USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $24 million in grants to study animal health, reproduction, breeding, genetics and nutrition.

NIFA allocates the funding through four program areas of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative: Animal Reproduction Program; Animal Genome, Genetics and Breeding Program; Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program; and Integrated Solutions for Animal Agriculture Program.

“The agriculture animal industry faces increasing challenges from animal diseases, reduced fertility, low nutrition and growth and non-tariff trade barriers,” says Roger Beachy, NFIA director. “These grants will help the United States maintain a strong, internationally competitive animal agriculture industry and lead to safer and more affordable animal products.”