Assistant Professor of Animal Science
Dr. Amy Abrams is an Assistant Professor of Animal Science who joined the Department of Animal Science in 2019. Before her appointment to Berry, she received a B.S. Animal Science at California State University, Chico, an M.S in Animal Science from University of Wyoming, with a focus on rumen microbiology and received her Ph.D. in Animal Science at South Dakota State University, with a focus on livestock genetics. Her area of specialty is in ruminant microbiology with primary focus on interactions between the rumen microbial communities, host animal health and performance and early development of the rumen microbiome. Additionally, she is interested in developing and enhancing students’ engagement, communication and performance in animal science courses. She enjoys mentoring and interacting with students both in the classroom and working with them on research in the laboratory.
Education
- B.S. California State University, Chico
- M.S. University of Wyoming, Laramie
- Ph.D. South Dakota State University, Brookings
Teaching Interests
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Dairy Systems and Management
- Introduction to Animal Science
- Genetics of Domestic Animals
- Orientation to Animal Science
- Directed Studies
Research Interests
- Relationship between rumen microbiome and host animal health, performance, and management
- Development of the rumen microbiome and the impact on long term performance
Field Experience
Dr. Abrams lab group typically consist of 2-4 undergraduate students. Members of the lab group gain experience in animal handling and a variety of sample collection methods including rumen fluid, colostrum/milk, blood, fecal, body weights and body condition scores. Students acquire basic lab skills and utilize molecular based lab techniques and gas chromatography to analyze samples. There are also opportunities for students to participate in bioinformatic and statistical data analysis.
If you are a student interested in research with Dr. Abrams, please email her or visit office hours for additional information and an undergraduate research assistant application.
Selected Publications
- Abrams, A. N., Keele, J.K., McDaneld T.G., Chitko-McKown C.G., Kuehn L.A, and Gonda M.G., 2021. Evaluating Accuracy of DNA Pool Construction Based on White Blood Cell Counts. Frontiers in Genetics, 12:635846. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2021.635846
- Abrams, A.N., K.M. Zeamer, R.A. Nold, R., and M.G. Gonda. 2019. Do classroom assessment techniques improve student learning in an introduction to animal science laboratory course? Journal of Animal Science 97(suppl_3), S180.
- Abrams, A.N., J. Clarkson, K. J. Austin, M. J. Ellison, H. C. Cunningham, G. C. Conant, W. R. Lamberson, T. M. Taxis, and K. M. Cammack. 2016. Altered rumen microbial populations in response to high sulfate water in lambs. Journal of Animal Science 94 (suppl_5), S113.
Professional Associations
- American Society of Animal Science
- North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture
- Gamma Delta Sigma, Honor Society of Agriculture
- Phi Kappa Phi, Collegiate Honors Society