Leyla Rios

Dr. Leyla Rios is an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University's Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition-Parasitology Interaction from the University of Edinburgh and an M.Sc. in Animal Production from Universidad Central de Venezuela.

Her research focuses on bioactive forages and plant extracts for gastrointestinal parasite control in small ruminants, animal welfare, and sustainable feeding systems. She also investigates tropical livestock production systems and their adaptation to environmental challenges.

Key research contributions include studies on Duddingtonia flagrans for parasite control, shade utilization in grazing areas, and the anthelmintic potential of tropical plants like Canavalia ensiformis and Caesalpinia coriaria. Dr. Rios has published extensively on small ruminant production systems in Colombia and the Southern U.S., emphasizing sustainable practices.

• Awards: José María Vargas 2nd Class Order (Universidad Central de Venezuela)
• Grants/Extension: Led initiatives on silvopasture systems, mineral requirements in goats, and parasite control strategies.

She collaborates with organizations like the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control and the Latin American Animal Production Association, advancing global small ruminant research and education.