Primary Publications

Book Chapters

Robeck, T. R., O’Brien, J. K., Atkinson, S. (2018.) Chap 11: Reproduction. In: CRC Handbook in Marine Mammal Medicine, Third edition. Dierauf, L., Gulland, F., Whitman, K.L. (eds). CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl. Pp. 169-208.
Robeck, T. R., O’Brien, J. K. (2018). Reproductive Physiology. In: Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Ed 3. Wursig, B., Thewissen, J.G.M., Kovacs, K., Academic Press, San Diego. Pp. 807-810
Penfold, L.M. and O'Brien, J.K. (2011). Importation of Non-domestic Ruminant Semen for Management of Zoological Populations using Artificial Insemination. In: Fowler's Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine: Current Therapy Vol 7, Eds. Miller and ME Fowler, Elsevier Inc., pp 604-611.
Robeck T.R., O'Brien, J.K., and Odell, D.K. (2008). Captive Breeding. In: Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Ed 2. Perrin, W.F., Wursig, B., Thewissen, J.G.M. Academic Press, San Diego. Pp. 178-183.
Robeck, T.R., Atkinson, S., Brook, F. (2001). Chap 11: Reproduction. In: CRC Handbook in Marine Mammal Medicine, Second edition. Dierauf, L., Gulland, F. (eds). CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl Pp. 193-236.

Peer-reviewed Publications (2004-2018)

Robeck, T. R., Blum, J. L., Steinman, K. J., Ratner, J., Bergfelt, D.R., O’Brien, J.K. (2018). Longitudinal profiles of relaxin and progestagens during pregnancy, pregnancy loss and false pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). General and Comparative Endocrinology. Accepted manuscript. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.06.008
Robeck, T.R., Steinman, K. J., O’Brien, J. K. (2017). Characterization and longitudinal monitoring of serum androgens and glucocorticoids during normal pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 247:116-129. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.01.023
Steinman, K.J., O’Brien, J.K., Fetter, GA, Curry, E, Roth, TL, Owen, MA, Robeck, T.R. (2017). Enzyme immunoassay analysis for androgens in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) urine using enzyme hydrolysis. Aquatic Mammals, 43:245-253, DOI 10.1578/AM.43.3.2017.245
Richard, J.T., Robeck, T.R., Osborn, S.D., Naples, L., McDermott, A., LaForge, R., Romano, T.A., Sartini, B.L. (2017). Testosterone and progesterone concentrations in blow samples are biologically relevant in belugas (Delphinapterus leucas). General and Comparative Endocrinology, 246:183-193. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.12.006
O'Brien, J. K., Steinman, K. J., Fetter, GA, Robeck, T. R. (2017). Androgen and glucocorticoid production in the male killer whale (Orcinus orca): influence of age, maturity, and environmental factors. Andrology 5:180-190., DOI: 10.1111/andr.12254.
Montano, G. M., Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., O’Brien, J. K. (2016). Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in relation to age and season in male and female beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/RD15537 published online 5 October 2016
Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., O’Brien, J. K. (2016). Characterization and longitudinal monitoring of serum progestagens and estrogens during normal pregnancy in the killer whale (Orcinus orca).General and Comparative Endocrinology, 236: 83-97.
Robeck, T. R., Willis, K., Scarpuzzi, M. R. and O'Brien, J. K. (2016). Survivorship pattern inaccuracies and inappropriate anthropomorphism in scholarly pursuits of killer whale (Orcinus orca) life history: a response to Franks et al. (2016). Journal of Mammalogy. doi: 10.1093/jmammal/gyw023
Bergfelt, D. R., Blum, J. L., Steinman, K. J., O'Brien, J. K. and Robeck, T. R. (2016). Relaxin as a hormonal aid to evaluate pregnancy and pregnancy loss in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). General and Comparative Endocrinology. doi: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.12.024.
Roth, T. L., Stoops, M. A., Robeck, T. R. and O'Brien, J. K. (2016). Factors impacting the success of post-mortem sperm rescue in the rhinoceros. Animal Reproduction Science 167:22-30.
O'Brien, J. K., Nollens, H. H., Schmitt, T. L., Steinman, K. J., Dubach, J. M. and Robeck, T. R. (2016). Male reproductive physiology and the development of artificial insemination in the Magellanic penguin ( Spheniscus magellanicus) using chilled-stored semen. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. 47:206-222.
