RESEARCH
Dr. Erick Loetz: AIGR Research Farm Manager Dr. Erick Loetz working in the andrology laboratory.
BORN IN CARACAS, VENEZUELA, ERICK LOETZ SPENT HIS LATE CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT YEARS IN BOLIVIA, WHERE HE RAN HIS FAMILY’S FARM IN THE YUNGAS RAINFOREST IN THE ANDES FOOTHILLS. THERE HE REMAINED UNTIL HE HEARD THE CALL OF ACADEMIA AND HEADED NORTH TO CALIFORNIA. LOETZ STUDIED FIRST AT SAN MATEO JUNIOR COLLEGE AND LATER ENROLLED AT CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, WHERE HE EARNED A B.S. IN ANIMAL SCIENCE IN 1980. IN A PORTENT OF THE PATH HE WOULD FOLLOW FOR MOST OF HIS PROFESSIONAL LIFE, HIS SENIOR PROJECT WAS ON GOAT NUTRITION.
H
is studies resumed at Bridgerland Technical College in Logan, Utah, where he completed a year-long dairy herd management program in 1981. Seeking to expand his knowledge of dairy animals, Loetz matriculated at Utah State University, earning an M.S. in reproductive management in 1986.
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Eager to put his broad expertise to work, Loetz applied for and was hired as research farm operations manager at the American Institute for Goat Research (AIGR) at Langston University. At AIGR, he managed herds of 120 Alpine dairy goats and 80 Angora goats, raised for their mohair. He also co-authored his first research publication, (continues) S C H O O L O F A G R I C U LT U R E & A P P L I E D S C I E N C E S
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