Derek Brake

Dr. Derek Brake is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Animal Sciences within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition from Kansas State University. Dr. Brake teaches courses in Ruminant Nutrition (AnSci 4332/7332) and Beef Production (AnSci 4975/4975W/7975).

His research program focuses on fundamental and applied aspects of ruminant nutrition with particular emphasis on:

• Nutrient utilization efficiency in beef and dairy cattle
• Small intestinal starch digestion mechanisms
• Application of computer vision and AI for precision livestock management
• Metabolic adaptations to different feed sources
• Sustainable forage and crop utilization systems

Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong research focus on:

• Innovative feed evaluation methods
• Metabolic interventions for improving cattle productivity
• Sustainable grazing and forage management systems
• Advanced technologies for livestock monitoring
• Mycotoxin mitigation strategies

Dr. Brake maintains active collaborations with the beef and dairy industries with research aimed at simultaneously improving livestock productivity, economic returns for producers, and environmental sustainability of cattle production systems.