Graduate Faculty

701-231-7641

Marc L. Bauer, Ph.D.
University of Kentucky, 1996
Research Interests:
Nutritional Physiology with emphasis on Nutrient Metabolism and Utilization in Ruminants

Erika Berg, Ph.D.
University of Missouri, 2006 Research Interests:
The Impact of Therapeutic Horsemanship on Human and Eguine Participants. Maternal and Environmental Influence on Equine Neonatal Physiology

Eric P. Berg, Ph.D.
Purdue University, 1996.
Research Interests:
Influence of Environment, Nutrition, and Genetic Factors as They Impact Meat-Animal Production Efficiency, Health, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality

Paul T. Berg, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1975
Research Interests:
Genetic Selection and Production Parameters, Genetic Implications in Meat Production and Consumer Acceptance, Nutritive Evaluation of Meat

David L. Berryhill, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1971
Research Interests:
Zoonotic Diseases

David S. Buchanan, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Univerisity of Nebraska, 1979
Head, Research Interests: Quantitative Genetics

Kassey Maddock Carlin, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2005
Research Interests:
Meat Science with emphasis on Physiological and Biochemical Changes in Muscle Postmortem on Meat Quality

Joel S. Caton, Ph.D.
New Mexico State University, 1987
Research Interests:
Ruminant Nutrition with emphasis on Nutrition and Reproduction interactions, Forage Utilization, Digestive Physiology and Selenium Metabolism

Thomas P. Colville, DVM, M.Sc.
University of Minnesota, 1971
Research Interests:
Veterinary Technology

Russell B. Danielson, M.S.
North Dakota State University, 1973
Research Interests:
Productions Systems and Management of Beef Cattle

Anna T. Grazul-Bilska, Ph.D.
University of Agriculture and Technology, Olsztyn, Poland, 1983
Research Interests:
Applied and Basic Aspects of Embryology and Ovarian Function in Livestock Species

Carolyn Hammer, DVM, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2003
Research Interests:
Equine Preventative Medicine, Growth and Development, Immunology

Greg Lardy, Ph.D.
University of Nebraska, 1997
Research Interests:
Cow-Calf Nutrition, By-Product Utilization, Range Nutrition

Justin Luther, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 2006
Research Interests:
Nutrition and Reproductive Physiology of Sheep

Rob Maddock, Ph.D.
Texas A&M University, 2000
Research Interests:
Factors Affecting Beef Quality and Value, Consumer Acceptance of Meat Products

Bert L. Moore, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1975
Research Interests:
Live Animal Evaluation, Production, Management and Applied Nutrition of Sheep and Beef

Chung S. Park, Ph.D.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1975
Research Interests:
Nutritional Regulation of Animal Growth, Mammary Development and Lactation

Dale A. Redmer, Ph.D.
University of Missouri, 1983
Research Interests:
Regulation of Ovarian Function, Including Angiogenesis and Endocrine Control of Follicular Development in Farm Animals

Lawrence P. Reynolds, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 1983
Research Interests:
Maternal and Placental Physiology During Pregnancy in Livestock Including Cellular and Molecular Aspects

Jerome W. Schroeder, Ph.D.
North Dakota State University, 1999
Research Interests:
Metabolic and Nutritional Relationships of Dairy Cattle Related to Milk Quality and Composition

Charles L. Stoltenow, DVM, Diplomate, ACVPM
Iowa State University, 1985
Research Interests:
Equine Medicine, Bovine Medicine, Epidemiology, Public Health and Bioterrorism

Kimberly Vonnahme, Ph.D.
University of Wyoming, 2003
Research Interests:
Nutritional Impacts on Placental Function in Livestock

Sarah A. Wagner, DVM, Ph.D.
Iowa State University, 2003
Research Interests:
Food Animal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Dairy Cattle Health

In addition ot the above listed faculty, there are numerous adjunct faculty members who participate in the graduate program.

Program Description

The Department of Animal Sciences offers graduate study leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Advanced work may involve specialized training in the following areas: animal breeding, animal nutrition, physiology of reproduction, nutritional physiology, and meat science.

Student research and academic programs are tailored to individual student needs and interests. Interdisciplinary approaches to Animal Sciences programs are fostered.

Admissions Requirements

The Department of Animal Sciences graduate program is open to all qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing. To be admitted with full status to the program, the applicant must:

1. hold a baccalaureate degree from an educational institution of recognized standing.
2. have adequate preparation in animal sciences or in a complementary area of life sciences, have a background or interest in agriculture, and show potential to undertake advanced study and research as evidenced by academic performance and experience.
3. at the baccalaureate level, have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all courses of at least 3.0 or equivalent.

