Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1. Build Engagement Platforms

Collaborative efforts: Webinars, potlucks, and podcasts

To support engagement of S1074 members with each other on topics related to the multi-state project objectives, team members coordinated a series of quarterly webinars followed by discussion of project coordination and collaboration. In FY2026, these webinars and featured speakers were:

1. “Ideas to Action: Leveraging Modeling Platforms and Precision Livestock Technologies to Decrease Cost and Increase Efficiency for U.S. Beef Producers” by Dr. Jameson Brennan, South Dakota State University.
2. “Carbon Footprint Model Comparison” by Ms. Beth Bader, Project Manager and Senior Researcher and Marguerita Leavitt, Associate Consultant and Analyst, SES Corp.
3. “Incredibly Sustainable - A Tool for U.S. Egg Producers to Report Climate and other Sustainability Metrics to their Customers” by Dr. Alison Grantham, Grow Well.
4. “Comparison of model inputs to several dairy sustainability calculators” by Seth Heitman, Virginia Tech. 
5. “An overview of the regulatory environment in CA in preparation for our annual meeting” by Dr. Deanne Meyer, UC Davis.

Each seminar was followed by a modified strengths/weaknesses/threats/opportunities discussion. Notes on these discussions are archived in a Google drive accessible to members of the multi-state project. “Potluck” sharing of activities during quarterly meetings also allows S1074 members to share recent activities or opportunities for collaboration. For example, several S1074 members play a key role in planning and hosting the Waste to Worth 2027 conference, a multi-state effort supported by the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community. Multi-state collaboration is also exemplified in content development for the Texas Manure YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/@texasmanure249). This channel hosts content created by and featuring S1074 members and others with expertise in manure and mortality management. Examples are listed in the following table.

In addition, S1074 members disseminated research findings through Extension programming, professional presentations, industry engagement, and multi-state collaborations, strengthening communication among researchers, producers, industry stakeholders, and decision-makers regarding sustainable animal agriculture systems.

Some state activities:

(ID) Researchers contributed to an effort involving research scientists and industry professionals coordinated by Dairy West and the Idaho Dairymen’s Association to collectively identify research gaps and priorities that are important to help achieve the dairy industry’s sustainability goals in the Pacific Northwest. Top issues included monitoring of GHG emissions, optimizing anaerobic digestion, recycling of manure nutrients, and irrigation with wastewater streams. In addition, researchers at the University of Idaho, together with colleagues from Washington State University and Oregon State University, developed ideas for a Strengthening Agricultural Systems proposal submitted to USDA NIFA to build symbiotic value chains by converting dairy residuals into bioproducts for new and expanding markets to promote rural prosperity.

(OH) A Virtual Forum on “Dust & Disease in Egg Production” was organized on June 12, 2025, through collaborative efforts by a group of peers (including faculty at Ohio State, Iowa State, NC State, and University of Georgia) and industry partners (Ohio Poultry Association and Egg Industry Center). Presentations about dust, poultry diseases, animal and human health protections, best available dust control technologies and management practices and producer experiences and perspectives were shared by academic researchers, USDA researchers, private consulting companies, and poultry producers. Research and extension education needs were also shared by producer panel members. Afterwards a survey assessed educational needs for future programming. 

(OH) A Virtual Forum on “Ventilation for Poultry Performance and Health” was organized on April 29th, 2026, through collaborations with industry partners (Ohio Poultry Association and Egg Industry Center) and academic peers (including faculty at Ohio State, Iowa State, NC State, and University of Georgia). Presentations on scientific challenges and opportunities in poultry ventilation, new ventilation approaches, and technical assistance perspectives were shared by academic researchers, poultry farmer, and equipment manufacturer reps. The Virtual Forum serves as a platform to initiate critical dialogue and collaboration among university researchers, poultry producers, and equipment manufacturers—working together to enhance the management of egg production environment and disease prevention for the long-term sustainability of the egg industry.

(TX) The 2025 Texas Animal Manure Management Issues (TAMMI) Conference brought together producers, researchers, Extension specialists, regulators, and industry partners from many states. The conference included 17 presentations, a panel discussion, a trade show, and a technical tour, drawing participation from USDA-NRCS, EPA Region 6, TCEQ, TSSWCB, commodity organizations, and technology providers. Topics spanned nutrient management, biosecurity, PFAS, anaerobic digestion, methane capture, and animal mortality technologies. Keynote speaker Jimmy Emmons (USDA-NRCS National Assistant Chief) addressed conservation-driven sustainability strategies. Industry leaders, including Daryl Maas, CEO of Maas Energy Works, presented biogas and methane capture projects in place on Texas dairies. Exhibitors showcased emerging mortality management technologies such as thermal dehydrators. One hundred percent of respondents (61 of 99 attendees) reported satisfaction and indicated they gained valuable information, with comments consistently praising the breadth of topics, the panel discussion, and the collaborative spirit among producer groups, regulators, and industry partners.

Objective 2. Assess Sustainability Assessment Tools

Collaborative efforts:

In Minnesota, building on previous collaborations with North Carolina, South Dakota, Nebraska, the National Pork Board, and Dairy Management Inc., an undergraduate researcher documented the input data types of three common sustainability calculators used in the dairy industry: FARM ES, COMET-FARM, and COOL FARM. The student presented this work during a S1074 webinar highlighting how each model appears to focus on different production segments for farm differentiation including feed and herd management. Future work may explore the sensitivity and necessity of each data type. 

Some state activities:

(AR) Arkansan researchers maintain the University of Arkansas manure/litter chemical and physical properties database which provides a multi-year dataset for dairy, poultry, and swine manure systems, supporting nutrient management planning, benchmarking, sustainability metrics, technology assessment, and cross-system comparisons relevant to animal agriculture. Researchers also published practical guidance for manure solids management, “Managing Solids in Liquid Manure,” for use by producers, Extension agents, and nutrient management planners. 

