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Robert J. Harmon, Ph. D.
Professor & Chair, Department of Animal & Food Sciences

Lactation Physiology, Mastitis Control and Pathophysiology
University of Kentucky
907 W.P. Garrigus Building
Lexington, KY 40546-0215
Phone:  (859) 257-2686
FAX:  (859) 257-2534
E-mail:  rharmon@uky.edu
 


Education

B.S. Degree: Agriculture (with distinction in Dairy Science), Ohio State University, 1972.

M.S. Degree: Dairy Science, Ohio State University, 1974.

Ph.D. Degree: Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 1977.


Professional Experience

1991 to present Professor of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky

1985-1991 Associate Professor of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky

1979-1985 Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky

1977-1979 Research Associate, Virginia Tech.

1974-1977 Graduate Research Assistant, University of Guelph

1972-1974 Graduate Research Assistant, Ohio State University


Responsibilities

85% Research, 15% Teaching

Teach 3 h course in Milk Secretion (ASC 564) and rotate on Graduate Seminar (ASC 771)

Cooperate in extension-related activities

Speak at workshops and producer meetings.
Make 2-3 farm visits/yr on mastitis problems.
Culture milk samples from farms diagnosing causes of mastitis.
Consult with producers regarding mastitis control and treatment.
Provide input on extension programs when requested.

Honors

Gamma Sigma Delta.

1989 Recipient of national award presented by American Dairy Science Assoc. in recognition of outstanding research contributions in mastitis control - West Agro Award.

1993 Recipient of Outstanding Student Affiliate Advisor Award - American Dairy Science Assoc.


Professional Societies

American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)

Dairy Shrine

Mastitis Research Workers (MRW)

National Mastitis Council (NMC)

KAMFES - Kentucky Association Milk Food and Environmental Sanitarians

IAMFES - International Association Milk Food and Environmental Sanitarians


Current Resarch Activities

  • Project Leader
    Staphylococcus spp. characterization
    Pathophysiological effects of endotoxin-induced mastitis
    Influence of copper on inflammation and antioxidant activity in bovine udder
    Influence of copper on in vitro neutrophil and lymphocyte function
    Influence of copper on humoral immunity
  • Cooperator
    Cation mineral requirements and acid-base balance in dairy cattle
    Studies on toxic fescue
    Studies on copper requirements and bioavailability in dairy cattle

Recent Publications

Chaiyotwittayakun, A., R.J. Erskine, P.C. Bartlett, T. Herdt, P.M. Sears, and R.J. Harmon. 2002. The effect of ascorbic acid and L-histidine therapy on acute mammary inflammation in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 85:60-67.

Van de Ligt, J.L.G., M.D. Lindemann, R.J. Harmon, H.J. Monegue, and G.L. Cromwell. 2002. Effect of chromium tripicolinate supplementation on porcine immune response during the periparturient and neonatal period. Journal of Animal Science 80:456-466.

Van de Ligt, J.L.G., M.D. Lindemann, R.J. Harmon, H.J. Monegue, and G.L. Cromwell. 2002. Effect of chromium tripicolinate supplementation on porcine immune response during the postweaning period. Journal of Animal Science 80:449-455.

Scaletti, R.W., and R.J. Harmon. 2002. Brief research update: Copper supplementation and its role in decreasing severity of mastitis. pp. 21-25. Proceedings, Kentucky Ruminant Nutrition Workshop, University of Kentucky, Lexington.

Harmon, R.J. Organic minerals in livestock. 2001. pp.1-17. Proceedings, California Animal Nutrition Conference, Fresno, Calif.

Harmon, R.J. Use of organic minerals in livestock diets. 2001. Alltech Organic Trace Mineral Summit. Indianapolis, Ind.

Scaletti, R.W., D.S. Trammell, B.A. Smith, and R.J. Harmon. Role of dietary copper in altering response to intramammary E. coli challenge. 2001. pp. 29-33. Proceedings, International Mastitis Symposium, National Mastitis Council/American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Xiong, Y.L., X. Lou, R.J. Harmon, C. Wang, and W.G. Moody. 2000. Salt and pyrophosphate-induced structural changes in myofibrils from chicken red and white muscles. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 80:1176-1182.

Harmon, R.J. 2000. Trace mineral nutrition for dairy. pp. 22-37. Proceedings, Southern Dairy School , San Antonio , Texas .

Harmon, R.J. 2000. From mastitis control to reproduction: Economic implications of organic trace minerals. pp. 10-25. Proceedings, 4th International Dairy Short Course, Boise , Idaho

Scaletti, R.W., and R.J. Harmon. 2000. Supplementing dietary copper to reduce the incidence of mastitis in dairy heifers. pp. 37-39. Proceedings, 2000 Kentucky Dairy Conference, University of Kentucky , Lexington.

Hogan, J.S., R.N. Gonzalez, R.J. Harmon, S.C. Nickerson, S.P. Oliver, J.W. Pankey, and K.L. Smith. 1999. Laboratory Handbook on Bovine Mastitis. National Mastitis Council, Madison , Wis.   222 pp. 

