Alabama Livestock Research Report 2025

The livestock industry remains a foundation of Alabama’s agricultural economy, supporting rural communities, creating jobs, and providing high-quality animal protein for a growing population. Cattle are produced in every county in the state and represent an industry valued at more than $2.5 billion annually. Alongside beef production, Alabama’s broader animal agriculture sector, including poultry, pork, dairy, goats, and hay production, plays a vital role in sustaining the state’s agricultural landscape. Recent assessments estimate that Alabama’s food, fiber, forestry, and green industries contribute $77.3 billion to the state’s economy and support more than 273,000 jobs, accounting for nearly 10% of Alabama’s workforce. As global demand for animal protein continues to increase, livestock producers face evolving challenges related to efficiency, sustainability, environmental stewardship, and animal health. Addressing these challenges requires innovative research, strong partnerships, and a commitment to translating science into practical solutions for producers. The Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University remains dedicated to advancing this mission through collaborative research and extension programs that support the livestock industry across Alabama. The projects featured in this year’s report highlight the diversity and impact of our research programs. From studies evaluating nutritional strategies to investigations of grazing systems that incorporate warm-season forbs, our researchers are working to improve animal performance while enhancing the sustainability of pasture-based production systems. Other efforts focus on reproductive biology and developmental programming, exploring how maternal nutrition and reproductive technologies influence early embryonic development and long-term animal performance. In addition, extension-focused research included in this report examines how educational programs can better reach and serve Alabama’s livestock and equine communities. We are pleased to present the fourth edition of the Alabama Livestock Research Report, which showcases research conducted by faculty, staff, and students in the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences and our affiliated research and extension centers. Within these pages, you will find examples of how science, innovation, and collaboration are helping address real-world challenges faced by livestock producers throughout the state. We are grateful to the many producers, industry partners, commodity groups, and funding agencies who make this work possible. Most importantly, we thank the faculty, staff, and students whose dedication and curiosity drive the research and outreach efforts highlighted in this report. Thank you for your continued support of Auburn University’s Department of Animal Sciences and our shared commitment to strengthening Alabama’s livestock industry. We invite you to engage with this work, ask questions, share ideas, and join us as we continue to serve Alabama’s livestock industry through research, education, and innovation. This is our work. Sincerely, Kim Mullenix, Ph.D. Professor and Head Department of Animal Sciences 210 Upchurch Hall, Auburn Univ, AL 36849