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Dr Simon De Graaf

BScAgr(Hons/Medal), PhD, GradCertEducStud(Higher Education)
Lecturer in Animal Reproduction Sub Dean Sydney Campus

B19 - R.M.C. Gunn Building
The University of Sydney

Telephone +61 2 9351 3363
Fax +61 2 9351 3957

Research interests

Applied reproduction in domestic and wild animals. Semen and embryo preservation, artificial insemination and embryo transfer. In vitro fertilisation and embryo culture. Production of pre-sexed offspring by flow cytometric sex-sorting. The role of seminal plasma in sperm function and fertility.

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Teaching and supervision

Reproductive biology, reproductive physiology and applied reproduction in units of study within the BScVet (VETS2016; VETS4233; VETS5360) and BAnVetBioSc (ANSC3102; ANSC3104) degrees. Undergraduate and postgraduate research training in research areas listed below.

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Themes

Animal Production

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Selected grants

2013

  • Robotic High Throughput Western Analysis for the Open Access, Multi-User Sydney Cancer Research Core Facility; Richardson D, Scolyer R, Boyer M, Halliday G, Damian D, Christopherson R, Joshua D, Kench J, Hong A, Murray M, Lee C, Kalinowski D, Naylor M, Lay P, Lyons J, Kovacevic Z, Mason R, Dixon K, Chan-Ling T, Hawkins C, Sunde M, Lovejoy D, Owens T, Rendina L, Jansson J, dos Remedios C, Charles (nee Slaviero) K, Lane D, Witting P, Dong Q, Ammit A, Groundwater P, Assinder S, Bao S, Byrne S, Zhou F, Buckland M, Grewal (, Huq F, Lai D, Codd R, Zhang D, Fu D, de Graaf S, Huang M, Payne R, Slobedman B, Barrs V, Ho P, Williamson P, Murphy C; DVC Research/Equipment Grant.

2011

  • Developing assisted reproductive technologies in camelids, especially the alpaca; de Graaf S, Bathgate R; Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation/Research Priorities Program.
  • Developing an effective diluent for transport of rabbit semen; Bathgate R, de Graaf S; Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation/Research Priorities Program.

2010

  • Sydnovate Fund 1039 - Optofluidic Sperm sorter; de Graaf S.
  • Ruminant Reproduction Symposium - Successful cryopreservation of embryos produced from superovulated ewes inseminated with sex-sorted ram spermatozoa; de Graaf S; The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney/Postdoctoral fellow and new academic staff travel funds.
  • Proteomic analysis of the interaction between sperm and seminal plasma in mammalian species; de Graaf S; The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney/Start-up Research Fund.

2009

  • In vitro production of pig embryos using sex-sorted spermatozoa; de Graaf S; The Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney/Start-up Research Fund.
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Selected publications

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Book Chapters

  • de Graaf, S. (2010). Reproduction. In D.J. Cottle (Eds.), International Sheep and Wool Handbook, (pp. 189-222). Nottingham: Nottingham University Press.

