Sha Tao

Sha Tao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on heat stress physiology and management strategies in dairy cattle, with particular attention to lactation performance, calf development, and metabolic health. Dr. Tao leads both research and extension programs that integrate environmental manipulations, heat abatement techniques, and nutritional interventions to enhance dairy farm productivity.

• BS (2004) and MS (2007) from Henan University of Technology
• PhD (2012) in Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology from University of Florida
• Postdoctoral Associate at University of Florida (2012-2014)

His work addresses critical challenges in dairy production during thermal stress conditions, combining physiological studies with practical farm management solutions. Recent publications examine inflammatory responses, mammary gland development, and immune status modulation in heat-stressed cattle.

Scientific awards include the 2013 National Milk Producers Federation Richard M. Hoyt Award. Dr. Tao's funded projects span USDA NIFA, CDC initiatives, and state commodity commissions, covering topics from automated thermal monitoring systems to antibiotic reduction strategies.

Current and former grants include studies on exogenous enzymes, vitamin D supplementation, and respiratory disease mitigation in calves. His extension work emphasizes technology-driven dairy management, including robotic milking systems implementation.