(IA) Researchers in Iowa assessed carbon intensity accounting approaches for feedstuffs and livestock production systems and how recycling manure and new manure strategies could impact scoring of feedstuffs. This work contributes to the development of sustainability assessment frameworks that integrate feed production, manure management, and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies. 

(OH) Through two rounds of USDA SAS proposal development, OH State researchers (led by Dr. Zhao) developed a conceptual structure for a sustainability assessment tool for egg production, in reference to the sustainability framework published by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs (US-RSPE).

(TX) Researchers in Texas are analyzing manure, lagoon water, and digester samples collected from animal operations across participating states. Analytical results will be compiled into a regional database to benchmark profiles and support sustainability assessment across diverse animal agriculture systems. This effort advances other S1074 objectives by generating shared, multi-state data to identify research gaps, evaluate emerging treatment technologies such as anaerobic digestion, and inform science-based nutrient management strategies.

TX researchers are developing scalable geospatial workflows and artificial intelligence approaches for identifying lagoon systems, tracking lagoon morphology, and analyzing temporal changes in lagoon characteristics using satellite remote sensing technology. Multiple image analysis and machine-learning algorithms were developed to automatically identify lagoon locations, delineate lagoon boundaries, estimate lagoon surface area, and evaluate spatial variability in lagoon water characteristics. Additional workflows were developed to analyze lagoon color variability using spectral and colorimetric approaches. More than 1,000 lagoons were identified and evaluated using multi-source satellite imagery, including Sentinel-2 and high-resolution PlanetScope imagery. Extensive manual and algorithmic validation procedures were conducted to improve the reliability and quality of the developing lagoon database. 

(VT) Researchers at the University of Vermont created an infectious disease vulnerability index using dairy biosecurity data. The doctoral student published the results in related proceedings and also as a journal manuscript which was also included as a chapter in his dissertation.

Objective 3. Appraise Technology

Collaborative efforts:

Through a National Pork Board funded project, S1074 members and colleagues in Minnesota, North Carolina, and Iowa synthesized nutrient transformations and partitioning in liquid swine manure undergoing anaerobic digestion (AD), aeration (AER), acidification (ACID), and solid-liquid separation (SLS). This work aggregated literature data that supported mass balance analyses wherein all or all but one output stream(s) were quantified, and normalized the nutrient flows to influent characteristics. Within papers on ACID, the effluent concentration and available mass/volume and gas data together did not document realistic N partitioning. Among SLS papers, there were varying levels of solids partitioning among SLS types, but the macro and micronutrients did not necessarily follow the same patterns. Biogas production in AD studies was well documented, but mass retained in the sludge was underreported. In AER studies, N partitioning was dependent on AER method. As pass-through technologies, AD and SLS are easier to incorporate in lagoon and slurry storage systems. ACID and AER can be physically incorporated in common manure management systems; however, treatment could hinder anaerobic lagoon function. Understanding nutrient partitioning will benefit from concurrent monitoring of multiple nutrients in the liquid, solid, and/or gas streams. This multi-disciplinary effort included agricultural biological engineers, animal nutritionists, geneticists, and data scientists. 

Some state activities:

(AR) Arkansas researchers are optimizing magnetite-assisted anaerobic co-digestion as a strategy to improve methane production from chicken litter and straw waste. Researchers developed an integrated bubble-column electrolytic reactor that recovered up to 99.9% of total phosphorus and 98.4% of total ammonia nitrogen from poultry litter digestate as struvite and ammonium sulfate solution. In addition, researchers are appraising nonthermal plasma as an emerging technology for the destruction of persistent contaminants like PFAS in waste and wastewater.

(CA) California researchers evaluated a centrifuge separator with influent stock from three sources: mechanical separator effluent, digestate, digester sludge. This analysis, requested by a dairy operator and the vendor who provided equipment and assistance, was informed by work from MN and NC and partially funded by the California Dairy Research Foundation. The dairy operator wanted to know if the technology would be effective to densify nitrogen for off-site export. If so, the operator would consider purchasing the equipment. After reviewing the findings, the dairy operator opted to not go forward with equipment purchase, saving millions of dollars associated with purchase, installation, and maintenance of the equipment. Most importantly, he has site specific information to understand to what extent the technology can help to alleviate his nitrogen surplus should he reconsider purchasing it in the future. 

(IA) Researchers in Iowa have evaluated anaerobic digestion opportunities in Midwest swine production systems by assessing manure collection, transport logistics, carbon intensity implications, and economic feasibility. This work supports regional discussions on renewable energy, nutrient circularity, and climate-smart livestock production systems. Researchers continued to study how the timing of manure application affects nutrient utilization with the goal of improving the synchronization of nutrient availability with crop demand, thereby reducing environmental risk in crop-livestock production systems. Researchers also evaluated emerging real-time manure nutrient sensing technologies to improve manure nutrient characterization and application accuracy, supporting precision nutrient management and technology adoption across animal agriculture systems. In a

(ID) Researchers at the University of Idaho, in collaboration with scientists from USDA ARS in Nebraska, helped characterize beef feedlot manure from the top 10 states with cattle on feed, yielding the first multi-state dataset generated with uniform methodology. To promote the adoption of mature manure management technologies such as liquid dairy manure solids/nutrients separation, manure composting, and advanced nutrient recycling technologies, Idahoan researchers presented their findings on advanced technologies for dairy manure treatment on Lactalis American Group producers’ sites located across the states of Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, New Hampshire, New York, and Wisconsin. 

