Dr. Kaitlin Epperson

Assistant Professor

Education

• Ph.D. Reproductive Physiology; Texas A&M University
• M.S. Animal Science; South Dakota State University
• B.S. Animal Science; University of Missouri
• A.A. Biology; Moberly Area Community College

Courses Taught

• Agricultural Advocacy
• Artificial Insemination
• Genetics of Livestock Improvement
• Livestock Health and Disease Management
• Principles of Animal Breeding
• Small Ruminant Science

Academic Interests

• Understanding beef cattle reproductive physiology and available practices to increase pregnancy success and reproductive efficiency
• Beef cattle health management practices and their effects on success of breeding programs
• Improvement of cattle reproductive outcomes following modified-live virus pre-breeding vaccinations administered near the start of the breeding season

Scholarly Activity

Primary Author of Peer-Reviewed Publications:

• Epperson, K.M., Beck, E.E., Rich, J.J.J., Northrop-Albrecht, E.J., Perkins, S.D., Zezeski, A.L., Ketchum, J.N., Menegatti Zoca, S., Walker, J.A., Geary, T.W., and Perry, G.A. Modulation of expression of estrus, steroidogenesis and embryo development following peri-Artificial Insemination nutrient restriction in beef heifers. Anim Reprod. Sci. 2022; 244:107045.
• Epperson, K.M., Rich, J.J.J., Menegatti Zoca, S., Northrop, E.J., Perkins, S.D., Walker, J.A., Rhoades, J.R., and Perry, G.A. Effect of Progesterone Supplementation in a Resynchronization Protocol on Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Success. Theriogenology. 2020; 157:121-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.011
• Epperson, K.M., Rich, J.J.J., Zoca, S.M., Perkins, S.D., Northrop, E.J., Daly, R.F., Walker, J.A., Rhoades, J.R., and Perry, G.A. Influence of BVDV Infection on AI Conception and Breeding Season Pregnancy Success in Vaccinated Beef Heifers. The Bovine Practitioner. 2020; 54(2):120-125.

Contributing Author of Peer-Reviewed Publications:

• Menegatti Zoca, S., J. A. Walker, A. C. Kline, T.N. Andrews, J. J. J. Rich, M. Epperson, J. Nora Drum, M. S. Ortega, R. A. Cushman, G. A. Perry. Relationship of Field Fertility and in vitro Fertility of Dairy Bulls with Sperm Parameters, Including DAG1 and SERPINA5 Proteins. Frontiers in Animal Science. 2023; 4. DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1180967
• Ketchum, J. N., L. K. Quail, M. Epperson, M. A. Ogg, A. L. Zezeski, J. J. J. Rich, S. M. Zoca, A. C. Kline, T. N. Andrews, M. S. Ortega, M. F. Smith, T. W. Geary, and G. A. Perry. Influence of preovulatory estradiol on the maintenance of pregnancy in beef cattle. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 2023; 255:107274. DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107274
• Perry, G. A., J. N. Ketchum, M. Epperson, and L. K. Quail. 2022. Improving reproductive management in cow herds. Clinical Theriogenology 14(3):1-19.
• Snider, A.P., H.K. Yake, C.D. Granger, S.L. Rosasco, T.G. McDaneld, W.M. Snelling, C.C. Chase Jr., J.R. Miles, C.A. Lents, L.K. Quail, J.J.J. Rich, M. Epperson, M.S. Crouse, A.F. Summers, G.A. Perry, G.L. Bennett, and R.A. Cushman. Polymorphism of the follicle stimulating hormone receptor does not impact reproductive performance or in-vitro embryo production in beef heifers. Theriogenology. 2022; 195:131-137.
• Snider, A.P., M.S. Crouse, S.L. Rosasco, M. Epperson, E.J. Northrop-Albrecht, J.J.J. Rich, C.C. Chase Jr., J.R. Miles, G.A. Perry, A.F. Summers, and R.A. Cushman. Greater numbers of antral follicles in the ovary are associated with increased concentrations of glucose in uterine luminal fluid of beef heifers. Anim. Reprod. Sci. 2022; 239: 106968
• Perry, G.A., S.D. Perkins, E.J. Northrop, J.J.J. Rich, M. Epperson, T.N. Andrews, A.C. Kline, L.K. Quail, J.A. Walker, C.L. Wright, and J.R. Russell. Impact of trace mineral source on beef replacement heifer growth, reproductive development and biomarkers of maternal recognition of pregnancy and embryo survival. J Anim. Sci. 2021; 99(7):1-8.

Student Group Advisement

• Block and Bridle
• Pre-Vet Club
• Collegiate Cattlemen’s