Blair Downey
Specialization: Animal Behavior and Welfare
My research interests broadly lie in understanding how early life environments, particularly those that induce challenges or frustration, affect behavioral development and resilience in animals. I study both the impact of routine practices in human-managed species, such as quality and quantity of feed delivery, as well as unpredictable events, such as threat of predation.
In dairy cattle, my lab investigates how early life feeding practices and social opportunities affect calf behavior and productivity, with a particular focus on abnormal behaviors like tongue rolling and cross-sucking. In beef cattle, my lab investigates the direct and indirect effects of black vulture proximity and harassment on cow and newborn calf behavior. The goal of our work is to improve animal welfare by generating science-based recommendations that can be applied on farm or used in policy decisions.
2506 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Animal Behavior, University of Calif Davis, 2022
- BS, Neuroscience and Behavior, University of New Hampshire, 2016
Blair Downey
2506 River Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
- PhD, Animal Behavior, University of Calif Davis, 2022
- BS, Neuroscience and Behavior, University of New Hampshire, 2016
My research interests broadly lie in understanding how early life environments, particularly those that induce challenges or frustration, affect behavioral development and resilience in animals. I study both the impact of routine practices in human-managed species, such as quality and quantity of feed delivery, as well as unpredictable events, such as threat of predation.
In dairy cattle, my lab investigates how early life feeding practices and social opportunities affect calf behavior and productivity, with a particular focus on abnormal behaviors like tongue rolling and cross-sucking. In beef cattle, my lab investigates the direct and indirect effects of black vulture proximity and harassment on cow and newborn calf behavior. The goal of our work is to improve animal welfare by generating science-based recommendations that can be applied on farm or used in policy decisions.