AI decodes microbes’ message in milk safety testing approach

October 10, 2024

By combining the genetic sequencing and analysis of the microbes in a milk sample with artificial intelligence (AI), researchers were able to detect anomalies in milk production, such as contamination or unauthorized additives. The new approach could help improve dairy safety, according to the study authors from Penn State, Cornell University and IBM Research.  

Pantano named 2024 Poultry Science Distinguished Alumnus

September 16, 2024

Thomas Pantano has been recognized as the 2024 Poultry Science Distinguished Almunus by the Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Lisa Holden named interim head of the Department of Animal Science

August 23, 2024

Lisa Holden, associate professor of dairy science, has been appointed interim head of the Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Testing confirms that Penn State dairy herd is free of avian influenza

August 23, 2024

After three weeks of testing as required under a voluntary state monitoring program for bird flu in dairy cattle, animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences announced that the University’s dairy herd has been certified as free of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.

Penn State researchers receive USDA-NIFA grant to study male cattle genetics

August 1, 2024

More than 60% of dairy cows in the United States are bred via artificial insemination. While significant advances have been made in understanding cattle genetics, particularly in relation to milk production and other economic traits, there is still much to learn about the genetics underlying the reproductive organs and cells in cattle, according to a team of researchers in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a grant to the team to study the genetic mechanisms underlying the development of the testis, the male organ that produces reproductive cells, in cattle and its role in sperm production.

Hay, don’t miss the Equine Experience at Ag Progress Days!

July 25, 2024

The Equine Experience at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days returns this year with crowd-favorite demonstrations for everyone from casual spectators to avid horse enthusiasts.

Summer internship gives pre-vet students real-world experience

July 23, 2024

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, through its departments of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and Animal Science, collaborated with VCA Metzger Animal Hospital and Mars Inc. to establish the Penn State-Mars preveterinary student internship.

Penn State tests dairy herd for bird flu in support of state surveillance effort

July 22, 2024

Animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have announced that — out of an abundance of caution — they will test the University’s dairy herd for highly pathogenic avian influenza, under a voluntary state testing program.

Penn State Excels at 2024 ADSA Student Meetings

June 24, 2024

Nine undergraduate students represented Penn State at the 2024 American Dairy Science Association—Undergraduate Student Division (ADSA-USD) meetings held in West Palm Beach, Florida, from June 15-18.

Study suggests Holstein dairy cows not harmed by producing beef crossbred calves

June 11, 2024

Facing economic challenges, dairy farmers are increasingly crossbreeding some of their Holstein cows with beef breed bulls to add value to surplus calves born in their herds. In an analysis of almost 40,000 cows, a team of Penn State researchers found that carrying and birthing the larger crossbred beef calves generally does not negatively affect dairy cow health.

Q&A: What do I need to know about avian flu?

June 7, 2024

Multiple states since March 2024 have reported dairy herds displaying symptoms caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza, raising questions about how the virus spreads, how producers can protect their animals, the risk of infection in people, and the safety of milk and meat supplies. Extension veterinarian Ernest Hovingh, clinical professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences, answers these and other questions related to the this avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle.

Mushroom stump waste could be inexpensive, healthy chicken feed supplement

June 4, 2024

Feed costs for producing broiler chickens accounts for 60% to 70% of total production costs, and stump waste from the production of button mushrooms comprises nearly 30% of total mushroom weight. Marrying the two has the potential to reduce both cost and waste, especially in Pennsylvania, which is a national leader in the production of broiler chickens and button mushrooms. To learn whether the two are compatible, a team of Penn State researchers conducted a new study to determine how supplementing the feed of broilers with mushroom stump waste affected the growth and health of the chickens.

Dechow named Research Innovator of the Year by the College of Ag Sciences

May 17, 2024

Chad Dechow, associate professor of dairy cattle genetics, is the 2024 recipient of the Research Innovator of the Year Award, given by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences to recognize faculty and staff who have made notable efforts to commercialize their Penn State research.  

Penn State’s Block and Bridle Club Recognized at National Convention

April 26, 2024

Penn State’s Block and Bridle Club captured first place for their Chapter Web Page and first place for Chapter Activities at the 103rd National Block and Bridle Convention, Jefferson City, MO, April 11-14, hosted by the Mizzou Block and Bridle Club.

Penn State Students Participate in 2024 North American Dairy Challenge

April 23, 2024

Five Penn State students traveled to Visalia, CA for the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, (NAIDC) held April 4-6. Team members were Lynneah Brady, Big Cove Tannery, PA; Kendal Jenkins, Columbia Crossroads, PA; Justin Merry, Arkport, NY; and Paige Peiffer, Lebanon, PA. Ashton Stiles, Blairsville, PA, participated in the contest as part of an aggregate team.

