The American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) recently announced its 2025 National Award recipients, and several honorees stood out for their direct impact on the swine industry. From nutrition and physiology to teaching and lifelong contribution, these individuals are advancing the future of pork production through research, education, and innovation.
🐖 Nicholas Gabler – American Feed Industry Association Award in Nonruminant Nutrition Research
Institution: Iowa State University
Focus: Swine nutrition, metabolism, and physiology
Dr. Gabler’s award-winning work centers on improving swine nutrition and feed efficiency. His research includes alternatives to in-feed antibiotics and zinc oxide, the impact of dietary structure on enteric and respiratory disease, and how amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus influence growth and health in pigs.
👨🏫 William Flowers – ASAS Fellow Award, Teaching Category
Institution: NC State University
A true educator and mentor, Dr. Flowers has taught over 11,000 students and mentored professionals now working at every top 25 swine production company worldwide. He co-founded Swine On-Line, the first distance education program for swine professionals, and continues to lead impactful learning in swine science.
🧪 Brian Kerr – ASAS Fellow Award, Research Category
Institution: USDA-ARS-NLEA
Dr. Kerr has spent decades refining amino acid use in swine diets, evaluating the feeding value of biofuel co-products, and exploring the impact of lipid quality on caloric value and oxidative stress in monogastric diets. His work has shaped modern swine nutritional strategies.
🐷 Thomas Dobbins – ASAS Young Scholar Award
Institution: Texas Tech University
Dobbins’ early career includes research on melatonin supplementation during gestation and its effect on skeletal muscle development in swine—opening new doors in prenatal swine health and carcass quality.
🧠 Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy – Gary L. Cromwell Award for Minerals Nutrition
Institution: Laval University
Recognized for her leadership in precision phosphorus and calcium nutrition in pigs, her work bridges cutting-edge modeling and practical diet formulation to enhance swine mineral metabolism and bone development.
💼 William Brandon Smith – Armstrong Leadership Award
Institution: Auburn University
Dr. Smith’s leadership and innovation in forage-based animal nutrition extend into swine feed programs, with a focus on collaboration, education, and practical systems that drive industry results.
🔍 Why This Matters for Swine Web Readers
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These awardees are pushing boundaries in swine nutrition, teaching, and physiological development.
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Their work directly influences on-farm strategies, feed formulation, and the next generation of swine professionals.
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Swine Web is proud to recognize the scientists and educators whose contributions elevate the pork industry on a global scale.
🙌 Congratulations to All 2025 Honorees!
Stay tuned to Swine Web for deeper features on select awardees, their research breakthroughs, and how these innovations are shaping the future of swine production.
