Assistant Professor
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Dr. Ruth Woiwode is an Assistant Professor of Animal Behavior & Welfare in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with an appointment that includes teaching, research, and extension. She teaches an animal welfare class, and advises the Animal Behavior and Welfare Club and Welfare Judging Team. Her research is focused on identifying practical solutions for current industry challenges related to animal welfare.
Dr. Woiwode earned her MS and PhD from Colorado State University, followed by postdoctoral training at New Mexico State University - Clayton Livestock Research Center. During that time, her research focused on the interaction between behavior, health, handling, and welfare of feedlot cattle, industry compliance with the BQA feedyard assessment for cattle handling, and the effects of routine handling events on welfare and performance of fed cattle.
Previously, Dr. Woiwode served as the Manager of Livestock Audit Services for FSNS C&A, where she developed an on-farm animal welfare audit program. In that role, she investigated allegations of animal neglect and abuse, identifying not only opportunities for improvement, but examples of exemplary practices, providing customers with assurance of the commitment of the industry to continuous improvement, and compliance with on-farm animal care best practices.
Dr. Woiwode serves on the Nebraska Feedyard Safety Advisory Board, the Animal Welfare Committee for the North American Meat Institute, National Pork Board's Research Scientific Review Panel, and the PAACO Feedlot Curriculum Development Committee. Dr. Woiwode serves as a consultant on many topics, including animal care program implementation, animal handling, facility design, animal behavior, internal and external communication regarding animal welfare, employee training, and compliance with animal welfare regulations.
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Tuesday, March 12, 2024
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM CST