Jeffrey L. Firkins, Ph.D., an expert on ruminant animal nutrition and production, was recognized for his professional achievements by the American Dairy Science Association. Dr. Firkins is a professor of animal science and director of nutrition for The Ohio State University.

The Dairy Science Ruminant Animal Nutrition Award was presented to Firkins by Mike Dubois, Omega Proteins, during the annual ADSA meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, last week. The award is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association as part of its continuing awards program that dates back to 1948. Dubois presented the award on behalf of AFIA

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As a professor of animal science in OSU's College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Food Innovation Center, Dr. Firkins focuses on the supply of microbial protein to the small intestine of dairy cattle to reduce losses of nitrogen and emission of methane into the environment. His research helps to improve the fatty acid composition of milk to improve consumer acceptance and profitability of dairy production.

Dr. Firkins earned his bachelor's degree in animal science and his master's and doctorate degrees in ruminant nutrition from the University of Illinois. His past honors include the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center's Junior Faculty Research Award, the ADSA Applied Dairy Nutrition Award and the Research Award of Merit of the OSU chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta.

In addition to authoring and serving as reviewer for numerous academic journal articles, Dr. Firkins is the associate editor of the British Journal of Nutrition and has served as editor of Invited Papers and Ruminant Nutrition sections of the Journal of Animal Science.

About AFIA
AFIA, based in Arlington, Va., is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal feed industry and its suppliers. Founded in 1909, AFIA also is the recognized leader on international industry developments. Members include more than 500 domestic and international companies and state, regional and national associations. Member-companies are livestock feed and pet food manufacturers, integrators, pharmaceutical companies, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and companies which supply other products, services and supplies to feed manufacturers.

The feed industry makes a major contribution to food safety, nutrition and the environment, and it plays a critical role in the production of healthy, wholesome meat, milk, fish and eggs and pets. More than 70 percent of the feed in the United States is manufactured by AFIA members.

07.26.2012