Kristen A. Johnson
Professor and Animal Scientist
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Phone: (509) 335-4131; Fax (509) 335-1082
Email: johnsoka@wsu.edu
RUMINANT NUTRITION/BEEF CATTLE
ENERGETICS. The focus of our research is to examine
the use of dietary energy in the beef animal. This includes examination of the
variation in maintenance energy expenditures and losses due to the fermentation
occurring in the rumen. With up to 70% of total herd metabolizable energy
intake going to maintenance functions, it is important to understand and
examine the constituents of maintenance on a whole animal and cellular level
and the relationship of these metabolic costs to animal productivity. Selection
of adaptable cattle will reduce the cost of production. Current projects
include an examination of energy expenditure at the whole animal, mitochondrial and gene level.
RUMINANTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Environmental issues are of
increasing concern to the cattle industry. Our goal is to generate
scientifically based information about air quality and ruminant production.
Recent projects include the development of a measurement-based methane
inventory and efforts to find economically sound mitigation options for cattle
producers.