Steinman, K. J., Robeck, T. R. and O'Brien, J. K. (2016). Characterization of estrogens, testosterone and cortisol in normal bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) pregnancy. General and Comparative Endocrinology 226:102-112.
O'Brien, J. K., Schmitt, T. L., Nollens, H. H., Dubach, J. M. and Robeck, T. R. (2016). Reproductive physiology of the female Magellanic penguins ( Spheniscus magellanicus): Insights from the study of a zoological colony. General and Comparative Endocrinology 225:81-94.
Robeck, T. R., Willis, K., Scarpuzzi, M. R. and O'Brien, J. K. (2015). Comparisons of life-history parameters between free-ranging and captive killer whale ( Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management. Journal of Mammalogy -96: 1055-1070.
Robeck, T. R., Schmitt, T. L. and Osborn, S. (2015). Development of predictive models for determining fetal age-at-length in beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and their application toward in situ and ex situ population management. Marine Mammal Science 31:591-611.
O'Brien, J.K., Roth, T. R., Stoops, M. A., Ball, R. L., Steinman, K. J., Montano, G. A., Love, C. C. and Robeck, T. R. (2015). Sperm sex-sorting and preservation for managing the sex ratio and genetic diversity of the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Anim. Reprod. Sci. 152:137-153.
O'Brien. J. K. and Robeck, T. R. (2014). Semen characterization, seasonality of production, and in vitrosperm quality after chilled storage and cryopreservation in the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus). Zoo Biology 33:99-109.
Robeck, T. R. and Nollens, H. H. (2013). Hematological and serum biochemical analytes reflect physiological challenges during gestation and lactation in killer whales (Orcinus orca). Zoo Biology 32:497-509.
Robeck, T.R., Montano, G.A., Steinman, K.J., Smolensky, P., Sweeney, J., Osborn, S. and O'Brien, J.K. (2013). Development and evaluation of deep intra-uterine artificial insemination using cryopreserved sexed spermatozoa in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Animal Reproduction Science, 139:168-181.
O'Brien, J.K., Steinman, K.J., Montano, G.A., Love, C.C., Robeck, T.R. (2013). Sperm DNA fragmentation and morphological degeneration in chilled elephant (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta africana) semen collected by transrectal massage. Andrology, 1:387-400.
O'Brien, J.K., Steinman, K.J., Montano, G.A., Love, C.C., Saiers, R.L., Robeck, T.R. (2013). Characteristics of high quality Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) ejaculates and in vitro sperm quality after prolonged chilled storage and directional freezing. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 25:790-797.
Osborn, S., Dalton, L., Dold, C., Robeck, T. (2012). Management of twin pregnancy and perinatal concerns in a beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 43:193-196.
Robeck, T. R., Gili, C., Doescher, B. M., Sweeney, J., De Laender, P., Van Elk, C. E. and O'Brien, J. K. (2012). Altrenogest and progesterone therapy during pregnancy in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with progesterone insufficiency. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 43:296-308.
Montano, G. A., Kraemer, D. C., Love, C. C., Robeck, T. R. and O'Brien. J. K. (2012). Evaluation of motility, membrane status and DNA integrity of frozen-thawed bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa after sex-sorting and recryopreservation. Reproduction, 143:799-813.
O'Brien, J. K. and Robeck, T. R. (2012). The relationship of maternal characteristics and circulating progesterone concentrations with reproductive outcome after natural breeding and artificial insemination, with and without ovulation induction, in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Theriogenology, 78:469-482.
Steinman, K. J., O'Brien, J. K., Monfort, S. L. and Robeck, T. R. (2012). Characterization of the estrous cycle in female beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) using urinary endocrine monitoring and transabdominal ultrasound: Evidence of facultative induced ovulation. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 175:389-397.
Keeley, T., McGreevy, P.D. and O'Brien, J.K. (2012). Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm collected post-mortem in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Theriogenology, 78:315-325.
Keeley, T., McGreevy, P.D., Fanson, B.G., Masters, K. and O'Brien, J.K. (2012). The reproductive cycle of the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and factors associated with reproductive success in captivity. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 176:182-191.
Keeley, T., Harris, M., McGreevy, P.D., Hudson, D. and O'Brien, J.K. (2012). Development and evaluation of electroejaculation techniques in the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 24:1008-1018.
Keeley, T., McGreevy, P.D., and O'Brien, J.K. (2012). The effects of season and Devil Facial Tumour Disease on the reproductive physiology of the male Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 24:999-1007.
