By Andi Anderson
Purdue University will host an educational seminar focused on nutrigenomics in beef cattle, an emerging field that studies how nutrition interacts with an animal’s genes to influence growth, health, and production performance. The event will provide students, researchers, and agricultural professionals with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in animal science and cattle management.
The seminar will be presented by Miguel Henrique de Almeida Santana, Associate Professor at the University of São Paulo (FZEA/USP) in Brazil. Santana is an internationally recognized researcher with extensive experience in animal science and livestock genomics. His work has contributed to a better understanding of how genetic factors can improve cattle productivity and efficiency.
Before joining the University of São Paulo as a faculty member, Santana served as a visiting researcher at the University of Copenhagen. Throughout his academic career, he has focused on areas that are important to the beef industry, including genomics, feed efficiency, fetal programming, and meat quality in Nellore cattle, one of the most widely raised beef cattle breeds in Brazil.
The seminar will center on nutrigenomics and its growing role in modern beef production systems. Researchers in this field examine how nutrients affect gene expression and how genetics can influence an animal’s response to different feeding strategies. This knowledge can help producers make more informed decisions about nutrition management while improving productivity and sustainability.
Advances in nutrigenomics have the potential to benefit cattle producers by enhancing feed efficiency, reducing production costs, and improving overall animal performance. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and genetics may also help improve meat quality and support healthier, more efficient livestock systems.
In addition, the seminar will discuss how genomic tools are being used to identify desirable traits in beef cattle. These tools allow scientists and producers to better select animals with strong growth potential, improved feed conversion, and higher-quality meat characteristics. Such innovations are becoming increasingly important as the global livestock industry works to meet rising food demands while maintaining sustainability.
The event offers a valuable opportunity for participants to gain insight into current research and emerging technologies shaping the future of beef cattle production. By connecting nutrition, genetics, and animal management, nutrigenomics continues to open new possibilities for improving cattle performance and farm profitability.
The seminar is scheduled for October 1, 2026. Individuals interested in attending virtually can request the Zoom link by contacting Marion Welsh via email. The event is expected to provide practical and scientific perspectives on one of the most innovative areas of animal agriculture, benefiting researchers, students, and industry professionals alike.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Beef Cattle