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Current On-going Projects
Levels of Nutritional Minerals in Free Ranging Cattle Grazing on Reclaimed Stripmines (Supplement)
Dr. Robert Van Saun
Objectives of the expanded portion of this study are to establish a database of liver mineral concentrations for grass-fed beef cattle and determine if mineral supplementation status is adequate. This project is an addition to the Levels of Nutritional Minerals in Free Ranging Elk Grazing on Reclaimed Stripmines project.
PA Johne's Disease Demonstration Herd Project
Dr. Ernest Hovingh
Correlate testing strategies and control/management plans for Johne's disease in dairy herds.
Levels of Nutritional Minerals in Free Ranging Elk Grazing on Reclaimed Stripmines
Dr. Robert Van Saun
The objectives of this study are to establish diagnostic reference values for interpreting elk hepatic trace mineral concentrations and assess copper status relative to reclaimed stripmine grazing.
Isolation and Characterization of Bovine class II MHC-Bound Peptides from Cows with High Somatic Cell Counts: A Proteomics-based Approach to Identifying Etiological Agents of Bovine Mastitis
Dr. Bhushan Jayarao
It is our hypothesis that screening quarter milk samples from cows with mastitis could reveal a vast array of uncharacterized bacterial antigens of both contagious and environmental mastitis pathogens. The study will develop a better understanding of the control and expression of diagnostically relevant antigens of bovine mastitis pathogens.
A Comprehensive Survey of Zoonotic Occupational Health Risks of Women in Animal Agriculture
Dr. Bhushan Jayarao
The objective of this study is to determine the specific occupational health risks from zoonotic disease facing women involved with animal production agriculture. Determining the risks will allow for the development and application of preventative measures including educational programs in the future.
Prevalence and Distribution of Actinobacillus suis Infections in Swine Operations in Pennsylvania
Dr. Bhushan Jayarao
Actinobacillus suis is a commensal opportunistic pathogen in swine. The focus of this study is to determine the prevalence and distribution of A. suis in pig operations and an abattoir in Pennsylvania.
Bioreporter and Molecular Beacon-Based Technologies for Detection of Organic Toxicants and Bacterial Pathogens in Milk and Milk Products
Dr. Bhushan Jayarao
PROJECT 1: Bioreporter-based technology for detection of organic toxicants directly from milk and milk products. PROJECT 2: Molecular beacon-based technology for detection of bacterial pathogens directly from milk and milk products.
Pathogen Reduction in Whole Animal Composting
Dr. David Wolfgang
Monitor and develop more effective methods of detecting animal pathogens in disposal of animal carcasses.
Improving the Competitiveness of Dairy Production in Northwest Pennsylvania
Dr. Bhushan Jayarao
Survey and analyze current antibiotic usage in livestock operations and propose strategies for prudent use of antibiotics based on the findings
of the study.
Nanobarcodes-based Bioassays for Tracing Consignments of Meat and Bone Meal
Dr. Bhushan Jayarao
Use nanobar technologies to trace commodities for contamination and/or purity.
Joint On Farm Pathogen Surveillance Program
Dr. David Wolfgang
Develop on farm testing procedures for food safety programs. Collaborate with other ARS scientists.
Ongoing projects with Vet Extension Faculty as Contributing Investigators
The Impact of Diet Particle Size on Sorting, Rumen Fermentation, and Metabolic Disease in Dairy Cattle
The purpose of this research will be to learn more about how the physical parameters of a lactating cow ration including feed and forage dry matter, type, and particle size components will affect the ability of cows to sort their feed and subsequently alter rumen dynamics and subsequent health.
Studies of PRRS Virus Strains and Their Clinical Impact on Pennsylvania Swine Herds
Establishing a set of data to charaterize the nature and potential of PRRS strains that are present in Pennsylvania swine herds.