Mission:
The Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit (LNMRU) conducts basic and applied research to provide strategies that enhance livestock production efficiency and decrease potential adverse effects of livestock production on the environment. We seek to develop practices that 1) efficiently use nutrients in livestock diets and minimize nutrient and gaseous losses to the environment, 2) extend our understanding of the effects of livestock production practices on emissions of greenhouse gases and other substances of concern, 3) expand our ability to accurately estimate or predict emissions of greenhouse and other gases under differing environments and production practices, and 4) manage manure to retain fertilizer value, improve soil health, and prevent nutrient and gaseous losses to air and water. We use a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates animal science, soil science, biochemistry, and agricultural engineering. We work in all phases of livestock production and at scales that range from individual animals to concentrated livestock feeding operations. Research is conducted under National Program 212 and has subcomponents related to National Program 101.