Nutrition Consult

Robert Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD

Robert Van Saun has earned DVM, MS, and PhD (ruminant nutrition) degrees and is a board certified diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists (reproduction) and American College of Veterinary Nutrition. He joined the Penn State faculty as an extension veterinarian and is currently a Professor of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. His professional activities include teaching, research and providing extension programs across species on various nutrition, animal health and reproductive topics regionally, nationally and internationally. Research interests include the role of nutrition in animal health and performance, especially pregnancy nutrition, and improving diagnostic tests to evaluate nutritional status. Completed research projects in llamas and alpacas dealt with vitamin D, hepatic lipidosis, and trace mineral nutrition. He has recently published articles describing llama and alpaca nutritional requirements that are incorporated into the new NRC small ruminant nutrient requirements publication.