Ruminant Biology Laboratory

Cow graze in a field (background) while a student takes milk samples (foreground).

The University of Delaware's Ruminant Biology Laboratory studies how dairy cow nutrition affects animal health and milk production, focusing on how cows use key nutrients and how digestion impacts their overall health. This work supports farmers, researchers, and industry by improving dairy nutrition, animal well-being and sustainable milk production.


About

Activities including products/services:

  • Determining the bioavailability of rumen-protected amino acids using the plasma amino acid dose response method, and performance response is evaluated with lactation trials.
  • Evaluates the effects of dairy cattle nutrition on cow performance and health
  • Evaluating the use of rumen-protected amino acids to meet requirements for limiting amino acids
  • Conducts work to measure the impact of high levels of intestinal starch fermentation on intestinal and whole animal health

Populations served:

  • UD faculty, researchers, and graduate students
  • Universities/nonprofits
  • Industry members

Contact

Department of Animal and Food Sciences

Tanya Gressley

Professor, Dairy Nutritionist
Associate Dean, Graduate Programs
 

Office location:
531 S. College Avenue
032 Townsend Hall
Newark, DE 19716