Dr. Ram Pratap Singh

The primary focus of Dr. Singh’s research is to understand the Physiology and genetics of birds and other animals. His major research interests include the reproductive biology of birds, especially rare and endangered species, mitigating infertility, developing assisted reproductive technologies, gamete cryopreservation, avian forensics, genome resource banking, avian genomics, etc. Dr. Singh and his team has developed semen preservation and assisted reproductive technologies for a variety of common and rare species of birds and other animals. Currently, Dr. Singh is involved in developing species-specific DNA and feather signatures for birds to generate a comprehensive database for Indian birds.

• Publications:
  1. Ray SD, Dey P, Islam N, Sharma SK, Pramod P, Singh RP. (2021). Comparative study of yellow-billed babbler (Turdoides affinis) feathers reveals uniformity in their microstructures among individuals. Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences (In press).
  2. Sharma SK, Gurjarpadhye P, Manchi SS, Singh RP (2021). A cost-effective and modest test for sex identification in edible-nest swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus). Conservation Genetics Resources (In press, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-021-01191-x).
  3. Gurjarpadhye PH, Kawalkar D, Singh RP, Manchi SS. (2021). Stay or Shift – Does breeding success influences the decision in the cave-dwelling swiftlet? Journal of Ornithology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-020-01849-7.
  4. Sarkar I, Dey P, Sharma SK, Ray SD, Kochiganti VHS, Singh R, Pramod P, Singh RP. (2020). Turdoides affinis mitogenome reveals the persistence of translational efficiency and dominance of NADH dehydrogenase complex-I over Leiothrichidae family. Scientific Reports 10, 16202.
  5. Nachappa MP, Dey P, Sharma SK, Sarkar I, Ray SD, Singh RP. (2020). Partial mitochondrial genome of Indian Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) from India. Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 5:2, 1232-1233.
  6. Pennington PM, Splan RK, Jacobs RD, Chen Y, Singh RP, Li Y, Gucek M, Wagner AL, Freeman EW, Pukazhenthi BS. (2020). Influence of metabolic status and diet on early pregnant equine histotroph proteome: Preliminary Findings. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88: 102938.
  7. Singh RP, Escobar E, Wildt DE, Patel S, Pukazhenthi B. (2019). Sphingosine-1-phosphate promotes gonocyte differentiation in thawed sheep testicular explants cultured in vitro. Theriogenology, 128: 184-192.
  8. Thongkittidilok C, Singh RP, Comizzoli P, Wildt D, Songsasen N. (2018). Insulin promotes cat preantral follicle growth and antrum formation through temporal expression of genes regulating steroidogenesis and water transport. Reproduction Fertility and Development, 30(10): 1369-1379.
  9. Brown ME, Singh RP, Pukazhenthi B, Keefer CL, Songsasen N. (2018). Cryopreservation effects on sperm function and fertility in two threatened crane species. Cryobiology, 82:148-154.
  10. Khillare GS, Sastry KVH, Agrawal R, Saxena R, Mohan J, Singh RP. (2018). Expression of gonadotropin and sex steroid hormone receptor mRNA in the utero-vaginal junction containing sperm storage tubules of oviduct during sexual maturation in Japanese quail. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 259: 141-146.
  11. Khillare G, Sastry KVH, Agrawal R, Prakash A, Mohan J, Singh RP. (2018). Molecular and biochemical events in sperm storage tubules of oviduct in birds. World's Poultry Science Journal, 74: 35-44.
  12. Panyaboriban S, Pukazhenthi B, Brown ME, Crowe C, Lynch W, Singh RP, Techakumphu M, Songsasen N. (2016). Influence of cooling and thawing conditions and cryoprotectant concentration on frozen-thawed survival of white-naped crane (Antigone vipio) spermatozoa. Cryobiology, 73: 209-215.
  13. Panyaboriban S, Singh RP, Songsasen N, Padilla L, Brown J, Reed D, Techakumphu M, Pukazhenthi B. (2016). Relationship between season, semen characteristics, and frozen – thawed semen quality in tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus). Theriogenology, 86(4):914-923.
  14. Singh RP, Shafeeque CM, Sharma SK, Sing R, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Saxena V K, Azeez PA. (2016). Effects of Bisphenol-A on male reproductive success in adult Kadaknath chicken. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 128: 61-66.
  15. Singh RP, Shafeeque CM, Sharma SK, Sing R, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Saxena V K, Azeez PA. (2016). Chicken sperm transcriptome profiling by microarray analysis. Genome, 59: 1–12.
