Tarleton State University’s own Dr. Jessica Leatherwood has completed a study on the palatability and preference of a proprietary ingredient blend incorporated into a pelleted feed developed by an industry leader in animal nutrition, Cargill, Inc.
Leatherwood’s study utilized Tarleton State’s cutting-edge research facilities and the university’s equine teaching herd. Leatherwood used videography to understand and observe the equine feeding behavior and capture and collect data on things such as daily feed intake, pellet preference and behavioral response.
In addition to advancing feed development, the study provided a research opportunity for Tarleton State and Texas A&M University students in this cross-institutional collaboration. The individuals who were involved in this study were able to gain hands-on experience and training.
Leatherwood’s study provided real-world experience in equine nutrition research, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in the industry by enhancing student education and offering a learning experience grounded in applied science.
A postdoctoral scholar in Leatherwood’s lab, Dr. Amanda Reiter, was the lead investigator for this research.