Robeck, T. R., Gearhart, S.A., Steinman, K. J., Katsumata, E., Loureiro J. D. and O'Brien, J. K. (2011). In vitro sperm characterization and the development of a semen cryopreservation method using directional solidification in the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Theriogenology, 76:267-279.
Stoops M. A., O'Brien J. K. and Roth, T. L. (2011). Gamete rescue in the African black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Theriogenology, 76:1258-1265.
Keeley, T., McGreevy, P. D. and O'Brien, J. K. (2011). Characterization and short-term storage of Tasmanian devil sperm collected post-mortem. Theriogenology, 76:705-714.
Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., Montano, G. A., Katsumata, E., Osborn, S., Dalton, L., Dunn, J. L., Schmitt, T., Reidarson, T. and O'Brien, J. K. (2010). Deep intra-uterine artificial inseminations using cryopreserved spermatozoa in beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). Theriogenology, 74:989-1001.
Roth T. L., Stoops, M. A., Robeck, T. R., Ball, R. L., Wolfe, B. A., Finnegan, M. V. and O'Brien, J. K. (2010). Alkaline Phosphatase as an indicator of true ejaculation in the rhinoceros. Theriogenology, 74:1701-1706.
O'Brien, J. K. and Robeck, T. R. (2010). The value of ex situ cetacean populations in understanding assisted reproductive technology for ex situ and in situ species management and conservation efforts. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 23:227-48.
O'Brien J. K. and Robeck, T. R. (2010). Preservation of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) spermatozoa using a trehalose-based cryodiluent and directional freezing technology. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 22:653-63.
Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., Ramirez, K., Greenwell, M., Van Bonn, W., Yoshioka, M., Katsumata, E., Dalton, L., Osborn, S. and O'Brien J. K. (2009). Seasonality, estrous cycle characterization, estrus synchronization, semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination in the Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Reproduction, 138:391-405.
O'Brien, J. K., Steinman, K. J., Robeck, T. R. (2009). Application of sperm sorting and associated reproductive technology for wildlife management and conservation. Theriogenology, 71:98-107.
O'Brien, J. K., Steinman, K. J., Robeck, T. R. (2009). Application of sperm sorting and associated reproductive technology for wildlife management and conservation. Theriogenology 71:98-107.
O'Brien, J.K., Steinman, K.J., Schmitt, T., and Robeck, T.R. (2008). Semen collection, characterisation and artificial insemination in the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) using liquid-stored spermatozoa. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 20:770-783.
O'Brien, J. K., Steinman, K. J., Schmitt, T. and Robeck, T. R. (2008). Semen collection, characterization and artificial insemination in the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) using liquid-stored spermatozoa. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 20:770-783.
Holt, W. V., O'Brien, J. K., and Abaigar, T. (2007). Applications and interpretation of computer-assisted sperm analyses and sperm sorting methods in assisted breeding and comparative research. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 19:709-718.
Robeck T. R.and Monfort, S. L. (2006). Characterization of male killer whale (Orcinus orca) sexual maturation and reproductive seasonality. Theriogenology, 66:242-250.
O'Brien, J. K.and Robeck, T. R. (2006). Development of sperm sexing and associated assisted reproductive technology for sex pre-selection of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Reproduction Fertility and Development, 18:319-329.
Robeck, T. R., and O'Brien, J. K. (2005). Development and Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Cetaceans. World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Marine Conservation Issues. Nr 7. Pg 8-10. Ed P. Dollinger. WAZA Liebefeld-Bern, Switzerland.
Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., Yoshioka, M., Jensen, E. , O'Brien, J. K., Katsumata, E., Gili C., McBain J. F., Sweeney, J. and Monfort, S. L. (2005). Estrous cycle characterization and artificial insemination using frozen-thawed spermatozoa in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Reproduction, 129:659-674.
Robeck, T. R., Monfort, S. L., Calle, P. P., Dunn, J. L., Jensen, E., Boehm, J. R., Young, S., Clark, S. T. (2005). Reproduction, growth and development in captive beluga (Delphinapterus leucus). Zoo Biology, 24:29-49.
Robeck, T. R.and O'Brien, J. K.(2004). Effect of cryopreservation methods and pre-cryopreservation storage on bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa. Biology of Reproduction, 70:1340-1348.
Robeck, T. R., Steinman, K. J., Gearhart, S., Reidarson, T. R., McBain, J. F., Monfort, S. L. (2004). Reproductive physiology and development of artificial insemination technology in killer whales (Orcinus orca). Biology of Reproduction, 71:650-660.