  16. Singh RP, Shafeeque CM, Sharma SK, Pandey NK, Sing R, Kolluri G, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Saxena M, Sharma B, Kataria JM, Azeez PA. (2015). Bisphenol A reduces fertilizing ability and motility by compromising mitochondrial function of sperm. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 34: 1617-22.
  17. Farooq U, Cho S, Rybnik-Trzaskowska PK, Singh RP, Malecki IA. (2015). Effect of proctodeal gland foam on sperm kinetics in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Theriogenology, 83: 162-167.
  18. Shafeeque CM, Singh RP, Sharma SK, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Kolluri G, Saxena VK, Tyagi JS, Kataria JM, Azeez PA. (2014). Development of a new method for sperm RNA purification in the chicken. Animal Reproduction Science, 149(3-4): 259-65.
  19. Dhama K, Singh RP, Karthik K, Chakraborty S, Tiwari R, Wani MY, Mohan J. (2014). Artificial insemination in poultry and possible transmission of infectious pathogens: a review. Asian Journal of Animal & Veterinary Advances, 9(4): 211-228.
  20. Shit N, Sastry KVH, Singh RP, Pandey NK, Mohan J. (2014). Sexual maturation, serum steroid concentrations, and mRNA expression of IGF-1, luteinizing and progesterone hormone receptors and survivin gene in Japanese quail hens. Theriogenology, 81(5): 662-668.
  21. Singh RP, Dubey PK, Agrawal R, Singh R, Mohan J, Sastry KVH. (2013). Norfloxacin drug induces reproductive toxicity and alters androgen receptor gene expression in testes and cloacal gland of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 32(9): 2134-2138.
  22. Singh RP, Malecki IA, Rybnik-Trzaskowska PK, Farooq U, Sastry KVH, Martin GB. (2013). In vitro initiation of the acrosome reaction in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). British Poultry Science, 54, 259-264.
  23. Singh RP, Moudgal RP, Agarwal R, Sirajudeen M, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Tyagi J S. (2013). Ovarian morphology and internal vis-à-vis non internal laying in relation to triacylglycerol, hormones and their receptors concentration around the age of sexual maturity in broiler breeder hens. British Poultry Science, 54(1): 157-163.
  24. Pandey NK, Singh RP, Saxena VK, Shit N, Singh R, Sharma RK, Sastry KVH. (2013). Effect of IGF1 gene polymorphism and expression levels on growth factors in Indian colored broilers. Livestock Science, 155: 157-164.
  25. Singh R, Yadav AS, Tripathi V, Singh RP. (2013). Antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella present in poultry and poultry environment in north India. Food Control, 33: 545-548.
  26. Agarwal R, Sastry KVH, Tripathi V, Singh R, Saxena R, Mohan J, Singh RP. (2013). Expression profile of luteinizing hormone receptor gene in hierarchal follicles and regressing oviduct tissues of white leghorn hens during moulting. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 48: 278-283.
  27. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Singh KB, Malecki IA, Farooque U, Mohan J, Moudgal RP. (2012). The role of the male cloacal gland in reproductive success in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 24: 405–409.
  28. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Agarwal R, Pandey NK, Saxena VK, Mohan J. (2012). Molecular and kinetic characterization of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme in heart and breast muscle of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Science, 36: 628-634.
  29. Singh RP, Shit N, Sastry KVH, Agarwal R, Singh R, Pandey NK, Mohan J. (2012). Effect of dietary L-ascorbic acid (L-AA) on production performance, egg quality traits and fertility in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) at low ambient temperature. Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Science, 25: 1009-1014.
  30. Singh R, Jain P, Pandey NK, Saxena VK, Saxena M, Singh KB, Ahmed KA, Singh RP. (2012). Cytokines expression and nitric oxide production under induced infection to Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken lines divergently selected for cutaneous hypersensitivity. Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Science, 25: 1038-1044.
  31. Dubey PK, Tripathi V, Singh RP, Sharma GT. (2012). Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in different stages of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovarian follicles: effect of nitric oxide on in vitro development of preantral follicle. Theriogenology, 77: 280–291.
  32. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Shit N, Pandey NK, Agarawal R, Singh KB, Mohan J, Saxena VK, Moudgal R.P. (2011). Characterization of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme from semen of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Theriogenology, 75: 555-562.
  33. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Pandey NK, Shit N, Singh KB, Mohan J, Moudgal RP. (2011). Cloacal gland foam enhances motility and disaggregation of spermatozoa in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Theriogenology, 75: 563-569.
  34. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Pandey NK, Shit N, Agarawal R, Singh R, Sharma SK, Saxena VK, Mohan J. (2011). Molecular characterization and expression of Lactate Dehydrogenase A and B mRNA in testes of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Science, 24(8): 1060-1068.
