Wettemann receives the 2012 American Society of Animal Science Animal Management Award

July 16, 2012 – Robert Wettemann, professor and researcher in the department of animal science at Oklahoma State University, will receive the 2012 American Society of Animal Science Animal Management Award. He will be honored at the society’s annual meeting Phoenix, Arizona.

Wettemann’s research focuses on reproduction and growth in beef cattle. His work has led to a better understanding of how nutrient intake and body energy reserves determine the length of the interval from calving until cows exhibit estrus. His research initiated much of the emphasis on the use of a body condition scoring system to predict whether beef cows will become pregnant during the breeding season. Today, this technique is used extensively by cattlemen and results in at least a 5 percent increase in pregnancy rates and generates an additional 1.5 million calves annually.

Wettemann counts mentoring graduate students as one of his biggest accomplishments. A total of 44 students received M.S., Ph.D., or postdoctoral training with him. Wettemann has also published 130 refereed publications, 243 abstracts and 242 papers in research and field day reports. During the last ten years, he has had 31 refereed publications, 41 abstracts, and 32 technical papers. He has presented invited lectures in 23 states and eight foreign countries.

The ASAS Animal Management Award is given to animal scientists who have made significant contributions to basic or applied research in animal behavior, environmental science, economics or other biological or production management. The American Society of Animal Science is a professional organization that serves more that 5,000 animal scientists and producers around the world.

Media contact:

Madeline McCurry-Schmidt
American Society of Animal Science Communications
MadelineMS@asas.org