CSU Department of Animal Sciences

10/29/2026

We're keeping the meat science momentum going with another research highlight!

New research coauthored by Dr. Mahesh Nair and published in the Journal of Animal Science explored how differences in muscle proteins and metabolites contribute to pork color and eating quality.

Researchers found that lighter-colored pork was less tender, less juicy, and had lower water-holding capacity than darker pork, despite having normal pH. They also identified differences in protein breakdown and muscle metabolism that help explain these variations in meat quality.

These findings provide new insight into the biological factors influencing pork quality and could help the industry improve product consistency and consumer satisfaction.

📖 Read the full article here:

Abstract. Meat lightness is an important trait influencing pork quality, with lighter pork often linked to inferior tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Alth

10/27/2026

From mentorship to meat science,Associate Professor and Meat Extension Specialist Dr. Jennifer Martin is making an impact in animal agriculture!

In a recent episode of the Stock Show Sisters podcast, Dr. Martin shares her journey into meat science, the importance of mentorship, and her passion for supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Tune in to hear how meaningful connections, Extension, and a passion for animal agriculture can shape careers and strengthen the industry!

🎧 Listen here:

Listen to Mentors, Meat Science, and Making an Impact: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Martin from Stock Show Sisters. Stay updated with the latest episodes and catch up on all your favorite shows today!

10/26/2026

Congratulations to our very own Dr. Temple Grandin!

Dr. Grandin has been named the 2027 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Industry Leadership Award recipient! 🏆

Her pioneering work in livestock handling, facility design, and animal welfare has transformed practices across the cattle industry and continues to influence how we care for and manage livestock today.

We're proud to have Dr. Grandin as part of our faculty and excited to see her recognized for her lasting contributions to animal agriculture!

We are honored to present the 2027 Industry Leadership Award to Dr. Temple Grandin! 🏆🐂

From pioneering curved chutes to funding graduate educations debt-free through her books and talks, Dr. Grandin’s impact spans far beyond the feedyard. She transformed stockmanship worldwide by viewing facilities through the animal’s eyes. Her humane welfare and auditing guidelines have been adopted by global leaders like Cargill, McDonald's, Whole Foods and Costco—reducing stress and improving livestock movement across the entire supply chain. Today, she teaches animal science at Colorado State University.

Join us in celebrating a visionary whose work continues to move the cattle business forward! 👏 Read more about Dr. Grandin and her leadership impact on the cattle feeding industry at cattlefeeders.org/awards/industry-leadership-award.

10/23/2026

Want to support research happening right here in Animal Sciences?

Graduate student Alie Lock is looking for participants for a beef consumer preference study at CSU Spur in Denver!

Eligible participants will receive $75 for their time. Check out the original post below for details and if interested in participating click this link:

https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5hih0PGG5qnjwOO

10/22/2026

Students! Looking for more hands-on opportunities with cattle?

Our CSU Beef Improvement Center in Saratoga, WY, is looking for two spring 2027 calving interns!

Check out the flyer for details and how to apply! 👇

10/21/2026

CSU Animal Sciences is at the National FFA Convention & Expo this week!

Our faculty and students are excited to connect with FFA members from across the country, share what makes CSU special, and talk about opportunities to study Animal and Equine Science at Colorado State University! 🐄 🐂🐴

📍 Attending the convention? Stop by Booth #2731 to meet our team, ask questions, and learn more about becoming a CSU Ram!

We hope to see you there! 🐏

CSU Equine Sciences

10/16/2026

New research from Dr. Pablo Pinedo and collaborators takes a closer look at factors influencing udder health and milk quality on organic dairy farms across the United States.

Published in the Journal of Dairy Science, the study analyzed more than 2.3 million milk testing records from 430 organic dairy farms to better understand how factors such as breed, stage of lactation, herd size, season, and geographic location relate to somatic cell counts, an important indicator of udder health and milk quality.

Researchers found that somatic cell counts tended to be higher during the summer months and varied with herd characteristics, breed, and stage of lactation.

By identifying these patterns, research like this can help inform dairy management practices that support animal health and milk quality.

📖 Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2026-28648

10/14/2026

What does it take to turn a young horse into a trusted partner and what do students learn about themselves along the way?

Under The Same Sky is a new documentary following students in our Legends of Ranching program as they navigate the challenges, hard work, and rewards of preparing young horses for the annual Legends of Ranching Performance Horse Sale.

Produced by Barnfly Productions in partnership with CSU Equine Science Student Ellie Bush, the film highlights the students and horses who have been part of the program, and the many people who have helped make LOR such a unique part of our CSU Equine Sciences program over the past 20 years.

Join us for the premiere this Friday, October 16th at 7pm in Colorado State University Center for the Arts.

🎟️ Admission is free and you can reserve your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/under-the-same-sky-premire-tickets-1996476151914

Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31YXcxwtsbE

Out on the plains of Colorado State University, the Legends of Ranc...

10/12/2026

Animal Sciences' Professor Dr. Temple Grandin was recently featured on the 200th episode of The beef podcast show

In this episode, she shares her insights on sustainable grazing, cattle behavior, low-stress handling, and how livestock management practices can support both animal welfare and productivity.

Tune in to hear her perspective on the science and practices shaping the future of cattle management and welfare!

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch here:

In this special 200th episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Temple ...