Evaluating novel dietary strategies to enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency in dairy cows

    PI: Yun Jiang

    Yun Jiang is an Assistant Professor of Dairy Nutrition in the Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science, with a specialization in ruminant nutrition, from the University of Florida. Jiang’s research program focuses on developing nutritional strategies to optimize ruminal fermentation and feed efficiency, reduce environmental impacts such as methane emission, and improve feed quality and safety in the dairy industry. She also has a strong interest in the use of probiotics and postbiotics in dairy nutrition.

    Graduate student (pictured above): Houhua Hu is a PhD student in animal and dairy science at UW–Madison and is mentored by Yun Jiang. His research focuses on reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions from dairy manure. Originally from Shanghai, China, Hu earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science and Agribusiness Management from Penn State and his master’s degree from the Ohio State University.

    In addition to listed Co-PIs, Hilario Mantovani is also a co-investigator on this project.

    Microbial true protein (MTP), produced in a cow’s rumen, is a key protein source, but only about 80% is digestible in the small intestine. By increasing MTP digestibility, researchers hope to boost milk protein yields and support more sustainable dairy nutrition practices.

    Sebastian Arriola Apelo