I have had the privilege of collaborating with Ron Horst on a variety of research projects with the overall goal of improving the productivity of food-producing animals. Our collaboration began with studies to decrease the incidence and severity of parturient paresis (milk fever) in dairy cows. Because of the role of vitamin D in regulation of blood calcium concentrations, our collaborations extended to studies of production of metabolites of vitamin D in animals. More recently, we studied the dietary use of vitamin D and its metabolites in improving the tenderness of beef. Through these research collaborations, we served as co-major professor for eight graduate students. In summary, Ron Horst had a very productive career at the National Animal Disease Center of the USDA where he became internationally recognized as a leading authority on vitamin D for food-producing animals.

Tribute to Ronald L. Horst

249th National Meeting (2015)

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