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
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. Improving this digestibility could enhance nitrogen efficiency and milk protein production. This project aims to identify natural compounds, such as lysozyme, essential oils, and enzymes, that break down microbial cell walls and improve protein absorption. By increasing MTP digestibility, researchers hope to boost milk protein yields and support more sustainable dairy nutrition practices.