Keara O'Reilly

Keara O'Reilly

Research Associate Professor

Ph.D., Animal Science, Texas A&M University, 2023
M.S., Animal Science (Animal Nutrition), University of Pretoria, 2018
B.S., Animal Science, University of Pretoria, 2015

Dr. Keara O'Reilly joined the Department of Animal Science in 2024 as a Research Assistant Professor in Ruminant Nutrition. She is also a member of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS).

Teaching

ASCI 220: Feeds and Feeding
Summary: Identification and characteristics of feedstuffs and how they can be used to meet nutrient requirements of animals. Discussion of feed processing and impacts on feed quality. Diet formulation and diet assessment overview.

ASCI 422/822: Advanced Feeding and Feed Formulation
Summary: Feeding practices for domestic animals. Applied animal nutrition and feed formulation.

Research

My research is focused on investigating the biological mechanisms that influence feed efficiency in cattle, and utilizing sensor technology to identify cattle in confinement and grazing systems that utilize energy more efficiently. Additionally, I am interested in investigating strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle production systems. The overall goal is to conduct research that contributes to sustainable livestock production.

Selected Publications
  • O'Reilly, K., B. Foris, C.L. Daigle, and G.E. Carstens. 2024. Development of an algorithm to detect feed bunk replacement events in growing cattle from feeding event data acquired by an electronic feed intake measurement system. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 106350. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106350.
  • K. O'Reilly and G.E. Carstens. 2024. Characterizing biological processes influencing the efficiency of nutrient utilization in growing cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 102.
  • O'Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, S. Adams, S.C. Fernando, J.R. Johnson, and N. Deeb. 2023. Characterizing the rumen bacterial community in replacement Holstein heifers with divergent genomically enhanced residual feed intake. J. Anim. Sci. 101 (Suppl. 3):286-287. doi:10.1093/jas/skad281.342.
  • O'Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, J.R. Johnson, N. Deeb, and P. Ross. 2023. Effects of genomic residual feed intake on performance, feed efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in Holstein heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 101 (Suppl. 1):37-38. doi:10.1093/jas/skad068.043.
  • O'Reilly, K., G.E. Carstens, L.R. Wottlin, C.L. Daigle, and J.R. Johnson. 2021. Effects of interactive activity at the feed bunk on performance, feed efficiency and feeding patterns in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 99:167. doi:10.1093/jas/skab235.307.
Areas of Expertise
Ruminant Nutrition