By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama A&M University’s Dr. Felix U. Samuel earned second place in a national poster competition at the 2026 Therio Conference in Pittsburgh, highlighting AAMU’s growing visibility in veterinary reproduction and applied animal science.
Samuel, the University’s state animal science and forage specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, presented “Epididymectomy in a Braford Bull That Reattached and Sired Calves.” The unusual case involved a bull that regained fertility after a procedure intended to prevent sperm transport.
Samuel said the finding underscores the importance of postoperative monitoring, breeding soundness evaluations and accurate reproductive records when unexpected pregnancies occur.
The project was completed with collaborators from Auburn University and Iowa State University and demonstrates how observations from livestock operations can contribute to broader scientific understanding.
Samuel joined AAMU in 2024 and works across livestock health, reproductive management, small-ruminant production, forage systems and producer education. His research also includes sustainable parasite resistance in meat goats.
The recognition supports AAMU’s land-grant mission by connecting research, Extension and practical solutions for livestock producers throughout Alabama and across the Southeast region.