Graduate Research Assistant
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Abigail is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Swine Nutrition at Kansas State University. She grew up raising and exhibiting livestock in south Louisiana. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences from Mississippi State University in 2020. During her time at MSU Abigail was named an All-American Livestock Judging Team member and completed internships with Prestage Farms and the Maschhoffs. In 2022 Abigail earned a Master’s degree in Swine Reproductive Physiology under the direction of Dr. William Flowers. She was on a National Pork Board Graduate fellowship which funded her research focused on colostrum intake and survivability in neonates. Her research at KSU has included determination of the best methods for allocating pigs to pen in a research setting and the use of yeast probiotics in lactation diets on lifetime growth performance and antibody titers. She has investigated the effects of increased lysine in late gestation and the use of supplemental histidine in lactation on lactation performance. Most recently, Abigail conducted two trials on a commercial sow farm which evaluated the effect litter size relative to functional teat count on lactating sow and litter performance and the impact of calcium administration protocols around farrowing on sow performance. In addition, she has gained valuable experience leading bi-weekly meetings, managing data, conducting statistical analyses, and writing final reports for commercial research programs within two large swine production systems.
Monday, March 10, 2025
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM CST
69 - Effects of increasing Histidine:Lysine ratio during lactation on sow and litter performance
Monday, March 10, 2025
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM CST