Animal Production and Health
Animal and Food Sciences
Researchers in the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences study livestock diets, diseases, pests, genetics and environments. AFS research studies found cotton byproducts to be an effective source of fiber, fat and protein for cattle in feedlots and compared the immune responses of cattle selected for different growth rates to see if cattle with certain traits have a higher immune system function.
OSU dairy cow research looked at how feed supplements and water additives increase milk production, and pregnant female pigs and their offspring were studied during different stages of pregnancy to determine what creates more robust offspring. AFS researchers also continuously study what causes the discoloration of meat and how to slow that process down to avoid food waste. This research has saved the meat industry $3 billion in losses.
Agricultural Economics
AFS and OSU Department of Agricultural Economics scientists conduct research related to the economic well-being of ranchers by studying things like controlled burns, foraging and the economic impacts of livestock diseases. AFS researchers have teamed up with the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agriculture Products Center to study the economic impacts of meat discoloration.
In other research, AFS scientists have been studying the cost-effectiveness of using GPS-enabled collars to manage grazing cattle and cross breeding beef cattle with dairy cattle to determine the economic benefits for producers. Others have looked at what influences production and profit in the meat goat industry.
In other research
Biochemistry and molecular biology and entomology also have roles to play in animal health research. Scientists working in the area of molecular biology in animal and food sciences are trying to identify the specific microbes and metabolites associated with resistance to the chicken disease necrotic enteritis.
Scientists in the OSU Center for Genomics and Proteomics are studying nucleic acids to understand how a cellular pathway works in calves infected with bovine respiratory disease. OSU Ag Research and the College of Veterinary Medicine also collaborate on such work. AFS scientists working at the molecular level are also contributing to research related to human health.
OSU AG Research is Animal Production & Health
Learn more about animal research at Oklahoma State University and how it contributes to the economy and food sustainability.