(IN) Research conducted at Purdue in Indiana advanced the genomic, phenomic, and technological foundations of sustainable animal agriculture across multiple sectors. Relevant to the dairy industry, research has focused on developing and deploying genomic tools to improve feed efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of livestock production. In collaboration with Lactanet Canada, the University of Guelph, and the Canadian Dairy Network, a single-step genomic evaluation for methane efficiency was successfully developed and implemented for Canadian Holstein cattle, providing dairy breeders with a permanent and cumulative selection tool to reduce enteric methane emissions. This work was conducted within the framework of the Resilient Dairy Genome Project (RDGP), an international multi-institutional consortium, and directly informs the development of analogous tools for U.S. dairy populations. Complementary research on milk urea nitrogen (MUN) — a key biomarker of nitrogen use efficiency — produced the first random regression-based genetic parameter estimates and genome-wide association results for this trait in Holstein cattle, providing a quantitative framework for selecting animals with improved nitrogen utilization and reduced environmental nitrogen excretion.

Researchers also made advances in the characterization of precision livestock farming technologies, particularly automatic milking systems (AMS) and their utility for generating large-scale longitudinal phenotypic data. Purdue University researchers and international partners conducted genome-wide association and functional genomic analyses for udder conformation and teat placement traits derived from AMS records in American Holstein cattle, and estimated genetic parameters for lactation curve parameters using data from both AMS and conventional milking parlors. These contributions directly support the appraisal and adoption of precision technologies by identifying the genomic architecture underlying traits that determine AMS compatibility, milking efficiency, and udder health — all of which are critical to the profitability and welfare outcomes of modern dairy operations. The capacity to phenotype livestock for sustainability-related traits at scale was further advanced by developing a novel in-vivo methane sensing technology (SCOUT) for real-time monitoring of enteric emissions in cattle.

Relevant to beef cattle systems, multi-state and international collaborative research focused on the genetic architecture of feed efficiency, mature cow size, and reproductive performance — traits that directly affect the profitability and resource efficiency of cow-calf operations. A comprehensive review of feed efficiency in beef cattle, integrating data collection technologies with genetic and nutritional modeling approaches, was published to synthesize current knowledge and identify research gaps. Genome-wide association studies for mature cow weight, height, and body condition score in American Angus cattle identified key genomic regions and pleiotropic variants with implications for reducing maintenance feed requirements and improving cowherd profitability. In collaboration with Australian Angus breeders and the American Angus Association, genetic parameters for mature cow size were estimated across North American and Australian populations, establishing the foundation for an across-country genomic evaluation. Research on the genetic architecture of sexual precocity in Nellore cattle, conducted in collaboration with Brazilian partners, revealed environmentally sensitive genomic regions associated with reproductive efficiency under heat stress conditions, contributing to the design of more resilient breeding programs for beef cattle in tropical and subtropical environments.

Relevant to pork production, Purdue researchers and industry partners addressed the genetic basis of sow longevity, welfare, and productivity under commercial conditions. Genetic parameters for sow longevity traits — including length of productive life, removal age, and removal parity — were estimated in purebred and crossbred maternal line populations, providing actionable information for breeding programs aiming to improve animal welfare and production efficiency simultaneously. Parallel work characterized the genomic background of morphological defects in beef cattle, including skin depigmentation, limb malformations, and cranial asymmetries in Nellore cattle, which are associated with early culling and reduced productivity. 

(NC) Researchers in North Carolina developed and tested a simulation platform to predict the impact of management decisions and climate on lagoon management outcomes, namely, nitrogen use efficiency and lagoon resilience. This platform will assist stakeholders (animal producers, state agencies) when balancing management priorities. The team will engage partner institutions through S-1074 to disseminate the tool and identify use case opportunities in other states. In addition, researchers participated in a multi-state consortium funded by the National Pork Board with participants from Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, Kansas State University, IFEEDER, and Iowa Select Farms. The consortium has implemented a systems approach to understanding interactions and interventions in the nutrient cycle across the pork ecosystem. The project activities included: compiling and preparing literature reviews to understand gaps and innovation opportunities, developing outreach material to assist industry stakeholders improve nutrient cycling, and training graduate student researchers to contribute to and lead interdisciplinary research. The project generated four peer-reviewed manuscripts and four factsheets. Additionally, meetings and webinars were held where findings and recommendations were shared with industry representatives and audiences working in the area. Webinars are archived on the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) webinar platform: https://lpelc.org/a-systems-approach-to-understanding-the-nutrient-cycle-across-the-pork-ecosystem-team/

(ND) Researchers in North Dakota have completed a case study documenting the development and assessment of an air dispersion modeling-based odor footprint tool. A related manuscript is under review.

(TX) Texas led a review of U.S. dairy manure management literature and the development of a white paper summarizing and ranking technologies and management practices by specific parameters. Areas of scientific consensus about manure’s effects on these parameters by manure product type as well as gaps in scientific knowledge or lack of consensus about these effects were also highlighted. S1074 members provided input early in the project and again during the review of the final product. 

(VA) Researchers at Virginia Tech advanced field-scale understanding of dairy manure storage as a key component of nutrient management, farm sustainability, and technology appraisal. A long-term study of manure storage on a working dairy farm demonstrated that stored manure is not thermally uniform but behaves as a vertically stratified system influenced by season, manure volume, management events, and weather. Manure temperature varied across depth and time, with differences of up to 10°C between manure layers, and ambient air temperature was the dominant external driver while manure volume moderated internal temperature responses. These findings strengthen the evidence base for assessing manure storage systems, evaluating emission models, and identifying management or technology options that help retain manure’s fertilizer value. Data from these studies is publicly available through USDA Ag Data Commons: https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/29631641.

