Dr. Katherine (Karin) Wittenberg

• PhD (Animal Nutrition), University of Manitoba, Canada
• MSc (Animal Nutrition), University of Manitoba, Canada
• BSc (Agriculture), University of Manitoba, Canada

Research Interests

My early research career focused on the improved integration of forage and grassland utilization within beef and dairy cattle production systems. This included efforts to minimize metabolic impacts of trace mineral imbalances in forages, evaluation of newly developed forage varieties, improved technologies for harvest and storage of forage as hay or silage and improved methods for assessment of fungal growth in stored forage.

Later work focus on the evaluation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions linked to cattle production. This included development of methodology to evaluate individual animal enteric methane emissions in feedlot, drylot or pasture environments, and improving our understanding of the potential to reduce emissions through feeding strategies and animal management.

The need to approach animal agriculture sustainability from a more holistic perspective led to efforts to raise funds for the development of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment as well as the Bruce D Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC). The former now supports a team of researchers with a range of expertise to teach and conduct research towards sustainable food production. The FFDC has become an important vehicle in Manitoba for public outreach and education regarding a range of modern food production practices.

Professional Affiliations:

• PAg (Ret)

Awards:

• 2013 Canadian Society of Animal Science Fellowship Award
• 2009 Manitoba Pork Council education Award
• 2008 YMCA-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Science and Innovation
• 2004 Canadian Society of Animal Science Award for Excellence in Nutrition and Meat Science