Author: Audrey Dykes | Major: Animal Science Business and Economics | Semester: Fall 2025

I am presenting animal science research at the ASAS-CSAS National Meeting in Hollywood, Florida.

I, Audrey Dykes, am an honors undergraduate student majoring in animal science on the pre-professional track and minoring in agricultural business within Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences. Dr. Elizabeth Kegley, a professor in the animal science department, is mentoring me as I complete my honors research project.

After I graduate from the University of Arkansas, I plan on attending veterinary school to obtain my DVM in equine or large-animal medicine. A veterinary doctorate will enable me to fulfill a long-held dream of becoming one of the thoroughbred industry’s track veterinarians.

The topic of my research was to investigate the passive transfer of antibodies from colostrum to the newborn calf. It examined the immunoglobulin concentrations in the dams’ colostrum and its ability to shape the immunological state of the calf. We ran correlations to determine the relationships between antibodies in the calf and dam’s blood, antibodies in the dam colostrum, cortisol concentrations in dam feces, and lactoferrin concentrations in dam feces and colostrum. It was crucial to investigate this period, as these specific immunoglobulins could prevent future debilitating diseases from attacking the immune system. Investigating the immunoglobulin concentrations and stress biomarkers in feces, serum, and colostrum revealed a relationship between the dam and the mechanism of the calves’ immune response.

I chose this topic because I had been interested in neonatal development, especially in cattle. My mentor had copious experience in this field, and she challenged me to expand my knowledge of the subject. I originally focused on secretory antibody concentrations, as another student had previously studied this in an avian project; however, additional study areas in colostrum, cortisol, and plasma piqued my interest and provided even more depth to my thesis.
12/03/25
While this is my second semester receiving the Honors College Research grant, I still learned a great deal of information in the field of research. From being introduced to professors from many nations at my conference to maturing in personal communication skills, this grant allowed me to grow exponentially as a speaker and writer. At the ASAS-CSAS conference, professors from universities across the United States and Canada would approach my presentation and inquire about certain aspects. Discussing my research through a poster presentation allowed me to understand every detail of my project to better communicate the process in my thesis.

At first, I was anxious to present my findings in front of expert animal scientists, but I realized the conference was an opportunity to shed my inhibitions. It allowed me to form relationships with many professors in the same field and improve my confidence in explaining the results of my laboratory work from last semester. This semester primarily consisted of writing, editing, and revising my honors thesis, which will be defended in January 2026. I am continuing to learn the appropriate method of describing my research and consolidating my work. Ultimately, I am beyond grateful for this research grant, as it opened many doors for future possibilities, driving me to continue developing skills in and out of the classroom.