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Cierra KozolePosition/Title: PhD candidate email: ckozole@uoguelph.ca Phone: Office: 128
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Education
- BScH. (Animal Biology, UoG, 2020)
Experience
- Undergraduate Research Assistant (S20)
- Piglet creep feeding strategies under Brenda Christensen
- Feeding strategies for gilt development under Nicole Gregory
- Gestating gilt amino acid requirements under Cristhiam Jhoseph Munoz
I am a PhD student studying swine nutrition under Dr. Lee-Anne Huber’s supervision. Previously, I completed a BSc in Animal Biology at the University of Guelph (2020) and then started a masters by thesis with Dr. Lee-Anne Huber in January 2021. I had the opportunity to transfer to a PhD program, which I was thrilled to accept. I am studying amino acid supply in reproductive pigs. Specifically, my research aims to identify methionine requirements of first parity sows during lactation. In order to define these requirements, we complete nitrogen balances where we analyze nitrogen levels in urine, feces, and milk to see what is retained (sow tissue, milk) vs. excreted (feces, urine). As well, we evaluate circulating amino acid and metabolite (e.g. homocysteine and creatine) levels to assess the impact of dietary methionine level on sow health. By more accurately defining the responses of lactating sows and their offspring to maternal methionine intake, we can maximize sow protein retention, metabolite status and performance. Our main objectives are to improve producer profitability and minimize environmental impact.
I recently joined the Animal Biosciences Graduate Student Council as Secretary. This position has allowed me to contribute to the department graduate community as well as meet other grad students and learn of exciting events being offered. When I’m not doing lab, barn or writing work I also enjoy baking, hiking, camping, and playing card games like euchre.