Beef cattle nutrition research at Kentucky State University’s College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Environment focuses on improving the efficiency of microbial digestion of forage in the animals. Research led by Dr. Ibukun Ogunade, assistant research professor of livestock nutrition, evaluates the use of feed additives to enhance the activities of forage-fiber digesting bacteria in the rumen of beef cattle. This is important because beef cattle operations in Kentucky and other areas of the southeastern United States rely on forage-based diets.
Over the past year, Dr. Ogunade and his team have developed four unique research projects, published three peer-reviewed research articles in high-impact academic journals, and have provided relevant research experience for two undergraduate students in the College of Agriculture. Projects initiated in the program encompass research questions important to the production of agriculture, beef nutrition and bioinformatics. Currently, researchers are applying high-throughput sequencing technology and metabolomics to decipher the mode of action of commonly used livestock feed additives.
The beef cattle nutrition team recently received grant funding from Land O' Lakes, which will support research in beef cattle nutrition and provide research experience for three undergraduate students.
Kentucky State University’s College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Environment is interested in helping urban farmers grow profitable and beneficial operations. To do that, Dr. Leigh Whittinghill, assistant professor of urban agriculture, is conducting a survey of Kentucky’s urban farms and vegetable gardens. Through this research study, Dr. Whittinghill identifies general information about urban farms and vegetable gardens in central Kentucky as well as information about urban growing practices related to crop selection, cover cropping, nutrient management, pest management and irrigation.
Dr. Whittinghill and her team are interested in a wide range of urban farms and vegetable gardens from backyard gardens to community or institutional gardens (like school gardens) to larger commercial operations. Kentuckians who own, operate or manage a farm or food-producing garden in an urban area are eligible to take this survey.
KYSU's definition of an "urban area" is one within city limits (not "in the county"); one located in an area of relatively dense development; one in a suburb or subdivision; and/or an area that has streetlights and sidewalks.
Those interested can contact Dr. Whittinghill by phone or email: (502) 597-6139 or leigh.whittinghill@kysu.edu.
Graduate Research Assistantships are available for qualified students in the Master of Science in Environmental Studies program. Research opportunities are available in the areas of animal science, apiculture, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, changing climate, conservation biological control, food systems, forest management, fruit crops, fruit and ornamental plant breeding, food safety, forage crops, genetics, genomics, land use change, organic agriculture, hemp, ornamental plants, and water quality. For more information on how to apply, visit: kysu.edu/agresearchassistantships.
A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available for qualified, full-time, thesis-track Aquaculture and Aquatic Studies students. Assistantships are typically funded through grants from state and federal agencies and are awarded only after a student has been academically accepted into the program. Students granted graduate assistantships are required to assist with activities relevant to the grant objectives for 20 hours per week while attending classes and full-time during the summer term. Compensation package includes a competitive stipend, opportunities to travel to and present research at professional meetings, and engage in a range of hands-on learning opportunities. Research areas include production systems, Extension activities, recirculating systems, aquatic diseases, aquaponics nutrition, genetics, and economics and marketing. Learn more at www.ksuaaquaculture.org.
Interested in learning more about undergraduate and graduate opportunities or looking for information on careers in ag? Visit us online at kysu.edu/ag and follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @kysuag
Soil quality loss is a major concern among farmers in Kentucky because poor and degraded soils are devoid of the essential plant nutrients crops need. Some of the most productive crops and pasture are grown in the state's north central counties, and there is a considerable uncertainty as to exactly how future climate variability (i.e., high/low rainfall and warming) in this region might impact soil organic carbon—an essential element that all living things must have.
Recognizing the critical role soils have on mitigating increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, emerging land management approaches to sequester carbon in the soils are gaining attention. These approaches not only offer a low cost means to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also provide simple solutions in the effort to improve soil health and resilience.
Many understand the benefit of conservation tillage and cover cropping in reducing runoff and mitigating emissions of soil gases. Acceptance of the practice has happened in part as a result of the increased prevalence of herbicide-resistant weeds. This has prompted some farmers to revert to conventional tillage.
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin, assistant professor of soil science in the College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Environment, partnered with the Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide guidance to small-scale crop row growers on how to maintain soil quality, improve crop productivity while maintaining the quality of soils.
To learn more, contact Dr. Gebremedhin at (502) 597-6830 or maheteme.gebremedhin@kysu.edu.