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Emily KnapperPosition/Title: MSc Candidate by Thesis email: knappere@uoguelph.ca Phone: Office:
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Faculty Advisor
Current Research
In December 2023, I joined the lab of Dr. Marcio Duarte to investigate skeletal muscle growth and development in the offspring of beef calves, when mineral supplementation is provided in maternal nutrition during late gestation. Cow-calf operations depend on optimal nutrition in late gestation, influencing both reproduction success as well as calf health and continued growth. This research aims to identify optimized nutritional resources which enhance both reproductive and offspring success, to further improve carcass market goals.
Effect of chromium-propionate supplementation at late gestation on performance and metabolic profile of the beef cows, and skeletal muscle energy metabolism of the offspring
This study is being conducted to determine if chromium-propionate supplementation in late gestation of beef cows improves energy status of the dam, performance of the offspring, and offspring skeletal muscle development. Through a random selection process, 100 third-trimester Angus beef cows were enrolled into two experimental groups fed a basal diet until parturition: CONTROL (n = 50), receiving the base mineral mixture; and CHROMIUM (n = 50), receiving additional 0.4% chromium-propionate. Full metabolic and muscle fiber profiles will be completed through late gestation 28-day cow blood/weight/ultrasound collections, along with postpartum colostrum sampling and calf muscle biopsy analysis.
Graduate Achievements
Student Speaker | Ruminant Session - Up-and-Coming Mini Research Presentations | Animal Nutrition Conference of Canada, 2024
Academic History
BScH Animal Biology - University of Guelph (2019 - 2023)
Career Goals
Using my developing background in Animal Science, I look to further contribute in developing research of ruminant nutrition, physiology, and reproduction. I aim to learn more, and apply my studies to help solve problems producers face in the industry.