Kathy J. Soder
Animal Scientist
USDA-ARS-Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit
Building 3702, Curtin Road
University Park, PA  16802
Phone: (814) 865-3158
Fax: (814) 863-0935
Email: kathy.soder@ars.usda.gov

Research Interests:

Dr. Soder serves as a team member scientist on the research project:

“Managing Forage and Grazing Lands for Multiple Ecosystem Services”. She conducts research that evaluates the effects of diverse pasture systems on grazing behavior of ruminants, and how these systems can be manipulated to optimize forage and animal productivity. Specifically, research is being conducted to:

• Determine the effect of plant species diversity on intake, productivity and grazing behavior (diet selection, intake rate, bite mass, grazing time, and total pasture intake) of ruminants.
• Identify physical and chemical attributes of forage plant species that affect grazing behavior of ruminants.
• Develop management and supplementation strategies that complement grazing preferences of dairy cattle to optimize the utilization of mixed-species cool-season pastures of the Northeast U.S.
• Develop user tools to formulate and incorporate a total mixed ration into grazing dairy herds.

Professional Experience:

1998-present: Animal Scientist, USDA-ARS, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA.

1998-Present: Adjunct Professor, Department of Dairy and Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

1995-1998: Graduate Research Assistant, Dairy and Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

1993-1995: Research Technician, Montana Wool Laboratory, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

1991-1993: Graduate Research Assistant, Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT

1990-1991: Laboratory Assistant, Dairy and Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.

Education:

The Pennsylvania State University: Ph.D. in Animal Science/Ruminant Nutrition - 1995-1998

Montana State University: M.S. in Animal Science / Ruminant Nutrition - 1991-1993

The Pennsylvania State University: B.S. in Animal Science with a Business Option - 1987-1991