Research

Research Programs

Ruminant animals have always had a unique place in animal agriculture because of their ability to efficiently digest fibrous plant materials. Studies in ruminant nutrition range from cellular limitations in nutrient assimilation to forage use by grazing animals, namely cattle and sheep. Specific areas of research include:

regulation and limitations of nutrient absorption and digestion.
optimizing forage availability and utilization, particularly fescue.
evaluation of nutrient requirements and management of the dairy cow.
study of protein, vitamin, and mineral nutrition.
incorporation of alternative feeds into ruminant diets.

Specialties within Ruminant Nutrition

Beef
Dairy
Sheep

Horses are an important part of the agricultural economy in Kentucky as well as the rest of the nation, and the University of Kentucky has long been a premier institution for equine research. Outstanding research facilities include a large horse herd, ample individual housing, analytical laboratory and 6-horse exerciser. Research with the horse focuses on nutrition with projects including:

factors affecting muscle protein synthesis
nutrient requirements during growth, reproduction, and exercise.
dietary management procedures that improve digestion, growth and performance.
dietary management procedures that minimize environmental impact of horses and horse farming

Specialties within Equine Nutrition

Equine

Research in non-ruminant nutrition involves studies with swine and poultry. Discoveries from both basic and applied research are integrated into feeding programs to maximize the rate and efficiency of meat and egg production and to optimize reproductive performance. Research projects currently include:

evaluation of nutrient requirements.
bioavailability of nutrients.
interrelations of nutrients with genetics and environmental factors.
efficacy of growth and carcass modifiers.
nutritional properties of feed ingredients.

Specialties within Non-Ruminant Nutrition

Poultry
Swine

Physiology research includes both the fields of reproductive and lactational physiology. The reproductive physiology group includes research and extension faculty who conduct both basic and applied research with beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine and sheep. Research ranges from field trials with cooperating commercial herds to in vitro studies at the cellular and molecular levels. The focus of the lactational physiology program is on prevention and control of mastitis and on bovine immunity. Primary areas of research interest include:

regulation of puberty onset.
endocrine control of uterine function.
enhancement of sperm fertility.
nutritional and environmental factors influencing disease resistance in cattle.
applied studies on mastitis prevention and control.

Specialties within Physiology

Exercise Physiology (equine)
Reproduction (beef and dairy)

Research is oriented primarily towards evaluation of various beef cattle genetic types when managed on endophytic‑tall fescue.

Specialties within Genetics and Animal Breeding

Quantitative beef cattle genetics

The Food Science program integrates a strong basic research program with applied research in areas related to foods derived from animals and other important agricultural products. Food Science research is essential to the efficient utilization of valuable agricultural products and adding value to low‑quality raw materials. The number of jobs in the field of food science has historically exceeded the number of Food Science graduates.

Specialties within Food Science

dairy technology - cheese yield and medium development; prevention of culture agglutination and inhibition of virus proliferation.
food chemistry - identification and control of lipid‑derived flavor compounds; lipid‑protein interactions.
food microbiology - identification of methods for extending the shelf‑life of foods.
food safety - identification of methods for preventing food borne illness.
meat biochemistry - postmortem protein changes and meat tenderness; functional performance of oxidized proteins.
meat processing - identification of methods to improve the value of low‑quality raw materials; development of low‑fat meats.

Resources

Forms & Budget Information

OSPA Forms
Proposal Budgets
Federal Agency Forms
Shared Equipment Maintenance
Laboratory Inspection Form Guidelines

Internal Programs

Internal Research Support Guide
Shared Equipment Maintenance Program
University Research Professors
Vice President for Research

How to Find Funding

Proposal Development Office (PDO)
Community of Science
Funding Search Forms
UK Grants Bulletin
Grants Deadlines

Grants & Contracts Administration

Office of Sponsored Projects Administration
Conflict of Interest
Cost Accounting Standards
OSPA Forms
Proposal Budgets
Budgets

Institutional Review Committees

Office of Research Integrity
Animal Care & Use/IACUC
Ethics in Research
Conflict of Interest
Environmental Health & Safety Compliance

Intellectual Property

IP & Technology Transfer Guide

Research Facilities & Centers

Core Research Facilities
Centers & Institutes
Office of Research Integrity/University Veterinarian

The following information is a partial listing of various safety sites and resources available at UK. All new students, staff, faculty and visiting scientists in the department should become familiar with this information. Please keep in mind that this is not an all inclusive list and that much more additional information is available by calling the different safety units, checking library sources, manufacturer information, etc.

All lab personnel should review a checklist to make sure they have received appropriate safety training.

University Safety Units

Environmental Health and Safety
Occupational Health and Safety
Hazardous Materials Environmental Management
Fire Marshal
Radiation Safety
Biological Safety
Office of the Attending Veterinarian
Environmental Health and Safety Index of Resources

Training Information

Training Checklist
Employee Safety Handbook
Training Classes
University Chemical Hygiene Plan
Biosafety Manual
Radiation Safety Manual
Hazardous Waste Manual
Safety Videos

Biological Information

Biosafety Manual
Biohazard Bags
Blood and Body Fluids
Needles/Sharps/Glass Disposal
Infectious Agents
Recombinant DNA
Shipping Biological Samples
General Safety Practices
Spill Procedures
Waste Batteries
Fluorescent Light Waste

General Lab & Office Safety

Lab Safety Alerts
Accident Reporting
First Aid Assistance
Laboratory Inspection Guidelines
Safety Standards for Chemical Laboratories
Grants and Contracts Checklist
Lab Security
Sewer Use
Compressed Gases
Cryogenic Materials
Drinking Water
Office Ergonomics
Lab Ergonomics
General Ergonomics
Computer Workstation Ergonomics
Lab Setup and Exit Survey Checklist
Surplussing Equipment
Air Quality
Extension Cords
Microwave Use
Recycle Container Use
Corridor Space Use
Open Flames
Severe Weather