Robert Wettemann

co-author of Interactions with Other Traits: Reproduction and Fertility. In Feed efficiency in the beef industry

February 4, 2013

Robert Wettemann, a Fellow in the American Society of Animal Science and a Charter Diplomate in the American College of Animal Physiology, focuses on endocrine mechanisms that control reproductive processes and the application of findings to improve reproductive efficiency of beef cattle. His research has established that body condition can be used to evaluate supplemental feeding of beef cows, and nutritionally induced and postpartum anestrus are associated with hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. Current studies emphasize biomarkers for maintenance requirements of beef cows and nutritional effects on bovine fetal programming. Wettemann has been the major advisor for 28 M.S. and 20 Ph.D. students, and 4 postdoctoral fellows. He teaches reproductive physiology and animal growth. He has coauthored more than 585 scientific articles and abstracts. He received the Physiology and Endocrinology Award and the Animal Management Award by the American Society of Animal Science, and in 2008-09 he was President of the American Society of Animal Science.

Robert P. Wettemann obtained a B.S. degree at the University of Connecticut (1966), and M.S. (1968) and Ph.D. (1972) at Michigan State University. He was appointed assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science at Oklahoma State University in 1972, and currently is a Regents Professor.

Reproduction is a major factor that impacts profitability of beef production. Efficient cows must wean a calf every 12 months. About 70% of the total annual energy consumed by beef cows is used for maintenance of body functions. The major regulators of reproduction are body energy reserves and nutrient intake. Inadequate nutrient intake delays the onset of puberty in heifers and bulls, and extends the interval from calving until pregnancy. However, the mechanism by which nutrition regulates hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function in cattle has not been elucidated. There is genetic variability for feed efficiency. Cows that consume less feed and produce similar kg of beef per year will increase profitability of beef production and enhance the sustainability of the environment. The opportunity exists for the development of selection indices that incorporate feed intake, body size, growth rate and body composition along with fertility traits in order to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the beef industry.

URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/celebratingbooks/2013-honorees/robert-wettemann

Last Updated: 12 January 2022