  35. Mohan J, Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Moudgal RP, Biswas A, Shit N. (2011). Influence of chicken native breeds on some physical and biochemical characteristics and short term storage of semen. British Poultry Science, 52(3): 395-400.
  36. Dubey PK, Tripathi V, Singh RP, Sharma GT. (2011). Influence of nitric oxide on in vitro growth, survival, steroidogenesis and apoptosis of FSH stimulated buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) preantral follicles. Journal of Veterinary Science, 12(3): 257-265.
  37. Dubey PK, Tripathi V, Singh RP, Sharma GT. (2011). Influence of nitric oxide on steroid synthesis, growth and apoptosis of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) granulosa cells in vitro. Asian Australasian Journal of Animal Science, 24(9): 1204 -1210.
  38. Singh R, Yadav AS, Tripathi V, Singh RP. (2019). Effect of seasons in shedding pattern of Salmonella in layer poultry birds. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 54(1): 63-67.
  39. Agarwal R, Khillare GS, Saxena R, Sastry KVH, Tripathi V, Singh RP, Mohan J. (2018). Alternative induced moulting methods for feed withdrawl and their effect on post molt egg quality parameters of white leghorn hens. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 88(3): 87—00.
  40. Mohan J, Kolluri G, Sharma SK, Singh RP, Agarwal R, Katari JM, Tyagi JS. (2017). Production characteristics and seasonal variations in genital tract of female guinea fowl. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 52(1): 76-82.
  41. Shinde AS, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Singh RP, Chouhan L, Tyagi JS. (2014). CARI diluent for short-term preservation of Kadaknath chicken semen. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 48: 240-243.
  42. Khillare GS, Sastry KVH, Singh RP, Agarwal R, Mohan J. (2013). Acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in sperm storage tubules in Japanese quail. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 48: 128-130.
  43. Shinde AS, Mohan J, Singh RP, Agarwal R, Tyagi JS, Sastry KVH. (2012). Physico-biochemical characteristics of kadaknath and broiler chicken semen under storage condition. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 47: 336-339.
  44. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Pandey NK, Shit N, Singh R, Mohan J. (2011). Sperm competition in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): last male precedence is declined in two successive mating with two different male. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 46: 130 -131.
  45. Renu, Yadav A S, Tripathi V, Singh R P. (2011). Salmonella occurrence in chicken eggs and environmental samples and their sero-prevalence in laying hens. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 81 (11): 1087–1088.
  46. Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Agarwal R, Mohan J. (2011). Cloacal gland foam increases sperm transport in oviduct in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 46: 370-373.
  47. Singh RP, Mohan J, Sastry KVH, Khanday JM, Sharma D, Agarwal R, Moudgal RP, Tyagi JS. (2011). Some production traits and egg quality characteristics of different varieties of guinea fowl hens. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 46: 374-378.
  48. Pandey NK, Singh RP, Saxena VK, Shit N, Singh R, Sharma RK, Sastry KVH. (2010). Molecular variability of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) gene in Indian colored broilers. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 45(2): 180-185.
  49. Singh RP, Shit N, Pandey NK, Agarwal R, Sastry KVH, Singh KB, Mohan J, Moudgal RP. (2010). Electrophoretic separation and characterization of LDH isozymes in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) brain. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 45(1): 55-58.
  50. Shit N, Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Pandey NK, Mohan J, Moudgal RP. (2010). Development of artificial insemination technology in Japanese quails (Coturnix Japonica). Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 45(1): 50-54.
  51. Shit N, Singh RP, Sastry KVH, Pandey NK, Mohan J, Moudgal RP. (2009). Relationship between cloacal gland size and physio-biochemical characteristics of semen in two lines of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 44(3): 371-375.
• Patent: One under review
• Book:
1. A bibliography on wildlife studies in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Singh RP, Manoharan M, Hemambika B, Shivaperuman C, Sankar K, Chandra K, (Editors). Published by SACON and ZSI, 2018, pp. 1-371.
2. Singh R P, Singh R, Azeez P A. Circulating microRNAs in body fluid: a new potential biomarker for toxicity diagnosis. Recent Advancements in Biotechnology Vol. 7 (Drug discovery), page 263-276.
3. Dubey PK, Singh RP. Stem cell and Drug discovery: Novel Approach in Human and Veterinary Therapeutics. Recent Advancements in Biotechnology Vol. 5 (Gene and protein engineering), page 29-42.

