Jaswant Singh

• BVSc and AH (1983, Punjab Agril. University of India)
• MVSc (1986, Punjab Agril. University of India)
• PhD (1997, University of Saskatchewan, Canada)

Dr. Singh's teaching expertise is in the area of microscopic anatomy and reproductive science with special interest in ovarian follicle and oocyte development, and early embryonic development.

He has taught microscopic and gross anatomy to first-year veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) since 1999. His graduate teaching includes physiology and endocrinology of reproduction in mammals, techniques in reproduction, and ultrastructural cytology.

During his academic career, Dr. Singh has co-directed 13 continuing education reproductive ultrasonography and embryo transfer training workshops. He has supervised or co-supervised 21 master's students and 10 PhD students as well as more than 50 undergraduate students. He has also hosted three postdoctoral fellows and 19 faculty members from around the world.

Dr Singh’s research program is focused on factors that influence an oocyte’s ability to develop into an embryo during first seven days of life (i.e., oocyte competence). Over the past decade, his research team has established and validated the bovine model of maternal reproductive aging for the study of ovarian function in humans.

His current and past research has been directed toward studying the ultrasonographic, morphologic and biochemical kinetics, and endocrine control of ovarian follicles. He focuses on investigating the developmental competence of oocytes contained in these follicles for refining controlled breeding programs (e.g. fixed-time artificial insemination and superovulation procedures) to improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle and to help with assisted reproduction in humans.

Dr. Singh's particular interest is direct in vivo imaging of cumulus oocyte complexes using ultrasound biomicroscopy, echotexture analysis, and three-dimensional (3D) visualization of cellular organelles in oocytes. His research group recently patented the use of GnRH antagonists to synchronize follicle wave emergence in mammals.

His research program has been funded by Discovery Grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for the past 21 years, along with financial support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Canadian Light Source, EmbryoGENE Network, Prostate Canada, Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation, Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.

Dr. Singh has published more than 135 original research articles or review papers in scientific journals. He has published 200 abstracts and presented more than 40 invited talks.

His current research projects extend from the study of the basic molecular, cellular and endocrine control of ovarian follicles (neuroendocrine control pathways in the bovine hypothalamus, follicle development and oocyte competence during pre- and peripubertal period) to field experiments for optimizing reproductive efficiency and health in cattle (e.g., seven-day FSH protocol for superovulation; effect of low-levels of ergot alkaloid in animal feed on reproductive performance of beef cows and breeding bulls, use of GnRH antagonists for fixed-time artificial insemination) and to the development of domestic animal models for the study of human disorders (canine models of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer in men, and endometriosis in women).

Dr. Singh's research group maintains the oocyte competence laboratory and the molecular and live-cell imaging facility at the WCVM.

Research Mentor, Office of the Vice President, Research (2023-26)

Chair, Biomedical Engineering Division (2021 – present)

University Council Member (2019-25)

Planning and Priorities Committee of the University Council (2021-24)

Nominations Committee of the University Council (2020-25)

University of Saskatchewan Faith Leaders Council (2019-present)

University Promotions Appeal Committee (2022-25)

Member of the NSERC Discovery Grant Evaluation Group 1502 (2019-23)

Cowan V.E., Chohan M., Blakley B.R., McKinnon J., Anzar M., Singh J. 2023. Chronic ergot exposure in adult bulls suppresses prolactin but minimally impacts results of typical breeding soundness examinations Theriogenology 197: 71-83.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.037

Carrasco R.A., Pezo S., Zwiefelhofer E.M., Lanigan E.E., Singh J., Berland M.A., Ulloa-Leal C., Ratto M.H., Adams G.P. 2023. Is seminal nerve growth factor-induced luteinizing hormone release in camelids mediated at the hypothalamus? Reproduction 165: 395–405.  https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-22-0331

Nishisozu T., Singh J., Abe A., Okamura K., Dochi O. 2023. Effects of the temperature-humidity index on conception rates in Holstein heifers and cows receiving in vitro-produced Japanese Black cattle embryos. Journal of Reproduction and Development 69: 72-77.  https://doi.org/10.1262/jrd.2022-112

Leonardi C.E.P., Carrasco R.A., Dias F.C.F., Zwiefelhofer E.M., Adams G.P., Singh J. 2022. Mechanism of LH release after peripheral administration of kisspeptin in cattle. PLoS One 17: e0278564.  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278564

Singh N., Fernando C., Hill J.E., Singh J., Campbell J., Dadarwal D. 2022. Identifying the minimum concentrations of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood required for bovine fetal sexing using PCR. Theriogenology 191: 192-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.015

