Animal Sciences

Aug. 18, 2023
Two-time champs – MU Animal Sciences Quadrathlon team takes home national title once again
Aliyah Luntsford, Catriona Chew, Caleigh Grote and Alexia Sweiger represented the MU Animal Sciences in a rigorous test of their technical knowledge at the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) National Meeting in Albuquerque, N.M.

Aug. 8, 2023
Hong Im Kim
Kim is an assistant research professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, and part of the new faculty group in the NextGen Precision Health Institute, where world-class researchers are seeking answers for the toughest diseases. Prior to joining CAFNR, she served as a senior researcher in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Michigan State University, where she focused on identification and analysis of genes associated with survival rate in endometrial cancer and ovarian clear cell cancers. She received her Ph.D. in Medical Science from Chung-Ang University in South Korea and completed post-doctoral training at Louisiana State University…
Aug. 4, 2023
Past and present CAFNR students learn and grow at the Missouri State Fair
Since 1901, the Missouri State Fair has been ‘Where Traditions Grow,’ and CAFNR students have also grown their skills and network at the yearly ‘ag family reunion’.

July 20, 2023
New study uses gene prediction tool to select premium grade Angus herds in Missouri and across the United States
Ranches across the Show-Me State manage approximately two million cattle — a significant number of which are Angus, a top-tier breed that has unrivaled success in the commercial beef market. In a new study, University of Missouri researcher Jared Decker and Thompson Research Farm tested a group of commercial Angus cows using a commercial genomic prediction tool called Zoetis GeneMax Advantage to investigate the ability of the test to predict their calves’ performance and profitability. This project demonstrates an important step forward in helping inform the selective breeding of commercial cowherds and giving Missouri cattle producers a competitive market advantage.

June 30, 2023
Stephanie McKay
The overarching goal of the McKay lab is to utilize the latest advances in biotechnology while developing new methodologies and resources to determine the extent to which epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications contribute towards economically important traits in livestock. While many epigenetic modifications exist, her current research focus is on 5-Methylcytosine, 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine and N6-Methyladenosine. The context in which her lab studies these modifications include neuroepigenomics, comparative epigenomics and functional annotation. Educational background Ph.D., University of Alberta M.S., Texas A&M University B.S., Texas A&M University…

June 21, 2023
CAFNR Graduate Student Named DCRC Scholar
Isabella Sellmer Ramos, a Master's student in Animal Sciences, was named the 2023 DCRC Scholar by the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council.

June 5, 2023
Amy Petry
Petry is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Animal Science at the University of Missouri, where she leads the MU Monogastric Nutrition Research Lab. Her lab utilizes basic and innovative science to develop, advance, or improve applied nutrition solutions. Her team’s research themes encompass: 1) enhancing fiber utilization and its impact on energy and health benefits in swine diets, 2) exploring the interactions between diet and physiology at a whole-body level, 3) optimizing energy and nutrient supply during homeorhetic states, and 4) developing nutritional biomedical pig models. In 2020, Dr. Petry earned her Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Throughout…

May 10, 2023
CAFNR Students Tapped for Honor Societies
CAFNR students took part in induction ceremonies for Mizzou honor societies April 28 as part of 2023 Tap Day. Inducted were Andres Mesa, Trillion Rosborough and Kathryn Wenger.

May 2, 2023
‘Perfect Timing’
Hannah Twenter originally applied to Mizzou as a freshman business major wanting to pursue real estate. However, her dad didn’t want her to leave her home state of Illinois for a business degree as she could earn that nearly anywhere. She was determined to pursue her education out-of-state, so her dad suggested animal sciences instead. Twenter says that was the best recommendation he ever gave her. By the time she stepped on campus in the fall of 2009, her major was declared as animal sciences. During her undergraduate career, Twenter gained valuable hands-on experience through the equine program, and found…

April 24, 2023
Ahmed Balboula Receives 2023 SSR Virendra B. Mahesh New Investigator Award
Ahmed Balboula, assistant professor in the Division of Animal Sciences, received the 2023 SSR Virendra B. Mahesh New Investigator Award from the Society of the Study of Reproduction (SSR). This award recognizes an active, regular member of the society for outstanding research completed and published within 12 years after receiving their PhD or other equivalent degree. In order to be considered for nomination, candidates undergo assessment based on the novelty, importance, and influence of their research in the field of reproductive sciences or related areas, as well as the extent to which their work was conducted independently from that of…