Laura Goodman

My research interests include identifying mechanisms that determine where and what domesticated ungulates graze. I am specifically interested in individual behavioral differences that are consistent in multiple contexts and limit an animals' ability to adapt in varying environments. The effects of differences in personality on grazing distribution, dam reproductive efficiency, and offspring performance are also areas where I focus because of their ecological and economic importance. I also research methods to manipulating which plant species are grazed (targeted grazing) through specific supplements, grazing systems, species selection (cattle, goat, sheep), and management techniques. My goal is to help livestock producers select animals whose behaviors fit best with management objectives.