Zwiefelhofer M.L., Shury T., Zwiefelhofer E.M., Singh J., Mastromonaco G., Adams G.P. 2022. Strategies for oocyte collection and in vitro embryo production in free-roaming bison herds. Conservation Physiology 10: coac058.  https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coac058

Zwiefelhofer M.L., Singh J., Zwiefelhofer E.M., Mastromonaco G., Adams G.P. 2022. Influence of ovarian follicular wave synchronization and single-dose eCG superstimulation on oocyte collection and in vitro embryo production in bison during the ovulatory and anovulatory seasons. Theriogenology 187: 238-246.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.023

Krause A.R.T., Dias F.C.F., Caunce S.L., Adams G.P., Mapletoft R.J., Singh J. 2022. Predictors of the ovarian superstimulatory response and oocyte collection in prepubertal heifers. Domestic Animal endocrinology 81: 106729.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106729

Honparkhe M., Gandotra V.K., Brar P.S., Malik A.A., Dadarwal D., Singh J. 2022. Fertility response following ablation-induced follicular wave emergence and ovulation induction in anestrous buffaloes. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences 92: 27–31.  https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v92i1.120913

Castro N.Á., Leonardi C.E.P., Singh J., Schneider A., Gonçalves P.B., Oliveira F.C., D’Ávila C.A., Ferreira R., Gasperin B.G., Moreira E.M., Andrade J.deS., Pfeifer L.F.M. 2021. The role of prostaglandin F2α on ovulation and LH release in cows. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science 58: e175001.  https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2021.175001

Chohan M.R., Singh J., Cowan V.E., Munro B.J., Blakley B., McKinnon J., Kastelic J.P., Anzar M. 2021. Sustained low-dose ergot alkaloids minimally affect post-thaw sperm characteristics in mature and yearling Angus bulls. Theriogenology 176: 163-173.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.030

Andrade J.S., Zuliani J.P., Singh J., Setúbal S.S., Silva R.R., Schneider A., Pfeifer L.F.M. 2021. Prostaglandin E2 induces ovulation in prepubertal mice: PGE2 receptors and COX enzymes in pituitary and ovary. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science 58: e182745.  https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2021.182745

Krause A.R.T., Dias F.C.F., Adams G.P., Mapletoft R.J., Singh J. 2021. Antral follicle counts and association with ovarian superstimulatory response to gonadotropins in prepubertal calves. Animal Reproduction Science 227: 106730.  https://doi.org.10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106730

Carrasco R.A., Singh J., Ratto M.H., Adams G.P. 2021. Neuroanatomical basis of the nerve growth factor ovulation-induction pathway in llamas. Biology of Reproduction 104: 578 -588.  https://doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaa223

Chohan M.R., Munro B.J., Cowan V.E., Anzar M., Blakley B., McKinnon J., Kastelic J.P., Rivera-Acuna F., Singh J. 2021. Feeding yearling Angus bulls low-level ergot daily for 9 weeks decreased serum prolactin concentrations and had subtle effects on sperm end points. Theriogenology 161: 187-199.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.11.025

Alfoteisy, B., Singh, J., Anzar, M.  2020.  Natural honey acts as a nonpermeating cryoprotectant for promoting bovine oocyte vitrification.  PLoS ONE, 15(9): e0238573.  https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238573

Aulakh, G.K., Brocos Duda, J.A., Guerrero Soler, C.M., Snead, E., Singh, J.  2020.  Characterization of low-dose ozone-induced murine acute lung injury.  Physiological Reports, 8(11): e14463.  https://www.doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14463

Awang-Junaidi, A.H., Singh, J., Honaramooz, A.  2020.  Regeneration of testis tissue after ectopic implantation of porcine testis cell aggregates in mice: Improved consistency of outcomes and in situ monitoring.  Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 32(6): 594-609.  https://www.doi.org/10.1071/RD19043

Beck, K., Singh, J., Dar, M.A., Anzar, M.  2020.  Angiogenesis and follicular development in ovarian tissue of cattle following vitrification and post-warming culture on chicken chorioallantoic membrane.  Animal Reproduction Science, 212: 106254.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106254

Carrasco, R.A., Leonardi, C.E., Hutt, K., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2020.  Kisspeptin induces LH release and ovulation in an induced ovulator.  Biology of Reproduction, 103(1): 49-59.  https://www.doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioaa051

Fayaz, M.A., Awang-Junaidi, A.H., Singh, J., Honaramooz, A.  2020.  Validation of ultrasound biomicroscopy for the assessment of xenogeneic testis tissue grafts and cell implants in recipient mice.  Andrology, 8(5): 1332-1346.  https://www.doi.org/10.1111/andr.12771

Fayaz, M.A., Awang-Junaidi, A.H., Singh, J., Honaramooz, A.  2020.  Long-term monitoring of donor xenogeneic testis tissue grafts and cell implants in recipient mice using ultrasound biomicroscopy.  Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 46(11): 3088-3103.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.07.010

