Pedram Rezamand

Professor & Department Head

About

Dr. Rezamand is a dairy nutritionist. He has been conducting both applied and basic research that have included whole animal studies as well as primary and transformed cell culture models. In particular, he is interested in studying interactions between nutrient metabolism and inflammation. In applied research, he studies the efficient use of feed additives, agricultural coproducts, and processing methods to enhance efficiency of nutrient utilization and decrease dietary input, all leading to a more sustainable animal agriculture. Dr. Rezamand has been recently focused heavily on studying the effects of wildfire smoke on animal health/productivity in collaboration with Dr. Amy Skibiel (University of Idaho), which is of great importance to the western region of the US (https://livestockwildfirehub.org/). Over the past 6-7 years, he has also focused on colostrum management, calf nutrition and health outcomes in young calves in collaboration with Dr. Laarman (University of Alberta) and Dr. Konetchy (University of Idaho).

Education

  • PhD, University of Connecticut, 2006
  • MS, Tehran, Iran, 1995
  • BS, Tehran, Iran, 1991

Academics

Courses Taught at the University of Idaho

  • AVS 306 Feeds and Ration Formulation
  • AVS 411/511 Ruminant Nutrition
  • AVS 517 Macro-Nutrient Metabolism
  • Biostatistics

In the News

1 interviewed; 2 team-member interviewed; 3 work mentioned

Podcast Interviews

Radio Interviews

  • “University of Idaho researchers are studying wildfire effects in dairy cattle”, Glenn Vaagen, Pacific Northwest Ag Network, August 9, 2022 1
  • “We’ve known how smoke affects humans, but we’re only now starting to learn how it affects our cattle.” Radio interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting ‘Think Out Loud’ Program, Rolando Hernandez, September 28, 2021 2

Popular Press Interviews and Research Features

  • “Western wildfires cost cows and calves dearly”, Corey Geiger, Hoard’s Dairyman, February 27, 2023. 2
  • “Effects of wildfire smoke on cattle: what research is out there?”, Julia Herman, Beef Quality Assurance, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association publication, October 2022. 1
  • “Wildfire smoke threatens cows, too.” Katelyn Allen, Hoard’s Dairyman, August 4, 2022. 3
  • “Idaho study says cows exposed to wildfire smoke produce less milk.” John O’Connell, Idaho State Journal, July 29, 2022. 1
  • “Wildfire smoke takes toll on milk production.” Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press, July 28, 2022. 2
  • “Production – lost in the haze.” Julia McCarthy, Ag Proud, July 2022. 3
  • “Cows can’t evacuate: how are livestock affected by wildfires?” Elizabeth Maslyn, Ag Daily, March 23, 2022. 3
  • “Fires and the food chain: wildfires could affect Idaho’s food industry more than we thought.” Anteia McCollum, Project Fare, October 12, 2021. 1
  • “Wildfire smoke has an impact on milk production in cows, researchers find.” Heather Brinkmann, FOX Weather, September 27, 2021. 2
  • “Wildfires are bad for your butter, study shows”. Jalisa Castrodale. Food & Wine Magazine, August 23, 2021.
  • “What is this doing to their lungs?” Kylie Mohr and High Country News, The Atlantic, August 21, 2021. 1
  • “How do wildfires impact our animals?” Darleen Sichley, Hoard’s Dairyman, August 17, 2021. 3
  • “For dairy cows, where there’s smoke, there’s less milk.” Kylie Mohr, High Country News, August 16 1

Research Interests

  • Effects of weaning strategies and nutrition on health measures and inflammation in dairy calves
  • Effects of wildfire smoke PM2.5 on health and productivity of livestock
  • Relationship between nutrient metabolism during transition period and health measures

Hobbies/Non-Academic Interests

  • Soccer
  • Soccer coaching
  • Nature Photography
    Pedram Rezamand Portrait (contributed)
    Contact Information
    Emailpedram.rezamand@uconn.edu
    Phone860-486-2413
    Office LocationGeorge White Bldg., Room 108