Faculty

Michael E. Davis, PhD, Beef
Dr. Davis’ research interests are to understand biological sources of variation in efficiency of feed utilization with a focus on beef cattle.

Kichoon Lee, PhD, Beef, Poultry, Swine
Dr. Lee’s research interests are to identify and define genetic and metabolic networks that promote the efficiency of livestock production.

Steven J. Moeller, PhD, Swine
Dr. Moeller’s research interests emphasize assessment of the genetic and environmental mechanisms that influence the quality, composition, and quantity of muscle and fat in livestock with a focus on the swine species.

Facilities

Live animal genetics research is conducted at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s (OARDC) Wooster campus and at outlying research stations. Primary live animal facilities include the Western Research Station (swine), the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (beef cattle), and OARDC-Wooster (poultry). Additional live animal facilities are located at the Don Scott livestock center (swine, beef cattle, sheep). Laboratory support for genetics-related research is available within the department and includes the Kichoon Lee Lab (animal cell culture incubators and hood, PCR machines, Western blot equipment, and facilities for experiments in general molecular and cellular biology) and the Meat Science Laboratory (harvest and sample collection, carcass composition and fabrication, fat and muscle quality assessment, chemical composition, mechanical tenderness assessment, and sensory panel capabilities).

Courses

Animal Sciences 260, Data Analysis and Interpretation for Decision Making
Animal Sciences 320, Principles of Genetic Improvement
Animal Sciences 400, Cellular Effects on Animal Growth and Development
Animal Sciences 628, Genetic Applications to the Animal Industries
Animal Sciences 890.04, Genetics Seminar