateral direct transfer of male embryos to beef cow recipients bred to GnRH-based, fixed-time AI

Author(s): J.A. Small, D.J. Ambrose, R. Rajamahendran, J.P. Kastelic
Publication Date: 2008
Publication: Livestock Science
Volume: 118
Page Numbers: 272-281

Diets enriched in unsaturated fatty acids enhance early embryonic development in lactating Holstein cows

Author(s): G. Thangavelu, M.G. Colazo, D.J. Ambrose, M. Oba, E.K. Okine and M.K. Dyck
Publication Date: 2007
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 68
Page Numbers: 949-957

Lower pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows fed a diet enriched in a-linolenic acid

Author(s): D.J. Ambrose, J.P. Kastelic, R. Corbett, P.A. Day, J.A. Small, H.V. Petit, P. Zalkovic
Publication Date: 2006
Publication: Journal of Dairy Science
Volume: 89
Page Numbers: 3066-3079

Progesterone (CIDR)- based timed AI protocols using GnRH, porcine LH or estradiol cypionate for dairy heifers: Ovarian and endocrine responses and pregnancy rates

Author(s): D.J. Ambrose, J.P. Kastelic, R. Rajamahendran, M. Aali, N. Dinn
Publication Date: 2005
Publication: Theriogenology
Volume: 64
Page Numbers: 1457-1474

Ovarian and endocrine responses associated with the treatment of cystic ovarian follicles in dairy cows with gonadotropin releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2a, with or without exogenous progesterone

Author(s): D.J. Ambrose, E.J-P. Schmitt, F. L. Lopes, R.C. Mattos, W.W. Thatcher
Publication Date: 2004
Publication: Canadian Veterinary Journal
Volume: 45
Page Numbers: 931-937