Veterinary Pathobiology
The Department of Veterinary Pathobiology ("VTPB") at Texas
A&M University is one of the largest and most active in the
country. The Department offers programs of graduate instruction and
research leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of
Philosophy in Genetics, Microbiology, and Pathology, and the Master
of Science degree in Parasitology. These degree programs provide
the opportunity for coursework of suitable breadth and depth within
the major and supporting fields in conjunction with research
experience in an area of interest.
Veterinary Pathobiology Researchers Involved in 2 Grants from
USDA totaling more than $14 Million for Cattle Research
Dr. Jim Womack, W.P. Luse Endowed & Distinguished Professor
in Veterinary Pathobiology will lead the research on a 9.2 million
grant to help reduce the incidence of BRD in beef and dairy cattle.
BRD is the leading cause of disease death in beef and dairy cattle,
resulting in annual losses of more than $690 million nationally.
Researchers from College of Veterinary Medicine who will be working
with Dr. Womack on this grant are, Drs. Scott Dindot, Noah Cohen,
Loren Skow, and Christopher Seabury.
Dr. Christopher Seabury, Assistant Professor in Animal Genomics
Veterinary Pathobiology will be a key player in a 2nd grant for $5
million to study feed efficiency in cattle. This grant, led by Dr.
Jerry Taylor of the University of Missouri will genotype 8,0000
cattle and determine how genetic differences affect feed intake and
efficiency. Seabury says "this project undoubtedly has the
potential for major scientific advances enabling more efficient and
cost -effective cattle production. I'm very excited about the
opportunities it will offer to the beef industry.
These two grants will provide tools for improvement in the
cattle health and production and increase profitability in the
cattle industry. The 75 billion dollar beef and dairy industry has
a significant impact on the national economy and in particular
contributes largely to the rural economy.
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