The beef unit is home to a variety of research activities which will involve a number of disciplines and span the spectrum from basic to applied research. These facilities, provide the opportunity to generate innovative, unbiased research to address beef production and profitability.  Many of the research projects are jointly conducted by research and extension faculty. 

Tour the Beef Unit

Research Programs

The diversity of research programs includes:

• Identifying relationships between nutrient digestion, gut metabolism, and nutrient absorption:  Drs. David Harmon and Ronald Trotta
• Understanding molecular controls of digestion and absorption:  Drs. Ronald Trotta and David Harmon
• Increasing efficiency of utilization of grazed and harvested forages:  Dr. Eric Vanzant
• Quantitative assessment of the influence of dietary inputs and physiological status on splanchnic and whole body energy dynamics.  Dr. Kyle McLeod
• Managing reproduction through nutrition:  Drs. Eric Vanzant and Les Anderson
• Understanding molecular regulation of reproductive function: Dr. Phillip Bridges
• Systems-based beef production research - impact of management strategies on economics of production and quality of the final product: Drs. Eric Vanzant, Jeff Lehmkuhler, and Darrh Bullock
• Understanding and moderating the influence of fescue endophytes on beef cattle performance:  Drs. Eric Vanzant, Kyle McLeod, David Harmon and Ronald Trotta
• Influence of Age and Nutrient Metabolism in Beef Cows: Dr. Jamie Matthews

These programs involve collaborative, team-based efforts from researchers working in a variety of disciplines within the College of Agriculture and comprise one of the most comprehensive beef research programs in existence.