Purdue University has been awarded grants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support research projects focused on improving health issues in cattle and swine. The funding, part of NIFA's Animal Nutrition, Growth, and Lactation Program, aims to address key challenges in animal health and productivity.
Under the leadership of Jon Schoonmaker, associate professor of animal sciences, a team of researchers will delve into the effects of dietary nontherapeutic antibiotics on intestinal health in cattle. The study aims to understand the interplay between antibiotics, intestinal microbial populations, and metabolites produced by these microbes. The findings will contribute to the development of effective alternatives to nontherapeutic antibiotics, reducing the impact on human health while maintaining efficient livestock production.
Jonathan Pasternak and John Radcliffe from the Department of Animal Sciences will focus on identifying nonpathogenic factors influencing thyroid hormones in pigs. By studying the relationship between hormone levels and growth, the researchers aim to enhance understanding of thyroid function and its impact on pig development, ultimately improving swine health and productivity.
Meanwhile, Rafael Neves, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, and his team will investigate the relationship between skeletal muscle metabolism and ketosis in dairy cows. Ketosis, a metabolic disorder affecting cows after giving birth, leads to significant economic losses in the dairy industry. The research aims to uncover insights into whole-body energy balance and the role of skeletal muscle in managing this metabolic disorder.
These USDA-funded projects at Purdue University exemplify the commitment to advancing animal health and welfare, addressing critical issues in livestock production. By gaining a deeper understanding of these health concerns, researchers strive to develop effective strategies and management practices that will benefit both farmers and the broader agricultural industry.
Source : kentuckyagconnection