Research Projects

Introduction & Background Effective reproductive management is essential to improving goat productivity, particularly in rural communities where goats serve as key sources of milk and meat. Current fertility evaluation methods—such as hormonal assays and ultrasonography—are invasive, costly, and impractical for large-scale or rural use. A reliable, non-invasive, and field-deployable tool is urgently needed to assess ovarian reserve (OR), which reflects the number and quality of available oocytes and influences reproductive capacity. Although Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a promising OR biomarker, it requires blood samples and lab infrastructure. Vaginal secretions and urine, however, offer accessible and minimally invasive alternatives. These fluids are rich in proteomic and metabolomic signatures that may mirror ovarian physiology. With advances in omics technologies, high-throughput analysis of these biofluids can now identify key fertility-related biomarkers. Simultaneously, the application of nanotechnology enables the development of sensitive, low-cost biosensors suitable for field use. Nanomaterials like gold nanoparticles and graphene exhibit unique physicochemical properties—optical sensitivity, conductivity, and biocompatibility—making them ideal for constructing rapid diagnostic devices. Combining these innovations could revolutionize goat reproductive monitoring and provide a scalable model for other livestock. Rationale and Significance We hypothesize that specific proteins and metabolites linked to ovarian reserve exist in goat vaginal secretions and urine and can be identified through proteomic and metabolomic profiling. Integrating these validated biomarkers into a nanotechnology-enabled biosensor can yield a rapid, non-invasive, and portable fertility assessment tool. This device will significantly improve breeding decision-making, reduce dependence on invasive techniques, and be especially valuable in low-resource settings. Its scalability makes it adaptable to other animal species, supporting broader livestock productivity, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices. Hypothesis Goat vaginal secretions and urine contain unique proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers reflective of ovarian reserve. These markers can be identified through high-throughput omics analysis and sensitively detected using nanotechnology-integrated biosensors for rapid, field-based fertility evaluation. Significance This project will generate novel scientific insights into reproductive biomarkers via a multi-omics approach. It will drive innovation in biosensor design through nanotechnology, resulting in a practical, low-cost diagnostic tool. Societally, it will empower farmers with timely, actionable data to enhance herd management, productivity, and income.