• Awards:
1. Fulbright Fellowship, United States – India Education Foundation (USIEF).
2. Indo-US Research Fellowship, Indo-US Science and Technology forum.
3. INSA Medal for Young Scientist, Indian National Science Academy.
4. Endeavour Research Fellowship Award, Government of Australia.
5. Bilateral Exchange Fellowship by Indian National Science Academy & Scottish Science Academy, Scotland.
6. Fulbright-Alumni Award, United States-India Education Foundation (USIEF).
7. Young Scientist Award, The XXIV World’s Poultry Congress, Brazil.
8. Youth Program Fellowship Award in 23rd World’s Poultry Science Congress, Australia.
9. Larry Ewing Memorial Trainee Travel Fund to attend 49th Meeting of SSR in San Diego, USA.10. Young Scientist from a Developing Country Travel Award, 17th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Canada.
10. Young Scientist from a Developing Country Travel Award, 17th International Congress on Animal Reproduction, Canada.
11. Best Oral Presentation Award, XXXII Annual Conference of Indian Poultry Science Association.
12. Young Scientist Travel Award, World’s Poultry Science Association, The Netherlands.
13. Young Scientist Travel Award, British Poultry Science, UK.
14. J. N. Pandey Memorial Award for best research paper, XX Annual conference of Society of Animal Physiologist of India, Kolkata
• Projects:
1. Identify drivers of co-operative breeding in Yellow billed-babbler (Turdoides affinis) using molecular and physiological tools (SERB, 4742920.00).
2. Establishment of National Avian Forensic Laboratory for National Certification for Illegal Trafficking of Birds (MoEFCC, 815 Lakhs).
3. Identification of RNA transcripts present in chicken sperm and their relation to fertility (DST, 21 lakhs).
4. Optimization of testis organ culture conditions for in vitro sperm production – PI (Smithsonian – USA, $75000).
5. In-vitro sperm function tests of avian sperm using fluorescent probes in flow cytometer (Government of Australia, AUD 24000).
6. Development of a microfluidic gas-liquid interphase 3-D tissue explant culture chip for fertility preservation (University of Maryland-Smithsonian seed grant - USA, $46200).
7. Detection of low levels of phthalates and their effect on reproductive performances (IUSSTF, $40000)
8. Population status, ecology and conservation of the Indian Swiftlet (Aerodramus unicolor) in West Coast and Offshore Islands in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra (MoEFCC, 49.77 lakhs)
9. Understanding dispersal patterns in the monomorphic edible-nest swiftlet of Andaman Islands using biotechnological tools (DBT, 46 lakhs)

• Professional contributions / achievements : So far, his most important contribution is the establishment of ‘National Avian Forensic Laboratory (NAFL)’ at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore. Under Dr. Singh’s leadership, the NAFL also have started a Genome Resource Bank (GRB) for preserving biomaterials of birds for research and conservation purposes. It has already acquired biomaterials from 20% of the Indian birds and has helped resolve many intricate issues such as the one relating to the Mig-21 crash in Bikaner in 2019 due to bird hit. Dr. Singh has contributed significantly to developing MoEFCC’s Visionary Perspective Plan for Avian Conservation in India for 2020-2030. Dr. Singh has served as member of the ‘ad-hoc Animal Committee’ of the National Board for Wildlife, MoEFCC, Govt. of India. Dr. Singh also served as a member of various other committees of MoEFCC, Govt. of India, on ‘Alteration of Schedules of Wildlife (Protection Act), 1972’, ‘Farming and Trade in Japanese quail’ and ‘Research on the Wild Relatives of Domestic Animal Species’.
• Post-doctoral / employment history : Prior to joining CUSB, he served as Senior Scientist for over eight years in the Division of Avian Physiology and Genetics at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore. After completing his master's degree in Animal Science from M. J. P. Rohilkhand University in 2005, he continued his Ph.D. with Central Avian Research Institute, Bareilly, working on the reproductive physiology of Japanese quail. Then, in 2009, he joined for post-doctoral work at the School of Animal Biology, the University of Western Australia under Prof. Graeme Martin’s mentorship. Later, he joined for another post-doctoral training at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, USA, where he was trained with Drs. Budhan Pukazhenthi and David Wildt.
• Membership / association with professional bodies He is a member of the Society for the Study of Reproduction (USA), Society of Animal Physiologists of India, World’s Poultry Science Association, and Indian Poultry Science Association. Dr. has been a regular reviewer for over 25 reputed international professional journals, and proposals for various national and international funding agencies.
• Training / Capacity development : Dr. Singh has conducted extensive skill-based training programs for in-service and probationer Indian Forest Service Officers, State Forest department Officials, UG and PG students, and Research Scholars. He looks forward to organizing such programs soon as a means of capacity development in staff associated with such professional activities.