Penn State Extension introduces canine program to support dog breeders

April 23, 2024

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has announced the recent hire of Abby Hodder as the assistant clinical professor of canine behavioral welfare in the Department of Animal Science. Hodder’s onboarding marks the beginning of a Penn State Extension canine program designed to support professional dog breeders through education, outreach and applied research focused on canine behavior and welfare.

Probiotic feed additive boosts growth, health in poultry in place of antibiotics

April 12, 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat for public health, and the use of antimicrobials in livestock feed has been a major contributing factor in the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance to many drugs, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Led by Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes, a Penn State research team conducted a study of natural feed additives that are promising alternatives to substitute for antimicrobial growth promoters.

Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Quarter Horse Sale returns April 27

April 1, 2024

The 22nd annual Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Quarter Horse Sale kicks off April 27 in the Snider Agricultural Arena at the University Park campus.  

Vaccine protects cattle from bovine tuberculosis, may eliminate disease

March 28, 2024

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is a livestock disease that results in large economic losses to animal agriculture worldwide. The disease can also transmit to humans and cause severe illness and death. Researchers from Penn State, Addis Ababa University and the University of Cambridge have now demonstrated that a vaccine for TB currently used in humans significantly reduces infectiousness of vaccinated livestock, improving prospects for elimination and control. The study published today (March 28) in the journal Science.   

Loy named 2024 Penn State Animal Science Distinguished Alumnus

March 26, 2024

The Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has named Daniel Loy, of Ames, Iowa, its 2024 Animal Science Distinguished Alumnus.

Dairy cows fed botanicals-supplemented diets use energy more efficiently

February 12, 2024

Supplementing the feed of high-producing dairy cows with the botanical extract capsicum oleoresin, obtained from chili peppers, or a combination of that extract and clove oil resulted in the animals using feed energy more efficiently and emitting less methane from their largest stomach, according to a new study conducted by Penn State researchers.

Donors create international travel endowment to honor lifelong friend, ag alumna

January 18, 2024

In honor and memory of their dear friend, a Penn State alumna who died in 2022 at the age of 90, Helen and Steve Schreiner have created the Dr. Marion P. Cullen International Travel Endowment in Animal Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Lormore Named 2023 Department of Animal Science Distinguished Dairy Science Alumnus

November 28, 2023

Mike Lormore, DVM, MS, MBA, was recognized as the 2023 Distinguished Dairy Science alumnus in Penn State’s Department of Animal Science at a reception at the University in October.

College of Ag Sciences recognizes faculty, staff for research achievements

November 21, 2023

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences lauded outstanding accomplishments in research during the 2023 Research Awards Ceremony, held Nov. 1 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

Department of Animal Science honors Elkin as distinguished alumnus

November 20, 2023

The Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized Robert G. Elkin, professor emeritus of avian nutritional biochemistry, as its 2023 Distinguished Poultry Science Alumnus.

Gene integral to initiating, sustaining sperm cell development identified

October 23, 2023

With male infertility a mounting global concern impacting approximately 12% of men, according to the National Institutes of Health, a Penn State research team has discovered a gene that plays a key role in initiating and sustaining spermatogenesis. The finding, they said, may open a door for future therapies to boost sperm counts. 

College of Ag Sciences team receives $1.9 million grant for dairy cattle study

October 10, 2023

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and collaborators from the University of Minnesota have received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study parasite issues related to organic dairy cattle.

Penn State animal science student finds second home on the range

October 9, 2023

After wrapping up his career with the United States Navy, Aaron Kuhn, a second-year animal science student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences who currently studies at Penn State Altoona, returned home to Hollidaysburg to revive his family farm.

One Health Microbiome Center honors creativity and mentoring with award series

September 7, 2023

The One Health Microbiome Center (OHMC) in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has named eight recipients for its 2023-24 Inaugural Award Series, which reflects on a profound year of impacts and achievements and recognizes the talents of the OHMC community.

Cattle on low-protein rations may need amino acid supplement to boost milk yield

September 6, 2023

Reduced protein feed for dairy cows is designed to decrease environmental nitrogen pollution from their manure such as nitrate leaching, nutrient-laden run-off and ammonia volatilization, but can lower milk production. A Penn State-led research team found that supplementing the feed with the amino acid histidine may help in maintaining, and even increasing, milk and milk-protein yields.