Animal Science Doctoral Student Aims To Improve The Dairy Industry

By Abbey Miller

Kirby Krogstad’s vision and passion to improve the dairy industry led him to the Animal Science doctorate program at Michigan State University (MSU) where his research focuses on dairy nutrition and health. The Department of Animal Science prepares students for a variety of career opportunities through education on scientific principles of biology and animal agriculture developed from various animal models.

“I grew up on a dairy farm and loved the cows. As I got older and thought about what I wanted to do, I realized I wanted to be able to help farmers, like my dad. I love researching ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of dairy cattle by improving their health and welfare,” Krogstad said.

“The MSU Animal Science program is full of people who are trying to make the world better. They are doing it by researching how to improve animal health and welfare, improving our understanding of animal reproduction, improving animal nutrition and improving sustainability.”

Krogstad is a doctoral student expected to graduate in December 2023. Krogstad graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in dairy production from South Dakota University. He then earned a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in animal science with his thesis on the Effects of NDF digestibility on Lactating Jersey Cows: Observed and Modeled Performance.

Beyond research and education, Krogstad has excelled in leadership roles and community service, including various roles in different organizations as treasurer, fundraising chair, graduate student assembly representative, Food Energy Water (FEW) Graduate Research Scholar and baseball coach. He is involved with numerous professional organizations and has taken on numerous teachings and tutoring.

After graduation, he aspires to become a professor, teacher and mentor, and conduct research to continue to improve the dairy industry. He also cites the importance of service to the community and commitment to offer his insight on research to farm families. Ultimately, he desires to create a foundation and scholarship fund to help other students succeed in further education.