Esme Keszler

• SOAR Position: Member
• Major: Animal/General Science
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Kevin Downs

Current Focus: Degradability of Sunn Hemp in the Bovine Rumen

Project Description

We are evaluating the total degradability of sunn hemp when placed in the bovine rumen. Using fistulated steers, an in situ study will be done with samples of sunn hemp in porous nylon bags to allow for absorption by rumen microbes.

Why does this topic interest you?

I have always had an interest in dairy cattle and I currently work on the MTSU dairy farm. After researching sunn hemp, I discovered that it is widely used as a cover crop, and I am interested to see if it could become doubly useful in the agricultural field and be used as a forage for cattle and other animals.

What are your professional aspirations?

My post-graduate hopes are to attend a veterinary medicine school and become a large animal vet.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

I would advise future researchers to get very involved with their project and learn as much as they can from the entire process!

Return to Listing