Chris Forcherio , Ph.D.

Education

University of Missouri

Background

Dr. Forcherio's research and objectives align with cattle producers' most common objectives. "I have to raise as many calves as I can at the heaviest weight. And that means I must manage my forage and feed resources so the cow herd can maintain the body condition needed to optimize reproduction and milk production,” says Dr. Forcherio. “The difference is that I get to use the cow herd as a way to develop and test nutritional programs and technologies to help cattlemen become more successful. And my work lets me combine my love of animal agriculture with my research talents."

Dr. Forcherio’s research expertise and interests include:

• Improving the use of low quality forges through strategic supplementation programs
• Understanding the effects of ingredients and nutrients on cattle eating behavior
• Evaluating nutritional programs to improve the growth and efficiency of growing and finishing cattle
• Evaluation of palatability and metabolic factors that affect the intake and eating behavior of cattle
• Improving the nutritional status of weaned or newly received calves to optimize health and performance

“There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment when a rancher or cattle feeder shares that a Purina product or program that I helped bring to the marketplace solved an issue they had and most importantly made their operation more profitable,” says Dr. Forcherio.

A Ph.D. graduate of the University of Missouri, his research focused on supplementation of cows grazing tall fescue forages. He’s the author and co-author of several peer-reviewed journal publications and has presented at regional and national animal science meetings. He also holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Dr. Forcherio grew up on a diversified family farm in Tennessee where they raised cattle, horses and grew hay and fresh-market vegetables.