Name: Tayler L. Hansen
From: West Palm Beach, Florida
Degrees and institute where received: B.S. in animal sciences, University of Florida
B.S. in mathematics, University of Florida
M.S. in animal and food Sciences, University of Kentucky

Tayler Hansen began studying equine nutrition with Lori Warren, PhD, associate professor of equine nutrition at the University of Florida, during her time as an undergraduate. Warren, a former student of Laurie Lawrence, PhD, professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky (UK), suggested that Hansen consider graduate school and directed her to UK and its internationally respected equine nutrition program.

Hansen’s research for her master’s degree at UK under the advisory of Lawrence focused on the influence of forage chemical composition (the amounts of fiber, protein, etc.) on digestibility and retention of forages in the gastrointestinal tract. Hansen earned her master’s degree last year. She is continuing to study the effects of fibers on digestibility and retention time at the University of Florida while pursuing her doctoral degree.

“Forages, such as hay and pasture, are the main component of a horse’s diet,” Hansen said. “It is imperative that we understand forage digestion and utilization. This knowledge will help us determine the best forages to feed horses and may mitigate gastrointestinal tract disturbances, such as impaction colic