(OH) Zhao, L.Y., Wang, Q., and Bielke, L. Abate Poultry Disease and Heat Stress by Climate-Smart Housing and Environment Control Intervention for Sustainable Cage-Free Egg Production, 06/01/2023-05/30/2027, $1,000,000. Funding Agency: USDA AFRI IDEAS. 

(NC) Advancing the Sustainability and Resiliency of Lagoon-Sprayfield Systems in Eastern North Carolina: Tool Development and Utilization, 12/31/23 - 12/30/26, $176,391, Funding Agency: NC Department of Justice

(NC) A Systems-Approach to Understanding the Nutrient Cycle Across the Pork Ecosystem, 01/30/23 - 11/29/26, Total Funding: $1,000,000 (NC Share: $57,083.00), Funding Agency: National Pork Board

(NC) "Farm Bill" Proactive Pig Production (P3): Animal-centric AI For Indoor Environmental Control to Optimize Productivity, Welfare, and Sustainability, 06/30/24 - 06/29/29, $1,150,000, Funding Agency: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture 

(ND) BEEFS - Beef Energy, Environment & Fertility Systems. Funder: Agricultural Products Utilization Commission. Total funds: $245,000. 03/01/2026~03/31/2027.

(ND) Characterizing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Feed Efficiency at Varying Stages of Production in the Sheep Industry. Funder: North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education. Total funds: $11,185. 01/14/2025~06/30/2026. 

(ND) Cerrozone UV Air Purifying Technology as a Tool for Improving Environmental Air Quality and Pig Health in a Conventional Swine Production System. Funder: NDAES Precision Agriculture. Total fund: $114,759. 01/01/2024~12/31/2025. 

(TX) M3T: Identifying the Mode-of-Action (M3T Impacts on Ag Productions), 12/05/25 -11/30/27, $2,617,661, Funding Agency: Mosmart North America, LLC

(TX) CAREER: Assessing Manure Management and Climate Emissions on Animal Feeding Operations via Satellite Remote Sensing, 07/1/25 - 06/30/30, $549,858, Funding Agency: National Science Foundation

(TX with CA, NY, NC, ID, WA) U.S. Dairy Manure Management Literature Review, 03/01/25 - 02/28/26, $146,947, Funding Agency: Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research

(TX) Evaluating resource use efficiency in Texas Dairy farms, 09/01/25 - 10/03/27, $299,431, Funding Agency: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services

(TX) Thermal Dehydration for Mass Disposal of Poultry Mortalities and Poultry Products, 09/15/24 - 09/14/26, $171,189, Funding Agency: USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services

(TX with MO, OH, CO, ME, NY, MN, WI) HBCUHSIRIU Consortium: A Synergistic Paradigm for Training the Next Generation Agriculture Workforce for a Sustainable Future, 06/01/23 - 04/30/28, $10,000,000,  (TX Share: $1,249,750.00), Funding Agency: USDA - subcontractor to Lincoln University

(TX) Texas Conservation & Sustainability Initiative, 06/29/23 -05/29/28, $64,999,967, Funding Agency: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services

