Jessica Halfen

Dr. Jessica Halfen is an Assistant Extension/Research Professor in the Animal and Dairy Sciences Department at Mississippi State University. She specializes in dairy cow health, rumen microbiology, and nutritional strategies to improve livestock productivity under various environmental challenges. Her affiliations include the MSU Extension Service, Dairy Mississippi, and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

Her research focuses on optimizing dairy cow performance through supplementation strategies (e.g., direct-fed microbials, yeast cultures, and tannin extracts) and understanding metabolic disorders such as ketosis and mastitis. Recent work addresses rumen fermentation dynamics, inflammatory responses, and the impact of maternal health on offspring development.

Publications highlight advancements in using biomarkers to assess inflammation and liver function, evaluating antimicrobial treatments for mastitis, and exploring climate-resilient feeding solutions for subtropical and Amazonian dairy systems. Her work integrates animal physiology, precision agriculture technologies, and sustainable resource utilization.

Dr. Halfen collaborates with graduate students and industry partners to translate research into practical applications for dairy farmers, emphasizing extension services and evidence-based management practices.