Journals

  • Rath, D., Barcikowski, S., de Graaf, S., Garrels, W., Grossfeld, R., Klein, S., Knabe, W., Knorr, C., Kues, W., Meyer, W., et al (2013). Sex selection of sperm in farm animals: status report and developmental prospects. Reproduction, 145, R15-R30.
  • Leahy, T., de Graaf, S. (2012). Seminal Plasma and its Effect on Ruminant Spermatozoa During Processing. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47(Suppl. 4), 207-213.
  • Portas, T., Evans, G., de Graaf, S. (2012). The seminiferous cycle of the rhinoceros. Animal Reproduction Science, 136(1-2), 128-132.
  • Beilby, K., de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., Wilkening, S., Wrenzycki, C., Grupen, C. (2011). Quantitative mRNA expression in ovine blastocysts produced from X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm, both in vitro and in vivo. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 76(3), 471-481.
  • Beilby, K., de Graaf, S., Grupen, C. (2010). The Effect of Sperm and Cryoprotectant concentration on the Freezing Success of Sex Sorted ram Sperm for In-Vitro Fertilization. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 74(5), 786-794.
  • Behr, B., Rath, D., Mueller, P., Hildebrandt, T., Goeritz, F., Braun, B., Leahy, T., de Graaf, S., Maxwell, W., Hermes, R. (2009). Feasibility of sex-sorting sperm from the white and the black rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum, Diceros bicornis). Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 72(3), 353-364.
  • Behr, B., Rath, D., Hildebrandt, T., Goeritz, F., Blottner, S., Portas, T., Bryant, B., Sieg, B., Knieriem, A., de Graaf, S., Maxwell, W., et al (2009). Germany/Australia Index of sperm sex sortability in Elephants and Rhinoceros. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 44(2), 273-277.
  • de Graaf, S., Beilby, K., Underwood, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W. (2009). Sperm sexing in sheep and cattle: The exception and the rule. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 71(1), 89-97.
  • de Graaf, S., Leahy, T., Marti, J., Evans, G., Maxwell, W. (2008). Application of Seminal Plasma in Sex-Sorting and Sperm Cryopreservation. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 70, 1360-1363.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., Cran, D., O'Brien, J. (2007). Birth of offspring of pre-determined sex after artificial insemination of frozen-thawed, sex-sorted and re-frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 67(2), 391-398.
  • de Graaf, S., Beilby, K., O'Brien, J., Osborn, D., Downing, J., Maxwell, W., Evans, G. (2007). Embryo production from superovulated sheep inseminated with sex-sorted ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 67(3), 550-555.
  • de Graaf, S., Peake, K., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J., Evans, G. (2007). Influence of supplementing diet with Oleic and Linoleic acid on the freezing ability and sex-sorting parameters of ram semen. Livestock Science, 110, 166-173.
  • Maxwell, W., de Graaf, S., El-Hajj Ghaoui, R., Evans, G. (2007). Seminal plasma effects on sperm handling and female fertility. Society of Reproduction and Fertility Supplement, 64, 13-38.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., Downing, J., O'Brien, J. (2007). Successful Low Dose Insemination of Flow Cytometrically Sorted Ram Spermatozoa in Sheep. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 42, 648-653.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Gillan, L., Guerra, M., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2007). The influence of antioxidant, cholesterol and seminal plasma on the in vitro quality of sorted and non-sorted ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 67(2), 217-227.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). In vitro characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa after sex sorting and re-freezing. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 18(8), 867-874.
  • Morton, K., de Graaf, S., Campbell, A., Tomkins, L., Maxwell, W., Evans, G. (2005). Repeat Ovum Pick-up and in vitro Embryo Production from Adult Ewes with and without FSH treatment. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 440, 422-428.
  • Maxwell, W., Evans, G., Hollinshead, F., Bathgate, R., de Graaf, S., Eriksson, B., Gillan, L., Morton, K., O'Brien, J. (2004). Integration Of Sperm Sexing Technology Into The Art Toolbox. Animal Reproduction Science, 82-83, 79-95.

