J (Jan) Dijkstra

Jan Dijkstra is an Associate Professor at the Animal Nutrition Group of Wageningen University & Research, with an Adjunct Professor appointment at the University of Guelph since 2009. His work focuses on modeling digestive and metabolic processes in dairy cattle to enhance health, reduce environmental impact, and improve profitability. He has led major projects integrating dynamic mechanistic models with experimental research and secured over €10 million in grants.

• Research Themes: Methane emission reduction, rumen fermentation, nutritional physiology, seaweed-based feed additives (e.g., Asparagopsis taxiformis), and protein/energy metabolism.
• Key Methods: Mathematical and computational modeling, in vivo and in vitro trials, bromoform analysis via GCxGC-TOFMS, and histological evaluations of rumen health.

Scientific Leadership:

• Chair, MODNUT (International Workshop on Modeling Nutrient Utilization in Farm Animals, 2018–present)
• Co-chair, Feed and Nutrition Network (Global Research Alliance, 2012–2019)
• Member, International Symposium on Nutrition of Herbivores (2003–2014)

Grants and Projects: Over €10 million in funding (past 5 years), involving 10 PhD students and 2 postdocs. Projects include assessing the safety of Asparagopsis taxiformis in dairy diets and developing antimethanogenic feed strategies.