Brian Crooker

Brian Crooker is a Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, based at Haecker Hall in St. Paul, MN. His research and teaching are centered on animal science, particularly the physiology and nutrition of dairy cattle.

Education:

• Postdoctorate, Cornell University - Nutritional Physiology
• Ph.D., University of Illinois - Dairy Nutrition
• M.S., University of Maine - Animal Nutrition
• B.S., University of Maine - Biochemistry

His primary research interests lie in ruminant nutritional physiology, with a focus on the regulation of nutrient use in food-producing animals, especially during lactation. His work investigates the physiological, metabolic, and genetic factors that affect lactational performance and efficiency, including the roles of selective breeding, dietary modifications, and metabolic modifiers. A key model in his research involves Holstein cows selectively bred for high and low milk production, enabling comparative studies on body composition, endocrine profiles, and gene expression. Current research emphasizes the somatotropic axis (GH, IGF-I, and IGFBPs) and innovative approaches to induce lactation without calving.

Brian Crooker is actively involved in teaching and academic leadership. He serves as course coordinator for ANSC/CMB/VMED 8134: Ethical Conduct of Animal Research and contributes as a guest lecturer in several courses, including ANSC 1011, ANSC 4096, BTHX 5000/8000, and ANSC 8211. His academic contributions are supported by a strong foundation in both animal science and biochemistry.

Honors and Awards:

• National Milk Producers (R. M. Hoyt Memorial) Award for Outstanding Graduate Student in Dairy Science (1985)

In terms of advising and grants, no specific students or funded research projects are listed in the provided content. There is no mention of laboratories or research teams directly managed by Dr. Crooker, but his research activities suggest collaboration within the Department of Animal Science and possibly with international partners, as indicated by the Minnesota-Uruguay Partners of the Americas link.