John Blanton

John Blanton is an Associate Dean for Research in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU), and Director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. He holds a Professor rank in animal science with a focus on livestock health and production systems. His roles include overseeing research programs, managing agricultural research stations, and guiding interdisciplinary initiatives.

Blanton's research emphasizes bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance in livestock pathogens, and transcriptomic approaches to predict disease outcomes. His work bridges veterinary medicine and agricultural systems, addressing challenges in cattle health, feed efficiency, and sustainable livestock management. He has contributed to studies on endophyte-infected forages, dietary interventions for growth optimization, and molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance.

Key areas of focus include:

• Development of predictive biomarkers for BRD using transcriptomic data
• Evaluation of antimicrobial metaphylaxis strategies and their impact on pathogen resistance
• Investigation of dietary lysine effects on muscle protein dynamics in pigs
• Optimization of vaccination/deworming protocols for stocker cattle
• Analysis of forage quality and ergot alkaloid impacts on cattle performance

His publications span over three decades, demonstrating sustained contributions to livestock health science, animal nutrition, and applied agricultural research. Blanton collaborates with industry stakeholders to translate scientific findings into practical solutions for cattle producers and veterinary practitioners.