WSU Department of Animal Sciences

10/08/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Michael Phelps, who has been awarded a $649,094 USDA Biotechnology Risk Assessment Program (BRAG) grant to lead research evaluating potential environmental risks associated with gene-edited rainbow trout.

As gene-edited fish move closer to commercial production in several countries, this project will generate critical scientific data to help inform future regulatory and policy decisions in the United States. The research will examine behavioral interactions with native fish, swimming performance under different environmental conditions, and growth responses under varying food availability.

The study focuses on rainbow trout carrying a targeted edit to the myostatin gene, a genetic pathway associated with muscle growth. Findings will help provide regulators and policymakers with science-based information needed to assess potential ecological impacts and support informed decision-making regarding emerging aquaculture technologies.

Congratulations to Dr. Phelps and the research team on this important achievement!

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10/08/2026

Reminder, we have sales this week starting Thursday and Friday 3pm - 5:30pm.

Product highlights this week:
Jerky is back in stock starting Friday (Bold Flavor with a mild kick)

WSU Pendleton blankets are in stock in time for cooler temperatures expected to start this Saturday!

10/06/2026

🚜🐄 Cougar pride was on display during the inaugural CAHNRS Tractor Parade on Oct. 3 as part of WSU Family Weekend and Ag Innovation Day!

The Department of Animal Sciences was proud to participate alongside alumni, agricultural partners, and community members in celebrating the traditions, innovations, and people that make agriculture such an important part of our communities.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this first-ever event a success. Go Cougs!

10/06/2026

📅 Our first webinar in the El Niño 2026: What Western Dairy Producers Need to Know series is this Thursday, October 8.

Join Josh Ward and Craig Oswald of AgWeatherNet for What is El Niño and what does it entail for temperature and precipitation? A Field Meteorologist's Perspective.

Josh and Craig will discuss what El Niño is and what it could mean for temperature and precipitation patterns across the western United States. Understanding these weather trends can help dairy producers prepare for potential impacts in the months ahead.

🕚 11:00 AM PST

This webinar is free to attend.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/At08PT9fThLzjMX_AHO9G5KqZqwuGsKHaCFbbebl74qgtMlUw992~Amm6TaSEiw9ofisLYcu3yfkV1GzAZCP7SLVSIHnQgNVpCSBOW5Mg79GqiA

10/01/2026

09/23/2026

It's great to see this highlighted and shared with the CAHNRS community.

researchers are developing a practical way to produce healthy, sterile farmed rainbow trout. Sterility prevents escaped farmed fish from breeding with wild fish & spreading traits that could disrupt ecosystems.
The work is supported with $1.5M as part of a Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Growing Impact Award & matching funds from WSU & Troutlodge.
WSU Department of Animal Sciences

09/18/2026

🐄 Now Hiring: Milker - Knott Dairy Center 🥛

Are you passionate about animal care and agriculture? The WSU Knott Dairy Center in Pullman, WA is seeking a dedicated Milker to join our team.

This position involves:
✅ Milking 150-180 Holstein cows in a double-six herringbone parlor
✅ Supporting herd health and animal care
✅ Training and supervising students
✅ Maintaining milking equipment and facilities
✅ Assisting with research activities and data collection

The position rotates between day and night shifts every three months and offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic dairy operation while supporting teaching and research programs.

📌 Interested? Follow the link below to learn more and apply: https://wsu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WSU_Jobs/job/Pullman-WA/Milker---Knott-Dairy-Center_R-15294

Please share with anyone who may be interested!

09/17/2026

🐟 Exciting research news from WSU!

Dr. Michael Phelps, associate professor in WSU's Department of Animal Sciences, is leading a groundbreaking project that could help transform U.S. aquaculture. Supported by more than $1.5 million in funding, the research aims to develop healthy, sterile rainbow trout that improve farm productivity while protecting wild fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Learn how this innovative work could strengthen sustainable fish farming across the country:

🔗 https://news.wsu.edu/news/2026/09/17/new-wsu-led-research-aims-to-transform-u-s-fish-farming/

09/08/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Dr. Luan Moura to Washington State University's Department of Animal Sciences as the new Beef Cattle Operations Assistant Manager!

Dr. Moura brings a strong background in beef cattle research and production, with experience studying cattle nutrition, feed additives, methane mitigation strategies, grazing systems, and cow-calf management. His work has taken him from Brazil to research institutions across the United States, including Colorado State University, New Mexico State University, and West Texas A&M University.

At WSU, he looks forward to supporting the beef cattle program, helping students succeed, advancing research efforts, and collaborating with colleagues throughout the department.

Welcome to the Cougar family, Dr. Moura! 🐄

Read more here: https://ansci.wsu.edu/2026/09/08/animal-sciences-department-welcomes-dr-luan-moura/

09/01/2026

🐄 El Niño 2026: What Western Dairy Producers Need to Know

Washington State University's Department of Animal Sciences is hosting a free 5-part webinar series breaking down what the upcoming El Niño means for western dairy operations from weather patterns to your bottom line.

📅 All sessions begin at 11:00 AM PST

🔹 Oct. 8 | What is El Niño and what does it entail for temperature and precipitation? A Field Meteorologist's Perspective
Josh Ward & Craig Oswald, AgWeatherNet

🔹 Oct. 15 | Forage Production Recommendations and Factors to Consider for Upcoming El Niño
Dr. Matt Yost, Utah State University

🔹 Oct. 22 | Potential Effects of El Niño on Dairy Cattle Nutrient Utilization and Management
Dr. Addison Carroll, WSU

🔹 Oct. 29 | Wildfire Smoke Impacts at the Herd Level and Management Opportunities
Dr. Amy Skibiel, Idaho State University

🔹 Nov. 12 | Major Economic Dairy Drivers and Potential Impacts of El Niño on Profitability
Dr. Shannon Neibergs, WSU

Whether you attend one session or all five, you'll walk away with practical strategies and considerations to prepare your herd and operation.

🔗 Register today: https://events.zoom.us/ev/At08PT9fThLzjMX_AHO9G5KqZqwuGsKHaCFbbebl74qgtMlUw992~Amm6TaSEiw9ofisLYcu3yfkV1GzAZCP7SLVSIHnQgNVpCSBOW5Mg79GqiA