Conferences

  • Beilby, K., Wilkening, S., de Graaf, S., Wrenzycki, C., Grupen, C. (2011). Quantification of Developmentally Important Gene Transcripts Expressed in Embryos Produced In Vivo and In Vitro Using Sex-Sorted and Non-Sorted Ram Spermatozoa. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, melbourne: CSIRO Publishing.
  • Evans, G., de Graaf, S. (2010). Application of sexed sperm in animal breeding and conservation programs. International Strategic Programs for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Canada: University of Saskatchewan.
  • de Graaf, S., Druart, X. (2010). Interaction of spermatozoa with the Female Reproductive Tract. Society for Reproductive Biology/Australian Endocrine Society, Australia: Australian Society for Reproductive Biology.
  • Beilby, K., Kaurivi, Y., Maxwell, W., Evans, G., de Graaf, S., Grupen, C. (2010). Production of Embryos in Superovulated Ewes Using Frozen-Thawed, Sex-Sorted and Refrozen-Thawed Sperm. 41st Annual Conference of the Society for Reproductive Biology, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
  • Maxwell, W., de Graaf, S., El-Hajj Ghaoui, R., Evans, G. (2007). Seminal plasma effects on sperm handling and female fertility. In: Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants VI (INVITED REVIEW). 7th International Symposium on Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants, Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). In vitro differences between sex-sorted ram sperm originating from fresh or frozen-thawed samples. 39th Annual Conference of Physiology and Pathology of Reproduction and 31st Mutual Conference on Veterinary and Human Reproductive Medicine, u/k: Blackwell Synergy.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). Invitro differences between sex sorted Ram sperm Originating from Fresh or Frozen/Thawed samples. European Society of Domestic Animal Reproduction, Germany: Blackwell Publishers.
  • de Graaf, S., Leahy, T., Gillan, L., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). Kinematics of sex-sorted ram spermatozoa in response to seminal plasma. 7th International Symposium on Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants, Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press.
  • Maxwell, W., Evans, G., Hollinshead, F., Bathgate, R., de Graaf, S., Eriksson, B., Gillan, L., Morton, K., O'Brien, J. (2004). Intergration Of Sperm Sexing Technology Into The Art Toolbox. 15th International Congress on Animal Reproduction ICAR 2004, Netherlands: Elsevier.
  • de Graaf, S., Gillan, L., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2004). The effect of sheath fluid on the quality of sex-sorted ram spermatozoa. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, melbourne: CSIRO Publishing.

2013

  • Rath, D., Barcikowski, S., de Graaf, S., Garrels, W., Grossfeld, R., Klein, S., Knabe, W., Knorr, C., Kues, W., Meyer, W., et al (2013). Sex selection of sperm in farm animals: status report and developmental prospects. Reproduction, 145, R15-R30.

2012

  • Leahy, T., de Graaf, S. (2012). Seminal Plasma and its Effect on Ruminant Spermatozoa During Processing. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 47(Suppl. 4), 207-213.
  • Portas, T., Evans, G., de Graaf, S. (2012). The seminiferous cycle of the rhinoceros. Animal Reproduction Science, 136(1-2), 128-132.

2011

  • Beilby, K., Wilkening, S., de Graaf, S., Wrenzycki, C., Grupen, C. (2011). Quantification of Developmentally Important Gene Transcripts Expressed in Embryos Produced In Vivo and In Vitro Using Sex-Sorted and Non-Sorted Ram Spermatozoa. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, melbourne: CSIRO Publishing.
  • Beilby, K., de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., Wilkening, S., Wrenzycki, C., Grupen, C. (2011). Quantitative mRNA expression in ovine blastocysts produced from X- and Y-chromosome bearing sperm, both in vitro and in vivo. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 76(3), 471-481.

2010

  • Evans, G., de Graaf, S. (2010). Application of sexed sperm in animal breeding and conservation programs. International Strategic Programs for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, Canada: University of Saskatchewan.
  • de Graaf, S., Druart, X. (2010). Interaction of spermatozoa with the Female Reproductive Tract. Society for Reproductive Biology/Australian Endocrine Society, Australia: Australian Society for Reproductive Biology.
  • Beilby, K., Kaurivi, Y., Maxwell, W., Evans, G., de Graaf, S., Grupen, C. (2010). Production of Embryos in Superovulated Ewes Using Frozen-Thawed, Sex-Sorted and Refrozen-Thawed Sperm. 41st Annual Conference of the Society for Reproductive Biology, Australia: CSIRO Publishing.
  • de Graaf, S. (2010). Reproduction. In D.J. Cottle (Eds.), International Sheep and Wool Handbook, (pp. 189-222). Nottingham: Nottingham University Press.
  • Beilby, K., de Graaf, S., Grupen, C. (2010). The Effect of Sperm and Cryoprotectant concentration on the Freezing Success of Sex Sorted ram Sperm for In-Vitro Fertilization. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 74(5), 786-794.

2009

  • Behr, B., Rath, D., Mueller, P., Hildebrandt, T., Goeritz, F., Braun, B., Leahy, T., de Graaf, S., Maxwell, W., Hermes, R. (2009). Feasibility of sex-sorting sperm from the white and the black rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum, Diceros bicornis). Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 72(3), 353-364.
  • Behr, B., Rath, D., Hildebrandt, T., Goeritz, F., Blottner, S., Portas, T., Bryant, B., Sieg, B., Knieriem, A., de Graaf, S., Maxwell, W., et al (2009). Germany/Australia Index of sperm sex sortability in Elephants and Rhinoceros. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 44(2), 273-277.
  • de Graaf, S., Beilby, K., Underwood, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W. (2009). Sperm sexing in sheep and cattle: The exception and the rule. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 71(1), 89-97.

