Dr. Michael Steele
Co-chair
Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Michael Steele is a Professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, where he leads an internationally recognized research program in ruminant physiology. His work takes a systems-level approach to understanding physiological development, spanning from molecular mechanisms to whole-animal outcomes. A primary focus of his research is advancing knowledge of how pre-weaning nutritional and management strategies influence gastrointestinal development and metabolic function in livestock species, particularly the bioactivity of colostrum and factors affecting passive immunity transfer.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Professor at University of Guelph
- Leader in colostrum bioactivity research
- Focus on calf health and long-term productivity
- Collaborative, applied livestock research
Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos
Co-chair
Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Amanda Fischer-Tlustos is an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Davis. She received her M.Sc. from the University of Alberta on colostrum management practices, and her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph on maternal, metabolic, and mammary-level factors influencing colostrum composition. Her current work focuses on characterizing mammary energetics during the dry and lactating periods and unraveling the prepartum process of colostrogenesis, with the ultimate goal of improving cow and calf production efficiency.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Davis
- Ph.D. in bovine colostrum composition
- Focus on mammary energetics and colostrogenesis
- Bridges maternal and calf nutrition
Dr. Rupert Bruckmaier
Committee Member
Department of Veterinary Physiology, University of Bern
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Rupert Bruckmaier is Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology at the University of Bern. His career produced foundational contributions to understanding lactation, mammary gland function, and colostrum biology. His research addressed immunological, endocrine, and metabolic regulation of colostrum production and factors influencing passive immunity transfer in calves. He is internationally recognized, receiving the ASAS President’s Award for International Achievements and being named an ADSA Fellow.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Professor Emeritus, University of Bern
- Pioneer in colostrum immunology research
- ASAS President’s Award recipient
- ADSA Fellow
Dr. Anastasio Argüello Henriquez
Committee Member
Department of Animal Pathology, Production, Food Science and Technology, ULPGC
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Arguello Henriquez is Professor at ULPGC since 2003, focusing on small ruminant meat and cheese production, quality, and passive immunity in goat kids. He has authored over 150 scientific papers and proceedings. He founded and chaired the inaugural International Scientific Meeting on Colostrum in 2022, held in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, establishing a global platform for advancing neonatal immunity research.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Professor at ULPGC since 2003
- Founder of the International Scientific Meeting on Colostrum
- 150+ scientific publications
- Leader in goat passive immunity research
Dr. Chantal Farmer
Committee Member
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Farmer is a world-renowned scientist working in sow lactation biology. Her research goal has always been to improve sow milk yield and performance of suckling piglets. She was a pioneer in studying mammary development in gilts and her work focuses on the impacts of hormones, management and nutrition in this crucial process. Dr. Farmer is the sole editor of two books on gestating and lactating sow, and suckling and weaned piglets, which were also translated and published in Chinese.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Expert in sow lactation
- Pioneer in the study of mammary development in swine
- International recognition as guest-speaker
- 175 scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals