The Animal Physiology Program’s current project:

Late sexual maturity of Brahman cattle requires them to be 6 to 12 months older to reach puberty than are Bos taurus breeds. Selection has resulted in identification of Brahman females capable of calving at 2 years of age. Stress during pregnancy is being studied using transportation as a stressor. The epigenetic influences are being studied relative to health, growth, temperament and reproduction in Brahman cattle.

Temperament of beef cattle is heritable and alters animal productivity. Interactions between temperament and immune function are being studied. Evaluation of how temperament influences metabolism, endocrine function and subsequent productivity is being done.

The Animal Physiology Program is led by Dr. Ron Randel    (click for Bio).