Dr. Whitney was recently promoted to Associate Professor, is a Ruminant Nutritionist and project leader for the Texas AgriLife Research Nutrition Laboratory, San Angelo. He is also a faculty member of the animal nutrition section in the Department of Animal Science and adjunct faculty for Angelo State Univ. (San Angelo) and Tarleton State Univ. (Stephenville). He received a bachelor’s in Animal Science from Southwest Texas State University, a master’s in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University, and a doctorate in Animal Science (ruminant nutrition) from the University of Arizona. After receiving his Master’s degree, he taught Animal Science classes at Palo Alto College (San Antonio) and did postdoctoral research at Montana State University (Bozeman) prior to his appointment in San Angelo.His interdisciplinary research program is directed toward helping producers (especially in the Edward’s Plateau Region of Texas) make informed management decisions related to feeding livestock. The primary objective of his Nutrition Program is to reduce costs associated with feeding livestock by (1) increasing livestock production efficiency; (2) increasing the value of underutilized feed sources such as dried distillers grains and ground juniper trees; (3) using plant secondary compounds to enhance ruminal function, bypass protein, and animal health, and reduce internal parasite viability. Secondary objectives are to enhance animal fiber, carcass, and meat characteristics. Recent trials have demonstrated that lamb performance is not negatively affected when ground juniper trees (leaves and stems) replace up to 2/3 of the oat hay in growing diets. These juniper-based diets cost approximately $190/ton, which is approximately $200/ton cheaper than the current cost of mixed feeds. Dr. Whitney is currently Chairman of the American Society of Animal Science, Western Section committee; President of WERA039 (Coordination of Sheep and Goat Research and Education Programs for the Western States); and is a committee member for the Texas Beef Workers. He has served on the editorial board for Small Ruminant Research Journal and is an ad hoc reviewer for the J. Anim. Sci. and Rangel. Ecol. Manage. He was recently elected to serve on the TX A&M Council of Principal Investigators as a representative for TX AgriLife Research. Professional memberships include: American Society of Animal Science; Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association; International Goat Association; W1012 (Improving Ruminant Use of Forages in Sustainable Production Systems); WERA039; Society of Range Management, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.

Ruminant Nutrition