Ruminant Nutrition research at Kansas State University has historically focused on the study of beef cattle nutrition and dairy cattle nutrition. While these have been the species of emphasis, much of the research conducted with these species has relevance to other ruminant species, such as sheep.

Within each of the main species, faculty are active conducting experiments that are relevant to different production phases. Areas emphasized in the study of beef cattle nutrition include cow/calf nutrition, growing/finishing nutrition, and stocker nutrition. Within these areas, a variety of topics may be addressed. For example, within the growing/finishing nutrition area, faculty are studying topics such as amino acid requirements, byproduct utilization, nutritional impacts on growth & development, feeding management, and nutritional impacts on meat quality.

Graduate students working in the area of ruminant nutrition are matched with a major professor with similar research interests. The major professor and the student discuss possible research topics within a given area and select a research topic that is compatible with program goals and which is of significant personal interest to the student. Students can review individual faculty pages to gain an appreciation for the areas in which different faculty focus their research activities.

Extension activities that relate to ruminant nutrition are typically conducted under the auspices of the beef program, dairy program, or sheep program.  To review the programs for the various ruminant species, click on one or more of the following links:

Beef Program

Dairy Program

Sheep Program