Preferably, applications should be submitted directly to the Graduate School by April 15 prior to the upcoming academic year. However, applications will be considered at any time they are submitted.

Official transcripts (transcripts having an appropriate seal or stamp) of all previous undergraduate and graduate records must be received by the Graduate School before the application is complete. When a transcript is submitted in advance of completion of undergraduate or graduate studies, an updated transcript showing all course credits and grades must be provided prior to initial registration at North Dakota State University.

Three letters of recommendation are required before action is taken on an application. Personal reference report forms are available from the Graduate School.

The TOEFL examination [ minimum score required is 525 (paper test), 193 (computer test), or 71 (internet-based test)] or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (minimum score is 5.5) is required of international applicants.

Financial Assistance

Research assistantships are available. Applicants are considered on the basis of scholarship and potential to undertake advanced study and research. To be considered for an assistantship, a completed Graduate School application, official transcripts, three letters of reference, and a TOEFL score for international applicants must be submitted to The Graduate School no later than April 15.

Degree Requirements

The Animal Sciences program has two options for the M.S. degree: the thesis option and the comprehensive study option. The M.S. program requires completion of 30 semester credits of approved graduate and letter-graded course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The Ph.D. program requires the completion of 90 semester credits (or the equivalent) of graduate approved and letter graded course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or more.

Each student must choose an adviser, usually based upon area of academic and research interest, within the first program year. By the end of the first year of residence, the student must have selected an advisory/supervisory committee and have an approved graduate plan of study, including a research proposal. The advisory/supervisory committee advises the student and administers the graduate exams to the student. Students are referred to the Animal Sciences Graduate Student Handbook for information regarding additional requirements.

Candidates for the M.S. normally complete their degree requirements in two years. Candidates for the Ph.D. generally complete their degree requirements in three to four years.

The M.S. candidates are required to take an oral examination which covers both the research and academic subject matter covered in their program. Candidates for the Ph.D. are required to take a preliminary written and oral examination directed toward the academic subject matter of their chosen discipline and a final defense of a research based thesis.

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Courses Offered

635 Nutrition Laboratory Techniques 3

Theory and basic laboratory techniques associated with nutritional research and current information regarding advanced techniques and developments. 2 lectures and laboratory by arrangement. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: Chem 260.

663 Physiology of Reproduction 3

Comparative anatomy, physiology, and endocrinology of reproduction in mammals. 3 lectures. Cross-listed with ZOO.

663L Physiology of Reproduction Laboratory 1

Experience in practical application of reproductive technologies in farm animal species. One two-hour lab.

695 Livestock Muscle Physiology

Basic concepts in muscle growth and development of livestock, evaluating the affects of environment, welfare, nutrition, and genetics regarding muscle metabolism and physiology and how this ultimately affects the nature of muscle as a food.

721 Biology of Lactation 2

Mammary gland development and mechanisms controlling lactation. 2 lectures. Prereq: Bioc 460.

728 Advanced Reproductive Biology 3

Discussion of reproductive physiology research with emphasis on current topics in cellular and molecular biology. 3 lectures. Offered even years; spring. Prereq: ARSc 463, Bioc 460.

730 Growth Biology 3

Regulation of growth at the cell/tissue, organ systems, and whole animal levels. 3 lectures. Offered odd years; spring. Prereq: Bioc 460.

755 Advanced Meat Science 2

Physical, chemical, and structural characteristics of the postmortem meat animal. 2 lectures. Offered even years. Prereq: ARSc 340, Bioc 460.

773 Energy Metabolism 3

Methods of measuring energy values and the metabolic processes involved in the production of useful biological energy from organic compounds. 3 lectures. Offered odd years; spring. Prereq: ARSc 470, Bioc 701.

774 Nitrogen Metabolism 3

Detailed overview of nitrogenous compounds, including metabolism and function. Considerable emphasis on current research from the literature. 3 lectures. Offered even years; spring. Prereq: ARSc 470, Bioc 701.

775 Vitamins and Minerals 3

Metabolism of vitamins and minerals and their application in animal nutrition and the feed industry. 3 lectures. Offered even years; fall. Prereq: ARSc 470, Bioc 701.

776 Digestive Physiology 3

Investigation of digestive and absorptive events occurring within farm animals. Emphasis on enzyme action, nutrient transport, gut motility, gastro-intestinal endocrinology, and current research. 3 lectures. Offered odd years; fall. Prereq: ARSc 470, Bioc 701.

The following variable credit courses are also offered:

790 Graduate Seminar 1-3

793 Individual Study/Tutorial 1-5

795 Field Experience 1-15

796 Special Topics 1-5

797 Master's Paper 1-3

798 Master's Thesis 1-10

799 Doctoral Dissertation 1-15