Pursuing sustainability is a pressing global demand. However, as complex as it may be, innovative livestock production methods can significantly enhance sustainable practices. For example, we can strengthen the sustainability of beef cattle production by incorporating novel coproducts into diets and studying nitrogen metabolism. On the quest to make beef more sustainable and healthy, consumers and stakeholders can quantify the capacity of US beef production systems to upcycle protein. In this episode, Dr. Tryon Wickersham discusses his research on urea recycling and protein upcycling in cattle, along with protein supplementation for cattle that are consuming low-quality forage.

“There is a trend towards improving or increasing protein upcycling over time. A lot of that has been the result of a greater incorporation of byproducts into cattle feeding systems and less reliance on corn." - Dr. Tryon Wickersham

What you’ll learn:

Highlight (00:00)
Introduction (0:57)
Protein upcycling in cattle production (3:49)
The discoveries made along the research with protein co-products (9:02)
Upcycling with different coproducts (13:31)
Urea recycling: the differences between Bos indicus and Bos taurus (17:07)
Low-quality forage research (24:17)
Discussing sustainability with producers and consumers (27:34)
The final questions (35:55)

Meet the guest: Dr. Tryon Wickersham

Experience:

Current: Professor at Texas A&M University

Background:

Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition (Kansas State University)
M.Sc., Ruminant Nutrition (Kansas State University)
B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Texas A&M University)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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Dr. Tryon Wickersham: Sustainable Beef and Protein Upcycling | Ep. 15