U of S Reproductive Technology Pioneer to Receive Distinguished Researcher Award

Posted October 14, 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 2003-10-09-OTHER
Reproductive Technology Pioneer to Receive Distinguished Researcher Award

A University of Saskatchewan veterinary scientist whose work has been
instrumental in improving cattle reproduction worldwide will receive the
Distinguished Researcher Award at the October 25th convocation.

Reuben Mapletoft is a member of the department of large animal clinical
sciences at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The award,
which carries a $1,000 prize, recognizes a U of S faculty member who has
made a major contribution to knowledge through research and publication.

"Professor Mapletoft is an international leader in reproductive science,"
said Steven Franklin, U of S Vice President Research. "His advice is
regularly sought by producers, veterinarians and researchers both in Canada
and around the world."

Mapletoft pioneered techniques to induce cows to come into estrus at the
same time, allowing producers to preschedule embryo transfer and artificial
insemination. This has been a boon for cost and efficiency. He also
developed a drug that causes cows to superovulate, allowing them to produce
multiple fertilized embryos at once.

The embryos are then harvested and chilled to preserve them during shipment.
Mapletoft has patented a substance to replace serum in culture and during
the cryopreservation phase. It is currently marketed worldwide, along with
the superovulation drug.

Mapletoft has developed protocols for embryo transfer that have since become
standard practice worldwide. Embryos from donor cows can be shipped anywhere
in the world, then placed in surrogate mothers to complete their gestation.
In this way, a cow with superior genetic characteristics can have many more
calves, and hence, far more impact on improving herd quality.

Mapletoft has played a central role in building the U of S reproductive
science and medicine program, the only one in Canada where there is close
collaboration between a veterinary college and a college of medicine.
Reproductive research on animal models has paid dividends in learning how to
treat fertility disorders in people.

"Reuben's contribution to the reproductive sciences is phenomenal, as a
scientist, as a teacher and as a colleague," says WCVM Dean Charles Rhodes.
"The whole international embryo transfer industry that has matured in the
last 20 years owes much to his efforts."

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An enthusiastic mentor and collaborator, Mapletoft gives graduate student
training high priority.
His students have gone on to make important contributions in Canada and
around the world. He has also trained more than 200 practising veterinarians
in embryo transfer and associated technologies through various workshops
over the past 25 years.

Mapletoft earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of
Guelph. He achieved both his Master's degree and Ph.D. in endocrinology and
reproductive physiology at the University of Wisconsin. He moved back to his
native Saskatchewan in 1977 to accept an associate professorship in the
department of clinical studies at the WCVM. He headed the WCVM's department
of large animal clinical sciences for two years.

An acknowledged expert in bovine endocrinology and physiology, Mapletoft is
much sought after as a speaker on the international stage. He has given
numerous lectures and conference presentations in North America, South
America, Europe, Africa and Australasia.

Mapletoft served as president of the International Embryo Transfer Society,
and was the founding president of the Canadian Embryo Transfer Association
(CETA). He continues to serve on various committees for both bodies
including 18 years on the CETA certification committee, the group
responsible for certifying professionals to conduct embryo transfer in
Canada.

He is also one of three U of S researchers awarded the Industry Leadership
Award from the Canadian Animal Health Institute, the trade association
representing companies that develop and manufacture animal health products
in Canada.

Over the course of his 26-year career at the U of S, Mapletoft has brought
over $5.75 million dollars in research funding to the university through
grants from both federal and provincial governments, plus industry
associations and private corporations.

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For more information, contact:

Reuben Mapletoft
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1212

Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/