Degree
PhD, Iowa State University
Job/Research Area
Ruminant Nutritional Immunology, and Member of AVRI Council
Committee Involvement
Administrative Involvement: Faculty Animal Policy and Welfare Committee
Dr. Ametaj received his doctorate degree in nutritional immunology from Iowa State University and did three postdoctoral trainings at Iowa State University, Purdue University, and Cornell University before joining University of Alberta in 2004. Dr. Ametaj’s research interest is in the area of nutritional immunology. His long-term goals are to study the relationship between nutrition and immune responses and their contribution in development of production diseases in ruminant animals as well as in developing new strategies to curb down the high incidence of transition diseases in dairy cattle. Dr. Ametaj’s research areas include: 1) studying the etiology and pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies; 2) determining dairy cattle metabolome in four major fluids (milk, plasma, urine, and rumen fluid), 2) developing a new vaccine for prevention of transition cow diseases, 3) using probiotics to prevent uterine infections and improve reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows; 4) studying cow’s health during transitioning from the conventional into the organic system of management; and 5) developing new cereal grain processing technologies to improve health and productivity of ruminant animals.
A discussion-based course on current literature in digestive physiology, endocrinology, and metabolic diseases of ruminant animals. Offered only in odd numbered years. Prerequisite: *3 in each of Nutrition and Physiology.
Winter Term 2022Fundamental principles of regulation and maintenance of the internal environment. Includes a review of mechanisms providing for homeorrhesis and well-being of domestic animals in response to changes in the external environment (e.g., light, temperature, social). Prerequisites: BIOL 107 and *6 in university-level chemistry.
Fall Term 2021Principles of maintaining healthy animals, and an examination of current issues related to animal health and disease. Infectious and non-infectious diseases that affect both animal and human health and may impact international trade and export. Principles and mechanisms of immunity, disease surveillance, pathophysiology, treatment, prevention, management and economic impact of specific diseases and risks of bioterrorism. Prerequisite: AN SC 100 and (AN SC 101 or 200) or consent of instructor. AN SC 310 or PHYSL 210 or (ZOOL 241 and 242) are recommended.
Winter Term 2022Physiology of lactation, Biosynthesis and properties of milk components. Physical, chemical, microbiological, technological and nutritional aspects of milk. Prerequisite: *3 BIOCH.
Winter Term 2022