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.  

Animal Science department to provide biosecurity kits to 4-H programs statewide

August 28, 2023

Amid the recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry, all Pennsylvania 4-H animal project members are urged to practice stringent biosecurity measures both at home and during fairs, shows and other events. To promote good biosecurity practices, the Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is sponsoring a biosecurity kit for each county 4-H program in the state. 

Animal microbiome researcher awarded $1.3M to study pathogenic threats

August 23, 2023

Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes and executive committee member of Penn State’s One Health Microbiome Center, was recently awarded two grants totaling $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead teams of scientists in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension in studies of pathogenic threats to livestock and people.

Curbing cow belches in the name of climate change mitigation

August 21, 2023

A Penn State livestock emissions expert has received a grant from the Greener Cattle Initiative to develop actionable options to mitigate enteric (intestinal) methane emissions from cattle — which are produced via belching.  

Newly identified protein function may reveal understanding of lifetime fertility

August 11, 2023

A protein in mouse ovaries regulates the formation of the ovarian follicle reserve — comprising a mammal’s egg cells and surrounding support cells, according to a study conducted by a U.S.-Canadian research team. The discovery provides a foundation for further research on premature ovarian insufficiency and menopause in women and reproductive problems in dairy cows.

Ag Progress Days highlights biodiversity, climate-smart ag, spotted lanternfly

July 25, 2023

Climate-smart agriculture, the importance of biodiversity and the latest news about the spotted lanternfly will be among the displays and presentations at the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theater during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Penn State student wins second place at Equine Science Society Symposium

July 19, 2023

Penn State was well-represented at the recent 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium, with eight oral and poster presentations given by undergraduate and graduate students and faculty, the most that Penn State ever has had.

Equine science faculty represent Penn State at Equine Science Society Symposium

July 19, 2023

Two researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were recently recognized at the 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium.

Precision technology, machine learning lead to early diagnosis of calf pneumonia

July 13, 2023

Monitoring dairy calves with precision technologies based on the “internet of things,” or IoT, leads to the earlier diagnosis of calf-killing bovine respiratory disease, according to a new study. The novel approach — a result of crosscutting collaboration by a team of researchers from Penn State, University of Kentucky and University of Vermont —will offer dairy producers an opportunity to improve the economies of their farms, according to researchers.   

Penn State Excels at ADSA Student Meetings

July 12, 2023

Eight undergraduate students represented Penn State at the 2023 American Dairy Science Association—Undergraduate Student Division (ADSA-USD) meetings held in Ottawa, Ontario, from June 24-27, and the Penn State Dairy Science Club was recognized for its outstanding achievements in several areas.

Happy trails: Don’t miss the Equine Experience at Ag Progress Days

July 3, 2023

Whether you are an avid horse person or just an interested spectator, there is something for horse enthusiasts of all ages at the Equine Experience at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, taking place Aug. 8-10.

Penn State security center announces 2023 grant recipients

June 21, 2023

The Penn State Center for Security Research and Education has awarded $152,500 in funding to six Penn State faculty through its 2023 grant program.

Animal scientist receives USDA grant to study reproductive dysfunction in cattle

June 15, 2023

A Penn State animal scientist has received a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead a team conducting research on reproductive dysfunction in cattle.

Penn State dairy cattle geneticist finds mutant gene threatening Holstein calves

June 14, 2023

In the fall of 2020, when Chad Dechow, Penn State associate professor of dairy cattle genetics, got a call from veterinarians in New York describing a strange condition affecting Holstein calves on two farms under their care, he was unfamiliar with the condition that came to be known as calf recumbency. Since then, he and his collaborators identified the underlying genetic mutation and devised a simple genetic test to identify Holsteins that harbor the mutation. 

Troy Ott named acting director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

June 12, 2023

Troy Ott , professor of reproductive physiology and associate director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, has been selected to serve as acting director of the Huck Institutes during the appointment of Andrew Read as interim senior vice president of research at Penn State. Ott’s position will be effective July 1.  

Campbell honored by American Meat Science Association for achievements, service

June 8, 2023

The American Meat Science Association has named Jonathan Campbell, Penn State Extension meat specialist and associate professor of animal science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, the recipient of its 2023 Distinguished Extension and Industry Service Award.

Ag Sciences alumna commits gift to Animal Science, create graduate fellowship

May 31, 2023

Penn State alumna Julie Smiley has made a $1 million gift from her future estate to endow the Smiley Family Excellence Fund in the Department of Animal Science and the Thomas Miller Graduate Fellowship in the Department of Entomology.

Penn State's renamed One Health Microbiome Center affirms broad expertise

May 15, 2023

The Microbiome Center in the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State has announced its renaming to the One Health Microbiome Center, reflecting its collaborative culture and aspirations to write its next chapter in the booming study of microbial communities that live throughout the world's environments.

Distinguished professor edits book on sustainable dairy cattle nutrition

April 19, 2023

Alexander Hristov, Penn State distinguished professor of dairy nutrition, edited a recently published book, “Advances in Sustainable Dairy Cattle Nutrition,” which focuses on how the dairy sector could reduce the carbon footprint of milk and its contribution to climate change.

Penn State Team Was Part of North American Dairy Challenge

April 17, 2023

Four students from Penn State’s Department of Animal Science traveled to Saratoga Springs, NY, to be part of the North American Dairy Challenge, one of the premier learning and networking experiences for tomorrow’s dairy leaders. The event was hosted by the Northeast Region on March 30-April 1.

Staniar receives 2023 President’s Award for Engagement with Students

April 11, 2023

Burt Staniar, associate professor of animal science in the College of Agricultural Sciences; has received the 2023 President’s Award for Engagement with Students. The award is given to a faculty member who goes beyond his or her responsibilities to engage and encourage students in learning. The honorees have made themselves available to interact with students outside class, link students to opportunities and help them build their confidence as learners and potential contributors to society.