Elsasser receives 2012 American Society of Animal Science Award in Animal Growth and Development

July 16, 2012 – Theodore H. Elsasser, USDA Agricultural Research Service scientist based in Beltsville, MD, will receive the 2012 American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Award in Animal Growth and Development for his work with growth and hormone regulation in cattle. He will be honored at the ASAS national meeting in Phoenix, AZ

Elsasser’s research illustrates the impact of disease stress on the growth and development of cattle. This research has helped define the pattern of interactions between specific hormones and proteins, specifically growth hormone responsiveness. Elsasser has constructed a model of pathways explaining negative responses that can lead to health failure. This model has resulted in targeted interventions to limit the extent of compromised growth in cattle. Elsasser’s group has furthered the concept that there is a hierarchical and graded response to immune stress and that the response can be regulated.  

Elsasser received his Bachelor’s in microbiology from Rutgers University, his Master’s in biology from Hunter College of the City University of New York, and his Doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina. His postdoctoral appointment was with the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine. In 1983, Elsasser joined the USDA Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory in Beltsville, MD, where he continues to work. Elsasser has published 154 peer reviewed papers, authored 8 book chapters, and has served on the editorial board or as a reviewer for 15 esteemed journals.

The American Society of Animal Science Award in Animal Growth and Development is given to animal scientists who have conducted research in growth or development of animals and have published original research within the past 10 years. This year’s award was sponsored by DSM Nutritional Products, INC. The American Society of Animal Science is a professional organization that serves more than 5,000 animal scientists and producers around the world.

Media contact:

Anne Zinn
anne.zinn@uconn.edu