Livestock Issues Research Unit•s Research Leader, Dr. Jeff Carroll (left) and animal physiologist Dr. Ron Randel from Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, Texas measure cattle temperament by scoring their reactions to human observers.

LIRU animal scientist, Dr. Nicole Burdick Sanchez, collects a blood sample through a catheter inserted into the jugular vein of a Brahman bull calf. The facilities and procedures are designed to allow blood collection without causing stress to the animal.

LIRU team members are preparing to collect samples from young pigs that will be analyzed in the laboratory for blood indicators associated with innate immune function.

LIRU Biological Science Technician, Chunfa Wu, analyzing blood samples in the lab.