Journal Articles

1. Larson, R. A., Niles, M. T., Hegde, S., Aguirre-Villegas, H., Sharara, M., & Meyer, D. (2026). A multidisciplinary review of emission reductions and adoption potential of livestock manure acidification systems. Journal of Environmental Management, 408, 129920. (NC)
2. Soler, F., Rubio, S., Kuneff, I. B., Sharara, M., Hopkins, C., & van Heugten, E. (2026). PS5-16. Practical Evaluation of Recycled Phosphorus from Swine Lagoon Sludge in Nursery Pig Diets. Journal of Animal Science, 104(Supplement_3), skag107-351. (NC)
3. Cahyani, D., Sharara, M., Jackson, B., & Yuan, W. (2026). Converting Animal Waste to Syngas and Biochar via Top-Lit Updraft Gasification. Energies, 19(6), 1427. (NC)
4. Zhan, Yuanhang, Xiaoxia Cao, and Jun Zhu. 2026. Enhanced bioenergy production via operational optimization of anaerobic co-digestion of chicken litter and straw waste with magnetite nanoparticles. Energy 347: 140428. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2026.140428. (AR)
5. Saqib, Sidra, Ahmad Mukhtar, Brittney Conlee, Benjamin Morenas, Jun Zhu, and Sarah Wu. 2025. Destruction of concentrated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by nonthermal plasma technology. Journal of Water Process Engineering 77: 108594. doi:10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.108594. (AR)
6. Ndeddy Aka, Robinson Junior, Ekow Agyekum-Oduro, Jun Zhu, and Sarah Wu. 2025. Integrating electrolytic struvite precipitation with ammonia scrubbing toward complete recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from anaerobic digestate of poultry litter. Separation and Purification Technology 370: 133287. doi:10.1016/j.seppur.2025.133287. (AR)
7. Belete, Yonas Zeslase, Ashish Kumar Das, Chao Zong, and Lide Chen. (2026). Optimization of hydrothermal carbonization of dairy manure digestate for simultaneous hydrochar and nutrient recovery. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 236: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.supflu.2026.107017 (ID)
8. Oliveira, E. S., Oliveira, H. R., Mota, L. F. M., Mulim, H. A., Campos, M. A. F., Silva Neto, J. B., & Baldi, F. (2026). Integrating reaction norm models and genome-wide association analyses to reveal the genetic architecture and environmental sensitivity of sexual precocity in Nellore cattle. BMC Genomics, 27(1), 200. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-026-12547-8 (IN)
9. , Y., T. Ju, U. Kaur, H. A. Mulim, S. Singh, J. Boerman, and H. R. Oliveira. (2026). Revisiting Environmental Sustainability in Ruminants: A Comprehensive Review. Agriculture, 16(2), 149. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture16020149. (IN)
10. Campos, M. A. F., H. R. Oliveira, H. A. Mulim, E. S. Oliveira, J. Hidalgo, R. B. Costa. (2025). Comparison of linear and threshold models for genetic evaluation of morphological defects in Nellore cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 104. DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaf438. (IN)
11. Mulim, H. A., G. S. Campos, F. F. Cardoso, V. B. Pedrosa, K. Latimer, L. R. Upperman, A. Garcia, K. Retallick-Riley, S. Miller, H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Genomic structure and selection history across Angus populations worldwide: Insights from ROH, selection mapping, and functional analyses. Mammalian Genome, 37, 19. DOI: 10.1007/s00335-025-10188-y. (IN)
12. Brito, L. F., A. P. Schinckel, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Genomics and phenomics: Who will be the dairy cows of the future? JDS Communications, 6, Suppl. 1: S23-S30. DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2025-0872. (IN)
13. Campos, M. A. F., Oliveira, H. R., Mulim, H. A., Oliveira, E. S., Fonseca, P. A. S., Camargo, G. M. F., & Costa, R. B. (2025). Genome-wide association study of morphological defects in Nellore cattle using a binary trait framework. Genes, 16(10), 1204. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16101204 (IN)
14. Mortazavi, M., M. B. Zandi, R. Pahlavan, M. E. Nasab, H. A. Mulim, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Genome-wide association analysis based on random regression models for milk urea nitrogen in Iranian Holstein cattle. Dairy Science and Management, 2(1), 12. DOI: 10.1186/s44363-025-00015-9. (IN)
15. Medeiros, G. C., J. B. S. Ferraz, L. P. B. S. Junior, S. Y. Chen, A. Suárez-Vega, V. B. Pedrosa, H. R. Oliveira, and L. F. Brito. (2025). Genome-wide association and functional genomic analyses for udder conformation traits derived from data recorded by robotic milking systems in American Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 108(12): 13588-13610. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2025-26906. (IN)
16. Melo, T. P. D., A. K. Zwirtes, L. A. Evangelho, S. S. Rocha, L. C. D. Silveira, L. B. Faverzani, F. C. Breda, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Meta-analysis and systematic review of genetic parameter estimates and candidate genes for growth traits in sheep. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 54, e20240124. DOI: 10.37496/rbz5420240124. (IN)
17. Corredor, F. A., D. Godoy-Padilla, E. A. Sessarego, V. Temoche-Socola, M. E. Paredes Chocce, H. Escobar Robledo, M. F. Ramírez Antaurco, W. Burgos-Paz, J. Ruiz, J. Cruz, H. A. Mulim, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Genomic Characterization of Peruvian Creole Goats: Insights into Population Structure and Runs of Homozygosity. Animals, 15(17), 2577. DOI: 2076-2615/15/17/2577#. (IN)
18. Campos, M. A. F., H. R. Oliveira, G. M. F. de Camargo, H. A. Mulim, D. F. Cardoso, R. B. Costa. (2025). Beyond black and white: dissecting the genetic basis of skin depigmentation in Nellore cattle. Mammalian Genome, 36: 1126-1140. DOI: 10.1007/s00335-025-10153-9. (IN)
19. Ojo, A. O., G. S. Campos, H. A. Mulim, A. Garcia, A. P. Schinckel, S. Miller, K. J. Retallick-Riley, H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Mature Cow Size in North American and Australian Angus Cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 103, skaf212. DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaf212. (IN)
