Thank You, Animal Nutritionists – AFIA

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is proud to recognize and celebrate five scientists who are shaping the field of animal nutrition.  

Each year, the AFIA joins our partners to award scientists advancing animal nutrition through their research and mentorship of young leaders. Meet the 2025 awardees, whose work is helping animals grow healthier and the industry grow stronger. We thank you for your passion and dedication! 

AFIA/American Dairy Science Association Nutrition Award  

Barry Bradford, Ph.D., serves as the Clinton E. Meadows endowed chair for dairy management in the department of animal science at Michigan State University. His research focuses on nutrition and immunity interactions and optimizing the dairy cow’s role as an ‘upcycler’ in the food system. Bradford has also contributed by mentoring 30 graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, as well as frequently consulting with dairy nutritionists and producers. Read more>> 

AFIA/Federation of Animal Sciences New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award 

Lance Baumgard, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor and the Norman L. Jacobson endowed professor in dairy science in the department of animal science at Iowa State University. He researches milk fat synthesis, metabolism, energetics of the transition and heat-stressed cow and immunometabolism. Baumgard and his colleagues have recently focused their research efforts on the energetic and mineral requirements of an activated immune system. Read more>> 

AFIA/American Society of Animal Science Award in Nonruminant Nutrition Research  

Nicholas Gabler, Ph.D., is the J.F. Patience professor in swine nutrition in the department of animal science at Iowa State University. Gabler’s research, teaching and extension efforts focus on swine nutrition, metabolism and physiology. He leads a diverse research program centered on improving swine nutrition, feed efficiency and growth. Read more>> 

AFIA/American Society of Animal Science Award in Ruminant Nutrition Research 

Nicolas DiLorenzo, Ph.D., joined the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center in 2010, where he is a professor. His primary research and extension interests are in the area of beef cattle nutrition, with the objective of improving the efficiency of use of forages and minimizing the environmental impact. His programs have received more than $30 million in grant funds or gifts. DiLorenzo has mentored a total of 18 master’s students and 17 doctoral students, has published one book chapter and 139 peer reviewed manuscripts, and has co-edited a book. Read more>> 

AFIA/Poultry Science Association Poultry Nutrition Award  

Oluyinka Olukosi, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the department of poultry science at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on nutritive evaluation of feedstuffs, interaction of nutrition and gut health and nutritional interventions to mitigate environmental impacts of poultry production. He has secured over $14.9 million in research funding and published 63 peer-reviewed articles. Read more>>