Dr. Michael O. Smith
Professor, Scholarship Coordinator

Education

B.S. in Animal Science, Oklahoma State University
M.S. in Animal Science, Oklahoma State University
Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition, Oklahoma State University

Professional Interest

Economic losses associated with the detrimental effects of heat stress on poultry production are at times substantial. Producers as well as consumers are affected in that return on investments for the producer is severely curtailed while the consumer is faced with elevated prices. The economic implications of this problem are great because of its geographically widespread nature. Environmental factors beyond the control of producers in both the more developed countries as well as those with emerging economies impose hardships that he is striving to alleviate through his research-based efforts.  Dr. Smith’s goal is to engage in relevant, high impact research which will help to set the stage for further investigation, and in time, lead to answers which could prove to be valuable tools in the hands of producers world-wide as they attempt to combat the effects of a declining food supply.

To this end, Dr. Smith’s research focuses on the examination of physiological and nutritional factors involved with the growth and survival of heat stressed poultry.  In addition, he is studying the interaction between nutrients, other additives and environment in this type of bird population. Using these findings, he is attempting to develop management and nutrition-based tools to augment poultry production during heat stress. Exposure to high ambient temperatures and high relative humidity causes altered respiration or other physiological aberrations that generally result in reduced growth and decreased efficiency of production. A portion of this growth reduction may be directly attributed to decreased nutrient intake. In the past, nutrient requirements have been estimated based on bird performance in near ideal growing conditions. With decreased feed consumption being a reality under elevated temperature conditions, the challenge is to include environmental considerations in the nutrient requirement determination process while continuing to formulate balanced rations that will support efficient and profitable production.

Select Publications:

• Sahin, K., M. O. Smith, M. Onderci, N. Sahin, M. F. Gursu, and O. Kucuk, 2005.  Supplementation of zinc from organic or inorganic sources improves performance and antioxidant status of heat-distressed quail. Poultry Sci. 84: 882-887.
• Bartlett, J. R. and M. O. Smith, 2003.  Effects of different levels of zinc on performance and immunocompetence of broilers under heat stress. Poultry Sci. 82:1580-1588.
• Smith, M. O., K. Soisuvan, H. E. Brown and T. Sun, 2003. Effects of dietary fat source on tissue fatty acid composition of carcasses from heat distressed broilers. J. Animal. Vet. Adv. 2: 85-91.