About

The UC Davis Animal Nutrition and Environment Modeling Applications Laboratory (ANEMAL) has research, teaching and outreach programs. To fulfill the mission of the animal science department, the modeling lab deals with dairy and beef cattle, pigs, poultry, fish, equines and pets.

Research

Our research focuses on four main areas:

• Quantification and evaluation of mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture using a whole systems approach.
• Development of energy and nutrient utilization/requirement models in various species of animals globally using empirical and mechanistic modeling approaches.
• Sustainable agriculture, in particular quantitative aspects of animal production in relation to environmental sustainability.

Teaching

Teaching activities include ‘Modeling biological systems’ offered to students at several universities around the world. Undergraduate teaching includes ‘sustainable animal production’ for students enrolled in sustainable agriculture and animal science and management majors. The modeling laboratory also contributes to the Animal Biology and Ecology graduate groups by providing mentoring and services on qualification/thesis committees.

Outreach

We integrate research and outreach efforts to develop and extend new information on how dietary manipulation and feed efficiency are related to reduction in GHG emissions and economic viability of farming systems. Outreach is conducted through regular stakeholder meetings and invited presentations at state, national and international levels.