Harmon, R.J. 1999. Importance of udder health and impact of nutrition on mastitis. pp. 12-17. Proceedings, 1st International Dairy Symposium. University of Sao Paulo and Federal University of Parana , Curitiba , PR, Brazil (Portuguese). 

Harmon, R.J. 1999. Influence of copper on somatic cell counts and mastitis. pp. 24-34. Proceedings, Southeast Dairy Herd Management Conference. University of Georgia , Athens

Harmon, R.J. 1999. Somatic cell counts: Myths vs. reality. pp. 105-114. Proceedings, Southeast Dairy Herd Management Conference. University of Georgia , Athens .  

Harmon, R.J. 1999. Impact of trace mineral nutrition of the dry cow on udder health. pp. 1-15. Proceedings, Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference. Iowa State University , Cooperative Extension Service, Ames

Harmon, R.J. 1998. Trace minerals and dairy cattle: Importance for udder health. pp. 285-495. IN: T.P. Lyons and K.A. Jacques, eds. Biotechnology in the Feed Industry. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham , United Kingdom

Hemken, R.W., R.J. Harmon, and S. Trammell. 1998. Selenium for dairy cattle: A role for organic selenium. pp. 497-503. IN: T.P. Lyons and K.A. Jacques, eds. Biotechnology in the Feed Industry.  Nottingham University Press, Nottingham , United Kingdom

Harmon, R.J. 1998. Somatic cell counts: Myths versus reality. pp. 40-50. Proceedings, National Mastitis Council Regional Meeting, Madison, Wisc. 

Harmon, R.J. 1998. Nutritional impact of copper on mastitis. pp. 171-183. Proceedings, 33rd Annual Meeting Pacific Northwest Animal Nutritional Conference, Vancouver , B.C., Canada

Harmon, R.J. 1998. Factors that affect somatic cell counts. pp. 7-15. Proceedings, First International Symposium on Milk Quality. (Portuguese). Federal University of Parana , Curitiba , PR, Brazil .  

Harmon, R.J. 1998. Economics of bovine mastitis. pp. 36-39. Proceedings, First International Symposium on Milk Quality. (Portuguese). Federal University of Parana , Curitiba , PR, Brazil

Jackson, J.A., R.J. Harmon, and Z. Tabeidie. 1997. Effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin E for lactating dairy cows fed tall fescue hay infected with endophyte. Journal of Dairy Science, 80:569-572.

Harmon, R.J. 1997. Economic implications of mastitis and its control. pp. 15-18. Proceedings II Seminar: Quality of Bovine Milk, Osorno , Chile   (Spanish).

Harmon, R.J. 1997. Pathogens that cause bovine mastitis and characteristics of infections. pp. 19-23. Proceedings II Seminar: Quality of Bovine Milk, Osorno , Chile   (Spanish).

Harmon, R.J. 1997. What to evaluate on the farm. pp. 32-33. Proceedings II Seminar: Quality of Bovine Milk, Osorno , Chile   (Spanish).

Harmon, R.J. 1997. Controlling mastitis caused by contagious pathogens. pp. 71-81. Proceedings II Seminar: Quality of Bovine Milk, Osorno , Chile   (Spanish).

Harmon, R.J. 1997. The future of milk quality in the world: The USA-NMC point of view. pp. 103-104. Proceedings II Seminar: Quality of Bovine Milk, Osorno , Chile   (Spanish).

Torre, P.M., R.J. Harmon, R.W. Hemken, T.W. Clark, D.S. Trammell, and B.A. Smith. 1996. Mild dietary copper insufficiency depresses blood neutrophil function in dairy cattle. J. Nutr. Immunol. 4(3): (in press).

Jackson, J.A., R.J. Harmon, and Z. Tabeidi. 1996. Effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin E for lactating dairy cows fed endophyte-infected tall fescue hay. J. Dairy Sci. 79: (accepted)

Torre, P.M., R.J. Harmon, L.M. Sordillo, G.A. Boissonneault, R.W. Hemken, D.S. Trammell, and T.W. Clark. 1995. Modulation of bovine mononuclear cell proliferation and cytokine production by dietary copper insufficiency. J. Nutr. Immunol. 3(4):3-20.

Harmon, R.J. 1994. Physiology of mastitis and factors affecting somatic cell counts. J. Dairy Sci. 77:2103.

Matthews, K.R., S.J. Kumar, S.A. O'Conner, R.J. Harmon, J.W. Pankey, L.K. Fox, and S.P. Oliver. 1994. Genomic fingerprints of Staphylococcus aureus of bovine origin by polymerase chain reaction-based DNA fingerprinting. Epidemiol. Infect. 112:177-186.

Xin, Z., D.F. Waterman, R.W. Hemken, and R.J. Harmon. 1993. Copper status and requirement during the dry period and early lactation in multiparous Holstein cows. J. Dairy Sci. 76:2711-2716.

Shuster, D.E. and R.J. Harmon. 1992. High cortisol concentration and mediation of the hypogalactia during endotoxin-induced mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 75:739-746.

K.R. Matthews, R.J. Harmon, and B.E. Langlois. 1992. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species and Staphylococcus aureus prevalence during the periparturient period in primiparous and multiparous cows. J. Dairy Sci. 75:1835-1839.