20. Moreira, R. P., M. V. Vicari, H. A. Mulim, T. M. Casey, J. Boerman, X. Fu, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Impact of Cattle Breed in scRNA-Seq Reference on Muscle Fiber Type Deconvolution from Bulk RNA-Seq: A Comparison of Software Tools. BioTech, 14(3), 56. DOI: 10.3390/biotech14030056. (IN)
21. Ojo, A. O., H. A. Mulim, A. Garcia, K. J. Retallick-Riley, S. Miller, H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Recursive and Alternative Modeling Approaches Considering Body Condition Score for Genetic Evaluation of Mature Cow Weight. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 143(1), 92–104. DOI: 10.1111/jbg.70002. (IN)
22. Mulim, H. A., G. S. Campos, F. F. Cardoso, and H. R. Oliveira. (2026). Exploring inbreeding depression in Brazilian Angus cattle population using pedigree and genomic data. Frontiers in Genetics, 16, 1613820. DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1613820. (IN)
23. Ogunbawo, A. R., J. Hidalgo, H. A. Mulim, E. R. Carrara, H. T. Ventura, N. O. Souza, D. Lourenco, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Applying the algorithm for Proven and young in GWAS Reveals high polygenicity for key traits in Nellore cattle. Frontiers in Genetics, 16, 1549284. DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1549284. (IN)
24. Mortazavi, M., M. B. Zandi, R. Pahlavan, M. E. Nasab, and H. R. Oliveira. (2025). Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Milk Urea Nitrogen in Iranian Holstein Cattle Using Random Regression Models. Agriculture, 15(4), 357. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15040357. (IN)
25. Ojo, A. O., H. A. Mulim, G. S. Campos, V. S. Junqueira, R. P. Lemenager, J. P. Schoonmaker, and H. R. Oliveira. (2024). Exploring Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle: From Data Collection to Genetic and Nutritional Modeling. Animals, 4(24), 3633. DOI: 10.3390/ani14243633 (IN)
26. Ogunbawo, A. R., H. A. Mulim, G. S. Campos, A. P. Schinckel, and H. R. Oliveira. (2024). Tailoring Genomic Selection for Bos taurus indicus: A Comprehensive Review of SNP Arrays and Reference Genomes. Genes, 15(12):1495. DOI: 10.3390/genes15121495 (IN)
27. Ogunbawo, A. R., H. A. Mulim, G. S. Campos, and H. R. Oliveira. (2024). Genetic Foundations of Nellore Traits: A Gene Prioritization and Functional Analyses of Genome-Wide Association Study Results. Genes, 15(9), 1131. DOI: 10.20944/preprints202408.1101.v1 (IN)
28. Oliveira, H. R., T. C. Chud, G. A. Oliveira Jr, I. C. Hermisdorff, S. G. Narayana, C. M. Rochus, A. M. Butty, F. Malchiodi, P. Stothard, F. Miglior, and C. F. Baes. (2024). Genome-wide association analyses reveals copy number variant regions associated with reproduction and disease traits in Canadian Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 107(9): 7052-7063. DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24295 (IN)
29. Oliveira, H. R., G. Campos, S. L. Fernandes, J. Jamrozik, A. Schinckel, L. F. Brito. (2024) Invited review - Phenotypic and genomic modeling of lactation curves: A longitudinal perspective. JDS Communications, 5(3): 241-246. DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0460 (IN)
30. Oliveira, H. R., H. Sweet, S. Narayana, A. Fleming, S. Shadpour, F. Malchiodi, J. Jamrozik, G. Kistemaker, P. Sulivan, F. S. Schenkel, D. Hailemariam, P. Stothard, G. Plastow, B. Van Doormaal, M. Lohuis, J. Shannon, C. Baes, and F. Miglior. (2024). Symposium review: Development of genomic evaluation for methane efficiency in Canadian Holsteins. JDS Communications, 5(6): 756-760. DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0431 (IN)
31. Geng, Y., T. Reponen, T, Zhao, L. Y., and Jepsen, S. D. (2026). Using a grain dust simulator with a manikin system to evaluate performances of commonly used respirators. Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 32(3): 103-117. https://doi.org/10.13031/jash.16485 (OH)
32. Aryal, B., Majeed, S., Shah, B.R., Khalid, N., Zhao, L.Y., Bielke, L., Wang, Q., Nazmi, A. (2026). Chronic heat stress compromises egg production and quality parameters through changes in blood biochemistry and uterine gene expression in laying hens raised under cage-free environment. Frontiers In Physiology, 17, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2026.1770955 (OH)
33. Zhu, H., E. Ozkan, J.G. Castilho Theodoro, H. Jeon, and L.Y. Zhao. (2025). Modification of an Open-Circuit, Push-Through, Low-Speed Wind Tunnel to Assist Pesticide Spray Application Advancements. Journal of the ASABE, 68(6): 1029-1039. doi: 10.13031/ja.16423 (OH)
34. Pahlavanyali, K., Mahdaviarab, A., Cheng, R., Wang, X., Habib, M. R., Wang, H., & Liu, Z. (2026). Valorization of waste milk and dairy manure through black soldier fly larval bioconversion. Waste and Biomass Valorization. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-026-03616-w (TX)
35. Mahdaviarab, A., Wang, H., Wang, X., & Liu, Z. (2026). Solar-powered and self-guided floating electrochemical treatment platform for improving water quality of animal wastewater lagoons. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 87, 110107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2026.110107 (TX)
36. Osei, E., Kan, E., Jafri, S. H., Lovell, A., Henson, L., Wellmann, K., Muir, J., Spencer, J., & Liu, Z. (2025). Economics of conventional dairy manure management in North Central Texas. Agriculture, 15(23), 2472. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15232472 (TX)
37. Larson, R. A., M. T. Nilesb, S. Hegdec, H. Aguirre-Villegasa, M. Sharara, & D. Meyer. (2026). A Multidisciplinary review of the potential adoption and emission reductions of livestock manure acidification. Journal of Environmental Management, 408: 129920 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129920.hora (CA)
38. Genedy RA, & Ogejo JA. (2026). Spatiotemporal variability of dairy manure temperature during storage in earthen pits: Associations with meteorological factors. PLoS One 21(5): e0347665. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347665 (VA)
39. Osuagwu, J. U., Merrill, S. C., & Smith, J. M. (2026). Development of an infectious disease vulnerability index (IDVI) for dairy farms: A data-driven approach to assessing risk and informing biosecurity practices. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 247: 106770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2025.106770 (VT)

