Eric Berg, NDSU professor of animal sciences, is featured as a guest editor for the October 2019 issue of Animal Frontiers, a globally recognized scientific publication. The journal is a joint venture between four professional animal science societies: American Society of Animal Science, Canadian Society of Animal Science, European Federation of Animal Science and American Meat Science Association.
Animal Frontiers publishes discussion and position papers that present international perspectives on global issues in animal agriculture.As part of his duties, Berg wrote an editorial titled “Foods of animal origin: a prescription for global health.”
“Since returning to NDSU in 2006, I have been conducting research working with swine as a model for humans to evaluate the impact of animal sourced foods on the progress of diseases of modern civilization; primarily insulin resistance. I was very excited to receive the call to be guest editor for this edition of Animal Frontiers because it was an indication that my research experience qualified me to identify the best international experts in this topic area to contribute manuscripts to this important and timely publication,” Berg said.
The edition also features an article by NDSU Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences faculty members and doctoral students. The article, “Protein and muscle health during aging: benefits and concerns related to animal-based protein,” was written by Kyle Hackney, associate professor; Kara Trautman, doctoral candidate; Nathaniel Johnson, doctoral candidate; Ryan Mcgrath, assistant professor; and Sherri Stastny, professor.
The researchers said Individuals aged 65 years and older are a fast-growing segment of the population, and loss of muscle mass and strength will continue to have a significant economic impact unless dietary or exercise interventions are implemented.
The paper suggests Increasing the ratio of animal-based protein relative to plant-based protein in the diet may help to mitigate age-related losses of muscle mass and strength.
“Many times the best and brightest are right in our own backyard,” Berg said. “Healthy aging is something that every human aspires to and foods of animal origin can play a significant role in maintaining healthy muscles and minds that allow for continued active lifestyles. Dr. Hackney and Dr. Stastny are recognized as experts in the field of healthy aging through diet and exercise. I was very excited when their team agreed to author a manuscript for this edition of Animal Frontiers.”
Berg earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in meat science at NDSU, and his doctorate in meat science from Purdue University. He also was a postdoctoral fellow at Texas A&M University. He is a fellow of the American Meat Science Association and serves on the organization’s board as past president.
As a student-focused, land grant, research institution, we serve our citizens.
