DR. R. KEITH BRAMWELL Extension Reproductive Physiologist

Dr. Bramwell attended Brigham Young University where he received his B.S. in Animal Science in 1989. He then attended the University of Georgia from 1989 to 1995 where he received both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Poultry Science where he developed the sperm penetration assay, which is still in use today, as both a research tool and as a practical trouble shooting instrument for the poultry industry. He then spent one year studying in the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory at Colorado State University. In 1996, Bramwell returned to the University of Georgia as an Assistant Professor and Extension Poultry Scientist.

Dr. Bramwell joined the Center of Excellence at the University of Arkansas as an Extension Poultry Specialist in the fall of 2000. His areas of research include the many factors (both management and physiological) that influence fertility and embryonic mortality in broiler breeders. Specifically, he has been involved with studies on the effects of breeder flock age on the decline in fertility and sperm-egg interaction, hatchability and the associated increases in early embryonic mortality from a commercial perspective. Other areas of interest are related to hatching egg handling and storage and the effects on hatchability and embryo livability. His work will continue to focus on the various areas of the poultry industry as they relate to reproduction and hatchery management.

SIGNIFICANT PAPERS

• Bramwell, R.K. and B. Howarth. 1992. Preferential attachment of cock spermatozoa to the perivitelline layer directly over the germinal disc of the hen's ovum. Biology of Reproduction 47:1137-1147.
• Bramwell, R.K., H.L. Marks, and B. Howarth, 1995. Quantitative determination of sperm penetration of the perivitelline layer of the hen's ovum as assessed in oviposited eggs. Poultry Science 74:1875-1883.
• Bramwell, R.K., C.D. McDaniel, J.L. Wilson, and B. Howarth, 1996. Age effect of male and female broiler breeders on sperm penetration of the perivitelline layer overlying the germinal disc. Poultry Science 75:755-762.
• Bramwell, R.K. and B. Howarth, 1992. Cross-reactivity of sperm-binding proteins from the chicken, turkey, and duck oocytes. Poultry Science 71:1927-1932.
• McDaniel, C.D., R.K. Bramwell, J.L. Wilson, and B. Howarth, Jr. 1995. Fertility of male and female broiler breeders following exposure to elevated ambient temperatures. Poultry Science 74:1029-1038.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. R. Keith Bramwell
Center of Excellence for Poultry Science
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701

Telephone: 479-575-7036
bramwell@uark.edu

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