Conference Proceedings 

1. Jones, K., and Sharara, M. (2025). Effect of Flush Water Nitrification on Swine Manure Digester Performance. ASABE Annual International Meeting. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, July 13-16, 2025, Toronto, Ontario. (NC)
2. Abdalaal, Y., Sharara, M., Youssef, M., Shashaani, S., and Larson, S. (2026). Optimizing Swine Irrigation for Resilience and Sustainability: A Decision Support Tool. 2026 NC Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) Annual Conference, March 25-26, 2026, Raleigh, North Carolina. (NC)
3. Sharara, M., Flory, G., Clark, B., Peer, B., and Hutchinson, M. (2025). Impacts of Swine Carcass Preparation & Carbon Material on Effectiveness of Shallow Burial. Waste to Worth 2025, Boise, Idaho, April 7 – 11, 2025. (NC)
4. Ndeddy Aka, Robinson Junior, Hossain Md Mokter, Dinithi Mohotti, Alia Nasir, Ekow Agyekum-Oduro, Sarah Wu, and Jun Zhu. (2025). Simultaneous Recovery of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from Poultry Litter Digestate via Integrated Electrolytic Struvite Precipitation and Ammonia Scrubbing. 2025 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Paper No. 2501327. doi:10.13031/aim.202501327. (AR)
5. Chen, L, and A. K. Das. (2025). Electrochemical ammonia stripping to recover ammonia from liquid dairy manure. RAMIRAN 2025 Book of abstracts. Wageningen, The Netherlands, October 15-17, 2025. Available at: https://www.ramiran2025.nl/bookofabstracts (ID)
6. Islam, M. N., B. He, and L. Chen. (2025). Hydrothermal carbonization of liquid dairy manure: a sustainable approach for phosphorus recycling via hydrochar. RAMIRAN 2025 Book of abstracts. Wageningen, The Netherlands, October 15-17, 2025. Available at: https://www.ramiran2025.nl/bookofabstracts (ID)
7. Chen, L., and A. Das. 2025. Ammonia recovery from anaerobically digested dairy wastewater facilitated by in-situ acid and base generation in a transmembrane electro-chemisorption system. ASABE AIM 2025, Toronto, Canada July 13-17, 2025 (ID)
8. Chen, L. 2026. Liquid dairy manure solid and nutrient separation. Lactalis Producers Workshop, Nampa, ID, May 20, 2026 (ID)
9. Ojo, A.O., Mulim, H.A., Garcia, A., Retallick-Riley, K.J., Oliveira, H.R. (2026). Disentangling Mature Cow Weight and Body Condition Score: Comparative GWAS of Different Modeling Strategies. In: WCGALP - World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, 2026, Wisconsin, USA. (IN)
10. Ogunbawo, A. R., Mulim, H. A., Ventura, H. T., Souza, N. O., Hidalgo, J., Lourenco, D., and Oliveira, H. R. (2026). Optimizing SNP Selection for Reduced-Density Genomic Panels: A Comparative Study Using Age at First Calving as a Model Trait. United States NRSP-8 Workshop: In PAG 33 Annual Meeting, 2026, Sandiego, California, USA. (IN)
11. Campos, M. A. F., Costa, R. B., Mulim, H. A., Camargo, G. M. F. Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Genome-Wide Association Studies for Binary Traits: A comparison of methods. In: ASAS. American Society of Animal Science- Annual Meeting, 2025, Hollywood, Florida, USA. (IN)
12. Ogunbawo, A. R., Hidalgo, J., Mulim, H. A., Carrara, E. R., Ventura, H. T., Souza, N. O., Lourenco, D., and Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Applying the algorithm for Proven and young in genome-wide association studies for reproductive traits in Nellore cattle. In: 2025 ASAS- CSAS-SSASAS Annual Meeting & Trade Show, 2025, Florida, USA. (IN)
13. Mulim, H. A.; Campos, G. S.; Cardoso, F. F.; and Oliveira, H. R. The Genetic Cost of Inbreeding: Evaluating the Impact of Inbreeding on Angus Traits. In: 2025 ASAS Annual Meeting, July 2025, Hollywood, Florida, USA. (IN)
14. Ojo, A.O., Campos, M.A., Mulim, H.A., Garcia, A., Retallick-Riley, K.J., Oliveira, H.R. (2025). PSVI-10 Genome-wide association study of mature cow weight in American Angus cattle. In: 2025 ASAS-CSAS Annual Meeting – American Society of Animal Science - Canadian Society of Animal Science, 2025, Florida, USA. (IN)
15. Mulim, H. A.; Campos, G. S.; Boerman, J.; and Oliveira, H. R. Application of Generation Proxy Selection Mapping to Detect Polygenic Loci Under Selection in Holstein Cattle. In: 2025 ADSA Annual Meeting, June 2025, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. (IN)
16. Mulim, H. A.; Campos, G. S.; Cardoso, F. F.; and Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Mapping Inbreeding Depression A Genome-Wide Runs of Homozygosity Association Study in Brazilian Angus Cattle. In: PAG 32 - The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference, 2025, California, USA (IN)
17. Wilford, R.; Huang, Y.; An, J.; Deng, Y.; Mulim, H. A.; Kaur, U.; Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Developing a Novel in-Vivo Robotic Rumen Bolus Sensor for Enhanced Phenotyping in Methane Emissions from Cattle. In: PAG 32 - The International Plant and Animal Genome Conference, 2025, California, USA. (IN)
18. Moreira, R. P.; Vicari, M. R.; Mulim, H. A.; Casey, T.; Fu, X.; Boerman, J.; Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Deconvolution analysis of myofiber types in Holstein cows: Impact of reference breed on cell proportions. In: International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG), 2025, San Diego, USA. (IN)
19. Wilford, R.; Huang, Y.; An, J.; Deng, Y.; Mulim, H. A.; Kaur, U.; Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Developing a novel in-vivo robotic rumen bolus sensor for enhanced phenotyping in methane emissions from cattle. In: International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG), 2025, San Diego, USA. (IN)
20. Campos, M. F. A; Costa, R. B.; Camargo, G. M. F. Mulim, H. A.; Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Genome-wide association study for skin depigmentation in Nellore cattle. In: International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG), 2025, San Diego, USA. (IN)
21. Mulim, H. A.; Campos, G. S.; Cardoso, F. F.; Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Mapping inbreeding depression: a genome-wide runs of homozygosity association study in Brazilian Angus cattle. In: International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG), 2025, San Diego, USA. (IN)
22. Zong Liu. (2026). Evaluating the Performance of Thermal Dehydration for Poultry Mortality Disposal, 8th International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management, Stevens Point, WI. (TX)
23. Zong Liu. (2026). Developing a Video-Based Education Platform for Animal Mortality Management, 8th International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management, Stevens Point, WI. (TX)
24. Osuagwu, J. U., Merrill, S. C., Smith, J. M., Maciel, A., & Soares, R. (2025). Mitigating the impact of HPAI on dairy farms: bridging knowledge gaps in crisis communication, biosecurity, and public health [Proceedings]. International Crisis and Risk Communication Annual Reports, 13(1), 101-104. https://doi.org/10.69931/001c.142854 [Presented as a panel on March 11, 2025, Clemson, SC] (VT)

