Curtis R Youngs

Dr. Curtis R. Youngs is a Morrill Professor and ME Ensminger Endowed Chair in International Animal Agriculture at Iowa State University. He holds a PhD (1985) and BS (1981) from the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on livestock reproductive technologies (e.g., embryo transfer, superovulation), microbiological studies in animal health, and global agricultural development in regions like Kosovo, Peru, and Algeria. Key areas include optimizing embryo survival in high-altitude environments, controlling livestock pathogens (e.g., Neospora caninum), and enhancing biosecurity measures in developing countries.

Dr. Youngs has pioneered advancements in assisted reproductive technologies for cattle, sheep, and alpacas, with notable contributions to in vitro embryo production and cryopreservation. His work intersects veterinary science, molecular biology (e.g., microRNA analysis in corpus luteum), and international agricultural policy. He has advised on dairy cattle management strategies, including methionine supplementation and lameness mitigation, to improve livestock productivity. His research extends to camelid health, including first reports of BHV-1 virus in dromedaries and cria survival strategies in Andean alpacas.

He has authored over 80 publications spanning 40 years, with recent emphasis on global health challenges such as Q fever in camels and serological surveys in Kosovo. His teaching includes developing courses on embryo transfer technologies and experiential learning for animal science students.