Texas A&M researcher earns national award for livestock nutrition research
Cooke recognized for advancing beef cattle nutrition and producer success
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The American Feed Industry Association honored Reinaldo Fernandes Cooke, Ph.D., with its 2026 award in Ruminant Nutrition Research at the American Society of Animal Science, ASAS, annual meeting in Madison, Wisconsin.
Cooke is the Burkhart Endowed Professor for Beef Cattle Research in the Department of Animal Science in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The national award recognizes outstanding research that advances the nutrition of ruminant animals and honors scientists whose work has significantly impacted animal agriculture.
Cooke’s research focuses on the nutritional management of cattle across a wide range of production systems. He investigates how nutrients, feed ingredients and nutritional strategies influence animal health, reproductive performance and productivity all while providing practical solutions for beef producers.
“This award reflects Dr. Cooke’s commitment to developing research that improves cattle production while addressing real-world challenges faced by producers,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Animal Science. “His work continues to advance the science of beef cattle nutrition and has made a lasting impact on producers, researchers and the animal agriculture industry worldwide.”
Advancing the future of beef production
Throughout his career, Cooke has emphasized research that bridges fundamental science with real-world application. His work has helped identify nutritional strategies that improve reproductive efficiency, strengthen immune function and enhance growth performance in beef cattle. Cooke’s research also explores feed additives, trace minerals, fatty acids, probiotics and prebiotics that support cattle health during periods of stress.
Cooke has authored or co-authored 235 peer-reviewed journal articles, 265 research abstracts and proceedings, and three book chapters. His research program has secured more than $11 million in external funding, including more than $8 million dedicated to cattle nutrition research. He has presented his work around the world through collaborations with universities and animal agriculture organizations spanning North America, South America and Europe.
The American Feed Industry Association Ruminant Nutrition Research Award adds to a distinguished list of national honors, seven ASAS honors, including the ASAS Early Career Award in 2018, the ASAS Animal Growth and Development Award in 2021, and the ASAS Bouffault International Agriculture Award in 2024.
This honor recognizes Cooke’s contributions to animal science and reinforces the Department of Animal Science’s commitment to advancing research that serves producers in Texas and around the world.
