Marko Rudar

EDUCATION

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dr. Marko Rudar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences focusing on protein and amino acid nutrition and metabolism in swine. Dr. Rudar’s specific research interests include sulfur amino acid metabolism in newly weaned pigs, glycine metabolism in pigs fed low protein diets, and the molecular basis for lean growth potential in livestock animals. He teaches courses in animal nutrition and metabolism and is the faculty advisor for the Block & Bridle club. He is an active member in the American Society of Animal Science.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Weaning is a stressful event for piglets characterized by changes in diet, social dynamics, and environment. The abrupt switch in diet form and composition is a challenge for newly weaned pigs that do not yet have a fully mature gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, low and variable feed intake may alter the metabolism of dietary dispensable and indispensable amino acids. These together contribute to the post-weaning growth check typically observed in pigs.

Dr. Marko Rudar’s research program focuses on the interaction between weaning stress and amino acid metabolism in pigs. He is particularly interested in the sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine. In addition to their use for muscle growth, methionine and cysteine have key roles in one-carbon metabolism and the production of glutathione, a major antioxidant, respectively that impact gut health. However, our understanding of these alternative uses for sulfur amino acids in weaned pigs and the effect on methionine and cysteine requirements is lacking. He is also investigating in endogenous production of dispensable amino acids, such as glycine, in weaned pigs fed low protein diets. Dr. Rudar’s research uses classical feeding and nutrient balance studies in addition to molecular, chromatographic, and metabolomic techniques.

RECENT COURSES TAUGHT

DR. RUDAR’S GOOGLE SCHOLAR PROFILE