Animals are biological transformers of low-quality feedstuffs (e.g., forages and grain byproducts) into high-quality foods (e.g., meats and milk) for human consumption, as well as raw materials such as wool and leather for clothing and accessories. In addition, some livestock (e.g., horses) are used for transportation and/or recreation. Thus, animal agriculture plays an important role in improving human nutrition, growth, development, and health, as well as economic and social developments worldwide.
Discovery and innovation in quantifiable animal performance are critical for assessing animal production and value. Recognizing that this area both influences and is influenced by various social and environmental factors, it is necessary to develop models for evaluating relationships and impacts.
Potential applications include:
- Preclinical detection and mitigation of disease
- Monitoring and management of animal and animal handler welfare
- Precision nutrition
- Productivity and efficiency of feed use
- Antimicrobial replacements
- rates of carbon dioxide and methane emissions per unit of output
- early detection of metabolic diseases and lameness
- muscular endurance and athletic capability
- detection of the onset of parturition and estrus, (x) optimized feed delivery in confinement situations
- evaluation of forage quality and monitoring of stocking rate in grazing animals
- support of individual-animal management systems
- development of biosurveillance networks to mitigate potential emerging-disease threats
Our goal is to serve as a world leader in quantifiable animal performance. Our vision is to create and utilize novel models and critical metrics to evaluate and assess animal performance across species and disciplines. This specialty will enhance livestock and equine industries by developing and disseminating information and strategies for optimizing animal performance to students, producers, industry professionals, and the public.