My research interests can be grouped in three areas: 1) enhance nitrogen utilization in lactating dairy cows via dietary manipulation; 2) enhance the concentration of total nonstructural carbohydrates in forages via daytime cutting management; and 3) enhance pasture nutrient utilization via supplementation with energy sources. The overall goal is to balance the supply of rumen-degradable protein and fermentable energy to enhance microbial protein synthesis while reducing nitrogen excretion to the environment.