SUSTAINING THE WORLD THROUGH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Animal and Food Sciences | Faculty

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Limin Kung, Jr., Ph.D.


Why Cows Are Cool

Ruminants (e.g. cows, sheep, and deer) are metabolic marvels because of interactions with microbes in their guts.  Ruminants have three forestomachs where bacteria and protozoa ferment feed.  These microbes produce volatile fatty acids and microbial protein that are utilized as sources of energy and protein, respectively by the animal.  In a lactating cow, the first two forestomachs,  the rumen and reticulum, have a capacity of about 150 to 200 liters.  Each liter of rumen fluid contains about 1011 bacteria, 106 protozoa, and 103 fungi per ml.  Interestingly, ruminants are born with metabolic processes based on the primary absorption of glucose and a gastrointestinal system that is very similar to a monogastric animal (e.g., a pig).  However, as the animal matures, primary metabolism shifts to an organic acid economy, based mostly on the absorption of acetic and propionic acids from the rumen.    My lab conducts research in the areas of ruminant nutrition and microbiology with the goal of improving the productive efficiency of ruminants. Education
  • Ph.D. Dairy Nutrition - Michigan State University
  • M.S. Ruminant Nutrition - University of Hawaii
  • B.S. Animal Science - University of Hawaii
Research Projects

Research Group

              Research projects: exogenous proteases for improving ruminal starch digestions, improving

              the aerobic stability of silages

              Research projects: evaluation of hurricane damaged corn silage, use of BMR corn silage in

              dairy rations

              Research projects: evaluation of flavoring agents for dairy cattle, feed additives for lactating

              dairy cows

  • Rebecca Savage, Science and Engineering Scholar, (BS degree student) 

              Research project: effects of DFM yeast on silage fermentation, aerobic stability and NDF-D

  • Matt Vahabi, Science and Engineering Scholar, (BS degree student)

              Research project: effect of an culture of A. oryzae on in vitro ruminal fermentation

  • Cooper Asay, Science and Engineering Scholar, (BS degree student)

              Research project: evaluation of microbial inoculants for alfalfa silage

  • Kim Freeman, Science and Engineering Scholar, (BS degree student) 

               Research project: improving the aerobic stability of silages with chemical agents

  • Mariele Agarussi, Visiting Scholar, B.S. student, University of Vicosa, Brazil

  • Lilian Oliveira, Visiting Scholar, Ph.D. student, University of Vicosa, Brazil

  • Manoel Neto, Visiting Scholar, B.S. student, University of Lavras, Brazil

Professional Awards

  • 2009  American Feed Ingredient Award
  • 2003 Outstanding M.S. Student Mentoring and Advising Award - UD
  • 1999 Pioneer Hi-Bred Forage Award – in recognition of outstanding research and education in the area of forage production
  • 1982 National Milk Producers Federation Award - in recognition of outstanding academic achievement in dairy science and devotion to the practical application of research in the dairy industry