Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Animal Welfare & Stress Physiology
Animal Sciences
Research at a glance
Area(s) of Expertise
Research Summary
The overreaching goal of Jay S. Johnson's research program is to develop scientific measures of animal welfare, through the study of animal behavior and physiology. Research results will allow for an objective evaluation of animal agricultural practices and the improvement and/or development of methodologies that can enhance animal welfare and increase productivity.
Johnson is an Associate Professor of Animal Welfare and Stress Physiology in the Division of Animal Sciences. The overall goal of his research program is to identify production-relevant stressors and evaluate and mitigate their impacts on livestock health, productivity, and welfare. Johnson’s research program uses an integrative physiology approach encompassing aspects of stress physiology, nutritional physiology, and applied ethology to develop and/or improve upon livestock husbandry practices that enhance animal health and welfare while maintaining or increasing economic return for producers. Specific research areas include improving heat stress resilience in swine through genomic selection, improved management, and nutrition to reduce the negative effects of pre- and postnatal heat stress, and mitigating the effects of early life stressors on gastrointestinal function in swine to improve health, performance, and welfare metrics.
Educational background
- Ph.D., Iowa State University, 2014
- M.S., University of Missouri, 2011
- B.S., University of Missouri, 2009