Animal Science

Animal Biology Ph.D. Wins Kinsella Memorial Prize

Maci Mueller, who earned her doctoral and master’s degrees in animal biology at UC Davis, is the winner of the 2024 Kinsella Memorial Prize for her leadership and work developing novel breeding technologies for cattle.

Mueller graduated in 2023 and is now an assistant professor at Kansas State University where she focuses on animal genomics and biotechnology.

Grape Seeds, Stems and Skins in Feed Can Reduce Dairy Cattle Emissions

California’s wine industry could play a role in reducing methane emissions from dairy cattle.

Researchers at University of California, Davis, added fresh grape pomace left over from winemaking operations to alfalfa-based feed for dairy cows and found that methane emissions were reduced by 10% to 11%. 

The preliminary findings could offer a low-cost sustainable pathway for vineyards to reduce waste while helping dairy operations maintain quality while cutting back on emissions of methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas.

Understanding Cattle Grazing Personalities May Foster Sustainable Rangelands

Not all cattle are the same when it comes to grazing. Some like to wander while others prefer to stay close to water and rest areas.

Recognizing those personality differences could help ranchers select herds that best meet grazing needs on rangelands, leading to better animal health and environmental conditions, according to a new paper from the University of California, Davis, published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Four Faculty and Staff Honored for Global Engagement at UC Davis and Around the World (2023-24)

Four faculty and staff members from UC Davis are being recognized for their outstanding global engagement work with two key awards: the Chancellor’s Award for International Engagement and the Excellence in Teaching for Global Learning Award. These awards recognize the outstanding work of UC Davis faculty and staff in international education, research and service.  

Can Science Find a Better Way to Trim a Cat’s Nails?

University of California, Davis, researchers are working with the Sacramento SPCA to alleviate a near-universal source of stress for cats and those who care for them: nail trimming.

Clipping a cat or kitten’s nails should be a routine practice, not only for the health of the cat and humans, but also to protect curtains, couches and other housewares.

But it can be a nerve-wracking task for all involved and the noise and discomfort of a shelter can increase anxiety.

CA&ES Congratulates Three Staff Members for Their Outstanding Contributions

Three staff members with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES) are being recognized for their exceptional efforts to help incoming and current students thrive. Thanks to their tireless dedication and guidance, they have ensured a brighter future for those they serve.

 

 

Congratulations to the following recipients of the UC Davis Outstanding Advising Awards:

Gray Wolf Personality Research uses Puzzle Boxes, Rain Sticks

Researchers using puzzle boxes, rain sticks and papier-mâché balls are studying captive gray wolves at the Oakland Zoo and the California Wolf Center to evaluate personality and problem-solving skills of the endangered animals.

The novel research out of University of California, Davis, which also incorporates hundreds of hours of video and observational surveys, is seeking to shed new light on the lives of gray wolves, how they interact as part of a pack and respond to strange, new things

Improving Layer Hen Welfare with Better Bone Health

Keel bone damage, such as deviations or fractures in a bird’s breastbone is a prevalent problem among commercial laying hens. This damage may be painful for hens and can be linked to the number and quality of their eggs.