2008

  • de Graaf, S., Leahy, T., Marti, J., Evans, G., Maxwell, W. (2008). Application of Seminal Plasma in Sex-Sorting and Sperm Cryopreservation. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 70, 1360-1363.

2007

  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., Cran, D., O'Brien, J. (2007). Birth of offspring of pre-determined sex after artificial insemination of frozen-thawed, sex-sorted and re-frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 67(2), 391-398.
  • de Graaf, S., Beilby, K., O'Brien, J., Osborn, D., Downing, J., Maxwell, W., Evans, G. (2007). Embryo production from superovulated sheep inseminated with sex-sorted ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 67(3), 550-555.
  • de Graaf, S., Peake, K., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J., Evans, G. (2007). Influence of supplementing diet with Oleic and Linoleic acid on the freezing ability and sex-sorting parameters of ram semen. Livestock Science, 110, 166-173.
  • Maxwell, W., de Graaf, S., El-Hajj Ghaoui, R., Evans, G. (2007). Seminal plasma effects on sperm handling and female fertility. Society of Reproduction and Fertility Supplement, 64, 13-38.
  • Maxwell, W., de Graaf, S., El-Hajj Ghaoui, R., Evans, G. (2007). Seminal plasma effects on sperm handling and female fertility. In: Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants VI (INVITED REVIEW). 7th International Symposium on Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants, Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., Downing, J., O'Brien, J. (2007). Successful Low Dose Insemination of Flow Cytometrically Sorted Ram Spermatozoa in Sheep. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 42, 648-653.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Gillan, L., Guerra, M., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2007). The influence of antioxidant, cholesterol and seminal plasma on the in vitro quality of sorted and non-sorted ram spermatozoa. Theriogenology: an international journal of animal reproduction, 67(2), 217-227.

2006

  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). In vitro characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa after sex sorting and re-freezing. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 18(8), 867-874.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). In vitro differences between sex-sorted ram sperm originating from fresh or frozen-thawed samples. 39th Annual Conference of Physiology and Pathology of Reproduction and 31st Mutual Conference on Veterinary and Human Reproductive Medicine, u/k: Blackwell Synergy.
  • de Graaf, S., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). Invitro differences between sex sorted Ram sperm Originating from Fresh or Frozen/Thawed samples. European Society of Domestic Animal Reproduction, Germany: Blackwell Publishers.
  • de Graaf, S., Leahy, T., Gillan, L., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2006). Kinematics of sex-sorted ram spermatozoa in response to seminal plasma. 7th International Symposium on Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants, Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press.

2005

  • Morton, K., de Graaf, S., Campbell, A., Tomkins, L., Maxwell, W., Evans, G. (2005). Repeat Ovum Pick-up and in vitro Embryo Production from Adult Ewes with and without FSH treatment. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 440, 422-428.

2004

  • Maxwell, W., Evans, G., Hollinshead, F., Bathgate, R., de Graaf, S., Eriksson, B., Gillan, L., Morton, K., O'Brien, J. (2004). Integration Of Sperm Sexing Technology Into The Art Toolbox. Animal Reproduction Science, 82-83, 79-95.
  • Maxwell, W., Evans, G., Hollinshead, F., Bathgate, R., de Graaf, S., Eriksson, B., Gillan, L., Morton, K., O'Brien, J. (2004). Intergration Of Sperm Sexing Technology Into The Art Toolbox. 15th International Congress on Animal Reproduction ICAR 2004, Netherlands: Elsevier.
  • de Graaf, S., Gillan, L., Evans, G., Maxwell, W., O'Brien, J. (2004). The effect of sheath fluid on the quality of sex-sorted ram spermatozoa. Annual Conference of the International Embryo Transfer Society, melbourne: CSIRO Publishing.
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