Krause, A.R.T., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Mapletoft, R.J., Singh, J.  2020.  Effect of dose and duration of FSH treatment on ovarian response in prepubertal calves.  Animal Reproduction Science, 219: 106471.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106471

Leonardi, C.E.P., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Araujo, E.R., Singh, J.  2020.  Kisspeptin induces ovulation in heifers under low plasma progesterone concentrations.  Theriogenology, 141: 26-34.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.08.033

Singh, J., Dhindsa, R.S., Misra, V., Singh, B.  2020.  SARS-CoV2 infectivity is potentially modulated by host redox status.  Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, 18: 3705-3711.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.016

Caunce, S.L., Dadarwal, D., Adams, G.P., Brar, P., Singh, J.  2019.  An objective volumetric method for assessment of ovarian follicular and luteal vascular flow using colour Doppler ultrasonography.  Theriogenology, 138: 66-76.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.039

Cowan, V., Grusie, T., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B., Singh, J.  2019.  Arterial responses in periparturient beef cows following a 9-week exposure to ergot (Claviceps purpurea) in Feed.  Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6: 262.  https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00262

Pfeifer, L.F.M., Mapletoft, R.J., Dardawal, D., Singh, J.  2019.  Effect of injectable progesterone on follicular development in lactating beef cows treated with estradiol plus a low-concentration progesterone device.  Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, 55(2): e136924.  https://www.doi.org/10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2018.136924

Singh, N., Brar, R.S., Chavan, S.B., Singh, J.  2019.  Scientometric analyses and visualization of scientific outcome on Nipah virus.  Current Science, 117(10): 1574-1584.  https://www.doi.org/10.18520/cs/v117/i10/1574-1584

Beck, K., Singh, J., Dar, M.A., Anzar, M.  2018.  Short-term culture of adult bovine ovarian tissues: Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) vs. traditional in vitro culture systems.  Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16(1): 21.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0337-y

Bogle, O.A., Carrasco, R.A., Ratto, M.H., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2018.  Source and localization of ovulation-inducing factor/nerve growth factor in male reproductive tissues among mammalian species.  Biology of Reproduction, 99(6): 1194-1204.  https://www.doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioy149

Carrasco, R.A., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2018.  Distribution and morphology of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the hypothalamus of an induced ovulator – The llama (Lama glama).  General and Comparative Endocrinology, 263: 43-50.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.04.011

Carrasco, R.A., Singh, J., Adams, G.P.  2018.  The relationship between gonadotropin releasing hormone and ovulation inducing factor/nerve growth factor receptors in the hypothalamus of the llama.  Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16(1): 83.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0402-6

Cowan, V.E., Neumann, A., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.R., Grusie, T.J., Singh, J.  2018.  Arterial responses to acute low-level ergot exposure in Hereford cows.  Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 5: 240.  https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00240

Dias, F.C.F., Khan, M.I.R., Sirard, M.A., Adams, G.P., Singh, J.  2018.  Transcriptome analysis of granulosa cells after conventional vs long FSH-induced superstimulation in cattle.  BMC Genomics, 19(1): 258.  https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-4642-9

Grusie, T., Cowan, V., Singh, J., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.  2018.  Assessment of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) exposure in pregnant and postpartum beef cows.  Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 98(4): 688-700.  https://www.doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2017-0098

Grusie, T., Cowan, V., Singh, J., McKinnon, J., Blakley, B.  2018.  Proportions of predominant Ergot alkaloids (Claviceps purpurea) detected in Western Canadian grains from 2014 to 2016.  World Mycotoxin Journal, 11(2): 259-264.  https://www.doi.org/10.3920/WMJ2017.2241

Leonardi, C.E.P., Dias, F.C.F., Adams, G.P., Singh, J.  2018.  Effect of Kisspeptin-10 on plasma luteinizing hormone concentrations and follicular dynamics during the luteal phase in cattle.  Theriogenology, 119: 268-274.  https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.06.023

Riaz, U., Hassan, M., Husnain, A., Naveed, M.I., Singh, J., Ahmad, N.  2018.  Effect of timing of artificial insemination in relation to onset of standing estrus on pregnancy per AI in Nili-Ravi buffalo.  Animal Reproduction, 15(4): 1231-1235.  https://www.doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-AR2017-0015

Varughese, E.E., Adams, G.P., Leonardi, C.E.P., Malhi, P.S., Babyn, P., Kinloch, M., Singh, J.  2018.  Development of a domestic animal model for endometriosis: Surgical induction in the dog, pigs, and sheep.  Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, 10(2): 95-106.  https://www.doi.org/10.1177/2284026518773942