Andrew Van Kessel

Andrew Van Kessel is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on nutritional physiology, intestinal microbial ecology, functional foods, and gnotobiology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan and a B.Sc.(Agr.) from Nova Scotia Agricultural College (Dalhousie University).

His work explores how dietary components influence intestinal health and microbial interactions in livestock and poultry. Key research areas include epithelial barrier function, mucin dynamics, and the impacts of fermentable nutrients on gut physiology. Recent studies investigate histamine metabolism in piglets and prebiotic effects in avian systems.

Teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses like ANBI 110 (Introductory Animal Bioscience) and graduate courses such as ANSC 820 (Energetics and Micronutrient Nutrition). His research has contributed to understanding antinutrient effects in aquaculture and pathogen mitigation strategies in weaned pigs.