Thesis/Dissertations

1. Soler Diaz, F. D. (2025). Evaluation of ashed and dried swine lagoon sludge as a potential alternative dietary phosphorus source for swine. [Master’s thesis, North Carolina State University]. https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/resolver/1840.20/45262
2. Jones, K. E. (2025). Technical and economic considerations of anaerobic digestion in partially nitrified swine manure. [Master’s thesis, North Carolina State University]. https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/resolver/1840.20/46298
3. Osuagwu, Johnbosco Uchenna. (2026). Enhancing readiness of the New England dairy industry to mitigate foot-and-mouth disease impacts: Biosecurity, modeling, and policy approaches. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Vermont]. UVM Scholarworks. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14849/10111
4. Asghar, Sehrish. (2025). Simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal in sequencing batch reactors to treat anaerobically digested liquid dairy manure. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Idaho]. (embargoed through August 21, 2026)
5. Ogunbawo, Adebisi. (2024). Gene prioritization and genome-wide association study of traits of interest in Nellore cattle. [Master’s thesis, Purdue]. https://doi.org/10.25394/PGS.27952809
6. Ojo, Ayooluwa. (2024). Optimizing genetic selection for mature cow size in North American and Australian Angus cattle. [Master’s thesis, Purdue]. https://doi.org/10.25394/PGS.27941184
7. Leong-Machielse, K.J. (2026). The effects of novel oxidizing air purification technology on swine barn air quality, and pig health, performance, and behavior. [Master’s thesis, North Dakota State University].
8. Mahdaviarab, Amirhossein. (2025). Smart Solutions for Sustainable Animal Waste Management. [PhD dissertation, Texas A&M University]. https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/items/cb8a82cc-d284-47f3-93cd-dea78ab9dde9

Extension and Outreach

• Leadership Team – Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community (LPELC) (NC)
• Leadership Team – NC State University Swine Innovation Forum (SIF) – Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Maxwell Center in Goldsboro, NC. (NC)
• Lead PI – New Training Material and Field Day, Liquid Swine Application Training – Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ9bB_O7DzuwJ_i8RIkpjYS4cvcrhFd0Y (NC)
• Tang, Zepei, and Yiting Xiao. Managing Solids in Liquid Manure. FSA1041. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. (AR)
• University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and University of Georgia Department of Poultry Science. 2025. Poultry Litter Management Workshop. Fayetteville, Arkansas, August 28–29, 2025. Topics included poultry litter moisture, bird health and performance, ammonia production, ventilation, Salmonella control, air quality, and energy efficiency. (AR)
• Zhao, L.Y. 2025. Engineering technologies for air quality control in poultry houses. Invited presentation at 2025 Georgia Precision Poultry Farming Conference-Virtual. May 6, 2025. (OH)
• Zhao, L.Y., T. Lim, and L. Chai. 2025. A review of dust and pathogen control technologies in poultry production facilities. Invited presentation at Virtual Forum-Dust & Disease in Egg Production. June 12, 2025. (OH)
• Zhao, L.Y. 2025. A new ventilation system to improve indoor environment and abate pathogen transmission in layer houses. Invited presentation at Virtual Forum-Dust & Disease in Egg Production. June 12, 2025. (OH)
• Safety Training on Manure Management Safety, Dairy Animal Handling Certification by AgriLife Extension. Comanche, TX, May 2026. (TX)
• EcoDrum Composting Site Presentation, April 2026. (TX)
• Hullabloom Garden Festival on Composting Demonstration, Texas A&M University, TX, April 2026. (TX)
• AGSM 337 Guest Lecture on Lagoon Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, April 2026. (TX)
• Central Texas DOPA Conference on Manure Management Safety, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, April 2026. (TX)
• Community Composter Setup and Outreach Activity, WI, April 2026. (TX)
• SCSC 455/657 Lecture on Environmental Soil and Water Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, March 2026. (TX)
• AGSM 337 Lecture on Environmental and Natural Resource Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, March 2026. (TX)
• TCEQ Land Application Team Presentation and Updates, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, January 2026. (TX)
• Dairy Committee Meeting Presentation on Manure Management Updates, TX, January 2026. (TX)
• Enhancing Animal Wastewater Management with Satellite Remote Sensing and AI Technologies, XIX World Water Congress, International Water Resources Association (IWRA), Marrakech, Morocco, December 2025. (TX)
• East DOPA Conference on Manure Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, October 2025. (TX)
• Southwest Dairy Day on Manure Management and Bioenergy, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, October 2025. (TX)
• TAMMI 2025 Conference, Fort Worth Historic Stockyards, TX, September 2025.
• “Dead Bird Disposal” at Texas Broiler Symposium, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, September 2025. (TX)

Other

• Slaton, Nathan A., Rajveer Singh, Uzair Ahmad, Cheri Villines, Russell Delong, and Otis Robinson. (2026). University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Database of Dairy, Poultry, and Swine Manure/Litter Chemical and Physical Properties. 2026 release. Ag Data Commons / Figshare. (AR)
• Liu, Zong (2025). Closure of Lagoons, Settling Basins, or Manure Storage Ponds in Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations. AgriLife Extension. https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-external/closure-of-lagoons-settling-basins-or-manure-storage-ponds-in-concentrated-animal-feeding-operations/ (TX)
• Ogejo, J.A. & Genedy, R.A. (2025). Spatiotemporal analysis of meteorological factors on dairy manure temperature during storage in an earthen pit, located in Franklin County, Virginia, U.S.A. https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/29631641 (VA)