Research Scientist - External Research Services
Phone (306) 667-7440

E-mail: click here

Murray completed his B.S.A. (1986) and M.Sc. (1991) in Animal Reproduction in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Manitoba.

He then spent 3 years as a research technician in the Andrology Laboratory of the Human Infertility Clinic at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

He completed his Ph.D. in swine sperm physiology and cryopreservation with Dr. Mary Buhr at the University of Guelph in 1997.

From 1995 to 1999 he was employed as a post-doctoral fellow at the Ontario Veterinary College, investigating embryo transfer and sperm preservation in swine.

From November 1999 to August 2003 he held the position of Assistant Manager – External Research Services at Prairie Swine Centre Inc. Since August 2003 Murray he has led the program as the Research Scientist – External Research Services at Prairie Swine Centre Inc.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Guelph. 1997
• M. Sc., University of Manitoba, 1991
• BSA., University of Manitoba, 1986

Awards and Recognition

• 2007: Agribusiness Award (Midwest Section: American Society of Animal Science)

Current Research Program

• This program provides confidential research services to the swine industry in many areas including nutrition, product development, drug research and using the pig as a model for human medicine.

Committees/Professional Association Memberships

• American Society of Animal Science, 2003

Selected Publications

• Guzik, A. C, Pettitt, M. J., Beltranena, E., Southern L. L., and B. J. Kerr. 2005. Threonine and tryptophan ratios fed to nursery pigs. J. Anim. Phys. Anim. Nut. 89:297-302.
• Giesting, D. W., Pettitt, M. J. and E. Beltranena. 2004. Evaluation of organic acid blends and antibiotics for promoting growth of young pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (supp. 1) 25.
• Patterson, J. L., Foxcroft, G. R., Pettitt, M. J. and E. Beltranena. 2004. Gilt selection for improved lifetime productivity. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (supp. 1) 442.
• Pettitt, M. J., Simmins, P. H. and E. Beltranena. 2004. The effect of β–glucanase, xylanase and –amylase combinations in barley-based diets on the performance of weaner pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 82 (supp. 2) 41.
• Patterson, J. L., Foxcroft, G. R., Pettitt, M. J. and E. Beltranena. 2003. Gilt selection based on age at first estrus and breeding herd efficiency. J. Anim. Sci. 81 (supp. 1) 199.
• Patterson, J., Pettitt, M., Foxcroft, G. and E. Beltranena. 2002. Growth rate and age at first estrus in relation to efficient gilt pool management. J. Anim. Sci. 80 (supp. 1) 111.
• Buhr, M. M. and M. J. Pettitt. 2001. Ability of cryopreserved boar sperm to regulate internal calcium. Biol. Reprod. 64(supp. 1):315.
• Randall, A. E., Pettitt, M. J., Plante, C., Buckrell, B. C., Randall, G. C. B., Henderson, J. M., Larochelle, R., Magar, R. and J. W. Pollard. 1999. Elimination of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus through embryo transfer. Therio. 51:274.
• Pettitt, M. J. and M. M. Buhr. 1998. Extender components and surfactants affect boar sperm function and membrane behavior during cryopreservation. J. Androl. 19:736-746.