The 3rd Annual Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and poster competition took place alongside the Four State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference. More than 500 attendees gathered to hear the latest ideas on nutrition management from researchers across the country, while 8 graduate students from the 4 partner universities presented their research in a unique format.
Developed by the University of Queensland, the 3MT is similar to an elevator pitch. Students have three minutes and one slide to explain the significance of their research to the dairy industry and the world.
This year’s winner was Shedrack Omale from Iowa State University. Shedrack’s research focuses on changes in gas emissions, dry matter intake, and microalgae residue concentrations in the milk of dairy cows after removing Asparagopsis taxiformis (AT) from their diet. He noted that the effects of feeding AT dissipated within two weeks.
Trevor Forgues from Iowa State University earned second place. Trevor’s research focuses on the effects of nutrition level and the inclusion of direct-fed microbials on calf performance in transportation-stressed calves. He found that calves fed a high plane of nutrition had higher body weights and better performance after weaning.
Brianna Juarez, also from Iowa State University, placed third in the contest. Her research investigated the effects of a liquid molasses-based DCAD supplement on transition cow performance. She discovered that the liquid-based DCAD might influence dry matter intake during early lactation.
Students also presented their research during a poster session for attendees interested in the science behind their work. Conference attendees could also vote for their favorite poster. This year’s “People’s Choice Award” for the best poster went to Brainna Juarez.
The Four State Dairy Nutrition and Management Committee presented each of the winners with a Steel Cow photo. Illinois Farm Bureau also awarded each of the top three students an award.
