Over 450 dairy nutritionists, consultants and industry professionals from around the world gathered in East Syracuse, New York, last week for the 86th Annual Cornell Nutrition Conference.
At the conference, participants gained insight into the latest research and developments in animal nutrition, leaving with actionable practices to help their farmer clients feed the world. Attendees represented feed manufacturers, dairy nutritionists, consultants, industry suppliers, and university and extension professionals. The conference has been coordinated and presented by the Cornell Animal Science Department since 1938.
“We were excited to welcome another large domestic and international crowd to the conference,” said Thomas Overton, professor of Cornell animal science and overall conference chair. “A robust agenda that features cutting edge research from Cornell and other leading faculty programs from around the country is a high point for us.”
Leading researchers and industry experts highlighted recent animal nutrition advances. Conference sessions focused on dairy cattle nutrition, emphasizing the impact of nutritional strategies on muscle health, milk production, immune response and nutrient efficiency.
With a focus on dairy greenhouse gas emissions and industry Net Zero commitments by 2050, researchers also introduced innovative methods to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and reduce a farm’s environmental footprint. Presentations discussed opportunities to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane. The goal was to help nutritionists understand their potential role and to empower dairy producers to adopt practices and implement practical tools that enhance sustainability without compromising productivity.
“We are at a pivotal moment in dairy farming where science and sustainability go hand in hand,” - Mike Van Amburgh
“We are at a pivotal moment in dairy farming where science and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell professor of animal science and conference program chair. “The findings shared at this conference provide practical solutions for allied industry to help dairy producers improve animal health, enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.”
At the conference, awards were also presented to four graduate students to honor their graduate studies and research efforts.
- The Leonard A. Maynard Graduate Student Awards are given to Cornell University graduate students with outstanding performance in a nutrition-related program, in honor of Maynard, one of Cornell University’s most distinguished nutritionists. Fabian Gutierrez-Oviedo and Keith Ou received this award.
- The Danny G. Fox Graduate Fellowship recognizes Fox’s 35-year career at Cornell focused on development of data, methods, mathematical models and computer software to more accurately predict cattle nutrient requirements and nutrients derived from feeds with wide variations in cattle type, environments and feeds. Alexandria Benoit, Cornell University, received this fellowship.
- The Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award was established at the Cornell Nutrition Conference in 2016 by Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health in recognition of Sniffen’s dedication and enthusiasm for dairy nutrition research. The award honors students from Cornell University and University of Vermont/Miner Institute who exemplify Sniffen’s leadership in conducting and communicating impactful research. Gift Omoruyi, a PhD student at the University of Vermont/Miner Institute, received this award.
