معرفی
Udaya Desilva is a Professor in the Department of Animal & Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he has held this position since June 2021. Previously, he served as an Associate Professor at OSU from 2006 to 2021. He holds a PhD in Genetics from Washington University in St. Louis (1998), an MS in Genetics from Kansas State University (1992), and a BVSC in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1986).
His research focuses on genetics, microbiology, and animal production systems, with a particular emphasis on rumen microbial dynamics, livestock nutrition, and reproductive health. Key areas include microbial community analysis in animals (e.g., cattle, dogs, horses), environmental microbiology (e.g., soil degradation), and the genetic basis of feed and water efficiency in livestock.
Desilva’s recent work explores the impact of dietary interventions on gut microbiota and metabolomics in pigs and dogs, as well as the microbiome of equine and canine reproductive systems. He has also investigated the genetic parameters for water and feed intake in beef cattle, contributing to sustainable livestock management practices.
He has secured grants such as the USDA-funded projects on prebiotic activity of tart cherry and beef cattle adaptation to drought. His teaching includes courses like Animal Genetics and graduate research supervision.
Desilva has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to Science, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, and Frontiers in Veterinary Science. His research bridges animal science, microbiology, and genetics to address challenges in food production and animal health.