Matos, J.S., D.G. White, R.J. Harmon, and B.E. Langlois. 1991. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from sites other than the lactating bovine mammary gland. J. Dairy Sci. 74:1544-1549.

Shuster, D.E., R.J. Harmon, J.A. Jackson, and R.W. Hemken. 1991. Suppression of milk production during endotoxin-induced mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 74:3763-3774.

Shuster, D.E., R.J. Harmon, J.A. Jackson, and R.W. Hemken. 1991. Endotoxin mastitis in cows milked four times daily. J. Dairy Sci. 74:1527-1538.

Matthews, K.R., R.J. Harmon, and B. E. Langlois. 1991. Effect of naturally occurring coagulase-negative staphylococci infections on new infections by mastitis pathogens in the bovine. J. Dairy Sci. 74:1855-1859.

Shuster, D.E., R.J. Harmon, J.A. Jackson, and R.W. Hemken. 1991. Reduced lactational performance following intravenous endotoxin administration to dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 74:3407-3411.

Xin, Z., D.F. Waterman, R.W. Hemken, R.J. Harmon, and J.A. Jackson. 1991. Effects of copper sources and dietary cation-anion balance on copper availability and acid-base status in dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 74:3167-3173.

Xin, Z., D.F. Waterman, R.W. Hemken, and R.J. Harmon. 1991. Effects of copper status on neutrophil function, superoxide dismutase, and copper distribution in steers. J. Dairy Sci. 74:3078-3085.

Shuster, D.E. and R.J. Harmon. 1991. Lactating cows become partially refractory to frequent intramammary endotoxin infusions: recovery of milk yield despite a persistently high somatic cell count. Res. Vet. Sci. 51:272-277.

Hemken, R.W., R.J. Harmon, W.J. Silvia, W.B. Tucker, G. Heersche, and R.G. Eggert. 1991. Effect of dietary energy and previous bovine somatotropin on milk yield, mastitis, and reproduction in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 74:4265-4272.

Oliver, S.P., V.K. Juneja, and R.J. Harmon. 1990. Influence of nonlactating and peripartum bovine mammary secretions on growth of Staphylococcus species. J. Dairy Sci. 73:995-999.

White, D.G., R.J. Harmon and B.E. Langlois. 1990. Fluorogenic assay for differentiating Staphylococcus warneri and Staphylococcus hominis strains of bovine origin. J. Clin. Microbiol. 28:602.

Langlois, B.E., A.K. Parlindungan, R.J. Harmon, and K. Akers. 1990. Biochemical characteristics of Staphylococcus species of human and bovine origin. J. Food Protect. 53:119-126.

Jackson, J.A., D.E. Shuster, W.J. Silvia, and R.J. Harmon. 1990. Physiological responses to intramammary or intravenous treatment with endotoxin in lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 73:627-632.

Matthews, K.R., R.J. Harmon, and B.A. Smith. 1990. Protective effect of naturally occurring Staphylococcus chromogenes infection against experimental Staphylococcus aureus infection in the lactating bovine mammary gland. J. Dairy Sci. 73:3457-3462.

Shuster, D.E. and R.J. Harmon. 1990. Enzyme immunoassay of lactoferrin and serum albumin in acid precipitated and ultracentrifugal wheys. J. Dairy Sci. 73:3104-3111.

Hogan, J.S., D.M. Galton, R.J. Harmon, S.C. Nickerson, S.P. Oliver, J.W. Pankey. 1990. Protocols for evaluating efficacy of postmilking teat dips. J. Dairy Sci. 73:2580-2585.
 

BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS

Harmon, R.J. 2002. Milk quality issues: What does it take to get somatic cell count down to 100,000 and keep it there? pp. 179-183. IN:T.P. Lyons and K.A. Jacques, eds. Nutritional Biotechnology in the Feed and Food Industries. Nottingham University Press, Nottingham, England.

Eberhart, R.J., R.J. Harmon, D.E. Jasper, R.P. Natzke, S.C. Nickerson, J.K. Reneau, E. Row, K.L. Smith, and S.B. Spencer. 1987. Current Concepts of Bovine Mastitis. National Mastitis Council. Arlington, VA. 47 pg.

Harmon, R.J., R.J. Eberhart, D.E. Jasper, B.E. Langlois, and R.A. Wilson. 1990. Microbiological Procedures for the Diagnosis of Bovine Udder Infection. 3rd Ed. National Mastitis Council. Arlington, VA. 34 pg.

Shearer, J.K. and R.J. Harmon. 1993. Mastitis in heifers. In: K.L. Anderson, ed. Vet. Clinics North Amer.: Food Anim. Prac. 9(3):583. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia.

Harmon, R.J. 1995. Mastitis and milk quality. Pages 25-39 in Milk Quality, Chapman & Hall, New York.

Nickerson, S.C., J. Bramley, J. Cullor, R. Erskine, L. Fox, R. J. Harmon, J. Hogan, S. Oliver, K.L. Smith, and L. Sordillo. 1996. Current Concepts of Bovine Mastitis. National Mastitis Council. Arlington, VA. (in press).

 
 

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