Presentation Title: Evaluation of Maternal Supplementation of Choline on Progeny Growth Performance During the Finishing Period and Carcass Characteristics
This talk will discuss the finishing phase growth performance, carcass traits, and biological responses associated with progeny derived from dams fed ruminal-protected choline during gestation.
Zachary K.F. Smith, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Animal Science at South Dakota State University and an internationally recognized researcher in ruminant nutrition and feedlot management. He serves as Faculty Supervisor of the Ruminant Nutrition Center and Laboratory, overseeing research, teaching, and operations. Dr. Smith earned his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University, with prior degrees from South Dakota State University (M.S.) and Texas Tech (B.S.). His research focuses on feedlot nutrition and production systems to improve performance, efficiency, and product quality in beef production. He has authored over 210 peer‑reviewed publications, including journal articles and scientific abstracts. and secured more than $6.4 million in external funding. An active educator and mentor, he teaches courses in feedlot management, ruminant nutrition, and protein and energy metabolism. He also serves on editorial boards, chairs a USDA multistate research project, and contributes broadly to the livestock industry. His honors include the 2025 ASAS-Midwest Outstanding Young Researcher Award and recognition as a Top 10 Under 40 leader in the U.S. cattle industry. He lives near Brookings with his wife, Shyan, and their two children.
