AMARILLO — Brazilian graduate students Julio Cesar Silva and Judson Vasconcelos have been recognized by the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Education Foundation for their work involving the cattle feeding industry.
Both students are pursuing the master of science degree in animal nutrition at West Texas A&M University at Canyon, where each maintains a 4.0 grade point average.
Silva and Vasconcelos hold research assistantships with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, working under the direction of Dr. Wayne Greene, animal science professor and beef cattle nutritionist at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Amarillo.
Silva plans to pursue a doctorate in animal nutrition in the future
“I have focused my graduate research on the use of yeast as a feed additive for the beef cattle industry in an attempt to improve animal performance,” he said. “Yeast is a natural additive.”
Vasconcelos also plans to pursue a doctoral degree in animal nutrition. His current research is focused on environmental issues, including nutrient management.
He has authored or co-authored some 40 scientific papers and posters presented on beef cattle production, animal nutrition, pathology, reproduction and the feedlot business in the United States.
Burt Rutherford of TCFA said the association’s Education Foundation offers the scholarships to support students who intend to seek a career in cattle feeding production, research or education. Scholarships vary in amount and typically assist students with expenses involved during their graduate programs.
Since 1993, the foundation has helped nearly 40 students pursue a career in cattle feeding industry.
“These students are making a significant contribution to the Station’s beef cattle nutrition program,” Greene said. They will be pursuing their doctorates in the research program in Amarillo.
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