Researcher | Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Thailand
Dr. Pichad Khejornsart is an esteemed Associate Professor in Ruminant Nutrition at Kasetsart University, Thailand. He has dedicated his career to improving the efficiency of local beef and buffalo production and enhancing meat quality, with a strong emphasis on sustainable animal nutrition. His research aims to optimize ruminant nutrition to enhance animal performance while minimizing the environmental impact of livestock operations. His work addresses diverse aspects of animal health, digestion, and metabolic processes, particularly in ruminants like cattle and buffalo. Through his extensive experience in academia and practical research, Dr. Khejornsart has contributed significantly to advancing agricultural science in Thailand.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Khejornsart earned his Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Khon Kaen University, Thailand, where he studied under the guidance of Professor Dr. Metha Wanapat. He achieved a remarkable GPA of 3.93 during his doctoral studies (2005-2010). Prior to this, he completed his B.Sc. in Animal Science at the same institution with first-class honors, graduating in 2004 with a GPA of 3.62. His education equipped him with a solid foundation in animal science, focusing specifically on ruminant nutrition and the optimization of feeding strategies for farm animals.
Experience
Dr. Khejornsart has been a part of Kasetsart University since 2011, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agro-Resources. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including the Head of the Animal Science Research Farm from 2012. He also served as the Director of the Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center at Khon Kaen University. His international experience includes a visiting research appointment at the University of Florida, USA, where he worked under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Adesogan T. Adebola. He has been involved in numerous research and extension activities aimed at improving animal productivity and health through better nutrition and feeding systems.
Research Interests
Dr. Khejornsart’s research primarily focuses on rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and the use of local feed resources in ruminant nutrition. His work explores the nutritional effects on energy balance, health, and reproduction in lactating dairy cattle. He is particularly interested in the manipulation of ruminal fermentation to enhance feed efficiency and reduce methane emissions. Another significant area of his research involves the use of biotechnology to improve animal production. His work also extends to studying the impacts of feeding management on milk composition, particularly in dairy cattle. His innovative approach to utilizing local, often underused feed resources is aimed at promoting sustainable livestock farming.
Awards
Dr. Khejornsart has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to animal science and nutrition. Notable among his accolades is his selection as a finalist for the prestigious Kasetsart University Research Award in 2022, highlighting his leadership in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. His innovative research into improving the quality and nutritional value of feed for livestock has made him a respected figure in the academic and agricultural communities.
Publications
Dr. Khejornsart has published a number of impactful research papers in leading journals related to animal science and nutrition. Below are a few of his significant publications:
- Wanapat, M., P. Khejornsart, P. Parkdee, and S. Wanapat. (2008). Effect of supplementation of garlic powder on rumen ecology and digestibility of nutrients in ruminants. J Sci Food Agric, 88(13), 2231-2237.
- Khejornsart, P. and M. Wanapat. (2010). Diversity of rumen anaerobic fungi and methanogenic archaea in swamp buffalo influenced by various diets. J Anim Vet Adv, 9(24), 3062-3069.
- Khejornsart, P. and M. Wanapat. (2011). Effect of various chemical-treated rice straw on rumen fermentation characteristics using in vitro gas production technique. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 23(1).
- Khejornsart, P., M. Wanapat, and P. Rowlinson. (2011). Diversity of anaerobic fungi and rumen fermentation characteristic in swamp buffalo and beef cattle fed on different diets. Livestock Science, 139(3), 230-236.
- Khejornsart, P., Anusorn Cherdthong, and Metha Wanapat. (2021). In vitro screening of plant materials to reduce ruminal protozoal population and mitigate ammonia and methane emissions. Fermentation, 7(3), 166.
- Khejornsart, P., Teerayut Jantanam, and Watcharawit Meenongyai. (2021). Effect of type of treated rice straw on ruminal fermentation characteristic and cellulolytic bacteria of swamp buffalo. Buffalo Bulletin, 40(4), 599-608.
- Gunun, P., Cherdthong, A., Khejornsart, P., Wanapat, M., et al. (2022). The effect of phytonutrients in Terminalia chebula on rumen fermentation efficiency, nitrogen utilization, and protozoal population in goats. Animals, 12(16).
These publications are well-regarded in the field of ruminant nutrition and have been widely cited for their contributions to improving livestock management and feed utilization.
Conclusion
Dr. Pichad Khejornsart’s academic and professional journey reflects his passion for advancing animal science, particularly in the area of ruminant nutrition. Through his extensive research, he has developed methods to improve the efficiency of feed utilization, enhance livestock productivity, and minimize the environmental impact of animal agriculture. His commitment to integrating sustainable practices with innovative feeding strategies continues to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Thailand and beyond. Dr. Khejornsart’s contributions to animal science are set to inspire future advancements in the field, particularly in sustainable livestock farming practices.