Department of Animal Science

Graduate Student

	Olivia Genther Animal Nutrition Iowa State University 333 Kildee Hall Ames, IA 50011 Email: genthero@iastate.edu Major Professor: Stephanie Hansen
Education B. S., Animal Science, Michigan State University, 2008 M. S., Animal Science, Michigan State University, 2011
Research The current focus of our research is the impact of trace mineral status and injectable minerals on beef cattle production and performance. Trace minerals are vital to growth and production of livestock, and requirements can increase during stressful events such as breeding and shipping. Trace minerals are found in common feedstuffs, but often not in adequate concentrations, and supplementation programs can be inconsistent. Additionally, dietary antagonists can decrease trace mineral absorption. Use of an injectable mineral can rapidly improve trace mineral status by bypassing the digestive tract and absorption will be higher than from the diet. Our most recent research has demonstrated that adequate trace mineral status is important to lessen the negative impacts of stress, and also suggested that in addition to improving trace mineral status, injectable minerals improve cattle performance and carcass characteristics, in animals with adequate or mildly deficient trace mineral status.
Professional Affiliations American Society of Animal Science American Dairy Science Association