Education

Ph.D., Animal Science (Ruminant Nutrition), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2021
M.S., Animal Science, West Texas A&M University, 2018
B.S., Biological Sciences, MacEwan University, 2016

Teaching

ASCI 457: Beef Feedlot Management
Summary: Advanced preparation in the feeding of cattle for slaughter. Emphasis on the nutrition and management of feedlot cattle and related health and economic considerations. Covers the beef enterprise from weaning to market and relates closely to beef cow-calf production.

ASCI 490A: Feedlot Internship Program
Summary: Management internship in a beef feedlot. Organizational and financial structure of the beef feedlot and experience in making decisions related to: animal production, marketing, business management, and personnel management.

ASCI 820: Feedlot Nutrition and Management
Summary: Nutritional requirements of and complete ration formulation for feedlot cattle. Management practices needed for successful feedlot operation.

Extension

My extension programs focus on feedlot management and nutrition, particularly on feedlot performance, carcass outcomes, and technologies that improve beef production efficiency. Interested in the relationship between live cattle and carcass characteristics, specifically carcass transfer and the impact of days on feed and technologies on carcass quality and yield.

Selected Publications

• Sperber, J. L., R. G. Bondurant, G. E. Erickson, K. Bruns, R. N. Funston, and J. C. MacDonald. 2024. Effect of extended days on feed on carcass gain, efficiency, and quality of beef steers. J. Transl. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/tas/txae081
• Sperber, J. L., E. A. Schumacher, D. J. Jordon, R. J. Cooper, T. L. Scott, S. Bundy, D. B. Burken, G. Sides, R. M. Cleale, and G. E. Erickson. 2024. Comparison of a single extended-release implant and a re-implant strategy on performance and carcass characteristics of beef finishing heifers. Applied Anim. Sci. Accepted June 2024.
• Sperber, J. L. and T. E. Lawrence. 2023. “Carcass Cloning”. Encyclopedia of Meat Science.
• Sperber, J. L., D. G. Lust, G. O. Veneklasen, D. E. Hawkins, T. J. McEvers, and T. E. Lawrence. 2023. Live and carcass production traits for progeny of purebred sires in comparison with the clone of a USDA Prime Yield Grade One carcass. J. Transl. Anim. Sci. doi:10.1093/tas/txad041
• Sperber, J. L., B. C. Troyer, G. E. Erickson, and A. K. Watson. 2022. Evaluation of the effects of pine-sourced biochar on cattle performance and methane and carbon dioxide production from growing and finishing steers. J. Transl. Anim. Sci. 6: 1-7. doi:10.1093/tas/txac152
• Sperber, J. L., G. E. Erickson, and A. K. Watson. 2022. Evaluation of the effects of wood-sourced biochar as a feedlot pen surface amendment on manure nutrient capture. J. Transl. Anim. Sci. 6: 1-10. doi:10.1093/tas/txac127